2023 Best Small SUV Comparison | Australia’s best compact SUVs go head-to-head

[@Mal-r5q]

I honestly cannot believe the price tag on all these cars! It's ridiculous

[@ardetag]

until Kona fixes the annoying alerts, my pick is a base CX30

[@pauld6556]

I test drove all these over a months period but the Subaru (I don’t like the look of it). CX-30 hands down took my preference. Just feels more refined inside. Whilst the Kona has a wow factor it still felt cheap and plastic inside. Corolla Cross was just meh- boring interior and not really a modern design. I liked the Qashqui but I’m not fond of Nissans reputation.

[@cgfreed3]

Mazda one of the few with a nice interior rivalling cars at much higher price ranges. Subaru and Honda with the bare bones interiors do not have an excuse

[@bazinga615]

The Subaru ride quality is outstanding. I realise it may not suit everyone with the small boot compromise but really is impressive to drive. Corolla cross isn’t far behind but torsion 2wd versions have louder suspension. My 20c.

[@carsales]

Always appreciate viewers' opinions - good, bad or janky.

[@therealjeffg]

Great comparison review thanks. Comparison tables ✅, and comparing each car one section at a time works much better than one car at at time. Well done and thanks

[@swedishbob_7315]

Reliability, Manufacturer support, Service centres, and running costs are always more important than what someone feels about a car... all subject to personal choice.

[@benreinstepp7979]

Which would you suggest?

[@swedishbob_7315]

@@benreinstepp7979 If I had to choose out of these it would be either Toyota or Mazda...

[@benreinstepp7979]

@@swedishbob_7315 thank you for taking the time to reply it's much appreciated 👍

[@leinadN]

Toyota cross from video is grey or khaki color ?

[@stujamieson3944]

If you want an ACTUAL SUV, the Crosstrek is the only choice. None of the others have the off road capability of the Subaru. And it's a wonderful car to drive on the road also. Every reviewer complains about the 2.0L motor, but it's shortcomings are overstated, IMO. It's not a powerhouse but this is not a sports car and the CVT does have paddle shifters for manually kicking down gears if you need to. Plus, if you look at some off road reviews of the Crosstrek, the 2L motor is clearly sufficient.

[@luckycricket5600]

Completely agree, bought one because it is only ACTUAL suv in the bunch, yeah the boxer doesnt have power on its side but it really is something in that signature subbie awd drivetrain

[@Mregmee]

Who goes off road in a compact SUV?

[@kdegraa]

If you want to keep the car for more than five years there is one choice, Toyota.

[@fale892]

You cant have this comparison without a Honda, Hyundai, VW

[@alanclarkeau]

Honda's is only a 4 seater with no spare wheel.

[@andrewgreen215]

I test drove the Subaru,Kona and cx30 2 years ago and ended up buying an eclipse cross

[@scraverX]

2 years ago would have been the 1st gen Kona. Different animal.

[@juanpablopalacios812]

Good video and comparisson. You miss the Mitsubishi ASX

[@nisalk]

I saw an Audi Q3 yesterday and it's a pretty nifty and RSQ3 ohhh definitely my kind of small SUV 😊

[@Nigel-qr9rt]

just wait till u have some repairs very very expensive , all parts

[@jeppo1185]

@@Nigel-qr9rtNot to mention the servicing costs:(

[@888makela3]

The CX-30 25 GT SP AWD…thats if you like long drives with hill climbs and valleys.

[@campbellreither550]

Honda HRV hybrid? Its 47k. How does it compare.

[@prayashshrestha]

Its a 4 seater

[@gian_m]

Wish the EU spec Corolla cross would be available in the American market

[@davidwgrainger]

I drove the Kona, Tucson and Quashqi a few days ago. I had high hopes for the Hyundai's but they were both so underwhelming compared to the Quashqi.

[@mazitaahad5253]

Why hrv don't compete in thi video?

[@alanclarkeau]

Only 4 seats I imagine.

[@Chasing-Red]

Corolla Cross for reliability. Good review video.

[@rikkimaroney8072]

Keen to watch the 2021 and 2022 comparisons too but can't find them. Can you please share the link.

[@Richard-sl8we]

Where is the T-Roc from Volkswagen?

[@dawatse2003]

Wait till the Subaru Cross Trek 2.5l comes out or wilderness

[@tonymartin9938]

Do you not get the Honda Z-RV in Oz? Competes with Nissan but more powerful, higher quality and supposed to be excellent ride and handling, Also hybrid and low fuel consumption.

[@davidtaylor3]

We do get the Honda ZR-V in Australia, but it’s classed as a medium SUV here (same segment as CR-V) despite being about the same size as the models shown in this video. The hybrid is only available in the top trim which costs $55k on the road (non-negotiable) and even at that price it misses out on some features available on the other cars here like a sunroof and spare tyre. Having said that, I did test drive the ZR-V hybrid and it drives very well with excellent ride and handling, a high quality interior and good performance, but the value equation doesn’t add up compared to the competition. We ended up ordering a 2024 Kona Premium Hybrid which is fully loaded with features and technology (including sunroof), also drives well and has an extremely efficient hybrid drivetrain for well under $50k.

[@garylab7934]

Where is the Haval Jolion?

[@petrolhedonist]

Can we suggest you follow the link to read the detailed article this video accompanies. In short, Jolion didn't make the final cut but was tested in our 2022 comparison. MikeS carsales

[@garylab7934]

@@petrolhedonist So it's only the category newcomers for this year - Fair enough...

[@Die-Sideways]

How can the Kona be the winner when the reviewer said “The Kona almost kills any chance it has of winning this test the moment you start to drive it by having one of the most infuriating features you’ll find in any car. If you drift even a fraction over the speed limit it will bong incessantly at you.”? I’ve driven a Kona and I concur that the speed limit recognition system is infuriating. I couldn’t live with it on a daily basis. It’s a shame, because otherwise it’s a great car. As the reviewer said, “Hyundai has to fix this asap!”

[@zaamuro8408]

Should automatically be disqualified as a winning contender for the very reason.

[@Andy-sj2dv]

Totally agree..

[@barrymda5823]

agreed seems odd but noting updates can be wired in does give some promise to have the system patched

[@anthonybotonis5841]

Yes updates available through infotainment system. And no mention of self park through remote and app on phone to check and change vehicle status likes lock doors, change climate control settings, remote start etc... also upcoming update will change to wireless Apple /Android car pkay... kona hands down winner imo

[@scraverX]

@@anthonybotonis5841any Kona manufactured from mid Q1 2024 will have wireless CarPlay and Android Auto prior to leaving Ulsan. The software just wasn’t ready for the first release run.

[@farmersteckmart.5446]

Why u r not telling about skoda

[@VineV-Dutch]

Where's the Skoda??

[@Funkydood]

I own a Sportage (petrol/gas--I'm no fan of Hybrids/PHEVs!). I just LOVE the improvements KIA has made!!! Kudos to Hyundai/KIA for their efforts to upgrade the reliability and quality of their vehicles!!!

[@pauld6556]

Hyundai sponsors or connection for sure. Just saw Car Sales segment on the Today Show talking exactly about the best small SUVs… From a Hyundai dealership.

[@Disco225]

The Hyundai won this comparison... what would you prefer them do it in the Nissan dealership or something? 🤣🤣

[@petrolhedonist]

Mike from carsales here... The segment was from a Hyundai dealership because that's where we could access the Kona. Just as we have shot other award winners from the dealerships where they are sold -- Kia, Ford, etc... Unlike some other media outlets, anything sponsored on carsales is labeled as such. In addition, editorial and testing team members are not permitted to appear in sponsored content. Hope that helps.

[@anthonybotonis5841]

Thanks for explaining... not that I needed it.. I'm a mechanic and auto electrician for over 30 years. 10 years ago I would tell everyone to stay away from Korean vehicles, now I tell everyone they are best bang for your buck and stay away from Chinese brands but they are gaining momentum too... we will see in 5- 10 yrs. Kona hands down winner 4 me in what I see now but have to give 5yrs to see what gremlins might show

[@vacamhael99]

Kona for me

[@priyankdeadman]

No zrv?

[@tip00former1]

If you have a reviewer saying "it's ok the car annoys you when you go over speed limit as long as they are correct" you know you have to block the channel 🍺

[@luckycricket5600]

Im sorry, but i'll never understand why the Crosstrek is compared to these cars. It is the only car in the bunch that uniquely suited rural aussie living, it handles EVERYTHING. Every car here would into meltdown mode anywhere other than a city. I suppose theres nothing else to really compare it to and would be unfair to compare the others to subaru's off road attributes.

[@williamross7897]

wanted to buy a Crosstrek but when I found out no air to the back seats I changed my mind to buy a Qashqai - no air coming to the back seats is a real no no in hot/cold Australia

[@ausspace87]

The Hyundai/Kia issue with their speed limit and speed camera warnings is infuriating and actually quite distracting (not very safe). They really need to fix this ASAP, it’s been an issue in some of their vehicles for too long. Having to deep dive into the settings to disable all the warning sounds every time you get in the car isn’t good enough. Can’t believe it won with that crappy interior and high real world fuel consumption too (unless Hyundai paid for the win).

[@ZGI]

Where is the HR-V?

[@petrolhedonist]

Different size/segment and only a four-seater in Australia MikeS carsales

[@lzwdavid]

Where is Honda Australia?🤣🤣🤣

[@faris2776]

I like the kona

[@brankotegeltija5404]

Peugeot 2008 way better for me

[@allanbriggs807]

Why wasn't it included???

[@brankotegeltija5404]

@@allanbriggs807 Probably not as popular as in Europe.

[@allanbriggs807]

Fair comment@@brankotegeltija5404

[@arokh72]

The Corolla Cross pricing didn't age well, as it's only available in hybrid now.

[@mrz1281]

the cx 30 is by far the worst to live with. you feel like your driving a bowl and you cant see a thing, tiny windows and high belt line to your neck. nice quality and feels like every other mazda.

[@karl6203]

How come the updated Kia Seltos wasn’t tested here?

[@petrolhedonist]

Can we suggest you follow the link to the full article which explains why the Seltos didn't make it to the finalists... MikeS carsales

[@tezza8717]

not enough cars, eg honda plus others

[@theproducer6556]

Why there is no review on China made cars like Chery, MG and LDV🙀Are they inferior to Japanese and Korean cars💯

[@luckycricket5600]

I work at a automotive retail store and im constantly being asked for parts on these cars even brand new, and no one can get them. I have so many vendors and literally it feels you buy the car and then your screwed for support beyond that

[@kenphillips7594]

And not one Honda got a run in the top five. Just how low can they sink?

[@danielkell5617]

Pointless without the Skoda Kamiq which would have won it easily.

[@petrolhedonist]

"We made the decision to focus on the major category newcomers this year. Our Best Small SUV 2022 mega-test cast a wider net, but the majority of those cars have not changed so we would simply have been repeating ourselves. If you’re shopping in this segment, a couple of lightly updated models that are worth a look are the Kia Seltos and, in particular, the Volkswagen T-Roc, while the GWM Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid may appeal to value-conscious buyers. One car we would’ve liked to have included in this year’s mega-test was the Skoda Kamiq 110TSI, but unfortunately we were unable to get hold of one in time for testing." MikeS carsales

[@thomasdavie4813]

MG ZST. Hands down!!!!!!!!!

[@pheenix1976]

And so the hole point of being a sport utility vehicle doesn't factor?

[@claudiaaaaaaaa888]

i dont know who is designing the toyota seats and headrests, but damnnnn they SUCK

[@snsum2853]

The Chasing Cars mega test of small SUV's is what you call a proper impartial review for buyers, this was just Hyundai sponsoring a video

[@randykelly5692]

You're right

[@lungaswazi9194]

We're struggling to accept how far the Koreans have come. Kia/Hyundai have just come a long way and are upsetting the natural order of things

[@snsum2853]

@lungaswazi9194 The Korean brands have been well established for a long time now, the question was about the integrity of this review given other publications who don't rely on advertising dollars from car brands have done much more extensive reviews and had very different outcomes. Maybe go watch some of those videos first?

[@CoachThomas]

BYD Atto 3…..

[@Th3L0wK1]

Are dogshit

[@prayashshrestha]

Im all in for Kona's designs, interiors and features. But have these reviewers actually owned and drove a hyundai for more than 5 years? There are several news of hyundai engine failures including previous gen Kona as well as tucson and santa fe. Some of these are relatively new in the market. There are also claims that hyundai will absolutely reject warranty claim for their cars if you miss service by few days or is serviced by third party mechanic. Cars are a long term purchase and most of us dont have the luxury of changing them like we change smartphones. I drive a hyundai as well but with a replace engine hoping everyday that hopefully nothing will be wrong with it.

[@ankitjalwania4632]

Try Tata motors cars