Top five light SUVs of 2024

Need an SUV but don’t want it to be too big? There are plenty of options, but naturally it can be difficult to know where to look.

We’re looking back at our year of reviews and compiling lists of our top-rated vehicles from various segments. This time light SUVs are in the spotlight, and while the scores may not be as high as other segments there are still some good cars to dive into.

This list focuses on the vehicles listed in the light SUV category on the VFACTS sales charts. Given it’s not a densely populated segment, these cars all inhabit the same space and are within each other’s ballparks on price.

Some of these models have been reviewed on multiple occasions this year, so we’ve only featured the variant that achieved the highest rating.

Prices are before on-roads unless specified as drive-away (D/A). Where drive-away prices are provided, they’re based on each manufacturer’s configurators using a Victorian postcode for a representative estimate of what the average Australian buyer will end up paying.

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Click on car’s name in the table above to jump directly to its information on the page, or keep scrolling for the full article.

Volkswagen T-Cross

The Volkswagen T-Cross received an update in 2024, and an all-encompassing review by senior contributor Matt Campbell awarded the range an 8.4 out of 10.

We believe the base T-Cross Life brings excellent value as the range’s opening point, and we maintained our view that it felt more grown-up than some of its rivals.

Its interior presentation was a key contributor to that, while we were impressed with its practicality as a result of the sliding second-row seat. The T-Cross’ handling dynamics were also found to be quite good, and we felt it meets its purpose well.

Being a light SUV it is physically small, and we recognised that some may not be able to work with its small dimensions. It was also disappointing that there were no directional rear air vents to be found across the range.

Its performance from the 85TSI engine also wasn’t outstanding, while we said it was “laggy in some situations”. Overall we felt the updates brought solid improvements across the board.

You can read our full review of the Volkswagen T-Cross here

Interested in buying a Volkswagen T-Cross? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Volkswagen T-Cross

Suzuki Jimny

The largest version of Suzuki’s baby off-roader continues to be a quirky offering, and our review from August awarded it a square 8.0.

Despite its five-door fittings we liked how its tiny stature assisted in manoeuvrability around town. We were also impressed with its off-road capabilities, and found there wasn’t much that could unsettle it when on the trail.

As ever we like how unique the Jimny is, as it sits in its own niche area among the competition. While we acknowledged its on-paper stats don’t look incredible, we can definitely see the appeal for a loveable car like the Jimny.

It’s not perfect though, with a key flaw being its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and four-speed auto setup’s distinct lack of power across the rev range. Despite the basic powertrain we also felt it was expensive to service.

Some of the tech also left us underwhelmed, like the reversing camera that is reminiscent of an aftermarket unit. While we prefer the manual alternative, our experience with the automatic proved to be enjoyable – though we recommend you curb your expectations before getting behind the wheel.

You can read our full review of the Suzuki Jimny XL here

Interested in buying a Suzuki Jimny? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Suzuki Jimny

Jeep Avenger

Jeep’s first electric vehicle (EV) and Australia’s first electric light SUV impressed us, with managing editor Marton Pettendy awarding the range a rating of 7.9.

We like the Avenger’s unique styling and quirky easter eggs scattered around the car, like the small Jeep grille logo at the front and the mountain decal on the rear window that hints to the titular Summit variant.

It also rides well, and we found its powertrain offers appropriate levels of performance without being too rowdy. Interior tech is also excellent, and we appreciated its efficiency claim.

We didn’t like the way some key safety gear like blind-spot monitoring, lane centring and traffic jam assist weren’t included on the base spec, while the absence of rear AEB, knee and centre airbags across the three-variant range was disappointing.

As is typical of EVs there’s also no spare wheel, but overall it’s a convincing package that is let down by excessively expensive prices.

You can read our full review of the Jeep Avenger here

Interested in buying a Jeep Avenger? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Jeep Avenger

Toyota Yaris Cross

The Yaris Cross is Toyota’s smallest SUV, and after being driven by senior contributor Matt Campbell its top-spec GR Sport variant was awarded 7.9.

While we were surprised Toyota would give the decidedly un-sporty Yaris Cross the GR Sport treatment, we found it was actually a well-packaged vehicle with plenty of useful tech to keep occupants entertained.

We also liked how efficient its hybrid powertrain was, a reassuring fact given the whole range is now hybrid-only. As for its exterior aesthetics, we also think it looks quite sharp with the GR Sport bits fitted.

That being said, there’s no real performance gains to justify it wearing the GR badge. It’s underpowered, which in a normal Yaris Cross is acceptable, but the GR badging feels somewhat misplaced with this car.

Despite being a relatively new model is interior is also beginning to appear old, but beyond the questionable use of the GR name it’s still a solid light SUV.

You can read our full review of the Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport here

Interested in buying a Toyota Yaris Cross? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Toyota Yaris Cross

Renault Captur

The Captur may be Australia’s lowest-selling light SUV that has been on sale for the whole year, but it scored a respectable 7.8 after being driven in top-spec Intens guise by marketplace editor James Wong.

We appreciated its turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, which provides a healthy kick of power when you lay into the throttle. It’s also a sharp-looking car inside and out, with its interior benefiting from an upmarket presentation.

That interior was also found to be practical, and we could appreciate its handling and ride comfort even if they weren’t quite up to the same standard as some of the other cars in this segment.

We weren’t so fond of its dual-clutch transmission, which we found to be clumsy at times – though that trait is typical of such transmissions. Its infotainment looks sharp too, but we were disappointed by its laggy tendencies.

Its fuel efficiency wasn’t incredible either, but it still proved to be a decent car. Australia is due to receive the facelifted Captur early next year, which means the model we reviewed is now firmly on the way out.

You can read our full review of the Renault Captur Intens here

Interested in buying a Renault Captur? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Renault Captur