The premium small SUVs with the most boot space in Australia

Small SUVs may be compact by nature, but owners often expect them to punch above their weight by filling the boot to the brim.

After all, these are everything from commuter cars to family haulers, so practicality matters.

So, which of the 17 premium small SUVs currently on sale in Australia has the most cargo space? These are the cars within the small SUV over $45k 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.

Jaguar E-Pace

The Jaguar E-Pace tops this list with 601L of boot space. That figure is made even more impressive by the fact that the it still carries a space saver spare wheel, which is more than can be said for a lot of other cars in this segment.

The E-Pace is on the expensive end of the market at $76,773 before on-road costs.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Jaguar E-Pace
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BMW X2

The BMW X2 has recently undergone a transformation, with a new model due to hit showrooms imminently.

With a claimed 560L of room in the boot, the fresh X2 sits right near the top of the tree, even besting the Jaguar when it comes to space with the rear seats folded (1470L).

Two petrol variants of the 2024 BMW X2 will be available in Australia at launch – the entry-level xDrive20i starts from $75,900 before on-road costs.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a BMW X2
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BMW X1

The BMW X1 generated 4644 sales in 2023, making it a popular choice for small SUV buyers.

Despite sitting as the entry-level SUV in the BMW range, the X1 boasts a class-leading 1600L of boot space with the seats down.

Just over $60,000 before on-road costs will get you into a base sDrive18i powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, while the xDrive20i features an upsized 2.0-litre powerplant.

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Audi Q3

Just missing out on a podium position is the Audi Q3, which has a claimed 530L of boot space.

The Q3 was Audi’s best-selling SUV last year with 4457 new cars finding homes, and there are plenty of variants to choose from.

A budget of $60,000 before on-road costs will buy an entry specification Q3. On the other end of the spectrum, the performance-focused RSQ3 tops out at $106,050 before on-roads.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Audi Q3
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BMW iX2

BMW’s electric coupe X2 counterpart remains roomy despite its electric powertrain taking up some extra space.

With 525L available in the boot, the iX2 is down by 35 litres on its petrol sibling.

This new BMW SUV starts at $82,900 before on-road costs and tops out at $85,700 before on-roads for the xDrive30.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a BMW iX2
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Mini Countryman

There’s nothing miniature about the boot in the new Countryman.

Mini’s largest product has ample room in the back – 505L to be exact – making it the most practical Mini on sale.

The Countryman starts from $49,990 before on-roads for the Countryman C Core, and petrol models will be joined by full EV variants in the second half of 2024.

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Kia Niro

A long-term staple of Kia’s line-up, the Niro offers buyers just under 500L of cargo room without skimping on a temporary spare tyre.

Available space expands to 1392L with the rear seats down, although fitting bulky items mightn’t be easy due to the awkward 60/40 seat split.

On the bright side, the Niro is the cheapest car on this list, starting at $44,930 before on-roads. The hybrid won’t cost you much at the pump either – fuel economy is claimed at 4.0L/100km.

The electric variant changes hands from $66,590 before on-road costs, and takes fuel out of the equation completely.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Kia Niro
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BMW iX1

The BMW iX1 falls just short of its siblings when it comes to boot space, measuring up at 490L with the rear seats in place.

Otherwise this electric offering is very BMW, with tech and plush materials aplenty.

The iX1 is slightly cheaper than the iX2 at $78,990 before on-road costs, and has a claimed range of 440km.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a BMW iX1
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Volvo XC40

There is a bit of a drop off to the Volvo XC40, the best selling car in this segment.

Volvo delivered 5837 of these last year, despite the slightly compromised boot space compared to rivals.

As part of the Swedish carmaker’s shift towards electrification, the XC40 is now only available in mild-hybrid or full EV form, with prices starting at $54,990 before on-roads.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Volvo XC40
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Renault Megane E-Tech

The Megane E-Tech has just landed on Australian shores, and will be the second EV sold Down Under by Renault, after the now defunct Zoe.

Replacing the long-lived petrol-powered Megane, the E-Tech comes with French flair and a $64,990 before on-roads price tag, pitting it against small SUVs from the top European manufacturers.

Under the skin you’ll find a single electric motor that produces 160kW of power and 300Nm of torque, good for a 7.4-second 0-100km/h sprint.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Renault Megane E-Tech
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Mercedes-Benz GLA

Mercedes-Benz quotes 435L of boot space for the GLA, leaving it narrowly short of the top 10.

As well as featuring 40/20/40 folding seats, the GLA has nets on either side of the rear section to prevent small items from bouncing around, lifting an otherwise undersized space.

The front-wheel-drive GLA 200 kicks off the range at $68,900 before on-roads, while $96,900 before on-roads can buy you a 225kW, all-wheel-drive GLA 35 4Matic.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Mercedes-Benz GLA
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Genesis GV60

Korea’s Genesis GV60 sits in a league of its own, at least when it comes to price, starting from $106,375 before on-road costs.

Considering the elevated price tag, storage is limited at 432L, and no spare wheel is provided.

Neither is wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, although the electric GV60 makes up for those omissions with a luxurious interior and 360kW of power in Performance trim.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Genesis GV60
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Lexus UX

Available in both petrol and hybrid guise, the UX is the Japanese manufacturer’s smallest SUV, seating five with 424L of cargo room in its most spacious trim.

A popular option with buyers, Lexus sold 2468 of these in 2023.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Lexus UX
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Volvo C40

Volvo’s C40 coupe SUV sacrifices storage for style, with boot space quoted at just 413L.

The figure with the seats down (1205L) doesn’t stack up much better, but that didn’t faze the 1103 people who purchased a C40 in 2023.

With an opening price of $78,990 before on-roads, Volvo’s electric small SUV is up against some serious competition, including the Mercedes-Benz EQA.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Volvo C40
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Alfa Romeo Tonale

Sitting in 15th is the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which can now be bought as either a mild-hybrid (MHEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The new PHEV variant costs $78,500 before on-road costs – nearly $20,000 more than the standard car which managed 365 sales last year – and improves fuel economy from 5.6L/100km to a claimed 1.5L/100km.

MHEV versions are sold with a spare wheel, which is an uncommon inclusion in this segment.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Alfa Romeo Tonale
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Audi Q2

Audi’s baby SUV is strapped for space, which tallies just 355L with the seats up and 1000L with them folded down.

The Q2 is one of Audi’s older models, and sits below the newer and larger Q3 in the range.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Audi Q2
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Mercedes-Benz EQA

Rounding out this list is the Mercedes-Benz EQA, a pure electric offering based on the GLA.

While there is plenty of GLA DNA in this car, the EQA does not share the same storage characteristics, with boot space capped at 340L. Space is much improved with the back seats folded down.

The EQA range consists of two variants – the EQA 250 and EQA 350 4Matic – costing between $82,300 before on-roads and $102,579 before on-roads. A total of 1196 were sold in 2023.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Mercedes-Benz EQA
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