Selling Your Ford Puma? Here Are The 5 Best Alternatives To Buy
The Ford Puma is the driver's choice in the compact SUV class, but strong rivals offer different takes on style and practicality. Discover five great alternatives to your fun and frugal Ford.
The Ford Puma quickly established itself as the king of the compact SUV class for keen drivers. Its blend of agile, fun handling, efficient mild-hybrid engines, and the brilliantly practical MegaBox boot makes it a fantastic all-rounder. But the market is flooded with talented rivals that challenge the Puma in different areas. If you're ready to sell your Puma, here are five excellent alternatives that offer unique strengths, from premium interiors to supreme comfort and practicality.
1. Nissan Juke: The Style Leader
If you were drawn to the Puma's sharp looks, the Nissan Juke offers its own distinctive, head-turning style. The second-generation model is a huge step up in quality from the original, with a smart, comfortable, and well-equipped cabin. While it doesn't handle with the same sparkle as the Puma, it offers a comfortable and refined drive. It's a great choice for those who value style and comfort, and the Juke Hybrid is an excellent, efficient option.
Which Model to Look For:
N-Connecta trim hits the sweet spot of price and equipment, but top-spec Tekna and Tekna+ models feel very premium with Bose speakers built into the headrests.
Best Engines for Used Buyers:
The 1.0-litre DIG-T petrol engine is punchy and economical. The self-charging Hybrid model is the star, though, offering smooth, quiet running around town and excellent fuel economy without the need to plug in.
Buyer's Checklist:
Check the large alloy wheels on high-spec models for any kerb damage. The infotainment system should be responsive and easy to connect your phone to. On hybrid models, ensure the transition between electric and petrol power is smooth.
2. Renault Captur: The Versatile and Plush One
The Renault Captur, which shares its foundations with the Juke, focuses on a chic interior and supreme versatility. The cabin quality is excellent for this class, with soft-touch materials and a stylish design. Its key feature is a sliding rear seat bench, which is a game-changer for practicality, allowing you to maximise either boot space or rear legroom. It's more comfortable and relaxing to drive than the Puma, making it a fantastic and flexible family car.
Which Model to Look For:
S Edition and R.S. Line models have the best equipment, including the larger portrait-style touchscreen that dominates the dashboard.
Best Engines for Used Buyers:
The TCe petrol engines are strong performers. The E-Tech Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models are the highlights, offering fantastically low running costs and a smooth, refined driving experience, especially in town.
Buyer's Checklist:
Check the large touchscreen is responsive and all menus work correctly. Test the sliding rear seat mechanism to ensure it moves smoothly through its full range. The interior has lots of piano black plastic, so check for scratches.
3. Volkswagen T-Roc: The Grown-Up German
The VW T-Roc brings a dose of premium, big-car feel to the compact SUV class. It feels incredibly solid and refined on the move, with a comfortable ride and that reassuring sense of quality that Volkswagens are known for. While it's not as nimble as the Puma, it feels stable and secure. It’s the choice for a buyer who wants a more mature and sophisticated-feeling car that's just as stylish but a little more understated.
Which Model to Look For:
The 2022 facelift significantly improved the interior quality with plusher, soft-touch plastics. Design trim is a great all-rounder, while R-Line adds a sporty look similar to the Puma ST-Line.
Best Engines for Used Buyers:
The 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol engine is the pick of the range, offering a superb blend of smooth performance and economy. The 1.0-litre TSI is fine for town use, while the 2.0 TDI diesel is an economical workhorse for high-mileage drivers.
Buyer's Checklist:
The DSG automatic gearbox should have a record of regular servicing. On pre-facelift cars, the hard interior plastics can be prone to rattles, so listen carefully on a test drive. Check the infotainment system for any software glitches.
4. Peugeot 2008: The Premium French Choice
With its sabre-toothed front lights and sculpted sides, the Peugeot 2008 is a real head-turner. The drama continues inside with the futuristic i-Cockpit, which features a small steering wheel, 3D digital dials, and high-quality materials. It feels more expensive than it is. The focus is on comfort and style rather than outright handling fun, offering a relaxing and quiet driving experience. For those who want to make a style statement, the 2008 is a top contender.
Which Model to Look For:
Allure Premium and GT trims are the most desirable, as they come with the impressive 3D i-Cockpit and larger infotainment screen. The all-electric e-2008 is also available and very popular.
Best Engines for Used Buyers:
The 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine, particularly in 130ps form, is excellent and suits the car well. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is a smooth and desirable addition. The electric e-2008 is perfect for city life.
Buyer's Checklist:
The main thing to check is that you get on with the i-Cockpit driving position; it’s essential to take a proper test drive. Check all the stylish switches and infotainment functions work correctly. On the e-2008, check the battery health and charging cable is present.
5. Toyota Yaris Cross: The Unbeatable Fuel Sipper
If you are tired of the Puma's fuel bills, however small, the Toyota Yaris Cross offers a solution. Its super-efficient self-charging hybrid system delivers phenomenal real-world miles per gallon, especially around town. It does this while providing chunky SUV looks, a surprisingly spacious cabin, and the option of all-wheel drive. For maximum economy and peace of mind from Toyota's legendary reliability and long warranty, the Yaris Cross is in a class of its own.
Which Model to Look For:
Design trim is the sweet spot in the range, getting you alloy wheels and the all-important larger touchscreen. Excel and Dynamic trims offer more luxuries and rugged styling touches.
Best Engines for Used Buyers:
The choice is simple, as every Yaris Cross comes with the same excellent 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system. Your only decision is whether to go for the standard front-wheel-drive or the AWD-i model for extra winter security.
Buyer's Checklist:
There are no major known faults. A full Toyota service history is the key to maintaining the balance of the 10-year 'Relax' warranty. The engine can be noisy under hard acceleration due to the CVT gearbox, which is a normal characteristic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more reliable, a Ford Puma or a Renault Captur?
Both cars have good modern reliability records. The Ford Puma's mild-hybrid EcoBoost engines are well-regarded, while the Renault Captur's engines are used across many models. A comprehensive service history is the most important factor for ensuring reliability in either car.
Is the Volkswagen T-Roc bigger than a Ford Puma?
The T-Roc and Puma are very close in overall dimensions. The T-Roc's more traditional SUV shape gives it a slight edge on rear headroom, but the Ford Puma's clever MegaBox gives it a much larger and more flexible boot, making it more practical for carrying bulky items.
Why is the Toyota Yaris Cross so economical?
The Yaris Cross uses Toyota's highly-developed self-charging hybrid system. It pairs an efficient petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, allowing the car to run on silent electric power at low speeds, such as in traffic or car parks. This significantly reduces fuel consumption, particularly for town and city driving.
“Most people aren’t aware that consignment, where a dealer sells your car for you, is even an option. It's the hassle-free way to get the best price without the risks of a private sale.”
Sell Your Ford Puma on Consignment with Apany
Found your next car? Skip the hassle of private listings or undervalued trade-ins. Apany connects you with trusted UK dealers who can sell your Ford Puma on your behalf, offering a secure and transparent alternative.
It’s simple: list your car, set your price, and let vetted dealers handle the sale. You stay in control, with no upfront fees and minimal stress. Visit apany.co.uk/sell to get started.
