The best used crossovers of 2022

You've probably heard the term "crossover" applied to cars, but what does the term really mean?

The truth is that there is no clear definition. However, the general consensus is that a crossover is a vehicle that looks like an SUV due to its high ground clearance and rugged construction, but is usually more economical and affordable than a hatchback. SUV crossovers generally don't have the off-road capability or all-wheel drive that larger SUVs do. 

There are plenty of examples that blur those lines, but at its core, crossover SUVs are more about style than anything else, and people love them because they combine an understated look with impressive practicality. Here's our guide to the best used crossovers you can buy, from the smallest to the largest.

1. Seat Arona

The smallest crossover on the list. Aaron's seat it is excellent value for money, easy to drive and economical.

With a variety of different colors and finishes available, the Arona caters to a multitude of 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.  

As you'd expect from a crossover, the Arona packs a lot of interior space into a compact body. It has plenty of head and leg room, and a 400-litre trunk with two levels of flooring for extra storage. 

The Arona is fun to drive, absorbs bumps well and is overall very comfortable, so it can make a great everyday car. You can choose between petrol and diesel engines, which combine performance and efficiency, and between manual and automatic transmissions. The facelifted model went on sale in 2021 with new engine options, styling changes for a rougher exterior, and an updated interior with a new 8.25-inch infotainment screen.

2. Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroens tend to be fun, have interesting styling and C3 Aircross is an example. It's an eye-catching mix of whimsical and futuristic, as well as a huge variety of colors and finishes, so you're more likely to find one that suits your individual tastes.

The C3 Aircross is a great little family car with a spacious interior and raised seats that give everyone a good view. The boxy shape means you have a large enough trunk that you can fold down the rear seats to make room for larger items. Even more useful is that the rear seats can be moved forward to increase the trunk, or back to give passengers more space. 

The C3 delivers a comfortable ride thanks to its soft suspension, and all available petrol and diesel engines are smooth and efficient. 

3. Renault Hood

Renault has used all of its knowledge gained from decades of family car production to create Captur, which is one of the most economical and practical crossovers.

For such a small car, the Captur has a huge amount of legroom and luggage space, as well as plenty of interior stuff, including alcoves and large door shelves. There are useful MPV gimmicks too, like a sliding rear seat that lets you prioritize passenger or cargo space and plenty of storage at the bottom of the dash.

Ownership costs are low thanks to competitively priced Capturs and small economical engines, and the driving experience is a great combination of agility and urban comfort. It's also inexpensive to insure, which is great if you share it among family members. 

Read our review of Renault Kaptur.

4. Hyundai Kona

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

You get plenty 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's sporty sloping roof means there's less room in the back of the car than some rivals, but you still get more room and trunk than a small hatchback. 

The Kona is available as a petrol, hybrid or all-electric model that combines power and performance with a long battery range of 300 miles - definitely worth considering if you care about the environment.

5. Audi K2

Listen Q2 is the smallest in the Q SUV lineup and is a little different from the rest. While others, especially the huge Q7, have a more traditional boxy SUV look, the Q2 is slightly sportier with a comparatively low roofline. There are many trim and color options, with the option of contrasting colors for the roof and door mirrors.

The Q2 has a smart exterior and an interior that has a higher quality look than most of the competition. You will find this a luxurious and comfortable car thanks to the supportive seats and comfortable dashboard. Despite the low roofline, the Q2 has been thoughtfully designed to give even tall passengers plenty of headroom. 

While you'll pay a little more for the Q2 than most of the competition, it's a fine car to drive, and there are four powerful engines to choose from.

6. Kia Niro

If you need a crossover with a hybrid power plant, then Kia Niro this is a good place to start. In fact, there are two versions to choose from - the standard hybrid model, which you don't need to charge, and the plug-in hybrid version, which costs a bit more but offers better fuel economy. If you want an all-electric vehicle, then the Kia e-Niro is one of the best electric SUVs available for family driving.

The Niro is extremely practical, with plenty of room for passengers and a trunk that will fit golf clubs and a couple of small suitcases. The windows are large, which provides a good view of the road, and the car is quiet in motion. Kia's high reliability record is another plus, as is a class-leading seven-year warranty that is passed on to future owners. Buy used and enjoy the benefits of warranty time left.

For the price, the amount of kit you get is impressive. The touchscreen infotainment system has built-in 3D satellite navigation and TomTom traffic services, and you get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless mobile phone charging. One of the best extras is the eight-speaker JBL audio system - a must if you're into a summer karaoke ride in the car. There should be more than enough technology to keep the family happy. 

7. Nissan Qashqai

If we had to name one car responsible for bringing the word "crossover" into the public domain, it would have to be a car. Nissan Qashqai. The first version, released back in 2006, really changed the rules of the game, showing that car buyers want something with the character and practicality of an SUV, but without the high costs and sheer size that have traditionally accompanied them. Sold new since 2021, the latest (third generation) Qashqai updates the successful formula by ditching diesel engines and incorporating the latest technology so it remains one of the best crossovers you can buy. 

Previous generations still have everything you could need, from a quiet and fairly powerful drive to plenty of space for the whole family. The interior is surprisingly good quality for such an affordable car, and higher trims have plush heated quilted leather seats, a panoramic glass roof and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Many useful high-tech features are available, including a 360-degree camera that gives you a bird's-eye view of the area, helping you park perfectly every time.

Safety is paramount for parents, and all generations of the Qashqai have received five stars from the Euro NCAP safety organization. Most models are all-wheel drive, but there are also all-wheel drive cars. 

Read our review of the Nissan Qashqai.

In Cazoo you will find a crossover for every taste and budget. Use our search function to find the one you like, buy it online and then have it delivered to your door or pick it up at your nearest Cazoo customer service center.

We're constantly updating and restocking our stock, so if you can't find something within your budget today, check back soon to see what's available.