The year 2025 is shaping up to be a very exciting one for brand new small SUVs, so those who are looking for the best SUV, here is our list of ones that might be worth looking out for.
Whether you want the best small hybrid SUV, the best premium small SUV or the cheapest small SUV, there are many options arriving that should cater to your needs. In order of expected time of arrival, here are our 10. We’ve tried to include a mix of premium, performance and el cheapo options.
2025 Mazda CX-30 – September 2024
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 continues to impress with its blend of style, performance, and practicality. Positioned between the CX-3 and CX-5, the CX-30 offers a more spacious interior than the CX-3 while retaining a compact footprint, making it ideal for those who need extra space without moving up to a larger SUV. Mazda’s signature Kodo design language is evident in the CX-30, giving it a sleek and modern appearance that stands out in the crowded small SUV segment.
Under the bonnet, the CX-30 is available with a range of Skyactiv engines, including a 2.0-litre petrol and a more powerful 2.5-litre option. The driving dynamics are a highlight, with precise steering and a balanced ride that make the CX-30 enjoyable to drive both in the city and on the open road. Inside, the Mazda CX-30 features a premium cabin with high-quality materials and an intuitive infotainment system, albeit getting a bit old now.
Nothing major is expected in terms of updates for 2025, but that will go down well with some buyers who prefer simplicity and little over-the-top technology. Mazda Australia recently launched a new upper-spec version for MY25, called the Touring LE, bringing in added luxuries.
2025 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – October, 2024
The 2025 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is another offering from Chery that aims to capture a share of the small SUV market, bringing sheer affordability and feature-packed value as its trump cards. The Tiggo 4 Pro is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo, producing 108kW, and offering a fuel consumption average of 7.3L/100km.
Inside, the Tiggo 4 Pro offers a surprisingly upscale experience with a spacious cabin, a large touch-screen infotainment system, and a range of comfort features such as climate control and an available sunroof. Chery has also included several safety features, including rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Prices have been confirmed to start from just $23,990 for the Urban and from $26,990 for the Ultimate. And that’s drive-away pricing.
MINI Aceman – Q4, 2024
If it’s a fun-loving SUV you want, particularly in terms of driving enjoyment, anything with a MINI badge on it is usually a good place to start. The new Aceman is a fully electric model, launching in E and SE forms. The range-starting E incorporates a 38.5kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of 310km. Acceleration from 0-100km/h happens in 7.9 seconds thanks to the 135kW front e-motor.
Stepping up to the SE gets you a 49.2kWh battery, boosting range to 406km. It also directs energy to an uprated electric motor at the front axle, developing 160kW. As a result, 0-100km/h comes up in 7.1 seconds. In either case, the new Aceman showcases a brand-new design direction for the brand, with a smarter interior focusing on clean living space and mainly digital controls. It goes on sale in the fourth quarter of this year, priced from $55,990 and $60,990, respectively (excluding on-roads).
New MG ZS – late 2024
Australia’s best-selling small SUV is about to be renewed for its second generation, applying a lot of the improvements seen in the MG3 small car. It also adopts the 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain from the MG3, which will give MG a unique edge over some of its competitors in the small SUV class, which are yet to offer a hybrid package.
The combined system output of 155kW, as seen in the MG3 (good enough for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.0 seconds in the hatchback), will make it one of the most powerful options in its class. It is expected base variants will utilise a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, with the hybrid succeeding the 1.3-litre turbo seen in the highest-grade ZST models. A new ZS EV is expected to adopt a modified version of the MG4’s electric platform, later down the track.
Lexus LBX Morizo – confirmed early 2025
Combining the plushness and sophistication of a Lexus with the balls-to-the-wall outrageous performance of the Toyota GR Yaris, the LBX Morizo has a 1.6-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder engine developing 206kW and 390Nm. Tied to an eight-speed automatic transmission (not currently offered in Toyota GR models) and an all-wheel drive system, the LBX Morizo is Akio Toyoda’s car of choice, despite having access to the entire Toyota and Lexus fleet.
Said to be good for a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds, the LBX Morizo is available with a six-speed manual overseas. But, sadly, that doesn’t appear to be on the radar for Australia. Even so, this should be a very exciting addition to the premium small SUV market segment. And good on Lexus for giving us a new ‘F’ model, of sorts.
Kia EV3 – confirmed for some time in 2025
The third instalment in Kia’s electric SUV range arrives with 150kW of power and up to 373km of range, thanks to a 51.4kWh NMC battery pack.
Measuring 4310mm long, 1850mm wide and 1570mm tall, it is positioned squarely in the small SUV category, as an alternative to models such as the Kia Seltos. This will be the third Kia EV to use the E-GMP architecture but the 400V variant rather than the 800V as seen in the Kia EV9. This makes it roughly 300mm shorter than the upcoming Kia EV5 midsize electric SUV as well.
2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid / Electric – some time in 2025
The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers both hybrid and electric options, catering to a diverse range of buyers looking for a vehicle with low exhaust emissions. The hybrid model combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering impressive fuel efficiency (3.9L/100km) without compromising on performance. For those seeking a fully electric experience, the Kona Electric provides up to 505km range, making it suitable for both urban and longer journeys.
Hyundai has packed the Kona with advanced technology and safety features, including a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems such as forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring – as well as an annoying driver monitoring camera (like most new-to-market models these days). The interior is modern and comfortable, and much more spacious than the previous model, with a cleverly-packaged dashboard that houses a large infotainment screen. The Kona’s compact size makes it easy to navigate in tight city spaces, while the higher seating position provides good visibility. Hyundai Australia is expected to introduce some very minor updates for the 2025 model next year.
Alfa Romeo Junior – some time in 2025
This is set to be Alfa’s first fully electric model as it strives toward becoming a fully electric brand from 2027. We should probably take a close look as some of the technology and styling philosophy could inspire the future fully electric models from the brand.
Initially called the Milano, the Junior features a 54kWh battery which sends energy to a front-mounted electric motor that delivers up to 207kW and 345Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes a claimed 5.9 seconds in the top-shelf variant, which is quite brisk for a front-wheel drive. Full specs for Australia are yet to be outlined but it is slated to arrive some time next year.
Cupra Raval – some time in 2025
Similar in attitude to the Alfa Junior, the Cupra Raval was previewed with a concept car in 2021 called the UrbanRebel. It is a surprisingly angry and aggressive-looking small SUV, featuring a fully electric powertrain. It’s built on VW’s MEB platform like the ID.3 and Cupra Born, with a front-mounted electric motor generating up to 166kW.
This is enough grunt to see 0-100km/h done and dusted in 6.9 seconds, making it a quick little package. With a full battery, the range is listed at 440km. Not only does it look modern, it is made using 3D printing and 3D stitching technology, while sporting a ready-to-pounce stance on the outside. Production is set to kick off in Spain, with an Aussie arrival time likely happening in the second half.
Suzuki Fronx – late 2025
If you’re not a fan of all the new-age electric stuff coming in, don’t fret, some carmakers are sticking to traditional stuff as well. As is the case for the Suzuki Fronx. This will come in as the replacement to the Baleno, measuring 3990mm long and 1765mm wide. It’s a big bigger than the Suzuki Swift but it’s made in India, unlike the Swift which is made in Japan.
With that, expect prices to be attractively low for this class. But it won’t skimp on features. Inside is a 9.0-inch touch-screen offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a surround-view camera system, head-up display and a wireless phone charger. Full specs and grade levels for Australia are yet to be finalised. And that includes powertrain specs. Overseas, it is offered with a 1.0-litre turbo, 1.2-litre, and 1.5-litre engine. A 1.2-litre hybrid is expected for Australia, as seen in the new Swift (61kW).
