The five best-selling small SUVs of 2024

New car buyers are flocking to SUVs, more specifically small SUVs.

The small SUV segment accounted for nearly 15 percent of new car sales in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 3.1 percent for more affordable options and 8.0 percent in the premium space.

It’s easy to see why, as these versatile yet compact vehicles promise practicality and that desirable elevated driving position that resonates with an increasing number of Australian buyers.

With that in mind, we’ve taken to the VFACTS sales charts to break down the top five best-selling small SUVs of 2024.

Our previous VFACTS coverage identified the segment-toppers, but this list is intended to provide a slightly more detailed analysis of each popular segment.

We’ve also provided links to reviews of the top-rated variants of each model tested by the CarExpert team throughout the year.

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Click on a car’s name in the table above to jump directly to its information on this page, or keep scrolling for the full article

MG ZS

Two separate generations of ZS were sold in Australia last year, and new car buyers flocked to both – purchasing a combined 22,629 examples of the top-selling small SUV.

The new ZS launched in hybrid form last November, inheriting its hybrid system and platform from the smaller MG 3 hatchback.

It mates a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and three-speed hybrid transmission up front, plus a hybrid control unit and 1.83kWh nickel cobalt manganese battery at the rear.

Total system outputs are 158kW and 465Nm, 3kW more than the MG 3. Changes have also been made to the exterior of the ZS, which now has a distinct familial resemblance to the new MG 3 and HS.

Petrol versions will join the local lineup from mid-February, bringing down the cost of entry. The range now opens at $26,990 drive-away and tops out at $36,990 for the flagship Hybrid+ Essence.

All variants wear a four-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2024, and are back by a lengthy 10-year, 250,000-kilometre warranty in Australia.

CarExpert road tester William Stopford awarded the new ZS 8.1/10 late last year, praising its hybrid powertrain, long warranty, and cabin presentation.

You can read our full review of the MG ZS here

Interested in buying a MG ZS? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything MG ZS

Hyundai Kona

There’s daylight between the MG ZS and the next best seller – the Hyundai Kona – which generated 17,374 sales in 2024.

Hyundai currently offers a whopping 15 Kona variants, from a naturally aspirated petrol base model right up to the new-for-2025 Kona Electric N Line Premium Extended Range.

Pricing starts at $32,500 before on-road costs for the base petrol, while the electric flagship asks $71,000 plus on-roads.

Three internal combustion powertrain options are offered with the Kona – a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder hybrid. Transmission pairings differ between the different options.

The Kona wears a four-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in June 2023, and all variants are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Scott Collie awarded the Kona Electric 8/10 in January last year, which was revised to 7.9/10 later in 2024.

You can read our full review of the Hyundai Kona Electric here

Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Hyundai Kona

GWM Haval Jolion

GWM has been fighting hard for the title of Australia’s cheapest SUV, and it’s working from a sales perspective. The brand delivered 14,238 Haval Jolions last year, and price cuts saw it top the small SUV sales charts for December.

The Jolion has recently been subject to discounted promotional pricing, with values ranging between $23,990 drive-away and $37,990 drive-away, although that was due to be reviewed on January 31.

Nevertheless, GWM’s sales darling is among the cheapest small SUVs on the market. As with the MG ZS and Hyundai Kona, the Jolion is offered with a choice of petrol and hybrid powertrains.

Petrol variants feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in two different states of tune, while the hybrid swaps out the turbo for an electric motor. The latter arrangement boasts the most grunt with 140kW and 375Nm.

All variants have a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2022 testing, and come backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Scott Collie handed the flagship Ultra Hybrid a 7.6/10 rating, while Josh Nevett scored the petrol Lux 7.5/10.

You can read our full review of the GWM Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid here

Interested in buying a GWM Haval Jolion? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything GWM Haval Jolion

Mazda CX-30

Mazda CX-30 sales were down by over 3.0 percent last year (12,672 total deliveries), but it still features in the five best-selling SUVs for 2024.

It’s one of the more expensive options listed here, priced from $33,940 before on-road costs. With that said, the flagship G25 Astina AWD still comes in at under $50,000 plus on-roads.

Two powertrains are offered in Australia – a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol producing 114kW/200Nm and a beefier 2.5-litre atmo four outputting 139kW/252Nm.

All variants feature a six-speed automatic transmission, and power is sent to either the front or all four wheels.

The CX-30 range is covered by a five-star ANCAP safety rating and Mazda’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assistance. 

Our top-rated variant in 2024 was the mid-spec G25 GT SP, which Josh Nevett scored 8.1/10. More recently, the G20 Touring LE was awarded 7.9/10 by Max Davies.

You can read our full review of the Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP here

Interested in buying a Mazda CX-30? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Mazda CX-30

Mitsubishi ASX

It’s the end of an era for the Mitsubishi ASX, which rounds our top five after recording 12,330 sales in 2024.

A staple of the small SUV segment, the now-ancient ASX will be replaced during 2025 with a rebadged Renault Captur already sold in Europe.

It’s understood that production of the current ASX wrapped up in December 2024 for our market, though Mitsubishi says it has been able to shore up supply into 2025. Nevertheless, it’s a case of get one while you can…

The outgoing ASX is offered with a choice of two naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines, producing 110kW/197Nm and 123kW/222Nm, respectively. Prices range from $24,490 before on-road costs for the base GS manual up to $35,240 plus on-roads for the top-spec Exceed.

When the Mitsubishi ASX was tested by ANCAP in 2014 it received a rating of five stars, though it’s now unrated. Mitsubishi offers 10 years of capped-price servicing, as well as a lengthy 10-year, 200,000km warranty.

James Wong scored the middle-of-the-range Street variant 7.3/10 in May last year.

You can read our full review of the Mitsubishi ASX ES Street here

Interested in buying a Mitsubishi ASX? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Mitsubishi ASX