19 Compact SUVs in Nigeria

Recently, a client contacted Autojosh for us to assist him in deciding on a choice of an affordable brand new compact SUV that he intends to acquire for his wife.

To arrive at the best choice for him, we provided him with different factors that would determine the best choice of a compact SUV for him. During our engagement with the client, we exposed him to a wide range of compact SUVs that are available in the Nigerian market.

In this article, we would be listing, in alphabetical order, 19 popular models of  SUV in the compact segment that we exposed the client to. These compact SUVs are all available in Nigeria. We also include the various prices that they are sold for at renowned dealerships in the country.

1. Changan CS35

Changan CS35 is a product of China. This SUV is fast gaining acceptance in Nigeria.  This is perhaps the most affordable SUV that you can get in the Nigeria automobile market. It is powered by a 1.6 DVVT (dual variable valve timing). They come in either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic version. The Changan CS35 is available at Stallion Motors Nigeria for a starting price of ₦7.8m.

2. Ford Ecosport

The Ford Ecosport is the smallest SUV manufactured by Ford. It features small hatchback proportions and it is powered by either a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder 108 bhp and a 1.5-litre diesel with 90-bhp.  The 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission variants are available. The Ford Ecosport is available at Coscharis Motors at a starting price of ₦9.3m.

3. Ford Escape

Ford Escape is more upscale than the Ecosport, and it is roomier.  The Escape is increasingly earning the interest of Nigerian lovers of Ford SUVs, especially those who might not be able to afford the premium models. 1.5 EcoBoost 180 hp, 2.0 EcoBoost  245-hp and a 2.5 168hp engines drive the Ford Escape. They come in either a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission variants.  The Ford Escape is sold at Coscharis Motors a starting price of ₦13.6m.

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4. Honda HRV

After 17 long years of discontinuance, Honda brought back the HRV.  It is just the right type of SUV that folks who need a Honda SUV that is chic, stylish and smaller than the Honda CRV (next on our list).  It comes with a 1.8 iVTEC 141hp, 6-speed automatic and a CVT gearbox. The Honda HRV is available for purchase at The Honda Place at a starting price of ₦9.9m.

5. Honda CRV

The Honda CRV is a popular auto-brand in the compact SUV market in Nigeria. With more than 20 years under its belt, the CRV is Honda’s pride and joy in the market and the sales figures testifies to this. It ranks high amongst SUVs in its class, and it has become a benchmark for others to follow. A 9-speed  automatic transmission and a CVT gearbox are available to choose from,  and its a 2.4-iVTEC  184-hp 4-cylinder engine. The Honda CRV is sold at The Honda Place at a starting price of ₦15.5m.

6. Hyundai Creta

Hyundai is not a pushover in the production of small SUVs. And the Creta proves that. For a premium brand like the Hyundai, the Creta is renowned for its  ‘affordability’. The 1.6-litre i4 142-hp powers this SUV, and a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic drives it. The Hyundai Creta is sold in Nigeria by Hyundai Motors Nigeria at a starting price of ₦8.3m.

7. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is on a higher level than the Hyundai Creta. Over the years, Tucson has transformed significantly in its external design and its interior. It has earned for itself a sizable share of the Nigerian market. Its styling is topnotch and features impressive amenities, while still retaining its modest price. A 2.0-litre i4 164-hp with either 6-speed manual or 6-speed transmission powers it up. It is available for purchase at Hyundai Motors Nigeria at a cost of  ₦13.7m.

8. Innoson G40

A locally made SUV from the stable of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) comes this capable small off-road SUV called the G40. Produced to be rugged and tough, this fulltime 4-WD will overcome any terrain thrown at it. It comes with a 2.4-litre i4 143-hp  petrol engine, and it is available in 5-speed manual transmission only. It comes at a price of  ₦21.3m.

Read Also: Check Out Zlatan Ibile’s ₦120 million Luxury Bentley Bentayga SUV

9. JAC S3

The JAC S3 is a Chinese SUV making a wave in the Nigerian auto market. Its compact exterior and roomy interior make it ideal as a family vehicle. This compact SUV features a 1.6 VVT,  118hp with a 5-speed manual transmission and a CVT gearbox option. It is sold at Elizade Auto Land for ₦9.4m.

10. Jeep Compass

Interestingly, SUVs are erroneously referred to as Jeeps. But unknown to many, Jeep is a brand of its own that specializes in the production of SUVs.  Jeep is the producer of the Compass – a compact SUV. The Jeep Compass is available in a 2.4-Litre, 4-cylinder engine producing 180-hp with a 9-speed auto gearbox.

The Jeep Compass effectively combines a smallish and stylish outlook together with off-road capabilities.  It is sold at Kelwalram Motors at a base price of ₦20.9m.

11. Kia Sportage

Kia has come a long way in the small SUV market with the Sportage.  This SUV is among the pioneers in the small SUV segment and it has transformed in leaps and bounds over the years. The Kia Sportage is available in numerous engines variants which include the 2.4-GDi 4-cylinder 181hp, 2.0 MPi 160hp and the 2.0 diesel engine, a 6-speed transmission and 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Kia Sportage is sold at several auto dealerships across Nigeria at a starting price of ₦14.4m.

12. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi is famous for manufacturing award-winning SUVs, such as the wave-making Pajero.  The auto-maker is also the producer of the  Outlander – a once small SUV that has grown in size over time.  The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the company’s latest entrant its small SUV product line. A 2.0-litre 4-cylinder 150-hp engine with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic variants.

The Eclipse Cross is a distinctive-looking SUV with radical looks that appeals to the young and the young-at-heart. It is sold in Nigeria by Massilia Motors at a starting price of ₦16.5m.

13. Mitsubishi ASX

Another model of Mitsubishi small SUV is the ASX. This SUV comes with a stylish design and it is a pleasure to drive. The ASX comes across as less radical than the Eclipse Cross, though both share some similarities in the platform, such as transmission and drivetrain. A 2.0-litre 4-cylinder 150-hp with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic moves the SUV. The ASX is sold in Nigeria by Massilia Motors at a starting price of ₦15.5m.

14. Nissan Kicks

From the stable of Nissan comes the Kicks. For an SUV from an established brand like Nissan, it comes with a relatively affordable price tag. It features a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 125-hp together with a 5-speed manual or the Nissan’s X-tronic CVT gearbox.

This small and stylish SUV model, which was recently introduced into the Nigerian market, is just adequate for day-to-day driving. The Nissan Kicks is available for purchase at Stallion NMN for an introductory price of ₦8m.

Also See: 15 Used SUVs And Crossovers That Should Be Avoided

15. Nissan Xtrail

The is the 3rd-generation Xtrail SUV by Nissan. Over the years, it has been improved massively and has increased in its size, yet maintaining its affordability. A 2.0-litre 4-cylinder  142-hp engine with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed CVT gearbox option is available.

The Nissan Xtrail is unique in the sense that it is the only small SUV amongst its rivals that comes as a 7 -seater. It is sold at Stallion NMN at the cost of ₦16m.

16. Peugeot 3008

Peugeot is a household name in Nigeria. It is the producer of classics like the 504 and 505. The company now have in its production line SUVs, such as the 3008 small SUV. The Peugeot 3008 has a range of engines and now features the innovative and efficient EAT6 (Efficient Automatic Transmission 6-Speed) automatic gearbox. This generation of the automatic gearbox is available in 1.2-litre PureTech 130-hp engine, 1.6-litre THP 165-hp engine, as well as 1.6-litre BlueHDi 120-hp and 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180-hp engine, to offer the ultimate driving experience.

Everything about the Peugeot 3008 is appealing and futuristic.  The beauty-on-wheels also has a captivating interior. It is sold at Peugeot Automobile Nigeria and other dealership at a starting price of f₦16.1m.

17. Suzuki Vitara

Suzuki is a very reputable brand in the small SUV business. It started manufacturing small SUVs as far back as in the ’80s. They technically created the small SUV market and other brands followed suit. The Vitara has come a long long way, spanning 30 years. Despite so many up and downs, it is still here.  The current model has an amazing outlook with superb performance. A 1.6 -litre MPi 117-hp engine. They come in either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

In Nigeria, CFAO Suzuki motors sells the latest Vitara starting from ₦11.5m.

18. Toyota RAV4

Globally, Toyota is synonymous with reliability. From generation to generation, the Rav4 has become a status symbol among small SUVs lovers, although it is the most expensive of the bunch.  The reliability of the Rav4 is evident in the 2019 Rav4 model. A 2.0-litre VVTI 170-hp and 2.5-litre VVTI 206-hp engines are available together with 8-speed automatic transmission.

The rugged-looking 2019 model can be acquired at the various Toyota dealership at a cost of ₦24.5m.

19. GAC Trumpchi GS4

Indeed, the Chinese are really giving the Japanese and Koreans a run for their money in the automobile business. Their penetrative tendencies know no bounds. The Trumpchi GS4 brings a new lease of life to the small SUV market in Nigeria and it outlook speak for itself. Gone are the days of low-quality Chinese vehicles. They come as a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo 150-hp with a 5-speed manual transmission or 7G-DCT gear. This SUV is solid, durable and also affordable. In Nigeria, it is sold at CIG Autos at a price of ₦10.9m.

So, which of these Compact SUVs is your prefered?

You can also check the prices of over 3,000 cars in Nigeria“HERE”