The Sport Utility Vehicle, or SUV, has become the go-to choice for a vast number of drivers, and it's easy to see why. Offering a blend of practicality, a high driving position, and rugged styling, these cars are designed to cope with the varied demands of modern life. Whether you're navigating the school run, tackling a weekly shop, or heading out on a family holiday, an SUV provides the space and versatility that many standard hatchbacks and saloons struggle to match. With generous boot space, flexible seating arrangements, and easy access, they are built to handle everything from muddy wellies to trips to the tip.
The modern SUV market is incredibly diverse, catering to almost every need and budget. You'll find compact models like the Ford Puma that are fun to drive and cheap to run, as well as spacious seven-seaters like the Peugeot 5008 that are perfect for larger families. The choice of powertrains is equally broad, with efficient petrol and diesel engines, advanced plug-in hybrids, and fully electric options like the Skoda Enyaq. This variety means there's an SUV out there for everyone, from those seeking premium luxury and off-road capability in a Range Rover to those prioritising everyday comfort and usability in a Skoda Karoq.
The cars in this guide have been carefully selected to represent the very best of the SUV market. Our recommendations are not based on expert opinion alone. Instead, we combine our detailed road tests with real-world owner reviews and in-depth analysis of the CarGurus UK marketplace. This unique approach allows us to identify the models that not only excel in performance and practicality but also deliver long-term satisfaction and represent a smart purchase, highlighting those with the highest percentage of good or great deals available.
- 1. 2025 Kia Sportage
- 2. 2025 Skoda Karoq
- 3. 2025 Ford Puma
- 4. 2025 Skoda Enyaq
- 5. 2025 Range Rover
- 6. 2025 BMW X1
- 7. 2025 Peugeot 5008
- 8. 2025 Volvo XC60
- 9. 2025 Porsche Macan
- 10. 2025 Land Rover Defender
1. 2025 Kia Sportage
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide range of powertrains | Divisive styling |
| Superb infotainment | Ford Kuga is better to drive |
| Well equipped | Top-spec models are very pricey |
The Kia Sportage is one of the UK's best-selling cars for good reason, offering standout styling and excellent family-focused practicality. Inside, passengers in the rear get plenty of legroom, while the boot is a useful square shape with up to 591 litres capacity in the petrol model. The rear seats split-fold in a versatile 40:20:40 configuration, leaving a flat floor when down, which is perfect for trips to the tip. The cabin is also impressively finished, with plenty of clever storage solutions for the odds and ends of family life. On the road, the Sportage strikes a great balance between a comfortable ride and engaging handling, making it a superb all-rounder for any journey.
The popular full hybrid model delivers a healthy 235bhp, providing smooth and effortless performance, while the standard 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol is also a solid choice. As of the 2025 facelift, all models come equipped with a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a host of active safety systems. This combination of practicality, technology, and driving comfort makes the Sportage a top contender in the crowded family SUV market.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Kia Sportage is bold enough to stand out from the crowd, features a smart interior, and has all the practicality you could expect from a five-seat family SUV." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Kia Sportage review
2. 2025 Skoda Karoq
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 26.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very roomy and practical | Slightly bland styling |
| Pleasant interior | Some issues with 1.5 petrol engine |
| Comfortable on the road | Some rivals are more fun |
As an all-rounder, the Karoq is about as good as family SUVs get. It sits between the smaller Kamiq and the larger Kodiaq in Skoda's range, offering a fantastic blend of space and usability. The cabin is extremely well made, with excellent headroom and legroom for adults in the front and back. Practicality is its strongest suit, especially on models equipped with Varioflex rear seats; these three individual seats can slide, fold, or be removed completely to create a van-like 1,810 litres of luggage space. Even with the standard fixed rear seats, the boot capacity is a generous 521 litres, which compares very favourably to rivals.
Four-wheel-drive versions benefit from a more sophisticated rear suspension that further improves ride quality. The engine lineup is sensible and effective, with the entry-level 113bhp 1.0-litre petrol being surprisingly lively for its size. For those who undertake regular long journeys, the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol offers a better balance of power and efficiency. Step up from the base SE Edition and there are also 2.0-litre petrol and diesel options, both with standard four-wheel-drive. Every model received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, with automatic emergency braking fitted as standard across the range, reinforcing its credentials as a superb family vehicle.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Karoq may not be the most exciting car to look at, but it's a great car to live with." - David Motton, contributor
Read our full Skoda Karoq review
3. 2025 Ford Puma
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 3.9 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.1% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very practical, especially the big boot | Rear headroom could be more generous |
| Generous standard equipment | Short new-car warranty |
| Petrol and electric options | Other electric SUVs have longer ranges |
The Ford Puma proves that a compact SUV doesn't have to be a compromise. Despite being based on the Fiesta, its practicality is outstanding. The boot is a class-leading 456 litres in mild-hybrid models, but the real party trick is the ‘MegaBox’ hidden under the floor – an 80-litre waterproof compartment with a plug, perfect for stashing muddy wellies. If you opt for the all-electric Puma Gen-E, that space grows even larger, contributing to a total boot capacity of 523 litres, which is more than you’ll find in many larger SUVs. While rear headroom is a little tight for the tallest adults, access is easy and there’s plenty of space for children, making it a brilliant small family car.
It’s not just practical, either; the Puma is arguably the best-driving car in its class. Whether you choose the fizzy 1.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine with 123bhp or 153bhp, or the new 165bhp electric Gen-E, the Puma is genuinely fun and engaging on a twisty road. Running costs are another strong point. The petrol models can achieve around 48-52mpg, while the Puma Gen-E has a range of up to 233 miles, and is a fantastic choice for company car drivers thanks to low tax rates. Ford’s ‘Power Promise’ for the Gen-E, which includes free servicing and a home charger, also makes it one of the most affordable electric family cars to run.
The CarGurus Verdict: "In a class that’s full of unimaginative crossovers, the Puma really is a breath of fresh air, being fun to drive yet still practical thanks to the enormous boot space." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Ford Puma review
4. 2025 Skoda Enyaq
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good value relative to EV rivals | Standard equipment could be better |
| Spacious interior and boot | Some issues with touchscreens on early models |
| Comfortable ride | Sporty vRS model not very exciting |
The Skoda Enyaq is a fantastic family SUV that makes a big impact in the world of electric cars. As you’d expect from Skoda, it’s hugely practical, with a massive 585-litre boot in the standard SUV model and limo-like space for rear passengers. The interior feels classy and well put-together, with a minimalist design and a large 13.0-inch touchscreen as standard. It’s an impressively calm and hushed car to travel in, with a comfortable ride that does a great job of smothering craggy surfaces, even on large alloy wheels.
On the road, the Enyaq is relaxing and easy to drive, feeling confident and unflappable both in city traffic and on the motorway. Buyers can choose between two battery sizes: a 59kWh model (badged '60') with 201bhp, and an 77kWh version (badged '85') with 281bhp or more. There's also the flagship vRS, which boasts a punchy 335bhp – enough to reach 62mph from standstill in 5.4 seconds. The larger battery offers an official WLTP range of up to 354 miles, though a real-world range of 280-300 miles in warm weather is a more realistic expectation. Despite some desirable equipment being optional, the Enyaq represents great value for an electric car with this level of space and practicality.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It’s spacious, comfortable, quiet, feels classy and is a tidy, well-judged drive. More than that, it’s great value for an electric car with this range and level of practicality." - Matt Rigby, contributor
Read our full Skoda Enyaq review
5. 2025 Range Rover
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wonderful to drive | Infotainment could be more responsive |
| Opulent interior | Historically shaky reliability record |
| Hugely roomy and practical | Pricey to buy and run |
The Range Rover has long been the benchmark for luxury SUVs, blending peerless off-road capability with lavish comfort. This latest generation elevates that formula, positioning itself as a credible rival to ultra-premium models from brands like Bentley. It’s hugely practical, with the standard five-seat model offering a vast 818 litres of boot space, while a long-wheelbase version introduces a seven-seat layout for the first time. The cabin is immensely spacious, and the signature ‘command’ driving position provides excellent visibility, making it a supremely comfortable long-distance cruiser.
The driving experience is nothing short of sublime. The D350 diesel engine provides both acceleration and refinement, while standard air suspension and all-wheel steering deliver a serene ride and a surprisingly tight turning circle. Engine options are plentiful, ranging from smooth six-cylinder petrols and diesels to potent plug-in hybrids (P440e and P510e) offering up to 70 miles of pure-electric range, and a powerful 523bhp V8. Inside, technology gets a big upgrade with a crisp 13.1-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen, though it can sometimes require a firm press to respond.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Range Rover is a truly sumptuous, delightful thing to drive and sit in; it absolutely feels like the six-figure car that it is." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Range Rover review
6. 2025 BMW X1
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautifully appointed interior | Ride slightly firmer than some rivals |
| Brilliant on space and practicality | Higher-end models are expensive |
| Pleasant to drive | Too much desirable kit costs extra |
The latest BMW X1 has grown, making it a more practical family SUV than ever before and a rival for cars like the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. Its practicality is a standout feature, with a roomy cabin and a versatile rear bench that slides and reclines to balance passenger and boot space. The boot itself is a generous 540 litres in petrol and diesel models, which is larger than many key alternatives. Inside, the X1 boasts one of the classiest interiors in the segment, with a modern design, high-quality materials, and a slick curved infotainment screen. It feels plush and user-friendly, with plenty of space for passengers in the front and back.
There’s an engine for every need in the X1 lineup, from efficient diesels to punchy petrols, advanced plug-in hybrids and fully electric options (designated iX1). The 215bhp xDrive23i mild-hybrid petrol model feels particularly lively, giving the X1 an almost hot-hatch-like character, while the entry-level sDrive18d diesel is smooth and responsive enough for everyday driving. While the ride can be firm at lower speeds, the X1 handles with a sporty edge, feeling planted and confident on winding roads. However, buyers should be aware that many desirable features, such as heated seats and adaptive LED headlights, are bundled into expensive optional packs.
The CarGurus Verdict: "TIt is satisfyingly confident on the road, there’s an engine for every lifestyle, great roominess and practicality, and one of the classiest interiors of any premium family SUV." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
7. 2025 Peugeot 5008
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning interior | Entry-level petrol engine isn’t great |
| Spacious and practical | Neither is the ride-and-handling balance |
| Good standard equipment | Rubbish warranty offering |
The Peugeot 5008 cleverly blends the fashionable, rugged looks of an SUV with the family-friendly versatility of an MPV. Its standout feature is a highly practical interior, complete with a sliding middle row of seats so that passengers can give up legroom for those in the third row. With all seats in use, boot space is a useful 348 litres, growing to 916 litres in five-seat mode.
A huge 21.0-inch curved display is the centrepiece of the interior, combining the driver’s instruments and central touchscreen (itself complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). A wide range of powertrains includes mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and two fully electric options. We'd avoid the entry-level 134bhp 1.2-litre mild hybrid, which can overwhelmed by the car's size. The plug-in hybrid (with up to 55 miles of electric-only range) or the all-electric e-5008 models are better bets. When it comes to the EV models, the standard-range version offers up to 310 miles, while the long-range boasts up to an impressive 414 miles on a single charge.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you’ve fallen for the smart looks and swanky interior, and you care much less about dynamic polish, then this is a very pleasant do-it-all family car." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Peugeot 5008 SUV review
8. 2025 Volvo XC60
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Classy styling inside and out | No seven-seat option |
| Strong engine range | Not exciting to drive |
| Practical enough for family use | Expensive to buy |
The Volvo XC60 has firmly established itself as a premium mid-size SUV, competing with top German rivals thanks to its exceptional interior quality and distinctive Scandinavian design. Inside, you'll find top-quality plastics, rich leather, and real wood and metal accents, creating a genuinely classy environment. There's space for a family of four, though a seven-seat option isn't available. Comfort is the XC60's greatest strength; it’s one of the smoothest cars in its class, gliding over bumps and making long motorway journeys wonderfully relaxing. Boot space is reasonable at 483 litres for mild-hybrid models, which is enough for most families but slightly less than some key rivals.
Over its lifespan, the XC60 has been offered with a wide array of engines, including efficient diesels, mild-hybrid petrols, and potent plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), but only the latter two are available now. The PHEV models, such as the powerful 451bhp T8, offer brisk acceleration, though do note that opting for this powertrain reduces boot space slightly to 468 litres.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The XC60 is an upmarket, cosseting and largely family-friendly SUV that hits the spot where it matters most. However, if you’re after a car that’ll put the ‘sport’ into ‘sport utility vehicle’, then to be frank, this isn’t it..." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volvo XC60 review
9. 2025 Porsche Macan
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A genuinely sporty SUV | Tight on rear-seat space |
| Strong residuals | Petrol models are thirsty |
| Superbly made cabin | You can buy more practical SUVs for less |
The Porsche Macan set out to be the most athletic SUV in its class, and it succeeded by delivering class-leading roadholding and a responsive, engaging driving experience that makes it feel more like a sports saloon. All models are all-wheel drive, with engine choices ranging from a lively 261bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder to a powerful twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 with 375bhp in the S and 434bhp in the GTS. The new Macan Electric expands the range, with a 100kWh battery that's good for up to 398 miles of range. As a bonus, the electric Macan also gets a larger boot with 540 litres capacity. While the ride is firmer than some rivals, it remains forgiving enough for daily use and is a refined long-distance cruiser. This isn't a light car, but it hides its weight well, changing direction eagerly and gripping the road with determination.
Inside, the Macan impresses with a first-class cabin, high-quality materials, and a comfortable, multi-adjustable driving position. The trade-off for its sporty proportions is a shortage of legroom for tall adults in the back. The boot offers a competitive 488 litres of luggage space, though the high floor can make loading heavy items a challenge. While strong residual values are a plus, buyers should be aware that Porsche servicing costs are among the most expensive for any manufacturer. Fuel economy is also a consideration, with even the most efficient petrol likely to return less than 30mpg.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Whether or not the Porsche Macan is for you depends on one of several things, but the most significant is arguably how important it is to drive an SUV that feels sporty on the road." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Porsche Macan review
10. 2025 Land Rover Defender
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 0% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Combines utility and luxury | The three-door 90 has a tiny boot |
| Superb to drive if you leave Tarmac behind | Expensive to buy and run |
| Sophisticated and comfortable on the road | Land Rover's poor reputation for reliability might make you think twice |
Replacing an icon is never easy, but the latest Land Rover Defender successfully blends its legendary, utilitarian heritage with the modern comforts and technology today’s SUV buyers demand. It is a sophisticated family SUV that offers a comfortable and quiet ride on the motorway, yet remains a formidably capable 4x4 off-road. Thanks to features like air suspension and a suite of off-road driving modes called Terrain Response, the Defender is more than ready to tackle everything from wading through water to crawling over rocky terrain.
It’s also good to drive on the road, with light steering and precise handling that make it feel both wieldy in town and agile on a flowing B-road. Practicality is a strong suit, especially with the long-wheelbase 110 and the even larger 130 models. The 110 can be configured with seven seats, while the enormous 130 offers seating for eight and a vast 2,516 litres of luggage space with the seats folded down. A wide range of engines is available, from the 296bhp plug-in petrol hybrid to the brawny 419bhp P425 V8. Covering the diesel options are the 246bhp D250 and 345bhp D350 mild hybrid variants. However, be prepared for upmarket running costs in general, with diesel models returning just over 30mpg and powerful petrols in the low-20s, plus potentially expensive servicing.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Owners will discover a characterful car that blends a certain degree of utilitarianism with genuine day-to-day usability, a good deal of luxury and comfort (of a kind that early Defender drivers simply would not recognise) plus mature on-road manners and peerless off-road ability." - Dan Prosser, car reviewer
Read our full Land Rover Defender review
Best SUV FAQs
Which SUV is best for a large family?
For those needing maximum space, the Peugeot 5008 is an excellent choice. It cleverly combines SUV styling with the practicality of an MPV, offering three individual seats in the second row and two more in the third. The Land Rover Defender, particularly in its 110 (seven-seat) or 130 (eight-seat) configurations, is another fantastic, albeit more expensive, option for large families who also need off-road capability.
Are there any good electric SUVs?
Yes, the electric SUV market is growing rapidly. The Skoda Enyaq is a standout choice, offering a spacious and practical interior, a comfortable ride, and a real-world range of up to 300 miles with the larger battery option. It represents great value for its size. The Ford Puma Gen-E is a great compact electric SUV, while the BMW iX1 (the electric version of the X1) provides a premium feel and a sporty driving experience. Other options to consider include the Kia EV9 (for a larger seven-seater), or the Vauxhall Frontera for something smaller and much more affordable.
What is the most practical compact SUV?
There's an argument to say that the Ford Puma is the most practical SUV in the compact class. Despite its small footprint, it boasts a large boot and the ingenious 'MegaBox' underfloor storage compartment, which is perfect for messy items. The Skoda Karoq is another top contender for practicality, especially models with the versatile Varioflex rear seats that can slide, fold, or be removed entirely. The Vauxhall Frontera and Citroen C3 Aircross meanwhile demonstrate how it's possible to have a small and affordable SUV and still cram in seven seats.
Which SUV offers the most luxury?
The Range Rover is the benchmark for luxury in the SUV world. It features an opulent interior, a supremely comfortable ride thanks to standard air suspension, and a sense of occasion that few rivals can match. For a premium but less expensive option, the Volvo XC90 and smaller XC60 offer classy Scandinavian-designed cabins with high-quality materials and exceptional comfort.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners - people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus score that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in November 2025. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.