Best SUVs 2025
High quality SUVs from rated and reviewed dealers
Last updated October 10, 2025 by
Darren Cassey
Best SUVs of 2025
The booming popularity of SUVs means there are now dozens to choose from in all shapes and sizes, making the prospect of picking the best SUV for you rather daunting.
The likes of the Kia Sportage and Dacia Bigster make for affordable family cars, the Skoda Kodiaq and BMW X7 offer seating for seven at extreme ends of the budget scale, and the Land Rover Defender will get you to the end of the road and then a little bit further still. You can also get SUVs with petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric power.
Modern SUVs are easy to live with, too. No longer the fuel-guzzling monsters of days gone by, the best SUVs are quiet, refined and good to drive. That said, they’re not perfect – being bigger and heavier than equivalent hatchbacks and saloons does mean they tend to be more expensive to buy and run.
That’s why Carwow’s expert reviews team has cut through the noise to bring you this list of the best SUVs on sale in the UK.
2025
Car of the Year Award
1. Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe review
Best for: just about everything
The Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t just a good SUV - it’s one of the best cars on sale today, period. That’s why we named it Carwow’s Car of the Year for 2025.
First impressions are always important and the Santa Fe doesn’t disappoint. Its big, blocky body has a real space-age feel about it - it definitely wouldn’t look out of place on the set of a Judge Dredd movie. Squared-off edges, cool H-shaped LED daytime running lights and chunky wheel designs all mean it stands out from the crowd - it’s like someone took a Land Rover Defender and pixelated it.
There’s nothing like a big box for practicality, and so the Santa Fe doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the tricky business of carrying people and things. It has seven seats as standard, with room in the third row for adults (though it’s not quite as spacious as a Land Rover Discovery) and, if you fold the rearmost seats down, a huge boot. Every occupant will be able to stay hydrated, too - there’s a grand total of 17 cupholders, plus plenty of other storage slots and charging solutions.
There are self-charging and plug-in hybrid engine options available, as well as optional four-wheel drive. All versions are surprisingly economical considering the Santa Fe’s size - and though it looks like a brick, it’s actually pretty aerodynamic, which means wind noise isn’t as prevalent as you might expect.
Trim levels range from the well-equipped Premium to the Calligraphy car, which gets luxury touches like Nappa leather upholstery, black styling details and a compartment on the dash that can disinfect your phone. No, really. You don’t need to go for the top-rung trim to get plenty of luxury kit, though, as all cars get 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, two 12.3-inch displays and a wireless phone charger.
It’s comfortable to drive, reasonably efficient for such a big SUV and manages to combine practicality with cool factor in a way nothing else does. The Hyundai Santa Fe is an absolutely cracking all-rounder, providing more utility and luxury than many SUVs that cost thousands of pounds more.
The Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t just a good SUV - it’s one of the best cars on sale today, period. That’s why we named it Carwow’s Car of the Year for 2025.
First impressions are always important and the Santa Fe doesn’t disappoint. Its big, blocky body has a real space-age feel about it - it definitely wouldn’t look out of place on the set of a Judge Dredd movie. Squared-off edges, cool H-shaped LED daytime running lights and chunky wheel designs all mean it stands out from the crowd - it’s like someone took a Land Rover Defender and pixelated it.
There’s nothing like a big box for practicality, and so the Santa Fe doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the tricky business of carrying people and things. It has seven seats as standard, with room in the third row for adults (though it’s not quite as spacious as a Land Rover Discovery) and, if you fold the rearmost seats down, a huge boot. Every occupant will be able to stay hydrated, too - there’s a grand total of 17 cupholders, plus plenty of other storage slots and charging solutions.
There are self-charging and plug-in hybrid engine options available, as well as optional four-wheel drive. All versions are surprisingly economical considering the Santa Fe’s size - and though it looks like a brick, it’s actually pretty aerodynamic, which means wind noise isn’t as prevalent as you might expect.
Trim levels range from the well-equipped Premium to the Calligraphy car, which gets luxury touches like Nappa leather upholstery, black styling details and a compartment on the dash that can disinfect your phone. No, really. You don’t need to go for the top-rung trim to get plenty of luxury kit, though, as all cars get 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, two 12.3-inch displays and a wireless phone charger.
It’s comfortable to drive, reasonably efficient for such a big SUV and manages to combine practicality with cool factor in a way nothing else does. The Hyundai Santa Fe is an absolutely cracking all-rounder, providing more utility and luxury than many SUVs that cost thousands of pounds more.
Best for: driving experience
BMW’s tagline is ‘the ultimate driving machine’ and nowhere is that clearer than in the BMW X5. Looking at this SUV’s sheer size, you might expect it to drive like a bus, but no matter whether you opt for one of the regular diesel or petrol engines, the plug-in hybrid or the firebreathing V8-powered X5 M, all feel like a sports saloon in the corners.
The X5’s combination of prowess on the road, surprising ability off-road and a hugely roomy and practical interior are all reasons we awarded it the ‘Adventurer’s Choice’ award in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
As standard, the X5 is powered by a smooth six-cylinder diesel engine which provides all the power you could reasonably want with pretty good efficiency - you should see 40mpg if you’re gentle with your right foot. But the really impressive engine is the plug-in hybrid, which can go more than 60 miles on electricity alone but unlike some alternatives has a proper six-cylinder petrol engine to back it up, bringing great performance as well as a nice engine note.
The plug-in hybrid X5 is a five-seater but other engines get the option of a third row, adding extra flexibility - but all have a luxurious rear seat with loads of space. The front seats are even better thanks to the panoramic infotainment and instrument screens, which give a real cinematic effect to the dashboard - and everything’s built from sumptuously luxurious materials. You can even get cut-crystal effect switchgear, which just about straddles the border between cool and tacky and you’ll probably want to see on a showroom car before you commit.
The X5 isn’t cheap but you can see where your money’s going - if you’re looking to spend this much money on a family SUV, you won’t be disappointed. The closely-related BMW X7 is also a fantastic option, which doesn’t offer the X5’s plug-in hybrid engine but in return has seven seats as standard with room for a six-foot adult to stretch out.
BMW’s tagline is ‘the ultimate driving machine’ and nowhere is that clearer than in the BMW X5. Looking at this SUV’s sheer size, you might expect it to drive like a bus, but no matter whether you opt for one of the regular diesel or petrol engines, the plug-in hybrid or the firebreathing V8-powered X5 M, all feel like a sports saloon in the corners.
The X5’s combination of prowess on the road, surprising ability off-road and a hugely roomy and practical interior are all reasons we awarded it the ‘Adventurer’s Choice’ award in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
As standard, the X5 is powered by a smooth six-cylinder diesel engine which provides all the power you could reasonably want with pretty good efficiency - you should see 40mpg if you’re gentle with your right foot. But the really impressive engine is the plug-in hybrid, which can go more than 60 miles on electricity alone but unlike some alternatives has a proper six-cylinder petrol engine to back it up, bringing great performance as well as a nice engine note.
The plug-in hybrid X5 is a five-seater but other engines get the option of a third row, adding extra flexibility - but all have a luxurious rear seat with loads of space. The front seats are even better thanks to the panoramic infotainment and instrument screens, which give a real cinematic effect to the dashboard - and everything’s built from sumptuously luxurious materials. You can even get cut-crystal effect switchgear, which just about straddles the border between cool and tacky and you’ll probably want to see on a showroom car before you commit.
The X5 isn’t cheap but you can see where your money’s going - if you’re looking to spend this much money on a family SUV, you won’t be disappointed. The closely-related BMW X7 is also a fantastic option, which doesn’t offer the X5’s plug-in hybrid engine but in return has seven seats as standard with room for a six-foot adult to stretch out.
3. Volvo EX30
Volvo EX30 review
Battery range up to 295 miles
Best for: great-value EV
The Volvo EX30 was Carwow’s overall Car of the Year for 2024, so you know it’s good. On the outside, it’s hard to see how Volvo’s done it - the EX30 is a fully electric SUV with an impressive range, a posh interior and of course that premium badge appeal - but at a price that makes many ‘budget’ SUVs seem expensive. An entry-level EX30 crosses over with the Vauxhall Corsa Electric in terms of price, to put it in perspective.
There are three versions to choose from - Single Motor in standard or Extended range, and a Twin Motor flagship. The Single Motor gets just over 200 miles of range in standard form and up to 295 miles as an Extended Range version, which is competitive with all its main alternatives - though a Kia EV3 can go up to 375 miles in its longest-range form, which is difficult to beat.
The EX30’s interior won’t be to everyone’s taste. It’s nicely styled, feels roomy and is well-built, but it’s also very high-tech - to the point where the only physical controls on view are those on the steering wheel and the column stalks. Everything else, including driver instrumentation, is routed through the 11.9-inch touchscreen in the centre, which can be tiresome when it includes functions such as opening the glovebox or adjusting the rear-view mirrors.
It is great to drive, though. On a bumpy road the EX30 feels much bigger than it is, dealing well with potholes and speed bumps. On the motorway it’s relaxed, with even the entry-level car having more than enough power to keep up with traffic. Volvo’s driver assistance tech is some of the best around, too, even if it’s a little annoying to turn off.
Where you do lose out is in the EX30’s back seats and boot. They’re not very big, especially compared to roomy alternatives like the Peugeot E-2008 or Kia EV3, so you might struggle to fit adults or bulky child seats in the rear. But if you don’t often carry passengers or big luggage, the EX30 is difficult to beat as a great-value electric SUV.
The Volvo EX30 was Carwow’s overall Car of the Year for 2024, so you know it’s good. On the outside, it’s hard to see how Volvo’s done it - the EX30 is a fully electric SUV with an impressive range, a posh interior and of course that premium badge appeal - but at a price that makes many ‘budget’ SUVs seem expensive. An entry-level EX30 crosses over with the Vauxhall Corsa Electric in terms of price, to put it in perspective.
There are three versions to choose from - Single Motor in standard or Extended range, and a Twin Motor flagship. The Single Motor gets just over 200 miles of range in standard form and up to 295 miles as an Extended Range version, which is competitive with all its main alternatives - though a Kia EV3 can go up to 375 miles in its longest-range form, which is difficult to beat.
The EX30’s interior won’t be to everyone’s taste. It’s nicely styled, feels roomy and is well-built, but it’s also very high-tech - to the point where the only physical controls on view are those on the steering wheel and the column stalks. Everything else, including driver instrumentation, is routed through the 11.9-inch touchscreen in the centre, which can be tiresome when it includes functions such as opening the glovebox or adjusting the rear-view mirrors.
It is great to drive, though. On a bumpy road the EX30 feels much bigger than it is, dealing well with potholes and speed bumps. On the motorway it’s relaxed, with even the entry-level car having more than enough power to keep up with traffic. Volvo’s driver assistance tech is some of the best around, too, even if it’s a little annoying to turn off.
Where you do lose out is in the EX30’s back seats and boot. They’re not very big, especially compared to roomy alternatives like the Peugeot E-2008 or Kia EV3, so you might struggle to fit adults or bulky child seats in the rear. But if you don’t often carry passengers or big luggage, the EX30 is difficult to beat as a great-value electric SUV.
Sell your car for what it's really worth
The free, easy way to get 5,500+ dealers all over the UK bidding on your car
Learn how to
sell your car
with Carwow
2025
Smart Spender Award
4. Dacia Duster
Dacia Duster review
Best for: exploring on a budget
The latest, third-generation Dacia Duster is just as capable as its lovable predecessors were, but now it’s the most refined the budget off-roader has ever been. It’s spacious, easy to drive, affordable and has genuine off-road ability.
It’s better-looking than in previous iterations too, with a broad front grille and headlight combo spanning the front end, funky, angular body cladding and C-shaped tail lights. The Duster has come over all grown-up, and it looks all the better for it.
It can feel a little bit barren inside the Duster though, as the entry-level Essential trim level doesn’t even come with an infotainment display or driver’s instrument screen for that matter. The Expression trim is worth buying for a few extra creature comforts, such as a rear parking camera; handy as visibility out of the Duster is rather poor.
The Duster is really spacious inside though, with plenty of space for four six-foot adults to sit in comfort and a usefully square boot with underfloor storage.
It’s comfortable too, getting over speedbumps without much bouncing on the other side and feeling surefooted at motorway speeds. It takes a while getting up to speed though, and it’s not much fun in the corners, but the Duster is a safe, stable way to get around.
The latest, third-generation Dacia Duster is just as capable as its lovable predecessors were, but now it’s the most refined the budget off-roader has ever been. It’s spacious, easy to drive, affordable and has genuine off-road ability.
It’s better-looking than in previous iterations too, with a broad front grille and headlight combo spanning the front end, funky, angular body cladding and C-shaped tail lights. The Duster has come over all grown-up, and it looks all the better for it.
It can feel a little bit barren inside the Duster though, as the entry-level Essential trim level doesn’t even come with an infotainment display or driver’s instrument screen for that matter. The Expression trim is worth buying for a few extra creature comforts, such as a rear parking camera; handy as visibility out of the Duster is rather poor.
The Duster is really spacious inside though, with plenty of space for four six-foot adults to sit in comfort and a usefully square boot with underfloor storage.
It’s comfortable too, getting over speedbumps without much bouncing on the other side and feeling surefooted at motorway speeds. It takes a while getting up to speed though, and it’s not much fun in the corners, but the Duster is a safe, stable way to get around.
2025
Comfortable Cruiser Award
Highly Commended
5. Citroen C5 Aircross
Citroen C5 Aircross review
Best for: family-sized value
The Citroen C5 Aircross is one of those cars that knows what it wants to do well and doesn’t bother trying to do much else. So it’s not at all sporty - with modest power outputs from its engine range, and steering set up to be light and easy round town rather than satisfying on a back road. It’s not very high-tech either, featuring only a smallish touchscreen and basic driver information cluster.
Citroen’s main focus instead has been on comfort. The C5 Aircross uses Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension, which has hydraulic elements in it a bit like Citroens of old. It doesn’t quite provide the ‘magic carpet’ ride that those cars were known for, but it does absorb lumps and bumps in the road better than just about any other SUV short of a £70,000 air-sprung Mercedes. That’s improved upon further by the seats, which look flat but are amazingly comfortable and supportive especially on long journeys.
The C5 Aircross is also absolutely cracking value. The basic price is already very reasonable, being comparable with much smaller SUVs like the Volkswagen T-Cross - but with Carwow discounts, it can be compared to some small hatchbacks. Considering the C5 Aircross features a massive boot, roomy back seats and that commanding SUV driving position, it’s a very attractive offering and ideal if you have big SUV dreams but without a big SUV budget.
The Citroen C5 Aircross is one of those cars that knows what it wants to do well and doesn’t bother trying to do much else. So it’s not at all sporty - with modest power outputs from its engine range, and steering set up to be light and easy round town rather than satisfying on a back road. It’s not very high-tech either, featuring only a smallish touchscreen and basic driver information cluster.
Citroen’s main focus instead has been on comfort. The C5 Aircross uses Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension, which has hydraulic elements in it a bit like Citroens of old. It doesn’t quite provide the ‘magic carpet’ ride that those cars were known for, but it does absorb lumps and bumps in the road better than just about any other SUV short of a £70,000 air-sprung Mercedes. That’s improved upon further by the seats, which look flat but are amazingly comfortable and supportive especially on long journeys.
The C5 Aircross is also absolutely cracking value. The basic price is already very reasonable, being comparable with much smaller SUVs like the Volkswagen T-Cross - but with Carwow discounts, it can be compared to some small hatchbacks. Considering the C5 Aircross features a massive boot, roomy back seats and that commanding SUV driving position, it’s a very attractive offering and ideal if you have big SUV dreams but without a big SUV budget.
6. Dacia Bigster
Dacia Bigster review
Best for: practicality on a budget
Bigger is better, right? Well the Dacia Bigster adds to the Dacia Duster’s charming mix of affordability and off-road ability with even more space inside and a tad more road presence on the outside.
Describe the Bigster to someone over the phone and they’ll probably think you’re talking about the Duster, but that’s no bad thing. You get Dacia’s new signature Y-shaped headlight design and grille that goes the width of the front end, while some extra bumper cladding differentiates the Bigster from its smaller counterpart.
A taller roofline, upright tailgate and longer rear end further mark out the Bigster from a distance, but the interior is much the same as you’ll find in a Duster. It’s easy on the eye, but you can tell there’s been some cost-cutting in the scratchy plastics.
At least the base model gets a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital driver’s display as standard.
The Bister’s larger proportions mean there’s loads of space front and back - even more than in the Duster - and the boot is simply enormous.
It could be more comfortable around town though, and you can feel yourself getting jiggled about on bad roads. Motorways feel more composed, and the Bigster feels surprisingly fleet-footed on a twisty road.
Bigger is better, right? Well the Dacia Bigster adds to the Dacia Duster’s charming mix of affordability and off-road ability with even more space inside and a tad more road presence on the outside.
Describe the Bigster to someone over the phone and they’ll probably think you’re talking about the Duster, but that’s no bad thing. You get Dacia’s new signature Y-shaped headlight design and grille that goes the width of the front end, while some extra bumper cladding differentiates the Bigster from its smaller counterpart.
A taller roofline, upright tailgate and longer rear end further mark out the Bigster from a distance, but the interior is much the same as you’ll find in a Duster. It’s easy on the eye, but you can tell there’s been some cost-cutting in the scratchy plastics.
At least the base model gets a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital driver’s display as standard.
The Bister’s larger proportions mean there’s loads of space front and back - even more than in the Duster - and the boot is simply enormous.
It could be more comfortable around town though, and you can feel yourself getting jiggled about on bad roads. Motorways feel more composed, and the Bigster feels surprisingly fleet-footed on a twisty road.
2025
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended
Battery range up to 201 miles
Best for: bargain electric motoring
The Citroen e-C3 isn’t quite the cheapest electric car on sale in the UK, but it’s much more of an attractive alternative to the likes of the Dacia Spring or the Citroen Ami - mainly because it’s a ‘proper’ car. Though it’s only the size of a small hatchback, it has an upright silhouette and a nice high driving position, and feels far more substantial than cheaper alternatives.
It can do a proper distance on a charge too. An official figure of 199 miles might not sound like much, but for many people that’s more than they’ll travel in a whole week - and the e-C3’s comparatively small battery doesn’t take very long to charge either.
The e-C3 gets the same ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension as the C5 Aircross (above) which means it’s amazingly comfortable over bumps. Inside, you can see where Citroen’s saved money in terms of technology and comfort features, but it doesn’t feel Spartan - you still get all the equipment you could want including digital instruments, wireless smartphone mirroring and LED lights.
Performance is pretty modest but the e-C3 still feels zippy around town, and it’s not totally outclassed on the motorway either - just don’t expect to beat a Tesla away from the traffic lights.
Of course, electric motoring isn’t for everyone, but Citroen does offer the C3 with a petrol or a hybrid engine too - and that makes it even cheaper to buy. It’s a value proposition that’s difficult to beat.
The Citroen e-C3 isn’t quite the cheapest electric car on sale in the UK, but it’s much more of an attractive alternative to the likes of the Dacia Spring or the Citroen Ami - mainly because it’s a ‘proper’ car. Though it’s only the size of a small hatchback, it has an upright silhouette and a nice high driving position, and feels far more substantial than cheaper alternatives.
It can do a proper distance on a charge too. An official figure of 199 miles might not sound like much, but for many people that’s more than they’ll travel in a whole week - and the e-C3’s comparatively small battery doesn’t take very long to charge either.
The e-C3 gets the same ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension as the C5 Aircross (above) which means it’s amazingly comfortable over bumps. Inside, you can see where Citroen’s saved money in terms of technology and comfort features, but it doesn’t feel Spartan - you still get all the equipment you could want including digital instruments, wireless smartphone mirroring and LED lights.
Performance is pretty modest but the e-C3 still feels zippy around town, and it’s not totally outclassed on the motorway either - just don’t expect to beat a Tesla away from the traffic lights.
Of course, electric motoring isn’t for everyone, but Citroen does offer the C3 with a petrol or a hybrid engine too - and that makes it even cheaper to buy. It’s a value proposition that’s difficult to beat.
8. Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender 110 review
Best for: off-road supremacy
Most of the other cars on this list are SUVs, but the Land Rover Defender goes one further - it’s a proper off-roader, a 4x4, capable of climbing every mountain and fording every stream. Where other SUVs tackle the school run, the Defender can tackle the Kalahari in air-conditioned comfort.
There are three kinds of Defender, starting with the short-wheelbase, three-door 90 which looks great but isn’t the most practical. There’s also the vast 130, which can seat eight adults in comfort but is a little unwieldy. The medium-sized 110 is the Goldilocks option, with up to seven seats and the option of everything from a powerful diesel engine to an efficient plug-in hybrid to a firebreathing V8.
The Defender not only looks great and can eat the Mongolian steppe for breakfast, but it’s equally at home in the city. Yes, it’s quite big, but nice square proportions, light steering and comfortable suspension make it a fantastic choice as a daily driver. The interior may be built for rough-and-tumble, but it’s still hardwearing with lots of nods to its more agricultural heritage, such as exposed bolt heads and grab handles for passengers to hang onto when off-roading.
It’s off-road where the Defender really shows off its skills. Land Rover’s clever ‘Terrain Response’ systems will keep it moving on surfaces you’d have a hard time standing up on, let alone driving a regular car across. There’s even ‘All-Terrain Progress Control’, which is basically off-road cruise control - simply point the car up the side of a mountain, and it’ll figure out how to get you up there. It’s truly remarkable in action.
Most of the other cars on this list are SUVs, but the Land Rover Defender goes one further - it’s a proper off-roader, a 4x4, capable of climbing every mountain and fording every stream. Where other SUVs tackle the school run, the Defender can tackle the Kalahari in air-conditioned comfort.
There are three kinds of Defender, starting with the short-wheelbase, three-door 90 which looks great but isn’t the most practical. There’s also the vast 130, which can seat eight adults in comfort but is a little unwieldy. The medium-sized 110 is the Goldilocks option, with up to seven seats and the option of everything from a powerful diesel engine to an efficient plug-in hybrid to a firebreathing V8.
The Defender not only looks great and can eat the Mongolian steppe for breakfast, but it’s equally at home in the city. Yes, it’s quite big, but nice square proportions, light steering and comfortable suspension make it a fantastic choice as a daily driver. The interior may be built for rough-and-tumble, but it’s still hardwearing with lots of nods to its more agricultural heritage, such as exposed bolt heads and grab handles for passengers to hang onto when off-roading.
It’s off-road where the Defender really shows off its skills. Land Rover’s clever ‘Terrain Response’ systems will keep it moving on surfaces you’d have a hard time standing up on, let alone driving a regular car across. There’s even ‘All-Terrain Progress Control’, which is basically off-road cruise control - simply point the car up the side of a mountain, and it’ll figure out how to get you up there. It’s truly remarkable in action.
Best for: electric family living
Electric seven-seaters aren’t exactly ten a penny - apart from some hugely expensive SUVs, your main options are basically glorified electric vans with seats. The Kia EV9 definitely isn’t some commercial vehicle, though - it’s a luxurious SUV with a long range and space-age looks.
You’ll definitely stand out on the road in an EV9 - it’s not a small car, for starters, and that translates into excellent passenger space. It’s a seven-seater as standard, though you can specify two captain’s chairs in place of the central bench to give it a real mobile office vibe.
Even though it’s huge, the EV9 is easy to drive. Plenty of cameras and sensors make short work of parking in tight spots, and it’s comfortable on the motorway, with assistance tech that helps rather than irritates.
The longest-range EV9 can go up to 349 miles between charges, which while it’s not up there with the best is still very impressive. Even the range-topping dual motor car manages over 300 miles according to official figures, and as anybody who’s ever tried to co-ordinate bathroom breaks among six people will testify, that’s more than enough for all but the longest road trip.
Though the EV9 isn’t exactly cheap, it’s notably better value than any alternative with anything close to as much space, as much range, or as much desirability. And it hasn’t forgotten Kia’s core values of being user-friendly and a great ownership experience, either.
Electric seven-seaters aren’t exactly ten a penny - apart from some hugely expensive SUVs, your main options are basically glorified electric vans with seats. The Kia EV9 definitely isn’t some commercial vehicle, though - it’s a luxurious SUV with a long range and space-age looks.
You’ll definitely stand out on the road in an EV9 - it’s not a small car, for starters, and that translates into excellent passenger space. It’s a seven-seater as standard, though you can specify two captain’s chairs in place of the central bench to give it a real mobile office vibe.
Even though it’s huge, the EV9 is easy to drive. Plenty of cameras and sensors make short work of parking in tight spots, and it’s comfortable on the motorway, with assistance tech that helps rather than irritates.
The longest-range EV9 can go up to 349 miles between charges, which while it’s not up there with the best is still very impressive. Even the range-topping dual motor car manages over 300 miles according to official figures, and as anybody who’s ever tried to co-ordinate bathroom breaks among six people will testify, that’s more than enough for all but the longest road trip.
Though the EV9 isn’t exactly cheap, it’s notably better value than any alternative with anything close to as much space, as much range, or as much desirability. And it hasn’t forgotten Kia’s core values of being user-friendly and a great ownership experience, either.
10. BMW iX
BMW iX review
Battery range up to 426 miles
Best for: luxurious interior design
Get past the way the BMW iX looks - after all, you can’t see it when you’re driving unless you’re paying attention to your reflection in shop windows - and you’ll find that it’s one of the best electric SUVs on sale.
The interior is a particular highlight. Feeling more like a curated art gallery than a dashboard, the iX is particularly striking in some of its lighter colour combinations, where you get swooping lines, two huge displays and even cut-crystal switchgear. The tech on offer is extensive but remains easy to use, and there’s even the option of a rotary dial instead of having to use the touchscreen for everything.
The iX drives brilliantly, too. Performance is remarkable - the basic model is pretty quick, but the xDrive60 and M70 models are blisteringly fast. Yet all can do more than 300 miles on a charge, while the xDrive60 returns an official 426 miles between top-ups - making it one of the longest-range electric cars on sale.
It’s also roomy, comfortable, and refined on a long journey. Yes, like the BMW X5 (above) it’s expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for with this SUV.
Get past the way the BMW iX looks - after all, you can’t see it when you’re driving unless you’re paying attention to your reflection in shop windows - and you’ll find that it’s one of the best electric SUVs on sale.
The interior is a particular highlight. Feeling more like a curated art gallery than a dashboard, the iX is particularly striking in some of its lighter colour combinations, where you get swooping lines, two huge displays and even cut-crystal switchgear. The tech on offer is extensive but remains easy to use, and there’s even the option of a rotary dial instead of having to use the touchscreen for everything.
The iX drives brilliantly, too. Performance is remarkable - the basic model is pretty quick, but the xDrive60 and M70 models are blisteringly fast. Yet all can do more than 300 miles on a charge, while the xDrive60 returns an official 426 miles between top-ups - making it one of the longest-range electric cars on sale.
It’s also roomy, comfortable, and refined on a long journey. Yes, like the BMW X5 (above) it’s expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for with this SUV.
SUVs to avoid
Factors to consider
With such a baffling array of SUVs on sale, narrowing down your choice can be difficult. The first thing to do is consider your budget, then once you’ve done that think about how much space you need. You can get small, city-friendly SUVs or massive seven-seaters that will happily carry your kids and all their mates, too. Electric SUVs can be a good option if you have a home charger, but if you do big miles then a diesel engine will likely be cheaper in the long run. For everyone else, petrol and hybrid should do the trick.
Advertisement
Browse all SUVs
Advice about SUV cars
SUVs by make
- Alfa Romeo SUVs
- Audi SUVs
- BMW SUVs
- Citroen SUVs
- Cupra SUVs
- Ford SUVs
- Honda SUVs
- Hyundai SUVs
- Jaguar SUVs
- Jeep SUVs
- Kia SUVs
- Land Rover SUVs
- Lexus SUVs
- Maserati SUVs
- Mazda SUVs
- Mercedes-Benz SUVs
- MG SUVs
- Nissan SUVs
- Peugeot SUV
- Porsche SUVs
- Renault SUVs
- SEAT SUVs
- Skoda SUVs
- Suzuki SUVs
- Toyota SUVs
- Vauxhall SUVs
- Volkswagen SUVs
- Volvo SUVs