Best used crossover cars 2024

Updated: 29 January 2024

What exactly is a ‘crossover’ car and could one be right for you? The truth is that there’s no hard-and-fast definition of what a crossover is. The general consensus is that a crossover (sometimes called a crossover SUV) is a car that's essentially a cross between an SUV and a hatchback.

SUV elements include a higher ground clearance and rugged design, although crossovers tend not to have the off-road capabilities or four-wheel drive of larger SUVs. Not everyone uses the term crossover, either – some car brands do and others don't.

Here's our guide to the best used crossovers you can buy.

The Kia XCeed is surely one of the sleekest crossovers you can buy and it's certainly one of the most cost-effective.

It's simply outstanding value because it's comparatively cheap to buy and all versions come very well equipped, with even the cheapest models have LED headlights, a reversing camera and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's as stylish inside as it is on the outside and it's a practical car, with good space for people and a boot that's larger than you get with many similarly-priced hatchback cars.

The Audi Q2 is the brand’s smallest in its range of ‘Q’ SUV models and it’s a bit different to the rest. Whereas the others – especially the huge Q7 – have a more conventional square SUV appearance, the Q2 is a bit sportier, with a comparatively low roof line. There are lots of trim and colour choices, with the option of contrasting colours for the roof and door mirrors.

The Q2 has a smart exterior and an interior that has a higher-quality look and feel than in most rivals. You’ll find it a luxurious and comfortable car to sit in thanks to supportive seats and a user-friendly dashboard. Even though the roof is low, the Q2 has been cleverly designed to make sure that even tall passengers still have enough headroom.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a great example of a crossover – it's a car that's a bit more rugged-looking than the brand's A-Class hatchback but not as SUV-like as the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

You get a slightly higher driving position and more boot space in the GLA than you do in the A-Class hatchback yet it remains cost-effective and compact enough to be easy to park. The latest version version of the GLA (sold from 2020, pictured) is taller than the previous model, which was on sale new from 2014 to 2020. All versions are very well equipped and have a premium look and feel inside.

If you want your crossover with hybrid power then the Kia Niro is a good place to start. In fact, there are two versions to choose from – the standard hybrid model that you don’t need to charge up and a plug-in hybrid version that costs a bit more but gives you better fuel economy. If you want to go fully electric then the Kia e-Niro is one of the best affordable electric SUVs for family driving.

The Niro is extremely practical with loads of space for passengers and a boot that fits golf clubs and a couple of small suitcases. The windows are large, giving you good visibility over the road and the car is quiet on the move. Kia’s solid reliability record is another plus point, as is its class-leading seven-year warranty that transfers to future owners. Buy a used one and enjoy the benefits of the time left on the warranty.

For such a small car, the Renault Captur has a huge amount of legroom and boot space and loads of interior storage, including cubbies and large door bins. There are useful MPV tricks too, such as a sliding back seat that allows you to prioritise passenger or boot space and big storage spaces at the bottom of the dashboard.

Ownership costs are low thanks to the Captur’s competitive prices and small, fuel-efficient engines and the driving experience is a great mix of city-friendly nimbleness and comfort. It’s also inexpensive to insure, which is great if you’re sharing it among family members.

The smallest SUV on the list, the Seat Arona is great value for money, comfortable to drive and fuel-efficient.

With a wealth of different colour and trim options available, there’s an Arona to suit many preferences, from classy and understated to bright and bold, and everything in between. Most models have an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging.

Just as you’d expect from a crossover, the Arona fits a lot of interior space into a compact package. There’s a remarkable amount of headroom and legroom and a 400-litre boot with two floor levels for extra storage.

If we had to name one car responsible for bringing the word ‘crossover’ into the public domain it would have to be the Nissan Qashqai. The first version, launched back in 2006, was a real game-changer that showed that car buyers wanted something with the character and practicality of an SUV, but without the high costs and huge size that traditionally went with them. The latest (third-generation) Qashqai (pictured), sold new from 2021, brings the successful formula up to date and it remains one of the best crossovers you can buy.

Previous generations still have everything you’re likely to want, from a quiet and fairly powerful drive to lots of space for the whole family. There are lots of useful high-tech features available, including a 360-degree camera that gives you a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings, helping you park perfectly every time.

Few small, affordable crossovers catch the eye like the Hyundai Kona – it really stands out from the crowd with its chunky wheel arches, sleek roofline and angular front grille and headlights.

You get a generous amount of equipment including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (or a 10.25-inch system on higher trims) as well as Bluetooth, cruise control, rear parking sensors and hill-start assist. The Kona is available with a petrol engine, as a hybrid or as a fully electric model that balances power and performance with a long battery range of 300 miles – definitely worth thinking about if you’re environmentally conscious.

Citroens tend to have fun, interesting styling and the C3 Aircross is a case in point. It’s an appealing mix of the quirky and futuristic and there’s a huge variety of colour and trim options, so you’ll likely find one that fits your individual tastes.

The C3 Aircross is a great little family car, with an airy interior and raised seating that gives everyone a good view out. The boxy shape means you get a decently large boot and you can fold down the rear seats to make space for bigger items. Even more usefully, the rear seats can slide forwards to make the boot bigger or backwards to give passengers more room.

You’ll find lots of used cars for sale at Cazoo, all available to buy through our trusted dealers.

Cazoo makes selling a car just as easy – just enter a few details for an instant online valuation. If you accept the offer our partners will get in touch to arrange payment and collection of your car at a time that suits you.