LOOKING FOR AN SUV with a budget of €30,000 need not be a struggle.

While you might not find a top-of-the-range large SUV at this price point, there are some small-to-medium SUVs that should meet the needs of many Irish families in terms of space, tech, safety and comfort features.

Here, I’ve picked four SUVs that are family-friendly, with good looks and offer a decent ride quality.

I’ve also tried to pick models that come with plenty of standard kit – so you’ll actually get some bang for your buck.

I’ve tried to keep more crossover-style cars off the list – so you won’t see the Honda HR-V, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Nissan Qashqai, SEAT Ateca, SsangYong Tivoli, Suzuki SX4 S-Cross and Toyota C-HR here even though these models are priced from under €30,000.

1. Dacia Duster (from €17,390, motor tax from €200)

Leon Giblin Leon Giblin

The Dacia Duster is a great value SUV that is spacious and rugged too. The boot can hold 445 litres and the max braked towing weight is 1,400kg. You can get into an all-wheel drive version from €20,890 and the top of the range Prestige models are priced from €21,290.

These models come with plenty of bells and whistles. Even after ticking all the option boxes and adding four-wheel drive, the Duster still comes in under €30,000 at €26,060. Here’s our review of the old model, while a new model has just hit the market.

2. Jeep Compass (from €27,995, motor tax from €200)

FCA FCA

For this price you can get an entry-level Jeep Compass powered by a 120hp 1.6-litre diesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The boot can hold a useful 438 litres and the Compass has a max braked towing weight of 1,000kg. Out on the road the Jeep is refined and soaks up the lumps and bumps of Irish surfaces well. Its styling is a breath of fresh air in this competitive small SUV segment.  

3. Opel Grandland X (from €28,395, motor tax from €190)

Opel Media Opel Media

The Grandland X gets a big thumbs up from me in terms of space and practicality and onboard tech. The cabin is lovely and bright and spacious and there is great visibility all round thanks to the large windows.

You can get a 130hp 1.2-litre petrol or 1.5-litre diesel model both mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in entry-level SC trim for under €30,000. The boot can hold 514 litres and the max braked towing weight for the petrol model is 1,350kg and 1,400kg for the diesel model. Here’s our review.

4. Peugeot 5008 (from €29,345, motor tax from €190)

Dave Humphreys Dave Humphreys

Peugeot has reinvented the 5008 this time around, ditching the MPV bodystyle in favour of the now-more-popular SUV shape. The seven-seater is perfect for larger families and looks great both inside and out. The cabin is one of my favourite aspects and I think it is the best in class in terms of design, quality and features.

The boot can hold 1,060 litres with three rear seats in use and 2,120 litres when all rear seats are folded. There are ISOFIX points on all three seats in the middle row.

For under €30,000 you can have the choice of two engines: a 130hp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol mated to a six-speed manual (max braked towing weight 1,200kg) and a 100hp 1.0-litre BlueHDi diesel with S&S technology paired with a five-speed manual (max braked towing weight 1,100kg). Here’s our review.

READ: Car features to look our for that make city driving and parking easier >

READ: How the UK ‘diesel dump’ is impacting Ireland (and what it means for your car’s resale value) >

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