Volkswagen T-Roc Tops UK's Best Small SUV Ranking
A respected motoring publication has unveiled its definitive list of the best small SUVs currently available in the UK market, as this vehicle category continues to dominate sales charts nationwide. The comprehensive assessment, conducted by automotive experts at WhatCar?, rigorously evaluated numerous models to identify the standout performer in this highly competitive segment.
SUV Dominance in the UK Automotive Landscape
Over the past two decades, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have fundamentally transformed the UK car market, with nearly every major manufacturer now offering multiple variants to cater to diverse consumer preferences. A quick examination of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) best-selling lists consistently reveals the nation's robust appetite for SUVs, with models like the Ford Puma, Kia Sportage, Jaecoo 7, and Nissan Qashqai regularly featuring among the top ten most popular vehicles.
Manufacturers have responded to this demand by producing SUVs in a wide spectrum of sizes, ranging from compact urban models to spacious seven-seater family vehicles. This diversification mirrors clothing sizes, ensuring that drivers can select a model that precisely matches their specific requirements, whether for city commuting or long-distance family travel.
The Volkswagen T-Roc Emerges as the Clear Winner
After extensive and meticulous testing across various criteria, the automotive journalists at WhatCar? concluded that the Volkswagen T-Roc deserved the top spot. With a starting price of £31,620, this German model secured first place in the small SUV class, reaffirming its position as a market leader.
The publication lavished praise on the T-Roc for its exceptionally spacious boot capacity, robust petrol engines enhanced with hybrid assistance, and its premium interior ambiance that avoids the typically high associated costs. WhatCar? stated: "The previous Volkswagen T-Roc was one of our favourite options in the small SUV class, so this latest version had quite the challenge to live up to it. Fortunately, it does so and then some, resulting in what we think is the best small SUV you can buy."
Darren Moss, Deputy Editor at WhatCar?, added: "I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the entry-level T-Roc feels inside, with its padded fabric on the dash and door cards – it helps this small SUV to feel a cut above the competition."
Notable Flaws and Competitive Runners-Up
Despite its overall victory, the Volkswagen T-Roc was not without some criticisms. Reviewers noted that its touch-sensitive controls could be somewhat "fiddly" to operate, and higher trim levels were described as becoming "costly" compared to base models.
Securing second place was the Kia EV3, an all-electric SUV with a starting price of £33,055, which also earned WhatCar?'s accolade for Small Electric SUV of the Year. This model was commended for its strong standard equipment package and impressive range in its long-range version. However, it faced criticism for not being particularly "agile" in handling, being more expensive than some direct rivals, and having rear seating that was less "versatile" than competitors.
Completing the podium was the £29,995 Lexus LBX, which had previously been named the publication's overall Car of the Year. It received praise for its high-quality interior materials, efficient hybrid powertrain system, and strong running cost efficiency. Drawbacks included an "unsettled" ride quality at lower speeds, limited rear passenger space, and infotainment systems that were less intuitive than those found in rival models. Interestingly, reviewers noted that despite its compact dimensions, even taller passengers could still sit comfortably in the rear seats.
