10 Cars Similar to the Renault Captur: Best Alternatives

More drivers are turning to cars like the Captur for something that offers practicality without being too bulky or expensive. The raised driving position gives you a better view of the road, and the sturdy design adds a bit of character. Despite its compact size,  the Captur offers more space inside than most small cars.

That said, the Captur isn’t the only vehicle that does this well. There are plenty of other crossovers that are worth a look.

1. Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke made waves when it launched in 2010 with its bold, quirky design. It has a raised stance, chunky wheel arches, hidden rear door handles, and a coupe-like roofline. Even today, it turns heads.

Inside, it keeps that fun vibe going. The centre console was styled like a motorcycle fuel tank, and some models came with bright colour trims and matching accents.

Practicality isn’t its strong suit. Early models had a small boot, but the rear space felt cramped because of the sloping roof and small windows. A 2014 update improved things slightly, especially in the boot. Still, the Juke’s got charm. It’s nice to drive around town, especially with the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine.

2. Peugeot 2008

The Peugeot 2008 took the basics of the 208 supermini and gave them a crossover twist. It has chunkier looks, raised ride height, and more interior space. It came a little late to the compact SUV party started by the Nissan Juke, but it quickly became a success.

The 130bhp version offers decent pace and good efficiency, though the ride and handling don’t quite match the engine’s enthusiasm. The optional Grip Control system is worth seeking out.

Inside, the small steering wheel and raised instrument cluster, Peugeot’s signature i-Cockpit, give the cabin a unique feel. Some love it, others don’t. The quality’s generally decent.

3. Ford Puma

The Ford Puma is one of Britain’s top-selling cars. It runs on Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, offered with either 125bhp or 155bhp. Both come with mild-hybrid tech to boost fuel economy. The 125bhp version is perfect for everyday use.

On the road, the Puma is everything you’d hope for from Ford—it’s nimble and responsive. It corners with confidence, has sharp steering, and is easy to handle in town thanks to the great visibility and a tight turning circle.

Inside, it borrows much from the latest Fiesta, but it’s more practical, with space that works well for small families. Adults might find the back a bit snug, but kids will be fine, and the boot is cleverly designed and surprisingly roomy.

4. Volkswagen T-Cross

The Volkswagen T‑Cross is like a taller Polo but with more room and a bit more style. Even though it’s compact, it offers good space for passengers and a boot that’s bigger than what you get in a Ford Focus.

Inside, everything feels well-built. Some of the plastics feel a bit cheap for a VW, but overall, it’s a neat and simple layout that’s easy to use.

The T‑Cross is also nice to drive. It feels safe and stable, even on the motorway, and there’s not much road or wind noise. The 1.0-litre petrol engine is the highlight. It’s small but punchy and works really well with the manual gearbox. There is a diesel version, but it’s noisy and doesn’t feel as smooth.

5. Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona has a bold look and comes in a bunch of versions. There’s a regular petrol one, a hybrid, an electric model, and even a sporty version with loads of power if that’s your thing.

Most people will probably go for the 1.0-litre petrol engine. It’s got mild-hybrid tech to help with fuel economy and works well for everyday driving.

The steering feels sharp, and it stays steady through corners. The only downside is that it feels a bit bumpy, especially if you get one with the bigger wheels.

Inside, it’s simple and easy to get used to. The tech is nice, and most models come well-equipped. Space up front is fine, though the back seats are a bit tight, especially for taller adults on longer trips.

Kia Stonic

The Kia Stonic is Kia’s take on the small SUV craze. What you’re getting is a beefed-up version of the Kia Rio with a bit more practicality and a chunkier look.

It’s a good size for city life but can handle longer trips, too, especially if you go for the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It’s small, but it punches above its weight. The diesel is there if you really need it.

Inside, the cabin is neat and tidy, if not very exciting. There’s plenty of space for passengers and a decent boot, too. Just don’t expect a high-up SUV driving position. The Stonic feels more like a regular car to drive.

7. Citroën C3 Aircross

TheCitroën C3 Aircrosshas quirky styling, tons of colour options, and a practical, family-friendly interior. It’s based on the C3 hatch but adds more space and SUV-like features like roof rails, raised ground clearance, and a clever traction control system. However, it’s still front-wheel drive only.

Inside, it’s roomy with space for four adults and a flexible boot that can go from 410 to 520 litres thanks to a sliding rear bench on higher trims. The Shine Plus model is a sweet spot—it adds extras like a reversing camera, keyless entry, and more flexible seating.

The PureTech petrol engines are great, especially the lively and efficient 110bhp version. The diesel is only worth considering for very high-mileage drivers.

SEAT Arona

The SEAT Arona is a comfortable SUV based on the Ibiza platform. It’s great on rough roads, even with sporty suspension and larger wheels. Wind noise can be an issue at higher speeds, especially with roof racks.

It’s similar in size to the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, with 400 litres of boot space. The back seats provide plenty of room for adults on long journeys. The standout engine is the efficient 1.0 TSI with 57.6mpg, which makes it a great alternative to diesel.

The Arona comes with lots of standard equipment, including alloy wheels, two-tone paint, LED lights, and a touchscreen. Higher trims add features like parking sensors and navigation.

Skoda Kamiq

TheSkoda Kamiq shares its platform with the Volkswagen T-Cross and SEAT Arona. However, the Kamiq offers more space inside, with a 400-litre boot that expands to 1,395 litres when the back seats are folded down.

Compared to the Captur, the Kamiq is quieter and more comfortable on the road. It delivers a smooth ride, even with 18-inch wheels. It’s not the sharpest when it comes to handling, but there’s an option for sportier suspension that tightens things up a bit.

Most people will be happy with the 1.0 TSI petrol engine. If you need more power, there’s a 1.5 TSI engine with 150bhp. Both engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox, or you can choose the seven-speed DSG automatic.

Toyota Yaris Cross

The Toyota YarisCross combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to offer excellent fuel economy—up to 64.2mpg.

The line-up starts with the base level Icon trim, but the more popular one is the Design version. It adds alloy wheels, LED headlights, and ambient lighting. There are also higher trims like the Excel and Dynamic, some with four-wheel drive, although this isn’t necessary unless you live in a remote area.

The Yaris Cross is fun to drive, especially in the city, thanks to its quick acceleration. However, its firm suspension will make longer motorway trips less comfortable. So, be mindful of that when choosing higher-spec trims.

Conclusion

Until recently, there weren’t many compact crossovers that excited driving enthusiasts. The higher driving position and modest performance in affordable, small cars meant the focus was mostly on practicality rather than thrills. However, things shifted as new models arrived.

As you’ve just seen, there are some great options out there to compete with the Captur. You can now find the perfect one on Carplus!