The small SUVs with the most boot space in Australia

The cost of living crisis is hitting Australians hard, and many are turning to cheaper options when it comes to purchasing a new small SUV.

Although these cars may lack some of the luxuries (or badge credibility) from their more expensive counterparts, boot space is one area where buyers don’t expect to compromise.

So, which small SUVs currently on sale in Australia have the most cargo space? These are the cars within the small SUV under $45,000 category in the VFACTS sales charts published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

We’ve crunched the numbers, using boot capacity figures calculated to the VDA standard where possible for the sake of consistency.

We’ve also measured based on the variant with the most boot space in the range, as some trim or powertrain options may see the figures quoted here cut slightly.

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos comes out on top with 468L of boot space, which is over 20L more than the next best finisher.

A mix of storage space, sharp pricing, and a class-leading warranty saw Kia sell 10,473 of these in 2023, making the Seltos a common sight on Australian roads.

Starting from $29,780 before on-road costs, this SUV can be had with either a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and CVT, or 1.6-litre turbo four with an automatic transmission.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Kia Seltos
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Nissan Qashqai

The Qashqai nameplate has been around globally for nearly two decades now, and people are still buying Nissan’s small SUV, with 6614 sold in 2023.

The styling of the new for 2024 Qashqai sets it apart from previous iterations, as does an updated interior featuring an interesting mix of materials finished in a two-tone black and blue colour scheme.

Interestingly, the hybrid version has the most boot space of the whole range; buyers of the petrol cars will have to settle for 418-429L in the trunk.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Nissan Qashqai
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Volkswagen T-Roc

Boot space in the Volkswagen T-Roc varies depending on the trim level specified, but the CityLife and Style models both boast 445L.

Pricing ranges from $36,890 before on-road costs right up to $63,490 before on-roads for the full fat T-Roc R; a Golf R on stilts packing 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Volkswagen T-Roc
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Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is one of the larger cars on this list at nearly 4.4 metres long, and it takes advantage of that size with a 438L luggage compartment.

One trade off of the extra metal is efficiency – the thirstiest Compass drinks 9.7L/100km – although two new fuel sipping hybrid variants are due to hit showrooms this year.

On a more positive note, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard, although you’d expect that considering the base model is the second most expensive on this list at $41,400 before on-road costs.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Jeep Compass
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Toyota Corolla Cross

The Toyota Corolla Cross tops out at 436L, falling just shy of a podium spot.

Sitting alongside the C-HR in this category, the high-riding Corolla has more boot space than its counterpart and also receives wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

A total of 7932 were sold in 2023, with the range kicking off at $33,980 before on-road costs.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Toyota Corolla Cross
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Peugeot 2008

The Peugeot 2008 wasn’t a hit with new car buyers last year, garnering just 329 sales in a high volume segment.

Nevertheless its boot is a decent size, and space is genuinely cavernous when the rear seats are folded down.

A fully equipped 2008 remains relatively affordable at $43,397 before on-road costs. It features a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which produces 96kW and 230Nm in the base Allure.

As you’d expect from a French car, plenty of Peugeot’s effort has been channelled into producing a design that’s interesting, both inside and out.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Peugeot 2008
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Suzuki S-Cross

Like the Peugeot, the Suzuki S-Cross was not a massive seller in 2023 with 598 examples finding new homes.

Built in Hungary, the updated S-Cross has a starting price of $37,490 before on-road costs – and an all-wheel-drive variant is now available.

All examples are powered by a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with power and torque outputs of 103kW and 220Nm, respectively.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Suzuki S-Cross
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GWM Haval Jolion

With a base price well under $30,000 drive-away, the GWM Haval Jolion presents plenty of value, and is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Further, while none of these cars are exactly heavyweights when it comes to towing, the Jolion is the equal best hauler on this list with a braked capacity of up to 2000kg.

There are two choices of powertrain available: a petrol four-cylinder and a hybrid, the latter of which offers more efficiency for the price of 40L boot space.

The hybrid also sacrifices the space saver spare wheel.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Haval Jolion
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Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona has been a hit Down Under, with 11,183 sold last year.

The 2024 range includes petrol, hybrid and electric variants, with pricing ranging from $32,000 before on-road costs to $68,000 before on-roads for the flagship Electric.

Boot space is middling no matter the specification, but expect up-to-date tech to go with the futuristic exterior design.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Hyundai Kona
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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross range can be hard to wrap your head around, with lots of trim and multiple powertrains to wrap your head around.

If you want cargo room the petrol models are the way to go, with prices starting from $31,990 before on-road costs.

Internal combustion engine (ICE) versions of the Eclipse Cross sport a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a CVT. Front-wheel-drive is standard, although some model grades are fitted with all-wheel-drive.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
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Skoda Kamiq

Skoda’s Kamiq was sold in relatively low volumes in 2023, but that doesn’t necessarily reflect what the Czech product has to offer.

Priced between $36,690 before on-road costs and $43,090 before on-roads, the Kamiq has wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, decent boot space (especially with the rear seats down) and a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Sold with one of two engines, the Skoda is efficient too, consuming between 5.0 and 5.6L/100km depending on variant.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Skoda Kamiq
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Mitsubishi ASX

For the miserly price of $24,490 before on-road costs, you can snag a small SUV with 393L of boot space in the form of the Mitsubishi ASX.

Pre-dating the Eclipse Cross the ASX has been sold in Australia since 2010, making it a very old car indeed.

That is evident when you take a glance at the transmission options available for the ASX – you can purchase a brand new example with a manual transmission, a rare option these days.

Like the Eclipse Cross, this small SUV is sold with Mitsubishi’s signature conditional 10-year warranty.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Mitsubishi ASX
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Toyota C-HR

The new Toyota C-HR has arrived as the most expensive car in this segment in base specification, starting at $42,990 before on-road costs.

Eye-catching styling and the option of six two-tone colour schemes will ensure that the C-HR stands out from the crowd.

The flagship C-HR GR Sport features hybrid power, boosting outputs to a combined 145kW while maintaining a frugal 4.1L/100km economy figure.

However, the 1.8-litre GXL and Koba are the best performers in terms of boot space.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Toyota CH-R
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Suzuki Vitara

The Vitara is Suzuki’s most popular small SUV, managing 2016 sales last year.

A price level below the S-Cross, the Vitara starts at $29,990 before on-road costs, maxing out just above $40,000 before on-roads.

For the money you get 375L of boot space. Cargo space with the seats down is also low at 710L.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Suzuki Vitara
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Chery Omoda 5

Chery sold 5370 Omoda 5 SUVs in 2023, and it wants to drive even more sales in 2024.

Starting from $32,990 drive-away, the Omoda 5 tops out at an affordable $36,990 drive-away, and is backed by a seven-year warranty.

For that competitive price you get 360L of boot space, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 1600kg of braked towing capacity.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Chery Omoda 5
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MG ZS

The MG ZS is both the cheapest car on this list and the best seller, with the growing marque shifting 29,258 new examples last year.

Prices start from just $23,990 drive-away for the base ZS, which is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Other powertrains are available on the ZS T and ZS EV models.

All ZS variants are backed by MG’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a MG ZS
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Renault Arkana

Sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan Juke, the Renault Arkana is a French take on the small SUV formula.

Three trim levels are available, priced between $37,500 before on-road costs and $45,000 before on-roads, and all share the same 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with 115kW of power and 262Nm of torque.

Front-wheel drive is the only layout available. Fuel economy is claimed at 6.0L/100km.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Renault Arkana
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Mazda CX-30

With nearly 10 individual models, the Mazda CX-30 range is extensive – but all have the same boot capacity of 317L.

The range is split into G20 and G25 models. The former get a 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine, while the latter is powered by an upsized 2.5-litre unit.

The option of a manual transmission was canned for 2024, so those who are keen to row through the gears will have to look elsewhere.

Pricing sits between $33,140 before on-road costs and $47,540 before on-roads, and buyers were more than happy to hand over their hard earned for a CX-30 – 13,115 of these were sold in 2023.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Mazda CX-30
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Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V has limited space on paper, with just 304L… before you start playing with Magic Seats.

They fold completely flat, creating a very practical storage area.

The HR-V is a relatively efficient option in this segment, consuming between 4.3 and 5.8L/100km depending on the variant.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Honda HR-V
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Subaru Crosstrek

With just 291L of space in the boot, the Subaru Crosstrek rounds out this list.

New car buyers didn’t seem to mind though; 8991 were sold in 2023.

Starting from $34,990 before on-road costs, the Crosstrek can be had with either petrol or hybrid power, both of which are accompanied by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard kit, which is a big tick.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Subaru Crosstrek
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