Best used small SUV for 2019

The rise in popularity of SUVs in recent years can be at least partly attributed to the appeal of small SUVs. In 2013, around 75,000 small SUVs were sold in Australia. Six years later, sales of small SUVs are up over 91,000 for the first eight months of 2019 – and in a depressed market.

Far from taking owners on a far-flung journey across gibber plains and through deep and treacherous water crossings, the small SUV is mostly aimed at the urban driver. More often than not, buyers of small SUVs are older people – perhaps empty-nesters who like the higher hip point – or young singles. Small SUVs are also attractive to young families living closer to the city.

In point of fact, the small SUV is a real all-rounder. It won't tow a caravan up the Birdsville Track, but it's very flexible and practical for motorists from all walks of life.

And in 2019, the carsales best used off-roader is the 2013...

Back for another year, the Hyundai ix35 Elite has won again with a tally of 82.4 points in total, comprising 42.4 from RedBook and 40 from the five judges). The only new arrivals threatening to knock the ix35 off its perch in 2013 were the Ford EcoSport, Holden Trax, Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008.

According to RedBook, the ix35 Elite is still valued at $16,250 in average retail condition, sold privately. In 2013, the Hyundai sold for a new price of $33,090.

Data Services Director at RedBook, Ross Booth, describes the ix35 as a "functional all-rounder" that's "great value for money".

Matt Brogan, Road Test Editor at carsales, says that the ix35 is "polished and affordable" and benefits from its "localised suspension set-up".

Technical Editor for carsales, Ken Gratton, observes that the ix35 is "a step up from the original Tucson" and is "comfy and dependable".

You can read more about the Hyundai ix35 in our launch review. The writer of that review, Stephen Ottley, noted at the time: "The work done by Hyundai Australia on the suspension has paid off. The ride is good both on and off-road."

In her review of the Series II update, Consumer Editor Nadine Armstrong praised the ix35 – in lower-grade Active form – for its value, its on-road manners and its five-star ANCAP rating.

Find a used Hyundai ix35 on carsales

Honourable mentions:

Always the bridesmaid? The Subaru XV 2.0i also scored an honourable mention last year. RedBook rated the Subaru at 43 points, but the judges were less impressed, awarding the XV 38 points for a total of 81.
Red Book value: $16,900

"The XV is a terrific size for the city and is equally capable on unsealed country roads" – Matt Brogan, carsales Road Test Editor

Another honourable mention from 2018, the Tiguan flagship scored 38.7 points from RedBook and 37.0 points from the judges for a total of 75.7.
Red Book value: $19,500

"GTI mechanicals in the endearing Tiguan provided fun for the driver in the family" – Ken Gratton, carsales Technical Editor.

What makes a car eligible for carsales Best Used Cars Awards?
• Less than six years old,
• Standard side-curtain airbags,
• Standard Bluetooth,
• Standard stability control,
• 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 2019 here.