Last updated November 28, 2025 by
Tom Wiltshire
Best large SUVs of 2025
When it comes to transporting a large family, lots of luggage, dogs, cats, ferrets, the kitchen sink, flat-pack furniture or just general ‘stuff’, you’d be hard pressed to find a more practical solution than the best large SUVs.
Large SUVs have more or less replaced the traditional MPV or estate car and with their tall rooflines, boxy bodies (and often, seven-seat interiors) they’re hugely flexible cars. No matter if you’re looking for one that can go off-road, like the Range Rover, a fuel-sipping hybrid like the Chery Tiggo 8 or a low-cost hero like the Dacia Bigster, there’s something for everyone here.
The sheer amount of choice on the market can be overwhelming, but that’s what Carwow’s expert reviews team is here for. We intensively test every new car on sale, and have put all the large SUVs on this list through their paces with plenty of driving on all sorts of roads, family days out and slogs through the city. So we can recommend the ten cars below with gusto.
2026
Car of the Year Award
1. Chery Tiggo 8
Chery Tiggo 8 review
Best for: getting lots for your money
Key features: The Chery Tiggo 8 is a seven-seat SUV that comes with either petrol or plug-in hybrid power. It’s well-equipped, spacious and unbelievably good value at not much over £30,000 - all of which means it’s so good we named it our 2026 Carwow Car of the Year.
Who is it for? The Tiggo 8 has lots of space in all five back seats, and we could even squeeze adults into the third row, so it’s perfect if you want to carry lots of people. There’s not much boot space with all seats in use, but if you fold down the third row there’s room for a family holiday or the bulkiest of pushchairs.
Why is it number 1? You just get so much for your money - similarly-specified cars from even mainstream manufacturers like Kia or Peugeot cost thousands of pounds more than the Chery.
Key features: The Chery Tiggo 8 is a seven-seat SUV that comes with either petrol or plug-in hybrid power. It’s well-equipped, spacious and unbelievably good value at not much over £30,000 - all of which means it’s so good we named it our 2026 Carwow Car of the Year.
Who is it for? The Tiggo 8 has lots of space in all five back seats, and we could even squeeze adults into the third row, so it’s perfect if you want to carry lots of people. There’s not much boot space with all seats in use, but if you fold down the third row there’s room for a family holiday or the bulkiest of pushchairs.
Why is it number 1? You just get so much for your money - similarly-specified cars from even mainstream manufacturers like Kia or Peugeot cost thousands of pounds more than the Chery.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe review
Best for: space-age styling
Key features: The Hyundai Santa Fe is a large SUV with eye-catching looks, loads of space and a choice of self-charging or plug-in hybrid engines. It has seven seats, and a vastly practical interior with so many storage spaces we were still finding new ones even after a week with the car.
Who is it for? Big families who want to stand out from the crowd, but don’t want to spend a ton of money doing it. The Santa Fe isn’t exactly cheap, but it feels as cool as a Land Rover Defender and costs much less.
Why is it number 2? Because the Santa Fe was so good we named it 2025’s Carwow Car of the Year, and even a year later it still holds up as a top-notch family SUV.
Key features: The Hyundai Santa Fe is a large SUV with eye-catching looks, loads of space and a choice of self-charging or plug-in hybrid engines. It has seven seats, and a vastly practical interior with so many storage spaces we were still finding new ones even after a week with the car.
Who is it for? Big families who want to stand out from the crowd, but don’t want to spend a ton of money doing it. The Santa Fe isn’t exactly cheap, but it feels as cool as a Land Rover Defender and costs much less.
Why is it number 2? Because the Santa Fe was so good we named it 2025’s Carwow Car of the Year, and even a year later it still holds up as a top-notch family SUV.
3. BMW X5
BMW X5 review
Battery range up to 45 miles
Best for: a premium family experience
Key features: The BMW X5 is the best large SUV we’ve driven, thanks to its fantastic handling and brilliant engine line-up. It’s also big and spacious, with a lovely interior and great tech set-up. You can even have seven seats, or a plug-in hybrid version with lots of electric range.
Who is it for? The X5 is ideal for families who want space and practicality but don’t want to sacrifice on luxury. It’s especially good if you want a large SUV that’s fun to drive, too.
Why is it number 3? Because even though it’s quite expensive, the BMW X5 excels at everything it needs to - it’s stylish, has a high-quality interior, practical, and we found it great to drive whether in town, on a long motorway run, or on a twisting country road.
Key features: The BMW X5 is the best large SUV we’ve driven, thanks to its fantastic handling and brilliant engine line-up. It’s also big and spacious, with a lovely interior and great tech set-up. You can even have seven seats, or a plug-in hybrid version with lots of electric range.
Who is it for? The X5 is ideal for families who want space and practicality but don’t want to sacrifice on luxury. It’s especially good if you want a large SUV that’s fun to drive, too.
Why is it number 3? Because even though it’s quite expensive, the BMW X5 excels at everything it needs to - it’s stylish, has a high-quality interior, practical, and we found it great to drive whether in town, on a long motorway run, or on a twisting country road.
Best for: a luxurious electric SUV
Key features: The BMW iX is one of the best large electric cars you can buy. It’s absolutely fantastic to drive - you can hardly believe that it weighs as much as it does - and yet luxury and practicality haven’t been sacrificed with a long electric range, gorgeous lounge-style interior and a boot we found big enough to cope easily with family life.
Who is it for? High-tech sorts who want the latest and greatest electric car tech - big batteries, fast charging and powerful motors - all in a practical package.
Why is it number 4? The iX is one of the best electric cars you can buy, capable of more than 300 miles to a charge in our testing - and it’s great to drive into the bargain.
Key features: The BMW iX is one of the best large electric cars you can buy. It’s absolutely fantastic to drive - you can hardly believe that it weighs as much as it does - and yet luxury and practicality haven’t been sacrificed with a long electric range, gorgeous lounge-style interior and a boot we found big enough to cope easily with family life.
Who is it for? High-tech sorts who want the latest and greatest electric car tech - big batteries, fast charging and powerful motors - all in a practical package.
Why is it number 4? The iX is one of the best electric cars you can buy, capable of more than 300 miles to a charge in our testing - and it’s great to drive into the bargain.
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5. Dacia Bigster
Dacia Bigster review
Best for: spending the smallest amount possible
Key features: The Dacia Bigster is a budget car that doesn’t really feel like one. It’s much larger than the Dacia Duster, with space in the back for our tall testers to stretch out, and a huge boot - but it costs less than some basic hatchbacks. It’s also available with four-wheel drive for adventurous types, or with a fuel-sipping hybrid engine.
Who is it for? Budget baddies who don’t want to feel like they’re losing out on practicality or capability by choosing a cheap car.
Why is it number 5? Because you can feel the Bigster’s low-cost roots in things like the cheap plastics on the dashboard or the simplistic software, but that’s really not a big deal when you consider how much space and practicality you get.
Key features: The Dacia Bigster is a budget car that doesn’t really feel like one. It’s much larger than the Dacia Duster, with space in the back for our tall testers to stretch out, and a huge boot - but it costs less than some basic hatchbacks. It’s also available with four-wheel drive for adventurous types, or with a fuel-sipping hybrid engine.
Who is it for? Budget baddies who don’t want to feel like they’re losing out on practicality or capability by choosing a cheap car.
Why is it number 5? Because you can feel the Bigster’s low-cost roots in things like the cheap plastics on the dashboard or the simplistic software, but that’s really not a big deal when you consider how much space and practicality you get.
2026
Comfortable Cruiser Award
Winner
6. Hyundai Ioniq 9
Hyundai Ioniq 9 review
Battery range up to 385 miles
Best for: long journeys with all the family
Key features: The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a large electric car with space-age styling and either six or seven seats. It has a huge battery giving it a long range of well over 300 miles in our testing, and it’s super-comfortable wherever you’re driving it - so much so that we gave it the Comfortable Cruiser title in the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
Who is it for? The Ioniq 9 is great for families who want lots of room and a comfortable journey. Even though it’s not exactly cheap, it’s still much less money than premium alternatives, yet feels just as posh.
Why is it number 6? Because while it’s a fantastic, award-winning car, the Ioniq 9 is still quite expensive and going electric in a large SUV still won’t suit everyone.
Key features: The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a large electric car with space-age styling and either six or seven seats. It has a huge battery giving it a long range of well over 300 miles in our testing, and it’s super-comfortable wherever you’re driving it - so much so that we gave it the Comfortable Cruiser title in the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
Who is it for? The Ioniq 9 is great for families who want lots of room and a comfortable journey. Even though it’s not exactly cheap, it’s still much less money than premium alternatives, yet feels just as posh.
Why is it number 6? Because while it’s a fantastic, award-winning car, the Ioniq 9 is still quite expensive and going electric in a large SUV still won’t suit everyone.
7. Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 review
Best for: safety
Key features: If you're looking for a reassuring car to ferry your kids around in, the Volvo XC90 is the one. it's obsessive about safety, yet has plenty of other great qualities - a minimalist, stylish interior, seven comfortable seats, and a choice of smooth hybrid engines.
Who is it for? With loads of space, standard four-wheel drive and all that neatly-integrated tech the XC90 is perfect for demanding families who like to play hard - that's why we named it Adventurer's Choice in the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
Why is it number 7? Because it's getting on a bit in years, and some newer SUVs offer smarter engines or more space for less money than the XC90.
Key features: If you're looking for a reassuring car to ferry your kids around in, the Volvo XC90 is the one. it's obsessive about safety, yet has plenty of other great qualities - a minimalist, stylish interior, seven comfortable seats, and a choice of smooth hybrid engines.
Who is it for? With loads of space, standard four-wheel drive and all that neatly-integrated tech the XC90 is perfect for demanding families who like to play hard - that's why we named it Adventurer's Choice in the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
Why is it number 7? Because it's getting on a bit in years, and some newer SUVs offer smarter engines or more space for less money than the XC90.
8. Range Rover
Range Rover review
Best for: imperious luxury
Key features: The Range Rover is the last word in luxury, and comes with a price tag to match at over £100,000 (or just under, if you’re taking advantage of Carwow’s discounts). It’s a luxury limousine that just happens to be in the shape of a large SUV, but also comes with a huge engine range, up to seven seats and more off-road ability than just about anything else.
Who is it for? Well, you’ll need deep pockets, but if you want one of the most luxurious and capable cars money can buy, little comes close.
Why is it number 8? Because no matter how good it is, £100,000 is still £100,000, which puts the Range Rover a long way out of reach for most people.
Key features: The Range Rover is the last word in luxury, and comes with a price tag to match at over £100,000 (or just under, if you’re taking advantage of Carwow’s discounts). It’s a luxury limousine that just happens to be in the shape of a large SUV, but also comes with a huge engine range, up to seven seats and more off-road ability than just about anything else.
Who is it for? Well, you’ll need deep pockets, but if you want one of the most luxurious and capable cars money can buy, little comes close.
Why is it number 8? Because no matter how good it is, £100,000 is still £100,000, which puts the Range Rover a long way out of reach for most people.
9. Peugeot E-5008
Peugeot E-5008 review
Battery range up to 414 miles
Best for: long range and lots of space
Key features: The Peugeot E-5008 is an electric SUV with space for all the family. You can opt for an extra-large battery model, which claims over 400 miles to a charge - that means well over 350 miles in real-world testing, which is enough for even the most taxing family holiday. It’s also a seven-seater, with lots of space for passengers and luggage.
Who is it for? Families who want a posh electric SUV but don’t want to pay extortionate prices. The huge range means the big battery version is ideal for anyone who regularly travels long distances.
Why is it number 9? Because it’s one of the most affordable electric seven-seaters you can buy, but you don’t have to sacrifice quality as a result. It’s a desirable SUV before you even look at the reasonable price.
Key features: The Peugeot E-5008 is an electric SUV with space for all the family. You can opt for an extra-large battery model, which claims over 400 miles to a charge - that means well over 350 miles in real-world testing, which is enough for even the most taxing family holiday. It’s also a seven-seater, with lots of space for passengers and luggage.
Who is it for? Families who want a posh electric SUV but don’t want to pay extortionate prices. The huge range means the big battery version is ideal for anyone who regularly travels long distances.
Why is it number 9? Because it’s one of the most affordable electric seven-seaters you can buy, but you don’t have to sacrifice quality as a result. It’s a desirable SUV before you even look at the reasonable price.
2026
Adventurer's Choice Award
Highly Commended
10. Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda Kodiaq review
Best for: clever features
Key features: The Skoda Kodiaq is another seven-seater with a spacious interior and loads of storage. Interior quality is a big step up on Skodas of old, and the 13.0-inch touchscreen works well. Petrol and hybrid engines will appeal to most, but there’s also a diesel engine which is the best option if you do lots of long trips.
Who is it for? It’s not quite as much of a head-over-heart purchase as it once was, but the Skoda Kodiaq’s focus on practicality makes it ideal for anyone who wants a functional car over style and badge appeal.
Why is it number 10? Because it’s a great all-rounder – spacious enough with an interior that should stand up to whatever family life throws at it. The only reason it’s not higher is because it’s not as good value for money as you’d expect from a Skoda.
Key features: The Skoda Kodiaq is another seven-seater with a spacious interior and loads of storage. Interior quality is a big step up on Skodas of old, and the 13.0-inch touchscreen works well. Petrol and hybrid engines will appeal to most, but there’s also a diesel engine which is the best option if you do lots of long trips.
Who is it for? It’s not quite as much of a head-over-heart purchase as it once was, but the Skoda Kodiaq’s focus on practicality makes it ideal for anyone who wants a functional car over style and badge appeal.
Why is it number 10? Because it’s a great all-rounder – spacious enough with an interior that should stand up to whatever family life throws at it. The only reason it’s not higher is because it’s not as good value for money as you’d expect from a Skoda.
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Budget
With so many large SUVs on sale at the moment, you could find yourself spending anywhere from around £25,000 to well over £125,000 depending on your budget and what you’re looking for in an SUV. For blank-cheque luxury, the Range Rover and BMW iX are pretty hard to beat, but the value offered by cars like the Dacia Bigster or Carwow’s Car of the Year the Chery Tiggo 8 is really difficult to ignore.
Intended use
Large families will likely require a seven-seater car, which immediately brings the Hyundai Santa Fe, Chery Tiggo 8 and BMW X5 to the front of the queue. For a car that feels at home doing the school run, an EV option makes the most sense, or for long-distance drivers then it’s worth checking out cars that come with diesel engines.
Where do you live?
If you regularly take long trips or you live in the countryside, the Range Rover or Volvo XC90 are pretty hard to beat thanks to their go-anywhere off-road ability. An EV such as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 or Peugeot E-5008 makes a lot more sense if you live in town and have easy access to a charger though.
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