Compact SUVs now account for almost one in five sales in Europe, and interest in them has risen by nearly 20% between September 2024 and September 2025. But their heavier weight and larger size often push prices up, leaving budget-conscious buyers with limited options. Still, several models offer a low-risk entry into the SUV market.
The Expert's Pick: 2015 Mazda CX-5
Car expert Luke Chillingsworth says that with £5,000 to spend, he would buy a 2015 Mazda CX-5 "in a heartbeat." As a Mazda owner himself, he admits bias, but he believes the model looks better than a Nissan Qashqai. The mid-2015 version also benefits from a minor facelift that fixed the old car's outdated dashboard.
The CX-5 petrol model is cheap to run, achieving 40 to 43 miles per gallon in real-world driving. The diesel version can go further, reaching up to 52 MPG. The 2.0L petrol models are Euro 6 compliant, so they can drive in London's ULEZ without issue. Late-2015 2.2L diesel models also meet Euro 6 standards, unlike 2012–2014 models, which are only Euro 5 compliant.
Safety and Practicality
The CX-5 has an impressive safety record, earning a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and up to a 94% Adult Occupant safety score. Families will appreciate 503 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,620 litres with the seats down. The petrol CX-5 can hit 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds, with a top speed of 125mph.
Luxuries and Price
Buyers also get front and rear parking sensors, climate and cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. Brand-new CX-5 models can cost up to £30,000, but older mid-2015 versions can be secured for just under £5,000 through online marketplaces.
