Best Compact or Small SUV under $32,000 in 2025

scrimshaw on 18/08/2025 - 16:17
Last edited 18/08/2025 - 17:38 by 1 other user

Moderators at OzBargain have decided to run yearly polls to decide the best products in popular categories that get asked repeatedly in the forum. Our aim is to have a central thread where users can vote on the items, suggest options and also change their vote throughout the year. The polls will end once the year is over.

Question

What is the best Small or Compact SUV around $30K for the year 2025?

SUV's have been getting very popular and everyone seems to be sold on it's benefits even though they are less fuel efficient. And since its been a while since we had a poll for cars so figured I might start one up again.

This poll will focus mainly on the cheaper options in the market, e.g Suzuki Jimny for $30,490, Hyundai Venue $27,990 etc.

There will be a different poll for a $50K Large SUV category later.

Some considerations when choosing a 5-seater SUV

  • Safety features like Parking aids, 360 degree cameras Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and good quality airbags.
  • ANCAP ratings. The ANCAP rating is a five star system (five stars being the safest, one star being the least safe).
  • Fuel economy and Drive train.
  • On-board entertainment options for keeping the kids entertained and smartphone connectivity, such as Bluetooth, Android Auto, plus Mp3 player compatibility, rear view digital displays and GPS.
  • Ongoing Maintenance costs, waiting times for spare parts and warranty period.

How to add new suggestions to the poll?

Fill in the Suggestion box found just above the commenting textbox with the model name, leave your review or thoughts about the account then click submit. I will then approve the options manually later

Poll Options Thu, 01/01/2026 - 00:00

This is part of What Should I Buy poll for 2025. Check out other recommendations from the OzBargain community.
Automotive What Should I Buy

Comments

  • MS Paint on 18/08/2025 - 18:53
    +2

    I know @mapax answer.

    • mapax on 18/08/2025 - 18:55
      +1

      Voted

  • shxhshzhz on 18/08/2025 - 19:25
    -2
    Suggested Chery Tiggo 4

    $23990 driveaway. One of the cheapest cheaper options.

    • Aldonis on 18/08/2025 - 20:09

      fella i work with has had one for 3 months and the air con vents have already stopped working and its developed rattles inside the cabin

  • Axelstrife on 18/08/2025 - 20:24
    +7

    Jimny and CX-30 2025 Both start over $32k for base models.

  • ForkSnorter on 19/08/2025 - 07:38
    +2

    I think your poll’s being trolled.A Suzuki Jimny under $30k is a stubby little 3-door box almost big enough to fit a toddler in the back. It’s either bought by 21-year-old student hipsters who think they’ll go camping (but won’t), or by hardcore off-roaders who want something to bash around, zero comfort, and no passengers.

    • JDMcarfan on 19/08/2025 - 09:07

      5 door problem solved

      • mapax on 19/08/2025 - 09:09

        5 door is substantially dearer, and currently not available new due to a non-safety related manufacturing defect.

        • JDMcarfan on 19/08/2025 - 09:16
          +1

          fair point, just after I got mine they came down to ~$35-36k.
          but also, no chance getting a 3dr under 30, the cheapest new Jimny (a Lite) will be at least 33k d/a when on special.

  • Danstar on 19/08/2025 - 08:10
    +1
    Suggested Haval Jolion

    GWM Jolion

    Literally cheaper, bigger and better in every way compared to your other choices.

  • Gdsamp on 19/08/2025 - 10:30

    Crazy how the same generation of these models used to be 20k not long ago… 50% markup for hwhat war in ukraine, middle east……

  • nurbsenvi on 19/08/2025 - 10:47
    -1

    MG4 is infinitely better than any of them on the list

    • UTP on 22/08/2025 - 15:50
      -1

      You own? I've heard good things. But hear range is not close to wltp

      • freeb1e4me on 03/09/2025 - 23:38
        +1

        All Chinese vehicles exaggerate wltp. There is a site that tests real life wltp, which is useful for comparing

  • H E B on 19/08/2025 - 16:13
    Suggested MG ZS

    Isn't the MG ZS a commonly posted deal?

  • poodlfat on 20/08/2025 - 15:41
    +2

    Got a new 3 door jimny 33k drive away in last years black friday sale. Its been sensational. 6ltr/100km. Use it for commute and run about and half a dozen camping trips a year. I pack light so suits me anyway. Its a beautiful looking car too so it keeps a smile on my face. Keeps up with my friends in cruisers and navavaras etc on the dunes with stock suspension and tyres. Havent used it in mud. Some cons are its noisy. The transfer case is whiney and i actually had to get it replaced cos it kept jumping out of low gear. Space isnt even a negative for me cos i fit everything i need but may be a compromise for some. Got friends in the back fine but wouldnt do it for longer drives. Its not terribly slow, 12 seconds to 100 isnt stupid slow for what it is. Another con is at 110km/h its at about 3500rpm which is loud but it still goes ok and doesnt drink much juice then even. I bought it hoping id be happy with it and it has probably exceeded my expectation a bit.

  • UTP on 22/08/2025 - 15:53
    Suggested Mahindra XUV 3XO

    Mahindra 3x0 is a decent deal. They are not fancy but solid car with 7 year warranty. Since they are new I think they will try their best to keep customer service upto the mark.

    • mapax on 01/09/2025 - 13:06

      Dacia Duster

  • dealspider on 01/09/2025 - 13:12
    Suggested Renault Duster

    Not as cheap as some of the other cars mentioned here. But it is in the same price range as Suzuki Jimny

  • bennybaubles on 03/09/2025 - 13:41
    +1

    Jimny is a horrible ride both around town and off road. A mechanic who works on one that goes off road, says the thing is about to fall apart

  • freeb1e4me on 03/09/2025 - 23:41
    -3

    Hey OP, this is pointless. Please use ChatGPT to generate the list you desire as it would be vastly superior

  • TheDukeOfNukem on 19/09/2025 - 21:17

    Today I learned it's not a Suzuki Jimmy. I really thought it was. It's even come up in conversation a couple times and others thought so too. Better change that font, boiz

  • kimba88 on 04/10/2025 - 11:06

    No mention of the Kia Stonic?

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