The Ford Puma is fantastic to drive, well-equipped and keenly priced – especially if you look at a used Puma! But variety is the spice of life, and it’d be boring if we all drove the same car.
So if the big cat small SUV isn’t the perfect car for you, we’ve listed 10 of the best cars that are like a Ford Puma.
Volkswagen Taigo
Better than the Puma for: premium appeal
You might never have heard of the VW Taigo – it’s been a bit lost in the wave of small SUVs. It’s a Polo underneath, so comes with a precisely built interior and a feeling of durability – plus that appealing VW badge on the nose. Impressively, a used Taigo is typically a bit more affordable than a Puma of the same age, too.
Shop used Volkswagen Taigo cars for sale
Peugeot 2008
Better than the Puma for: rear-seat space
The Puma has many talents, but it’s not the most spacious small SUV – its sleek shape cuts into headroom a little and tall adults might feel a little claustrophobic. If you need to carry rear-seat passengers regularly, the squarer, taller Peugeot 2008 will be a better option. The 2008’s back-seat space is quite impressive, and there’s more than enough room whether you’re carrying adults or bulky child seats.
Shop used Peugeot 2008 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 2008 review
MG ZS
Better than the Puma for: value for money
The Ford definitely has more kerb appeal and driver appeal than the MG ZS, but if you’re on a tight budget you’ll be able to get a newer and lower-mileage ZS than you would shopping for a Puma. A modern 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is available, and the ZS offers the must-have equipment like phone mirroring and parking sensors. The ZS is a bigger, more practical car than the Puma, too.
Shop used MG ZS cars for sale or read our MG ZS review
Hyundai Kona
Better than the Puma for: warranty
Ford’s three-year/60,000-mile warranty is the industry standard – and you can always take out an extended warranty to continue the peace of mind once the manufacturer cover has run out. But there are a growing number of cars with longer warranties, including the Hyundai Kona and Kia XCeed. The Kona gets a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, so it’s ideal if you drive a lot of miles a year.
Shop used Hyundai Kona cars for sale
Toyota Yaris Cross
Better than the Puma for: hybrid driving
The Ford Puma might have a conspicuous ‘hybrid’ badge on the bootlid, but its electrification is limited. You’ll probably notice the stop-start system kicking in sooner than you’d expect but, otherwise, it just feels like a normal petrol car. The Toyota Yaris Cross has a larger battery and can do a good chunk of low-speed driving without needing the petrol engine. It promises almost 70mpg without the need to plug in. Read our guides to mild-hybrid engines and hybrid engines.
Shop used Toyota Yaris Cross cars for sale or read our Toyota Yaris Cross review
Jeep Avenger
Better than the Puma for: electric driving
There are a growing number of small electric SUVs – the Kona, ZS and 2008 all come with electric options, and there are more besides – but the Jeep Avenger EV seems like a natural rival to the Puma. Both have similar performance, and both have a similar sense of cheeky fun – the Puma with its delightful handling and willing engine, and the Avenger for its cheery touches like the bassy indicators and ‘easter eggs’ dotted around the car. Officially, the Avenger EV will manage up to 248 miles on a charge, and will cost peanuts if you can charge at home.
Shop used Jeep Avenger cars for sale or read our Jeep Avenger review
Suzuki Vitara
Better than the Puma for: 4x4 ability
Most small SUVs, the Puma included, will never leave the Tarmac. Occasionally mounting a kerb on a high street will be the only off-roading they do. But, if you need a dose of all-wheel-drive capability, you still have a few options. The Suzuki Vitara comes with AllGrip four-wheel drive as an option, plus a perky hybrid petrol engine that’s very economical. There’s also the smaller Ignis and the slightly larger S-Cross – both can be had with AllGrip.
Shop used Suzuki Vitara cars for sale or read our Suzuki Vitara review
Citroen C3 Aircross
Better than the Puma for: comfort
The Puma is set up to be sporty, which is part of the reason why it’s so fun to drive. But if you’d rather have a relaxing car and don’t care about taking corners fast, lean in to a car that prioritises comfort instead. The Citroen C3 Aircross has clever suspension with extra dampers, and squidgy seats with more foam than usual. And, used examples are often cheaper than many other small SUVs.
Shop used Citroen C3 Aircross cars for sale
BMW 1 Series
Better than the Puma for: hot hatch thrills
There’s a hot version of Ford’s small SUV, the Puma ST, and that’s a hoot to drive. Always egging you on to go faster. Consider the BMW 1 Series instead, as the 1 Series offers speedy performance and long-distance motorway comfort in one. The 128ti version is probably closest to the Puma’s driving experience, with front-wheel drive and an entertaining nature, while the range-topping M135i is one of the fastest ways to drive cross-country in any weather.
Shop used BMW 1 Series cars for sale or read our BMW 1 Series review
Skoda Karoq
Better than the Puma for: boot space
If you’re open to a larger SUV without spending any more money, the best option is the Skoda Karoq. Pick a version with the VarioFlex rear seats – that’s anything above SE or SE Technology – and the seats can slide back and forth, or be removed entirely. With the seats in place, there’s up to 588 litres of boot space – over 120 more than the Puma offers – and there’s vastly more rear-seat space too. The Karoq is one of our very favourite SUVs, offering value for money and a dependable, durable feel.
Shop used Skoda Karoq cars for sale or read our Skoda Karoq review
