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Compare the best automatic SUVs

High-quality automatic SUVs from rated and reviewed dealers

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Rated 4.5/5 from 59,580 reviews
Last updated April 26, 2024 by Neil Briscoe

Best automatic SUV cars of 2024

It always used to be that an automatic gearbox was the comfort choice — the choice for something easy-going and laid back, but now things have changed a little. Manual gearboxes are becoming more rare, and automatics have now taken over. 

Better yet, fast-changing autos can actually be entertaining and sporty to drive, and many will have the option of changing gears yourself with racing-car-style paddles behind the wheel. Meanwhile, electric models — which only need one gear — are easy and relaxing to drive around town. 

An auto is now the default option, but there are still choices to be made, so Carwow’s expert reviews team has put together this list of the best automatic SUVs out there.

Volvo XC40

1. Volvo XC40

7/10
Volvo XC40 review
Battery range up to 26 miles
The XC40, which is still on sale as a mild-hybrid with petrol power, is all sorts of cool, from its sharp exterior styling to the funky interior design, it really stands out from the crowd. The infotainment system is a bit fiddly, but it gets an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard which makes it even more desirable. If you want the all-electric version, the EX40 (which used to be called the XC40 Recharge) only needs one gear, but has as much as 408hp to play with and a lengthy 331 mile range on one charge.
Skoda Kodiaq

2. Skoda Kodiaq

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Skoda Kodiaq review
If you need a spacious SUV with seating for up to seven occupants and a big boot, then the Skoda Kodiaq is worth a serious look. The new model gets a major tech upgrade, which brings it into line with the competition, but while it’s not as handsome as the old Kodiaq, the Skoda is still a good choice, especially with the standard-fit seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Coming soon is the new plug-in hybrid Kodiaq, which will offer more than 62 miles of electric driving on a full charge and which will, of course, be only available with an automatic gearbox.

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Kia EV6

3. Kia EV6

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9/10
Kia EV6 review
Battery range up to 361 miles
This sharp-looking electric car from Kia is packed with tech and is enjoyable to drive. The lack of traditional gears allows for a smooth burst of acceleration whenever you need it. It is a bit uncomfortable over bumps and the boot isn’t huge, but aside from that this is a great, family-friendly EV.
Audi Q4 e-tron
2024
Outstanding EV Award
Highly Commended

4. Audi Q4 e-tron

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8/10
Audi Q4 e-tron review
Battery range up to 342 miles
EV’s are quiet and offer seamless acceleration, and the Audi Q4 e-tron adds cutting-edge tech and a stunning interior to the equation. It may not be the most exciting to drive, but the Q4 e-tron is spacious and comfortable, making it a superb SUV for the daily grind.
Skoda Karoq

5. Skoda Karoq

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9/10
Skoda Karoq review
The Karoq is a no-nonsense family-friendly SUV that majors on interior space and comfort. It’s not the most stylish and the base models are a bit slow, so the pick of the range is a mid-level trim with the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox.
Audi Q7

6. Audi Q7

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8/10
Audi Q7 review
Battery range up to 34 miles
The Q7 is a large seven-seater SUVs that is very well built and comes packed with features. All models are fitted with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, which pairs well with the Q7’s laid-back driving experience. Aside from a slightly fiddly infotainment setup, this is one impressive big SUV.
Porsche Macan

7 .Porsche Macan

9/10
Porsche Macan review
The Macan has long been the dynamic benchmark in its class, and it remains very enjoyable to drive. All models are fitted with a super sharp seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission, with the top V6 models proving particularly sporty and pricey. Options are expensive too, so avoid ticking too many boxes. The petrol-powered Macan now sits alongside a fully-electric version, which looks similar on the outside, but which is entirely new under the skin and which has some truly impressive electric range, as well as seriously quick performance.
Peugeot 2008

8. Peugeot 2008

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8/10
Peugeot 2008 review
The 2008 may be a small SUV but it has plenty of cool features and a sharp looking exterior design. The optional eight-speed automatic available on the petrol models makes it even better. Adults might feel a bit squeezed in the back but the boot space is generous. The all-electric (and automatic, naturally) e-2008 electric version has just been given a new, bigger battery which stretches its range to as much as 250 miles on one charge. The whole lineup has been updated with sharper styling and an improved infotainment screen too.
BMW X1

9. BMW X1

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8/10
BMW X1 review
The BMW X1 looks really stylish and has avoided the worst of BMW’s ‘Big Grille’ designs. It’s even better inside, with that large, broad screen stretching across the dashboard, and some seriously high-quality touches in the cabin. All X1 models are fully-automatic now, and you select your gears with a neat little toggle switch on the centre console, which frees up more space for storage. Speaking of space, the X1 is quite roomy, with comfy back seats too. You can have petrol or diesel engines, or you can choose from two plug-in hybrid models (one more powerful than the other) which both offer more than 50 miles of electric range (there’s a separate, all-electric iX1 lineup too).
Volkswagen T-Cross
2024
Urban Living Award
Highly Commended

10. Volkswagen T-Cross

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8/10
Volkswagen T-Cross review
The T-Cross is a small SUV that feels big, with plenty of passenger space and lots of standard kit. The optional seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox makes it a doddle to drive in busy traffic, but things can get a bit noisy on the motorway.

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Advice about automatic SUV cars

Automatic SUVs FAQs

The answer to this depends on your commute. For short trips around town the most economical automatic SUVs tend to be powered by plug-in hybrid engines, which allow you to travel for short distances on electric power alone. These include anything from the Ford Kuga to the Volvo XC40 T4 and BMW X3 xDrive 30e. Official fuel economy figures range from 130mpg to almost 300mpg, although this drops sharply if you regularly call upon the petrol engine during your trip. As an all-rounder, it’s hard to beat the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, which has a 40-mile electric range and can average a consistent 50mpg at motorway speeds.

Electric SUVs can also deliver superb economy figures in terms of cost-per-mile, but they tend to cost far more upfront than their combustion-engined counterparts, so realising a saving could take a long time. Some of the most economical electric SUVs include the Kia EV6 and Audi Q4 e-tron, with more affordable variants being the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric.

While diesel engines have fallen out of favour, small capacity diesels are still your best bet for the most impressive fuel economy in general use. Some of the most frugal diesel SUVs include the Peugeot 2008 BlueHDI 110 and the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI 150. Capable of between 57 to 52mpg in combined driving. If you want something compact and frugal, it's worth looking at the Toyota Yaris Cross, which can hit a genuine 60mpg in daily driving.

Another answer that will vary depending on your specific needs. If you are looking for the most opulent and luxurious SUV around then it must be the Rolls Royce Cullinan. Its 6.75-litre V12 gives it effortless performance and it can be specced with extras other manufacturers haven’t even heard of yet.

For the fastest petrol-powered automatic SUV, the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus are both strong contenders. Both can dash to 60mph in around 3.0 seconds and have top speeds close to 200mph.

Slightly more attainable luxury SUVs include the BMW X5, Land Rover Defender and Mercedes GLS, all available with six- or eight-cylinder petrol engines packing plenty of punch. All have a claim to the ‘best petrol-powered SUV’ title at this price point.

Back down to earth we have some very capable petrol-powered SUVs for far more reasonable sums such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Peugeot 3008 — both of which are now available in hybrid forms. If comfort, space, value for money and a decent turn of speed are your definitions of the best petrol SUV, then these two are strong candidates for your cash.

There are a number of very desirable small automatic SUVs currently on sale. At the budget end of the market, some of our favourite small SUVs are the Volkswagen T-Cross, Ford Puma and hybrid-engined Toyota Yaris Cross.

The Volvo XC40 is considered to be one of the most desirable premium small SUVs available, thanks to its cool design and smooth driving experience, and the same can be said for the all-electric Volvo EX30 – which was crowned Carwow Car of the Year 2024.

An automatic transmission generally works best when paired with a larger engine, especially in a heavier SUV body style. Dual-clutch transmissions tend to have super quick gearshifts but can feel a tad jerky at crawling speeds, while traditional torque converter automatics have slightly slower shifts but are smoother at slow speeds. CVT gearboxes are very smooth, but the engine can sound like it is droning under hard acceleration.

It's best to drive the SUV you are interested in to see whether these various transmission traits suit your driving style or not.

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