Best used small SUV for 2020

Small SUVs are taking up where micro and light passenger cars have left off.

As with medium SUVs, practicality, spaciousness and compact external dimensions are key criteria that settle the question for singles or small families – whether to buy a light hatch or a small SUV.

What we see with small SUVs is that they do cost more, but the extra value is clear to buyers with the cash or finance to pay for the added comfort and safety.

Just how much ‘off-road cachet’ informs the purchasing decision remains to be seen.

Most vehicles sold in this bracket are front-wheel drives only, but it’s as likely as not that the commanding driving position that has long been a hallmark of all-terrain wagons has its place in vehicles designed for the urban scrum.

For the 2020 carsales Best Used Car Awards, proudly presented by Bingle, the year in review is 2014.

Back then, the small SUV market segment was growing rapidly, with sales for the year more than 12,000 units stronger than in 2013. Even then – six years ago – sales in most passenger car segments were in decline.

As for other market segments analysed for carsales Best Used Cars, the winner and two honourable mentions in the small SUV category were those three vehicles with the best aggregate of scores out of 50 from RedBook and individual scores out of 10 from each of the five judges.

And in 2020, the carsales best used small SUV is the 2014...

In an upset result, the Lexus NX 300h has pushed the Hyundai ix35 out of last year’s top spot on the podium.

New to Australia in 2014, the Lexus, which was based on the mid-sized Toyota RAV4 of the time, was a ‘small’ SUV in name only.

This winning variant is the hybrid version, a fuel-saving pioneer in the small SUV market segment.

Trimmed to the base-spec ‘Luxury’ level, the NX 300h took out the win with a total of 82.3 points – 42.3 from RedBook and 40 from the judges.

Priced at $59,500 plus on-road costs when new, the NX 300h Luxury is now estimated by RedBook to be valued at $31,750 for used 2014 model.

“The age of the hybrid is here and this Lexus blends efficiency with fun,” says Cliff Chambers, carsales used-car buying expert.

“Luxury alternative, with the hybrid powertrain helping deliver low cost to run,” says Ross Booth, RedBook data services director.

“The luxury hybrid SUV based on RAV4 was an immediate hit with Lexus buyers,” says Ken Gratton, carsales technical editor.

You can read more about the Lexus NX 300h Luxury in our launch review.

Reviewer Adam Davis wrote of the NX 300h Luxury: “Moving into a front-wheel-drive Luxury, you immediately miss the heated, cooled front seats and premium audio found in the F Sport, though the vehicle remains well-equipped and looks stylish on its 18-inch alloys.”

Find a used Lexus NX 300h on carsales

Scored 41.4 from RedBook and 38 from the judges for a total of 79.4 points
RedBook value: $19,800

“Often overlooked, the XV has been around for long enough now to generate lots of good owner reports” – Cliff Chambers, carsales used-car buying expert

“Subaru 4x4 safety delivers great city and off-road driving, albeit in a slightly smaller package. Six-month service schedules increases cost to run” – Ross Booth, RedBook data services director

Scored 38.4 points from RedBook and 37 points from the judges for a total of 75.4 points
RedBook value: $18,250

“Locally tuned chassis produced sharper driving dynamics in updated series” – Ken Gratton, carsales technical editor

“Another surprisingly effective and enjoyable model from Hyundai” – Cliff Chambers, carsales used-car buying expert

“Functional all-rounder delivers great value for money” – Ross Booth, RedBook data services director

What makes a car eligible for carsales Best Used Car Awards?
• Less than six years old
• Standard side-curtain airbags
• Standard Bluetooth
• Standard electronic stability control (mandated for 2014)
• 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 2020 here