What are the best large SUVs?

Large SUVs offer a fantastic blend of space, performance and usually cutting-edge features, which makes them a cracking choice for families, those after a more premium driving experience, and – depending on the model – the off-road adventurers among us.

Whether you need a seven-seater for family road trips, an all-terrain powerhouse to clamber over rocks and blast through muddy lanes, or a luxury vehicle packed with technology, the right large SUV can do it all.

In this guide, we’ll have a look through the best large SUVs available today, highlighting their key strengths – and potential drawbacks – to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Why choose a large SUV?

Large SUVs have become increasingly popular with the UK public due to their versatility. Here are a few reasons why they might be the right choice for you:

Ample space

Whether you need room for passengers, luggage, or both, large SUVs, by definition, have large interiors, giving you generous cabin and boot space to spread out in. Some have three rows of seats to accommodate up to seven.

Superior comfort

Bigger cars tend to cost more, and customers feel they can be picky in expecting better features. Many large SUVs offer premium interiors with plush seating and advanced tech.

Safety features

Modern large SUVs include cutting-edge driver-assist features, like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking. Many have more still.

Towing power

A big SUV is often ideal for towing caravans, trailers, boats, horseboxes or anything else you want to lug around the country.

Off-road capability

Not all large SUVs are designed to venture away from the tarmac, but several are, and they’re very good at it. All-wheel drive and lofty ground clearance mean you can tackle some serious terrain.

Best overall large SUV: BMW X7

BMW’s big X7 is perhaps the ultimate blend of luxury, space and performance. As one of the biggest SUVs on the market it has the real estate to offer acres (not literally) of space inside, with three rows of plush seating and a whole Dixons-worth of technology. Yet despite its size it boasts impressive performance, with powerful engines and air suspension that treads a line between cosseting comfort and agility you probably wouldn’t expect. Yes, it’s pricey. No, there’s no plug-in hybrid option. But there’s not much else to find fault with.

Best family-friendly large SUV: Kia Sorento

Features? Yes. Massive warranty? Yes. Very expensive. No! The Kia Sorento is crammed with tech and goodies to make family life easier, but won’t break the bank compared to many other SUVs of a similar size. Petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid power options give you choices, and the seven-year warranty is excellent for general peace of mind. There’s no diesel, which is a shame for those that do lots of long journeys, but otherwise it’s a cracker of a family car.

Best off-road large SUV: Land Rover Defender

If you need to get off the road and into the rough stuff – the really rough stuff, rather than a school field – then look no further than the Land Rover Defender. Recently reimagined from the original, go-anywhere Land Rover that was with us since just after The War, the new Defender brings the tech and luxury levels into the 2020s and pushes even further with the terrain-munching capability. There’s really not much that it can’t do off-road, and on-road it’s got excellent towing capability, a thoroughly premium cabin and a choice of engines, including a plug-in hybrid.

Best luxury large SUV: Audi Q7

Short of stepping into a Bentley or Rolls-Royce, few SUVs will give you a more luxurious interior than the Audi Q7. Spacious, beautifully hewn from fine materials and crammed with the latest tech, it’s a lovely place in which to enjoy a refined, understated ride. There are multiple engine options, including a plug-in hybrid, and while driving one won’t get your adrenaline up, it will be fantastically relaxing. This is a car in which to cross continents. Or do the school run. Your choice.

Best hybrid large SUV: Volvo XC90

If the hybrid Q7 doesn’t appeal, then we recommend the recently refreshed Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid. It’s a Swedish slice of Scandinavian sumptuousness with an electric range of more than 44 miles, and a minimalist interior and loads of safety features. Once again it’s not particularly engaging to drive, but it does have bags of power, which means it can serenely waft up to seven people around like nobody’s business.

Best electric large SUV: Kia EV9

Looking to go fully electric? Check out Kia’s striking EV9, which lives up to its bold design with an impressive battery range of nearly 350 miles, a spacious interior for up to seven and some speedy charging capabilities. Its warranty matches its capacity, too – seven years, seven passengers. It deserves more than seven out of 10, though – it’s an EV nine out of 10 from us.

Which is right for you?

Not sure whether to go for a large or mid-sized SUV? Well, consider their differences. Large SUVs give you more room for passengers and cargo, making them ideal for bigger families or those who need substantial towing power. They typically come with stronger engines and better off-road capability, but they’re also generally pricier and more thirsty for fuel.

On the other hand, mid-sized SUVs offer a more compact design that’s easier to park, with better fuel efficiency and zippier handling. That’s great for city driving and those on a tighter budget. If you prioritise space and performance, then a large SUV could be the better choice, whereas a mid-sized SUV may suit you better if practicality and economy are at the top of your priorities list.

Budget-friendly large SUVs

Not all large SUVs will scare your bank manager. It’s possible to get lots of space without splashing out big money. We particularly recommend checking out:

Skoda Kodiaq

Spacious, well-equipped and packed with clever features to make family life less stressful. The Kodiaq comes with either five or seven seats and a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power.

Peugeot 5008

A seven-seater with efficient petrol and hybrid engine options and eye-catching looks. There’s an electric version too – the e-5008 – which will be cheaper to run, although pricier to buy.

Nissan X-Trail

Hybrid tech, seven seats and a competitive price tag. Fuel economy is excellent in the X-Trail, and it drives well too.