It’s an SUV world… and we’re way past the point where they have to be big, AWD and off-roady. In fact, city/urban SUVs are one of the most popular types of new-vehicle in New Zealand right now, accounting for 23% of sales year-to-date (first-equal with mid-sized SUVs).
The high driving position and short overhangs of SUVs make them great for city living. Combine that with very parkable exterior dimensions and the appeal is clear.
There are plenty of great city SUVs for less than $50,000 (much less in some cases). We’ve chosen our 10 favourites here, all less than 4.5m long and all less than $50k – ordered by price.
Chery Tiggo 4
Tiggo 4 is the first new-gen Chery-branded model for NZ; it’s also one of the least expensive SUVs on the market (the Suzuki Ignis manual is the only cheaper option).
We’ve been pretty impressed by the 1.5-litre petrol models, and we’re especially keen on the entry $25k Urban version: it has all the safety equipment, and arguably nicer trim than the more expensive Ultimate.
There’s also a Tiggo 4 hybrid (HEV) on the way this month – and yes, with pricing that starts at $32,990, it’s also officially NZ’s cheapest new HEV. We haven’t driven that one yet, but in terms of buyer choice and budget it should round out the range nicely. The fuel economy claim is 5.4l/100km.
MG ZS
The original ZS was one of the key models that introduced NZ to the modern Chinese iteration of MG. The latest version, launched this year, has ramped up the styling, quality and technology considerably.
Remembering that the pure-electric ZS EV has evolved into a separate model, the MGS5 EV (also under $50k, we just haven't drive it yet), a $50k budget gets you the pick of any new-gen ZS.
And the range is quite comprehensive, kicking off with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol, rising to a turbo-petrol option and topped out by the “Hybrid+” models, which use MG’s clever (if complicated) petrol-electric powertrain.
Mitsubishi ASX
Nobody’s claiming the Mitsubishi ASX is the latest and greatest. In fact, it was launched way back in 2010, making it the oldest new-vehicle currently on sale in NZ by our reckoning.
However, you can’t ignore the value – yes, the price just keeps coming down – and enduring appeal. The ASX still makes regular appearances in the top echelon of the Kiwi sales charts and with good reason, because it still looks good and offers honest SUV-motoring. It’s a lot of metal for the money as well: it’s one of the larger models on this list.
As long as you know what you’re getting… you’re getting a bargain city-SUV in the ASX.
Mahindra XUV 3XO
Underneath the freshest SUV from Indian brand Mahindra, the XUV 3XO, lies the bones of the SsangYong Tivoli. But it’s been thoroughly revamped into a sharp-looking city SUV – and downsized quite a bit, with an overall length under 4m.
The design is impressive inside and out and we like the powertrain: it’s a thrummy three-cylinder, matched to a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. And fun to drive, albeit modestly powered.
Mahindra NZ is proud of the 40,000km testing it’s done on local roads, including 10,000km towing a 750kg load. Yes, towing.
Suzuki Fronx
Suzuki’s Indian-built compact-SUV was a surprise hit when it was launched in July, with 300 special-price models (starting at $29,990) selling out straight away.
So it’s back to standard pricing, but still just a snip over $30k and fully equipped with safety and comfort/convenience equipment, the only significant option being a two-tone exterior paint finish for an extra $1000 (and only available with certain colours).
Fronx (the name is a portmanteau of “frontier” and “crossover”, apparently) is another city-SUV that’s truly tiny: despite the SUV-coupe style, it’s under 4m in length.
Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 has been on the market for a decade now, and it remains a consistent seller for Mazda NZ. It’s been updated as the years have rolled by of course, so it’s up to date with the latest active safety and infotainment technology (phone projection, for example).
But it’s also still old-school in some ways… and we mean that in a positive way. The styling remains sharp and it’s a fun car to drive. Not fast and not cutting-edge for fuel efficiency, but there’s an analogue feel to the steering and chassis that puts a big smile on your face… even in city driving.
Ford Puma
Think of the Puma as an SUV version of the much-loved, now-departed Fiesta hatchback. It’s stylish, suitably compact and comes with a brace of mild-hybrid three-cylinder engines. There’s a 92kW version for the mainstream model, but there’s also a genuine Ford Performance (yes, in the Mustang/Ranger Raptor family) version with 118kW and a growly soundtrack.
It’s getting up in price among this group, but both models are still under $50k and Puma is a well-engineered and characterful SUV with impressive overseas credentials: it was the best-selling vehicle of any type in the UK in 2024 and remains so year-to-date for 2025.
Peugeot 2008 GT
If you want a European city SUV with striking design and dynamic flair, this is the one for you: Peugeot’s baby crossover, the 2008 GT. It's great to drive, practical and bursting with interesting styling detail.
Peugeot offers the 2008 GT in both petrol and mild-hybrid forms. There’s a $5k premium for the latter and it’s a good system – the company calls it “mild” but in fact it does have an electric motor that can drive the wheels. However, the standard petrol is so economical (it consumes just 0.7l/100km more), you could stick with that and still be very green.
Honda HR-V Sport
The HR-V is the entry point to Honda NZ’s SUV lineup - at least if you don’t count the Jazz Crosstar, which is really just a hatchback in fancy dress.
The key to HR-V’s appeal is Honda’s e:HEV hybrid technology (also used in some Jazz, ZR-V and CR-V models), which can act like a range-extender and maximise electric drive for city driving.
HR-V is available in a single Sport model, although Honda NZ is currently offering a couple of special packages: Adventure Edition with cross bars and extra cabin protection, and the Black Edition (self-explanatory).
Toyota C-HR GX
There’s never a shortage of Toyota hybrids to choose from, in any genre. The cheapest city SUV option from the Japanese brand is the Yaris Cross, which is an interesting machine, extremely compact and ultra-thrifty (under 4l/100km). All models are under $50k, including the GR Sport.
However, within our budget we’d opt for the larger (but still small) C-HR, which looks fantastic, is ultra-refined and great to drive.
There’s only one model under $50k, the entry GX, but we’re okay with that: it has the same safety kit and driver-assistance technology (including very clever self-parking) as the rest of the range.