Best used small SUV 2018

What's a practical vehicle with plenty of load space and comfort for the suburbs?

The obvious answer is the small SUV. As SUVs have evolved over time, the little tackers have found a ready audience among older buyers who appreciate the high hip point and easy loading. But the small SUV is also catching on with young families transporting portacots and prams. Then there are the singles who want to visit places with friends along for the ride. People-movers are boring, but the small SUV fits the bill nicely.

For our inaugural carsales Best Used Car Awards, we've combined the collective grey matter of our expert vehicle reviewers and concrete market intelligence from RedBook.com.au to announce the winner in each of 10 categories.

And in 2018, the Carsales best used small SUV is the...

The ix35 scored 41.7 points out of 50 from RedBook and 38.5 points from the five judges for a total of 80.2 points.

RedBook suggests the 2012 Hyundai ix35 Elite should sell privately for between $12,300 and $14,300.

Used-car expert Cliff Chambers says that the ix35 is "Well built, with lots of gear in the Elite."

You can read more about the Hyundai ix35 Elite in our launch review. At the time, our reviewer wrote: "The work done by Hyundai Australia on the suspension has paid off. The ride is good both on and off-road. Driven hard across loose-surface back roads around greater Melbourne, the ix35 performed admirably..."

Find a used Hyundai ix35 now on carsales

Honourable mentions:

Subaru XV 2.0i 

Scored 43.1 points from RedBook and 33.5 points from the judges for a total of 76.6
Red Book value: $12,300 to $14,300

"Throw in Forester-rivaling 220mm ground clearance and five-star ANCAP safety rating and the XV is a compelling package" – Chris Fincham

Volkswagen Tiguan 155 TSI

Scored 38 points from RedBook and 37 points from the judges for a total of 75
Red Book value: $15,100 to $17,200

"Despite its potent performance potential, the 155TSI remained remarkably subdued in all driving conditions, from idle right through the rev range, with a just a hint of rorty engine note at higher revs" – Chris Fincham

What makes a car eligible for Carsales Best Used Cars Awards?
• Less than six years old,
• Standard side-curtain airbags,
• Standard Bluetooth,
• Standard reversing camera for SUVs,

How did RedBook weight the categories for scoring?
• 10 per cent for resale,
• 10 per cent for ANCAP rating,
• 20 per cent for cost of ownership,
• Five per cent for service intervals,
• Five per cent for number of days for vehicle to sell

Read all about carsales Best Used Cars for 2018 here.