If you’re searching for the best SUV under $30k, best SUV under $25k, cheap small SUV, or even safest small SUV, you’re shopping in one of Australia’s hardest-fought segments. In 2025, the SUV Small (VFACTS) class moved 202,643 new vehicles (up 10.9%) – and three of the key budget small SUV nameplates in this comparison were essentially neck-and-neck on volume; Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (20,149 units), MG ZS (20,000) and GWM Haval Jolion (19,413).
For 2026, the formula changes. MG has ditched the old naturally aspirated engine and sharpened the ZS value pitch with turbo power and a new safety story. Chery keeps swinging with sharp drive-away deals. GWM’s Jolion is now the grandpa of this set (and the one most buyers suspect is feeling its age). Then there are two new curveballs; the GAC Emzoom (a sportier-positioned Chinese entrant with gobsmacking levels of kit) and Mahindra’s XUV 3XO (a compact, feature-heavy SUV that lands right where many Aussies search; under $25k SUV).
The objective of this exercise is to determine which small SUV deserves your hard-earned dollars the most, in what will surely go down as one of the most fiercely competitive years. Could more newcomers saturate the segment by the end of the year? We wouldn’t bet against it.
2026 MG ZS (Turbo)
The old MG ZS non-turbo actually felt a lot more liveable than its predecessor, thanks to a CVT gearbox but in this game, perception is everything, especially when lining up against an all-turbo fleet of rivals. For 2026, MG’s mainstream ZS range moves to turbo-only power, and the pricing approach stays aggressive enough that it remains relevant for best SUV under $30k shoppers who still want an extensive dealer network, a familiar badge, and a solid warranty.
A hybrid version is also available with 158kW and economy of 4.7L/100km, but it has an unfortunate propensity to rev its guts out when the HV battery depletes. Nevertheless, the 2026 MG ZS is a more mature driving experience with superior NVH, material quality and more surefootedness than its Chery and GWM rivals, in our opinion.
2026 MG ZS key specs:
Price from: $25,888 (drive-away)
Dimensions (L x W x H): 4430mm, 1818mm, 1635mm
Boot volume: 443L / 1457L
Powertrain: 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol, 125kW/275Nm, CVT automatic, FWD
Official fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
Kerb weight: ~1350kg
ANCAP safety: 5 stars (2025 test; Adult 81%, Child 84%, VRU 73%, Safety Assist 79%)
Warranty: 7 years/unlimited km (10 years/250,000 km engine if serviced at MG)
Total service cost over 5 years (capped-price) / Interval: ~$1500 / Every 12 months or 10,000km
DE comparison score based on specs above: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Now available with a turbo engine for mid-20s
- Upgraded to a 5-star ANCAP, so can be used for Uber, etc.
- Ownership package remains strong with 10 year warranty
- Big boot
Cons:
- No longer the default choice for cheapest small SUV on sale in Australia in 2026
- Safety Assist score isn’t class-leading among the ANCAP-rated rivals here ( but no annoying attention monitor)
2026 GWM Haval Jolion Premium
The Haval Jolion Premium has been a strong value player in this segment for a few years now, and it continues into 2026 with its formula of big features for a low price (around $26,990 drive-away). Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder (105 kW/210 Nm) that delivers peppy acceleration – there’s a reason the Jolion caught on with buyers moving away from gutless older models. It’s paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch auto, giving it a bit more punch and engagement than the CVTs common in this price bracket.
Local tuning improvements are also on the horizon as GWM’s Australian engineering team (led by ex-Holden guru Rob Trubiani) is implementing a new ‘AT-1’ chassis tune for the Jolion by mid-2026. This should further refine its steering and suspension to better suit Aussie roads – great news, because the Jolion can feel a tad soft and vague compared with some of these rivals.
In terms of size, the Jolion is the biggest vehicle here. Five adults can squeeze in if needed, though boot space is actually the smallest of this bunch at 337L. The interior comes loaded with tech; a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and a full suite of ADAS safety features. Not many SUVs under $30k can claim all of that. Servicing costs aren’t the cheapest, however, and fuel consumption is also the highest here at 8.1L/100km officially. These reflect the Jolion’s slightly older underpinnings.
2026 GWM Haval Jolion key specs:
Price from: $26,990 (drive-away)
Dimensions (L x W x H): 4472mm, 1841mm, 1619mm
Boot volume: 337L/1133L
Powertrain: 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder petrol, 105kW/210Nm, 7-speed DCT automatic, FWD
Official fuel consumption: 8.1L/100km
Kerb weight: 1370kg
ANCAP safety: 5 stars (2022 test; Adult 90%, Child 84%, VRU 64%, Safety Assist 92%)
Warranty: 7 years/unlimited km
Total service cost over 5 years (capped-price) / Interval: $1840 / Every 12 months or 15,000km
DE comparison score based on specs above: 7/10
Pros:
- Good rear legroom
- Loads of standard features
- Will soon get Aussie tuning
Cons:
- Pretty ordinary handling and steering feel
- One of the oldest of this group
2026 Chery Tiggo 4
The Chery Tiggo 4 is one of the cheapest small SUVs you can buy in Australia. Priced from just $23,990 drive-away, it undercuts many rivals while packing a turbo engine and plenty of kit. In fact, 2025 was a breakout year for the Tiggo 4 Pro, with Australian buyers snapping up just over 20,000 units and catapulting it to the number two spot in segment sales (Hyundai’s Kona was first). The appeal is obvious: a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (108 kW and 210 Nm) provides the zippiest performance per dollar in this comparison, eclipsing the similarly-priced Mahindra, on paper. Power is delivered through a CVT, and while it’s not the fastest SUV outright, it feels energetic around town and on par with more expensive competitors on the highway. Official fuel economy of 7.3 L/100km is reasonable.
Measuring 4318 mm in length, the Tiggo 4 is slightly more compact than the ZS and Jolion, which makes it easy to park and manoeuvre. Yet Chery has made clever use of space. The design is a classic two-box shape (no sloping coupe roofline), yielding a practical interior. There’s ample headroom, and the cargo area offers 380L with seats up (expanding to 1225 L folded) – not class-leading, but decent for a small family’s needs.
We also appreciate thoughtful touches like the wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay on the 10.25-inch touch-screen and a rear air vent for back-seat passengers (a rarity at this price). Servicing is also relatively cheap. However, driving dynamics are very ordinary and some of the interior does look and feel basic and rental-car-like.
2026 Chery Tiggo 4 key specs:
Price from: $23,990 (drive-away)
Dimensions (L x W x H): 4307mm, 1825mm, 1660mm
Boot volume: 380L/1225L
Powertrain: 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol, 108kW/210Nm, CVT automatic, FWD
Official fuel consumption: 7.4L/100km
Kerb weight: 1404kg (tare)
ANCAP safety: Not tested
Warranty: 7 years/unlimited km
Total service cost over 5 years (capped-price) / Interval: $1445 (1000km free + 15k/30k/45k/60k/75k at $289) / Every 12 months or 15,000km
DE comparison score based on specs above: 8/10
Pros:
- Cheapest drive-away price here (tied for lowest, $23,990)
- Turbocharged engine provides punchy performance for the money
- Good balance of power and fuel economy (efficient given its output)
- Servicing costs compare well
Cons:
- Relatively thirsty in the real world
- Rudimentary rear beam suspension layout and tiny brakes
- Engine/CVT sounds like several animals in distress, when under load
2026 GAC Emzoom Luxury
Newcomer GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) has entered Australia with the boldly named Emzoom, and it’s aiming directly at the MGs and Havals of the world. The 2026 GAC Emzoom launches in a single Luxury grade priced from $25,590 excluding on-roads (around $27k–$28k drive-away, depending on state/territory). For that sum, you get a lot of car – we would say the best value car here in terms of standard equipment.
Under the bonnet it boasts a 1.5-litre turbo engine cranking out 125kW and 270Nm, essentially tying the MG ZS for the most power here. Performance is confident, aided by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The DCT isn’t the slickest (low-speed creeping can feel jerky, a bit like early VW DSGs), but once underway the Emzoom accelerates strongly and cruises with ease. It’s tuned to run on regular 91 RON fuel which can save you money, and claimed fuel economy is 7.5L/100km. Overall, very decent specs for this comparison.
Where the Emzoom really shines is features and cabin tech. GAC didn’t hold back; you get a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, plus a massive 14.6-inch infotainment touch-screen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto.
The interior design is futuristic and well put-together for a new entrant – the back seat is roomy (helped by a 2650mm wheelbase), and materials feel solid. Cargo space is the Emzoom’s one compromise. At 341L it has a smaller boot than the others (likely due in part to the inclusion of a space-saver spare). The main questions hang over its brand unknowns; resale value, long-term support, and that absent ANCAP rating. If you’re willing to take a small leap of faith, the Emzoom delivers style and spec in spades for a sub-$30k small SUV.
2026 GAC Enzoom key specs:
Price from: $25,590 (+ORC) – approx. $27,500–$28,000 drive-away
Dimensions (L x W x H): 4410mm, 1850mm, 1600mm
Boot volume: 341L/1271L
Powertrain: 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol, 125kW/270Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch auto, FWD
Official fuel consumption: 7.5L/100km
Kerb weight: 1360kg
ANCAP safety: Not tested
Warranty: 7 years/unlimited km
Total service cost over 5 years (capped-price) / Interval: Price TBA / Every 12 months or 15,000km
DE comparison score based on specs above: 9/10
Pros:
- Class-leading engine output (125 kW ties for highest here)
- Loaded with features as standard; panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, large screens
- Honda and Toyota’s Chinese partner augers well for reliability and build quality
- Generous rear seat space and a modern, high-tech cabin look and feel
Cons:
- Dual-clutch transmission can be hesitant at low speeds, not as smooth as others
- No ANCAP safety rating yet (brand is new, crash-test data pending)
- New brand/dealer network still establishing (unknown resale and support long-term)
2026 Mahindra XUV3XO AX5L
Another newcomer – from India this time – the Mahindra XUV3XO (pronounced ‘3-X-Oh’) enters as the bargain of this bunch. With an entry price of $23,990 drive-away, the XUV3XO shares the title of Australia’s cheapest new SUV in 2026 (neck-and-neck with the Tiggo 4 Pro). Mahindra has taken its successful XUV300 from India and heavily updated it for global markets, including Australia, adding new tech and safety features.
Under the bonnet is a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder making 82kW and 200Nm. Those figures are the lowest here, and indeed the XUV3XO feels adequately powered but not quick – it’s zippy enough around town thanks to good low-end torque, but can struggle when overtaking at highway speeds. The upside is fuel efficiency. It’s rated at just 6.5L/100km combined – the best economy of this group. Power goes through a six-speed Aisin torque-converter automatic (no quirky DCT or CVT), driving the front wheels only.
Size-wise, the XUV3XO is truly compact. At 3990 mm long it’s nearly half a metre shorter than the Jolion. That makes it a breeze to park in tight city spots, though it inevitably has a more cozy interior. Still, Mahindra has worked magic with the available space. The cabin feels impressively roomy for a sub-4m SUV, with a comfortable seating position and decent rear legroom for two adults (three across is a squeeze). The boot, expanded in this new model, offers 364L. Where the XUV3XO truly surprises is its feature list. Even the base AX5L variant comes with dual 10.25-inch digital screens (for infotainment and instruments), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, keyless entry/push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and a full suite of parking sensors and cameras.
2026 Mahindra 3XO AX5L key specs:
Price from: $23,990 (drive-away)
Dimensions (L x W x H): 3990mm, 1821mm, 1647mm
Boot volume: 364L/1190L
Powertrain: 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol, 82kW/200Nm, 6-speed auto, FWD
Official fuel consumption: 6.5L/100km
Kerb weight: 1391kg
ANCAP safety: Not tested (5 stars Euro NCAP)
Warranty: 7 years/150,000km
Total service cost over 5 years (capped-price) / Interval: Price TBA / Every 12 months or 15,000km
DE comparison score based on specs above: 7.5/10
Pros:
- Equal lowest price here – truly a new SUV for under $25k drive-away
- Surprisingly spacious cabin given its compact footprint (clever packaging)
- Generous standard features; dual screens, climate control, even on base model
- Easiest to park and maneuver in tight city conditions
Cons:
- Least powerful engine in this group, can struggle at highway speeds
- No ANCAP rating yet (safety credentials are still unproven locally)
- Ride and handling not as refined as rivals – steering and suspension feel a bit unpolished
- Smaller brand presence in Australia (fewer dealers than mainstream brands)
Best small SUV under $30k?
Judging by the specs mentioned above and taking into account their size and standard features, we award the GAC Enzoom as the winner here. But we must emphasise, this is based on a new car and our assessment doesn’t include things like long-term reliability and warranty support, or resale value and other after-sales experiences. We only test vehicles for one week. And on first impressions, the Enzoom impresses us the most.
It looks cool and unique, without copying others or going too far and tacky. The interior is a real standout, showcasing a suave yet futuristic design, and packed to the brim with standard features. It also offers good driving dynamics and engagement, while maintaining that practical-focus, easy-to-park philosophy this segment is known for.
All of these packages present respectable attributes, and it’s best to go and test drive each for yourself to see which one suits your criteria best. See below for our final results, relative to the competitors here:
- GAC Emzoom: 9/10
- MG ZS: 8.5/10
- Chery Tiggo 4: 8/10
- Mahindra 3XO: 7.5/10
- GWM Haval Jolion: 7/10
