What are the best SUVs?

To say that SUVs are popular is an understatement – no less than seven of the UK’s 10 best-selling new cars in the UK in 2023 were SUVs. It’s easy to see why they’re so popular when the best SUVs have a desirable image, commanding driving position and a practical interior. There are a wealth of different models to choose from, too, with an SUV to suit just about every budget or lifestyle.

How we chose these cars

So how do you go about finding the best SUV for you? Here, we’ve used our expertise to gather together what we think are the top ten used SUVs on the market right now. We’ve considered things like practicality, driving appeal, quality, safety features and value for money. Overall, we’re looking for cars that deliver on fitness for purpose and we’ve included cars to suit a range of budgets and needs. Here, in no particular order, are our recommendations for the best SUVs you can buy.

1. Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai has been one of the UK’s best-selling cars since the first model was introduced in 2006. Its appeal is obvious – it’s stylish, comfortable, packed with cool tech features and offers excellent value for money. 

The version we’re recommending is the latest model, which was introduced in 2021 and updated with a sharp new look (as pictured) for 2024. It has an interior that’s roomy and easy to get in and out of, with useful extra boot space compared with its predecessors. Most versions have support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 360-degree camera that gives you a birds-eye view of the car on the centre screen. In theory it means you can park like a pro every time, even in the tightest of spaces.

2. Volvo XC90

If you’ve got a large family, space and safety features are likely to be two key requirements for   your car: the Volvo XC90 has an abundance of both. This big seven-seater has been around for a while but it still looks great and has a luxurious interior that oozes Scandi chic.

It’s silky-smooth and relaxing to drive and all versions have four-wheel drive. As with most Volvos, it has seats that are probably more comfortable and supportive than your favourite armchair. Some versions are heavy on fuel, but there’s a plug-in hybrid version that has an official average of more than 130mpg.

3. Skoda Enyaq

It wasn’t long ago that you could count the number of electric SUVs on one hand – now there are oodles of them and the Skoda Enyaq is one of the best. Like so many of Skoda’s cars it gives you more space than many similar models, yet costs less to buy. 

The Enyaq is a great family car, offering a huge amount of interior space and a boot that’s bigger than you’ll find in many estate cars. It’s also so smooth and quiet to travel in that long family trips should be calm and relaxing. Well, in theory. At least running out of battery charge shouldn’t be something you have to worry about – the official maximum range is between just over 230 to nearly 350 miles, depending on which version you go for.

4. Renault Captur

Compact, cost-effective and practical, the Renault Captur is one of the best small SUVs. It’s only slightly larger than small hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta and very easy to park, yet the Captur has room for four adults to sit comfortably inside.The boot is especially large, and there’s a sliding rear seat that means you can prioritise back-seat legroom or load space depending on whether you’re nipping to the tip or taking the kids to football practice. 

All versions – especially the hybrid model – give great mpg and prices are very competitive. You get lots of kit for your money, with the post-2019 model (pictured) having a stylish touchscreen and powerful LED headlights as standard. And colourful? Well the Captur is available in a range of bold paint options, many with a contrasting roof.

5. Land Rover Defender 110

The Land Rover Defender is the OG of SUVs. Incredibly, it can trace its roots back to the first Land Rover of 1948. Like its ancestor, the latest Defender is a ‘proper’ off-roader that has the hardware to get you across any terrain. The two cars are worlds apart in terms of tech, of course, because today’s Defender is a large, high-end SUV that’s packed with up-to-the-minute features.  

The ‘110’ version is the mid-size Defender (shorter and longer versions also available) yet it’s a massive car, with seating for up to seven in an interior that blends creature comforts with family-friendly wipe clean surfaces. Finding a parking space for such a big car can be a challenge, but take comfort in the fact that all versions have parking sensors and the view from the elevated driving position is top notch!

6. MG ZS EV

The appeal of the MG ZS EV is simple – it’s a pure-electric SUV that has enough space for the family and costs the same as, or even less than, a petrol or diesel equivalent. While the most cost-effective versions have a fairly small battery range, the higher-spec models will give you 273 miles with a fully charged battery, according to official figures. 

We’re not going to claim that the ZS EV has the most premium interior but it’s sturdy and spacious and the dashboard – with its large central touchscreen – is easy to use. Most versions have some handy gadgets, including a 360-degree parking camera, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless device charger.

7. Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 might not be the most exciting SUV around but it does everything so well that it’s very easy to recommend. At heart, the Q5 is a high-quality family car with a roomy, top-quality interior that pampers everyone on board. It’s a bit like a mobile health spa, really. 

As well offering lots of headroom and legroom the Q5 has a 40/20/40 split rear seat back (most cars have a 60/40 split) that makes it especially versatile and most versions have a sliding rear seat to suit different needs. Very handy if you want to throw a child’s bike in the boot but still have a back-seat passenger. Every Q5 has four-wheel drive; combined with a smooth ride and powerful engines it makes it a relaxing, reassuring car to drive.

8. Peugeot 5008

When is an SUV not an SUV? When it’s the Peugeot 5008. Ok, we’re joking, but it’s fair to say that the Peugeot 5008 has many of the qualities of a great MPV (also known as a people carrier) disguised within a stylish SUV body. There are seven individual seats, for starters, as well as three Isofix child seat mounting points across the second row – most SUVs only have them for the outer two seats. Fold away the two rear seats and you’ve got a boot large enough for even the largest family dog to stretch out in.

As well as being very practical, the 5008’s interior has a real wow factor thanks to its futuristic design and smart materials. The two-tier dashboard layout and unusually small steering wheel take some getting used to, but the 5008 is easy to drive and its engines all give excellent fuel economy.

9. BMW X1

BMW makes some great SUVs but its smallest one – the BMW X1 – gets our vote here. While it’s comparatively compact (it’s about the same size as a Nissan Qashqai) it gives you the premium look and feel you expect of a BMW and there’s lots of space inside. The rear seat back folds in a 40/20/40 split to give you extra versatility.

Like many BMWs, the X1 is more fun to drive than many of its rivals, feeling nimble and well controlled and giving you lots of confidence in tricky conditions or on an unfamiliar road. The latest BMW X1 (pictured) was introduced in 2022. It’s full of advanced features but the previous model is similarly well-equipped, cheaper to buy and just as appealing overall.

10. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is another family SUV in the mould of the Nissan Qashqai and it too is one of the UK’s best-selling cars. Distinctive design is one of the Kia’s selling points, especially with the latest model (pictured), which was introduced in 2022. It’s also excellent value, with keen prices and more standard features than many similar cars. 

The interior is spacious and has a high-tech look and feel. The Sportage feels built to withstand family life and it gives you the reassurance of Kia’s longer-than-average warranty. The car is covered for seven years or 100,000 miles from new (whichever comes first), whereas many similar cars have a three-year/60,000 mile warranty.