Used compact SUVs review: 2009-2011

Sales of little soft-roaders have grown faster than any new vehicle segment in our overcrowded new-car market.

Last year there were just over 60,000 small SUVs sold, up 53 per cent on 2011. The category parameters have changed and now some models previously considered compact are classified as medium. But sales of the smallest SUVs have increased for the past three consecutive years.

The appeal lies in several attributes, not the least of which is in looking more adventurous than domesticated. There's the draw of fuel economy, though the reality is that certain of these models do not perform much better than the big cars they've supplanted.

Then there is the versatility of the interior, the elevated driving position and the visibility it affords, and the perception of being unassailable by other road users.

The three brands on this page argue about who started the soft-roader craze. Each has a worthy case.

Toyota is synonymous with off-road passenger machinery that has a reputation for reliability and capability. The RAV4 introduced a suburban level of versatility to the Japanese brand when it lobbed here in 1996 (there was the Tercel and AWD Tarago before it, but let's not go there).
The RAV had the look and lineage to carry off the compact SUV concept. With a new model not far from the showrooms there are bargains to be had in the outgoing vintage.

Subaru's all-terrain wagon heritage harks back to the 1970s, when 1600cc (and, later, 1800cc) wagons with transfer cases and raised bellies showed you didn't need a big burly 4WD to get seriously off the beaten track. The Forester might not have retained the forebears' dual-range lever within the transmission console but the spirit remains.

Another company with four decades of history in the realm of small, lightweight off-roaders is Suzuki. The original Jimny and Sierra lightweight 4WD wagons were tiny, nimble and bulletproof machines and the modern descendant the Grand Vitara has retained much of the off-road ability without succumbing to the soft-roader sookery.

(Search for hundreds more choices)
 

2011 Toyota RAV4
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrol
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Thirst: 9.6L/100

CARSGUIDE SAYS

The dependable Toyota reputation offsets any styling shortfall. While not a rock-hopper like its LandCruiser big brother, it doesn't mind getting its wheels dirty. Dual airbags, descent and stability control, Bluetooth and USB connection are among the features.

2009 Subaru Forester XS Premium
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl boxer petrol
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Thirst: 9.6L/100km

CARSGUIDE SAYS

The Forester has been a segment leader on sales volume and is one of the more versatile of the all-terrain brigade -- some models still have low range. The XS Premium has leather trim, sunroof, stability control, climate control, six airbags and rally-bred heritage.

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara Wagon
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrol
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Thirst: 8.9L/100km

CARSGUIDE SAYS

The brand builds bikes as well as being responsible for the original small off-roader. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has old-school 4WD and genuine off-road ability. Anything but a soft-roader, it's light and nimble off the beaten track and useful around town too.