The small SUV segment continues to expand, with new models and updated versions of existing compact high-riders seemingly streaming into the country constantly.

This is one of the busiest new car segments in Australia, and small SUVs like these aim to offer compact dimensions with family-friendly inclusions. We’ve assembled these four particular SUVs based on their size, and their price. They’re very close on both counts.

The newest kid on the block is the Kia Seltos, which arrived in Australia in 2019 with more than just a strong warranty. Our version is the Sport model fitted with the optional safety pack.

The Toyota C-HR has been updated recently, with a new media screen and a mild facelift adding some extra desire. There’s also a hybrid variant now – but it was too expensive for this test, so we’ve got the base model.

Another apparently new model is the Mitsubishi ASX, which has been facelifted and tweaked but is, essentially, the same car that launched here almost 10 years ago – that hasn’t stopped it from being popular – it remains the country’s reigning top-selling small SUV. We’ve got the LS model.

And also here is the Nissan Qashqai, which is due for an update of its own soon, but it still looks pretty modern despite having launched way back in 2014. Our Qashqai is the ST+ version.

All of these models are petrol-powered, automatic, and front-wheel drive – we’re not talking off-roaders here, as these are aimed at buyers who spend a lot of time around town.

With that in mind, we put these SUVs through their paces across a mix of scenarios to see which is the best small SUV out of this bunch.

Via CarsGuide