Skip advert
Advertisement

Small SUV of the Year 2024: Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is the 2024 Auto Express Small SUV of the Year, with the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger commended

The Dacia Duster has always been an honest, dependable, no-nonsense family car. But the latest one wraps up everything that was great about the old model into a more modern package.

Don’t worry – the Duster hasn’t suddenly morphed into a 400bhp, electric-only behemoth with a dashboard-spanning infotainment system and luxurious Nappa leather seats, with an asking price to match. This is still an affordable small SUV that’ll make light work of the school run, weekly shop or longer trips – and even occasional off-roading. The Dacia brand has a clear understanding of its niche, and the latest Duster builds on that.

There’s now a hybrid engine with a slick automatic gearbox, but to us that detracts slightly from what the Duster is good at. Keep things simple (see our choice, below) and you’ll be getting into the true spirit of all things Dacia.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Thing is, despite its billing as a compact crossover, it’s still a brilliantly practical car. There’s loads of space inside for the kids, and the boot should swallow everything a growing family might need for a weekend away. It’s sprightly enough, economical and, of course, cheap to buy or lease. 

That spacious interior has been pulled bang up to date, too, with a digital interface that not only looks slick, but is easy for all to use and filled with functionality. The controls have been honed, but the driver and passengers remain right at the very centre of the experience.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

If you’re searching for your next family car and aren’t swayed by a premium badge or endless features, the Dacia Duster is an ideal choice.

Our choice

Dacia Duster Journey TCe 130 4x2 (£22,500 est)

Basic is best when it comes to the Dacia Duster. While the hybrid version is capable enough, it’s not dramatically more efficient than the turbocharged petrol unit, so stick with that and you’ll have one of the most accomplished small family cars on sale.

Commended

Hyundai Kona

Our outgoing Car of the Year is still an ace buy, whether you’re after an electric car or something more affordable. It looks like something from 10 years in the future and has the powertrains to match. Efficient, affordable, and big enough to be a small family’s only car, the Hyundai Kona continues to impress.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Jeep Avenger

The Jeep Avenger came close to toppling the Kona for overall honours last year, and since then, the EV-only line-up has been bolstered by an affordable petrol model and a fuel-sipping hybrid. There’s even a 4x4 version on the way to help boost the SUV’s off-road abilities; the smallest Jeep on sale is also the very best.

You can find all the information on our New Car Awards 2024 winners and the reasons why we chose them on the pages below. Just follow the links to read more…

New Car Awards 2024: the winners

Special edition of Auto Express

Auto Express Issue 1,838

For the full New Car Awards experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special 2024 New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which is available in shops now.

Subscribe to Auto Express magazine

You can buy individual issues of Auto Express or subscribe for even bigger discounts on the print magazine cover price. You can also subscribe or download individual issues of our digital edition direct to your desktop, phone or tablet as well.

Stay right up to date with the latest from the world of cars in 2024 and beyond, subscribe to our email newsletter and follow us on social media...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best cars for dog owners to buy 2025
Best cars for dog owners - header image

Best cars for dog owners to buy 2025

Our dogs deserve the best, so here are the cars that’ll keep their tails wagging
Best cars & vans
27 Mar 2025
Best small 4x4s 2025: compare small 4WD cars
Best small 4x4s - header image for February 2025 update

Best small 4x4s 2025: compare small 4WD cars

Need off-road capability in a compact package? Take a look the best small 4x4s
Best cars & vans
26 Feb 2025
Best new car deals: 15 top offers chosen for you
Best new car deals - February 2025 header image

Best new car deals: 15 top offers chosen for you

Fancy a brand new car and want to pay for it monthly, but don’t know where to start? We’ve scoured the very best offers available right now.
Best cars & vans
21 Feb 2025
Three car garage: £30k for a Mercedes E-Class, Abarth 595 and Dacia Duster
Three-car garage for under £30,000

Three car garage: £30k for a Mercedes E-Class, Abarth 595 and Dacia Duster

There's £30,000 to spend, and three parking spaces to fill. We take a look into the depths of the Auto Express used car classifieds to see what we can…
Features
21 Feb 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: BYD Seal – signed, sealed and delivered for less than £305 a month
BYD Seal - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: BYD Seal – signed, sealed and delivered for less than £305 a month

The BYD Seal is a Tesla Model 3 rival, and a very good one at that. It’s our Deal of the Day for 31 March
News
31 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hybrid-powered Peugeot 3008 for £208 per month
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: Hybrid-powered Peugeot 3008 for £208 per month

Peugeot’s sharply styled and hybrid-powered family car can be leased for as little as £208 per month in this deal
News
30 Mar 2025
Skoda Enyaq review
Skoda Enyaq 85 - front

Skoda Enyaq review

If you're looking for an all-electric family SUV that will fit effortlessly into daily life, the Skoda Enyaq is an excellent choice
In-depth reviews
31 Mar 2025