Best SUVs to buy
The SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) segment has dominated the automotive industry for the last decade, with the popularity of the family car having completely reshaped the car market. As a result, today’s SUVs are probably the most competitive they've ever been – not to mention they're now more attractive and loaded with high-quality technology.
But what's the best SUV to buy? We've highlighted some of the best SUVs on the market today, including crossovers (small SUVs), medium SUVs, large SUVs, and advanced hybrid and electric options to help you decide what's right for you and your family.
Best Crossovers
Best Medium SUVs
Best Large SUVs
Best Crossovers
Compact and manoeuvrable, crossovers (or small SUVs) are perfect for city drivers and small families who often navigate tight streets and parking spaces. They typically offer slightly more space than your average hatchback, with the added benefit of increased ride height for better visibility and a more commanding driving position.
While some compact crossovers prioritise fuel efficiency, others offer all-wheel drive for those who crave a bit of adventure.
Ford EcoSport
Despite its compact size, the Ford EcoSport offers a surprisingly spacious boot size of 1,238 litres with the rear seats folded, making it perfect for city dwellers or those who like to pack light for weekend trips.
Standard features include a user-friendly Ford SYNC infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a whole host of standard safety features to keep you and your family at ease.
Drivers and passengers can also benefit from a comfortable ride thanks to the well-tuned suspension, and, while it won't win any awards for speed with its 1.0-litre petrol engine, it's a great choice for value-conscious drivers who prioritise practicality and affordability.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a stylish and well-equipped option in the compact crossover segment. It boasts a sophisticated exterior design that turns heads, and the interior offers a comfortable and upscale environment with high-quality materials.
Boot size stands at 445 litres, which is generous for a compact SUV, and by folding the rear seats flat, you get an even more impressive 1,385 litres at your disposal.
As you'd expect of a premium SUV, the GLA comes equipped with a whole host of clever technology. A highlight is the MBUX infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface, effortless connectivity, and impressive widescreen display.
Safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning come are fitted as standard, providing peace of mind on the road. However, keep in mind that all this luxury comes at a premium price compared to many of the other SUVs on our list.
Explore Mercedes-Benz GLA Offers
Renault Captur
A strong contender in the compact crossover market, the Renault Captur combines style, practicality, and affordability. With its sculpted lines and two-tone roof option, it offers a distinctive look that stands out on the road.
More than just a pretty face, the Captur is focused on everyday functionality. The well-designed interior is surprisingly spacious for its size, providing ample legroom and headroom for passengers in both rows.
You get plenty of variation when it comes to powertrains, too. Petrol, full hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants are available as well as a choice of manual and automatic gearbox options for petrol models and a standard automatic transmission for hybrid models.
Technology isn't forgotten, either, with a large user-friendly infotainment screen keeping you connected and entertained on the road. Safety is also a priority, with the Captur boasting a suite of driver-assistance features to give you reassurance whilst on the move.
Explore Renault Captur Offers Renault Captur First Drive Review
Best Medium SUVs
Offering a nice balance between size and performance, medium (or mid-sized) SUVs are a popular choice for families and active individuals. They provide more passenger and boot space than compact crossovers, making them ideal for road trips and transporting all your gear.
Many medium SUVs offer third-row seating options for maximum passenger capacity, while some prioritise fuel efficiency and on-road comfort.
BMW X1
Craving a sporty driving experience without sacrificing dependability? The BMW X1 could be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
This zippy SUV delivers a thrilling ride with its sharp handling and responsive steering, making even your daily commute feel exciting. The interior is a driver's paradise, offering high-quality materials and a well-organised layout that puts all the controls within easy reach.
Technology lovers will appreciate the intuitive iDrive infotainment system, with its clear menus and available features like a head-up display that keeps your eyes on the road.
Inside, it's spacious enough to seat five passengers in complete comfort, and you get up to 1,600 litres of space in the boot with the rear seats folded.
Ford Kuga
The Ford Kuga cuts through the clutter, offering a no-nonsense family SUV without the frills. This mid-size contender excels at everyday driving, thanks to its large, comfortable interior. Passengers can enjoy ample legroom and headroom, while the large 645-litre boot swallows luggage, equipment, or shopping bags with ease.
Paying attention to practicality over sporty thrills, the Kuga offers fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines or a more powerful option for motorway driving, and all-wheel drive is available for winter months or light off-roading.
Technology is user-friendly with Ford's SYNC system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features like blind-spot monitoring add peace of mind.
Explore Ford Kuga Offers Ford Kuga First Drive Review
Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai focuses on what matters most to families: practicality, comfort, and great value for money. This well-rounded contender in the mid-sized SUV sector is an excellent contender for an everyday car.
Its interior feels surprisingly upscale, featuring high-quality materials and a well-designed layout, and passengers in both rows can enjoy ample legroom and comfortable seating for long journeys.
The easy-to-use NissanConnect infotainment system keeps you connected with a clear touchscreen display, while standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow one-touch integration with your smartphone for navigation, music, and hands-free calling.
Boot space is decent at 504 litres, and if you need even more space, the folding rear seats provide additional flexibility for a 1,441-litre capacity.
Explore Nissan Qashqai Offers Nissan Qashqai First Drive Review
Best Large SUVs
If you require maximum space and seating for up to seven to ride comfortably, a large SUV is the ideal option for you, making the ideal cars for large families or those who frequently tow trailers or boats.
They often boast powerful engines to provide excellent towing capacity, and some even offer advanced off-road features to tackle any terrain.
Kia Sorento
Tackling the needs of families and busy individuals who crave both comfort and space, there's no wonder why the Kia Sorento is such a popular SUV choice. It boasts a roomy interior that can seat up to seven passengers (with a 5-seat option if required), making it ideal for daily life and family road trips.
Folding down the rear seats reveals a huge boot size of 705 litres, ready to swallow luggage, sports equipment, or all the gear required for a weekend camping trip. What's even more impressive is the ability to extend the boot area to 2,100 litres by folding the rear seats.
Technology keeps everyone connected with a user-friendly infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety is a top priority, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating and a suite of driver-assistance features for extra reassurance on the road.
Explore Kia Sorento Offers Kia Sorento First Drive Review
Mercedes-Benz GLC
The Mercedes-Benz GLC exceeds the expectations of a large SUV. This German offering seamlessly blends luxurious comfort with impressive capability, catering to families who crave a touch of elegance in their everyday adventures.
Inside, there's supportive seating and ample legroom in both rows to ensure everyone has a relaxed journey, whether it's a quick errand or a long road trip. While not the largest in its class, the boot area offers enough space (620 litres) for luggage or shopping, making it ideal if you value luxury and aesthetics but still want something practical.
The GLC doesn't compromise on power, either. A variety of engine options cater to different driving styles. Choose from fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains, or opt for a more powerful petrol variant for a more engaging drive. 4MATIC all-wheel drive is available for those who face winter conditions or crave the occasional off-road trip.
Explore Mercedes-Benz GLC Offers
Peugeot 5008
Peugeot has a solid reputation for making sleek, luxurious vehicles without the premium price tag, and the 5008 is a fine example of this. Taking the often boxy shape of a large SUV and adding a touch of sophistication and an eye-catching design, the 5008 offers both style and substance.
There's comfortable seating for up to seven inside, and when it comes to luggage capacity, the 5008 doesn't disappoint. With a range of 780 to 1,940 litres depending on the seat configuration, you'll have ample space for luggage, shopping, or sports equipment.
Drivers of the 5008 will also benefit from Peugeot's advanced iCockpit interior, with an enhanced 10.0-inch HD touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Range Rover
The Range Rover is well-known in the luxury SUV segment, thanks to its top levels of refinement, off-road capabilities, and iconic design.
The meticulously crafted cabin features premium materials and handcrafted details throughout, whilst plush, supportive seats ensure a comfortable ride for all. The boot size should be more than enough for most people, with 818 litres of space at your disposal, extending to 1,943 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Under the bonnet, a range of powerful engine options caters to diverse driving styles. From the exhilarating performance of the V8 to the efficiency of the plug-in hybrid variant, the Range Rover delivers on both power and fuel economy.
Find your perfect SUV through Evans Halshaw
Finding the ideal SUV for you can feel like a challenging task, however, with the right information and guidance, it doesn't need to be.
If you still haven't found the right SUV for you, then please feel free to visit one of our Evans Halshaw dealers. An associate will be more than happy to discuss your requirements and make a recommendation that they think is right for you.
Alternatively, you can leverage our extensive inventory of new and used cars to discover hidden gems that might pique your interest.
