Best Motability SUVs 2026
High-quality SUVs on the Motability Scheme from rated and reviewed dealers
The Top 10 Best Motability SUVs of 2026
You won’t just find dinky little hatchbacks or big, styleless MPVs available through the Motability scheme, because one of the best parts of the programme is the wide range of vehicles available to choose from - including some pretty great SUVs.
They’re not all hulking beasts such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Peugeot 5008, which are prime examples of seven-seater cars that can comfortably ferry you and your mates - or lanky teenagers - around. More compact cars such as the hybrid Toyota Yaris Cross and the all-electric Citroen e-C3 are perfectly suited to life in town.
Our expert reviews team have comprehensively tested every SUV on sale in the UK, whether they’re available through Motability or not, over a wide variety of real-world scenarios. Here are the ten best you can choose which are available through Motability:
1. Peugeot 5008
Peugeot 5008 review
Best for: seven-seater comfort
Where a lot of cars are busy emphasising the ‘sports’ part of a sports utility vehicle, the Peugeot 5008 does the opposite and eschews any sportiness in the name of comfort. It’s so good, in fact, that it was highly commended in the Family Values category of the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
And it’s not just comfort where the 5008 stands out, but in the styling department too. Where so many family-friendly SUVs are generically styled and blend into traffic, the 5008’s sharp angles, funky wheels and lion-claw themed LED running lights look like almost nothing else on the road.
It’s even more outlandish inside, with a rakish dashboard topped by a striking, curved, dual-screen setup and soft-touch fabrics everywhere within reach. There’s buckets of room inside the 5008 across the front and middle rows, with plenty of head and legroom to get comfortable in regardless of height.
The third row is far more cramped, even with the middle row slid forwards, but adults can still squeeze in for short journeys and kids shouldn’t have a problem in the back on longer road trips. The boot itself is a gargantuan 916 litres when in five-seater mode, but even with all seven seats up the boot has as much capacity as a small hatchback.
A standard-fit automatic gearbox, light steering and great visibility mean the enormous 5008 is easier to manoeuvre around town than you might expect, and it’s more comfortable over bumpy roads than its close alternatives.
Motorways are just as comfortable with little in the way of wind and road noise, though the engine can be a little noisy when getting up to speed in a fully-laden 5008. It’s a shame adaptive cruise control only comes as standard on top-spec cars, and the flipside of having soft, comfortable suspension is that the 5008 isn’t much fun on a winding road.
As a big, plush and practical SUV the 5008 is one of the best going - and while it’s not the cheapest Motability option you do get a lot of car for your money.
Where a lot of cars are busy emphasising the ‘sports’ part of a sports utility vehicle, the Peugeot 5008 does the opposite and eschews any sportiness in the name of comfort. It’s so good, in fact, that it was highly commended in the Family Values category of the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
And it’s not just comfort where the 5008 stands out, but in the styling department too. Where so many family-friendly SUVs are generically styled and blend into traffic, the 5008’s sharp angles, funky wheels and lion-claw themed LED running lights look like almost nothing else on the road.
It’s even more outlandish inside, with a rakish dashboard topped by a striking, curved, dual-screen setup and soft-touch fabrics everywhere within reach. There’s buckets of room inside the 5008 across the front and middle rows, with plenty of head and legroom to get comfortable in regardless of height.
The third row is far more cramped, even with the middle row slid forwards, but adults can still squeeze in for short journeys and kids shouldn’t have a problem in the back on longer road trips. The boot itself is a gargantuan 916 litres when in five-seater mode, but even with all seven seats up the boot has as much capacity as a small hatchback.
A standard-fit automatic gearbox, light steering and great visibility mean the enormous 5008 is easier to manoeuvre around town than you might expect, and it’s more comfortable over bumpy roads than its close alternatives.
Motorways are just as comfortable with little in the way of wind and road noise, though the engine can be a little noisy when getting up to speed in a fully-laden 5008. It’s a shame adaptive cruise control only comes as standard on top-spec cars, and the flipside of having soft, comfortable suspension is that the 5008 isn’t much fun on a winding road.
As a big, plush and practical SUV the 5008 is one of the best going - and while it’s not the cheapest Motability option you do get a lot of car for your money.
Battery range up to 202 miles
Best for: small scale SUV looks
The Citroen e-C3 is a fresh take on an old hatchback recipe, with butch styling traits and funky details in a dinky, comfortable package. It’s very affordable too, with a tiny £195 down payment through Motability, and being electric it’ll be cheap to run.
It’s one of the quirkiest cars Citroen makes, with interesting details such as the C-shaped headlights and taillights as well as standard two-tone paint finishes on all trims. For all of its SUV-esque looks, the e-C3 is no bigger than a small hatchback; perfect for navigating small towns.
The interior is equally as funky, and while you can tell it’s been built to a cost Citroen has done a bang-up job of masking some of the hard plastics on the dashboard by covering them in swanky fabric. The standard, if basic, 10.3-inch infotainment system isn’t as clever as on bigger Citroens, but standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mean you don’t have to interact with it much.
Interior space is also fairly good for such a small car, with enough space for four six-footers in the cabin and loads of headroom all round. It is a little narrow inside though, especially in the back where use of the middle seat is best saved for emergencies.
The boot has a decent 310-litre capacity with a nice square shape, but it is a bit annoying lifting heavy items over the large boot lip and the rear seats don’t fold down flush with the floor.
On the road, the e-C3 has ride comfort comparable to much bigger, much posher and much more expensive cars. Potholes and broken roads are soaked up and smoothed out by the e-C3’s suspension, and the seats are sofa-esque in their level of cushioning.
There’s a fair amount of body lean around sharper corners as a result, though a surprising amount of grip means the e-C3 never feels unsettled or scary. Motorways are comfortable, though it takes a while to get up to speed, and the soft suspension dispatches bigger dips with ease. Rougher roads and crosswinds do unsettle the small Citroen, but that’s par for the course on a car this small.
It also happens to be one of the most affordable electric Motability cars out there.
The Citroen e-C3 is a fresh take on an old hatchback recipe, with butch styling traits and funky details in a dinky, comfortable package. It’s very affordable too, with a tiny £195 down payment through Motability, and being electric it’ll be cheap to run.
It’s one of the quirkiest cars Citroen makes, with interesting details such as the C-shaped headlights and taillights as well as standard two-tone paint finishes on all trims. For all of its SUV-esque looks, the e-C3 is no bigger than a small hatchback; perfect for navigating small towns.
The interior is equally as funky, and while you can tell it’s been built to a cost Citroen has done a bang-up job of masking some of the hard plastics on the dashboard by covering them in swanky fabric. The standard, if basic, 10.3-inch infotainment system isn’t as clever as on bigger Citroens, but standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mean you don’t have to interact with it much.
Interior space is also fairly good for such a small car, with enough space for four six-footers in the cabin and loads of headroom all round. It is a little narrow inside though, especially in the back where use of the middle seat is best saved for emergencies.
The boot has a decent 310-litre capacity with a nice square shape, but it is a bit annoying lifting heavy items over the large boot lip and the rear seats don’t fold down flush with the floor.
On the road, the e-C3 has ride comfort comparable to much bigger, much posher and much more expensive cars. Potholes and broken roads are soaked up and smoothed out by the e-C3’s suspension, and the seats are sofa-esque in their level of cushioning.
There’s a fair amount of body lean around sharper corners as a result, though a surprising amount of grip means the e-C3 never feels unsettled or scary. Motorways are comfortable, though it takes a while to get up to speed, and the soft suspension dispatches bigger dips with ease. Rougher roads and crosswinds do unsettle the small Citroen, but that’s par for the course on a car this small.
It also happens to be one of the most affordable electric Motability cars out there.
3. Skoda Karoq
Skoda Karoq review
Best for: solid comfort
Skoda’s mantra of ‘simply clever’ runs deep in all of its models, and the Karoq is one of the best. It’s far from exciting, but solid build quality, great practicality and an easy to live with nature mean the Karoq is a sturdy suburban three-bed rather than a Grand Designs show stopper.
It doesn’t look generic though, in fact the Karoq is somewhat handsome - if lagging behind the latest Skoda design trends. It’s got a wide grille and split-level headlights at the front - plus an angular rear end. It’s far from striking, but that makes it a good choice for flying under the radar.
The interior is much the same, with a sensibly laid out and easy to understand dashboard. The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen set into the dash looks and feels a bit old-fashioned compared to some of the Karoq's alternatives, but having physical shortcut buttons means it’s also easier to navigate than most.
You’ll find the Karoq comfortable too, with highly adjustable seats and loads of headroom in the front while in the back there’s enough space for three adults to sit comfortably on shorter journeys. It can get a little tight for shoulder room on longer drives, but a sliding rear bench means that legroom won’t be an issue and the boot can extend from 478 to an enormous 588 litres.
Town driving is a piece of cake in the Karoq, as its soft suspension absorbs lumps and bumps with ease. It’s just a shame that the automatic gearbox feels so sluggish around town, as the Karoq loses its sense of haste at low speeds.
Motorways are equally as comfortable, and optional active cruise control and lane keeping help ease long journeys too. Wind and road noise are mostly kept at bay.
Country lanes aren’t fun in the Karoq, it’s far too soft and cushy to be exciting, but it keeps body lean in check and there’s plenty of grip - so it’s not out of its depth on a twisty road.
As an all-rounder, if an unexciting one, the Skoda Karoq is absolutely excellent - and it won’t cost you the world to get behind the wheel of one through Motability either.
Skoda’s mantra of ‘simply clever’ runs deep in all of its models, and the Karoq is one of the best. It’s far from exciting, but solid build quality, great practicality and an easy to live with nature mean the Karoq is a sturdy suburban three-bed rather than a Grand Designs show stopper.
It doesn’t look generic though, in fact the Karoq is somewhat handsome - if lagging behind the latest Skoda design trends. It’s got a wide grille and split-level headlights at the front - plus an angular rear end. It’s far from striking, but that makes it a good choice for flying under the radar.
The interior is much the same, with a sensibly laid out and easy to understand dashboard. The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen set into the dash looks and feels a bit old-fashioned compared to some of the Karoq's alternatives, but having physical shortcut buttons means it’s also easier to navigate than most.
You’ll find the Karoq comfortable too, with highly adjustable seats and loads of headroom in the front while in the back there’s enough space for three adults to sit comfortably on shorter journeys. It can get a little tight for shoulder room on longer drives, but a sliding rear bench means that legroom won’t be an issue and the boot can extend from 478 to an enormous 588 litres.
Town driving is a piece of cake in the Karoq, as its soft suspension absorbs lumps and bumps with ease. It’s just a shame that the automatic gearbox feels so sluggish around town, as the Karoq loses its sense of haste at low speeds.
Motorways are equally as comfortable, and optional active cruise control and lane keeping help ease long journeys too. Wind and road noise are mostly kept at bay.
Country lanes aren’t fun in the Karoq, it’s far too soft and cushy to be exciting, but it keeps body lean in check and there’s plenty of grip - so it’s not out of its depth on a twisty road.
As an all-rounder, if an unexciting one, the Skoda Karoq is absolutely excellent - and it won’t cost you the world to get behind the wheel of one through Motability either.
4. Dacia Duster
Dacia Duster review
Best for: affordable off-roading
The Dacia Duster is an excellent family SUV, even before you look at the fact it’s such good value for money. You get funky, rugged off-roader looks that aren’t just for show, as the Duster will brush off scratches and mild bumps with its tough exterior body cladding. However, it’s still stylish enough to hold its own at the school gates.
All models get a nifty 10.1-inch display that’s the best in any Dacia yet. It’s home to the reversing camera and gets all the usual smartphone connectivity too. Again though the design impresses, because the cool, angular styling lifts the ambience - which is otherwise full of hard, scratchy plastics.
There are loads of clever storage solutions, particularly the unique YouClip system that lets you mount stuff like clamps, phone holders and even lights for added practicality. You can comfortably carry five people and the boot is bigger than pretty much anything else you might consider at this price.
If you’re coming to the latest Duster from the previous model, you’ll be impressed by how much better it is to drive. The suspension isn’t quite as soft and comfortable as before, but it does mean the car’s body rolls around less, so your passengers are less likely to get car sick.
The hybrid is the best bet if you’re driving around town, because the automatic gearbox and potential for silent, electric-only travel makes it easier and more refined to drive. On the motorway the car feels stable and secure, but accelerating up to speed can take a bit of effort whichever engine you go for – a Volkswagen T-Roc feels more refined in this regard.
The Dacia Duster is an excellent family SUV, even before you look at the fact it’s such good value for money. You get funky, rugged off-roader looks that aren’t just for show, as the Duster will brush off scratches and mild bumps with its tough exterior body cladding. However, it’s still stylish enough to hold its own at the school gates.
All models get a nifty 10.1-inch display that’s the best in any Dacia yet. It’s home to the reversing camera and gets all the usual smartphone connectivity too. Again though the design impresses, because the cool, angular styling lifts the ambience - which is otherwise full of hard, scratchy plastics.
There are loads of clever storage solutions, particularly the unique YouClip system that lets you mount stuff like clamps, phone holders and even lights for added practicality. You can comfortably carry five people and the boot is bigger than pretty much anything else you might consider at this price.
If you’re coming to the latest Duster from the previous model, you’ll be impressed by how much better it is to drive. The suspension isn’t quite as soft and comfortable as before, but it does mean the car’s body rolls around less, so your passengers are less likely to get car sick.
The hybrid is the best bet if you’re driving around town, because the automatic gearbox and potential for silent, electric-only travel makes it easier and more refined to drive. On the motorway the car feels stable and secure, but accelerating up to speed can take a bit of effort whichever engine you go for – a Volkswagen T-Roc feels more refined in this regard.
Sell your car
no fees, no faff
6,000+ dealers are waiting to bid on your car.
Find out what it's really worth today.
5. Omoda 7
OMODA 7 review
Best for: being great value
The Omoda 7 is easily the best car that the Chinese brand sells in the UK, so much so that even before you factor in its cracking price and list of standard kit, you could consider it over the established alternatives on the way it drives.
It looks smart, too, with a sleek silhouette, pointy headlights, sharp nose and fun, lightning-bolt themed taillights. Okay, so there’s more than a hint of Lexus about its front grille, and it’s a bit generic side-on, but it’s still pretty handsome for what is ultimately a sensible SUV.
Plonk yourself into the driver’s seat and you’ll notice a dashboard that’s the typical minimalist fare you might expect from a Chinese brand. It’s nicely padded and the graphics on the driver’s display and infotainment are crisp, but otherwise the menus are a bit fussy to use and you’ll feel harder plastics on the door cards and centre console.
It’s hugely spacious inside, with plenty of legroom all round, good - but not amazing - headroom and a whopping 639-litre boot, which is ahead of any alternative around the same price and size.
The Omoda 7 features the brand’s plug-in hybrid engine, dubbed SHS-P, and it’s one of our favourite PHEV systems around. It’s more than powerful enough and fairly smooth, while the electric motor’s pep means the SUV feels nippy off the lights in town.
Light steering means it’s easy to manoeuvre, too, but some wind noise and suspension thud over bumps do make themselves known on the motorway. It’s also surprisingly well-sorted on a country lane, more fun to drive than most family SUVs.
The Omoda 7 is easily the best car that the Chinese brand sells in the UK, so much so that even before you factor in its cracking price and list of standard kit, you could consider it over the established alternatives on the way it drives.
It looks smart, too, with a sleek silhouette, pointy headlights, sharp nose and fun, lightning-bolt themed taillights. Okay, so there’s more than a hint of Lexus about its front grille, and it’s a bit generic side-on, but it’s still pretty handsome for what is ultimately a sensible SUV.
Plonk yourself into the driver’s seat and you’ll notice a dashboard that’s the typical minimalist fare you might expect from a Chinese brand. It’s nicely padded and the graphics on the driver’s display and infotainment are crisp, but otherwise the menus are a bit fussy to use and you’ll feel harder plastics on the door cards and centre console.
It’s hugely spacious inside, with plenty of legroom all round, good - but not amazing - headroom and a whopping 639-litre boot, which is ahead of any alternative around the same price and size.
The Omoda 7 features the brand’s plug-in hybrid engine, dubbed SHS-P, and it’s one of our favourite PHEV systems around. It’s more than powerful enough and fairly smooth, while the electric motor’s pep means the SUV feels nippy off the lights in town.
Light steering means it’s easy to manoeuvre, too, but some wind noise and suspension thud over bumps do make themselves known on the motorway. It’s also surprisingly well-sorted on a country lane, more fun to drive than most family SUVs.
6. Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe review
Best for: sheer road presence
While the Peugeot 5008 is about the same size as the Hyundai Santa Fe, it just doesn’t have quite the same larger than life air about it. The Santa Fe is even more capable than it is good looking; so much so that it stole the show at the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
A big, boxy body and square corners give the Santa Fe buckets of road presence, while futuristic details such as the H-pattern headlights and taillights as well as the chunky wheel arches mean the big Hyundai looks far meaner than a seven-seater family car has any right to.
The interior design is fairly posh with a crisp touchscreen display and both material quality and the fit and finish are of a good standard. There’s a frankly outrageous amount of storage space too with a whipping 17 cupholders across all three rows of seats.
Speaking of which, interior space in the Santa Fe is practically unsurpassed. You can spec your Santa Fe as a six or seven-seater, but even with three passengers in the middle there’s enough space for comfortable long-distance drives.
The third row has plenty of space for kids, though adults might feel a little cramped after an extended period in the back, yet even seven-up there’s still decent room in the Santa Fe’s boot.
It’s comfortable in town, if a little unwieldy due to its size, and it’s quiet on the motorway but twisty roads are best taken at a moderate pace. It’s perfectly capable, if just not very fun, but the real shame is how pricey it is to acquire through Motability. It’s worth it for our car of the year though.
While the Peugeot 5008 is about the same size as the Hyundai Santa Fe, it just doesn’t have quite the same larger than life air about it. The Santa Fe is even more capable than it is good looking; so much so that it stole the show at the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
A big, boxy body and square corners give the Santa Fe buckets of road presence, while futuristic details such as the H-pattern headlights and taillights as well as the chunky wheel arches mean the big Hyundai looks far meaner than a seven-seater family car has any right to.
The interior design is fairly posh with a crisp touchscreen display and both material quality and the fit and finish are of a good standard. There’s a frankly outrageous amount of storage space too with a whipping 17 cupholders across all three rows of seats.
Speaking of which, interior space in the Santa Fe is practically unsurpassed. You can spec your Santa Fe as a six or seven-seater, but even with three passengers in the middle there’s enough space for comfortable long-distance drives.
The third row has plenty of space for kids, though adults might feel a little cramped after an extended period in the back, yet even seven-up there’s still decent room in the Santa Fe’s boot.
It’s comfortable in town, if a little unwieldy due to its size, and it’s quiet on the motorway but twisty roads are best taken at a moderate pace. It’s perfectly capable, if just not very fun, but the real shame is how pricey it is to acquire through Motability. It’s worth it for our car of the year though.
7. Toyota Yaris Cross
Toyota Yaris Cross review
Best for: low hybrid running costs
You don’t have to run an electric car to benefit from low running costs – if you’re not ready to take the full EV plunge, the Toyota Yaris Cross has an incredibly economical hybrid engine that should see your fuel costs drop dramatically.
With its lifted suspension and black cladding, it has a hint of rugged SUV about it despite being a small city car. It’s hardly a head-turner but the Yaris Cross is a good-looking thing.
The interior is a touch plain – a Peugeot 2008 is much more visually interesting inside – but you get some nice soft-touch plastics and solid build quality. It’s just about spacious enough for four passengers, and the boot sits around the middle of alternatives – at 397 litres it’s bigger than a Vauxhall Mokka and smaller than a Skoda Kamiq.
It’s a bit more expensive than similar petrol-powered alternatives (the hybrid’s batteries add to the cost), though it does make up for this not only by being incredibly economical, but also by giving you lots of standard equipment. For example, many much more expensive cars don’t get adaptive cruise control on all models, but the Yaris Cross does.
One downside of that economical hybrid engine is the gearbox. It’s a CVT, which is a type of automatic gearbox. The benefit is that it helps reduce fuel use, but the downside is that it can be really noisy when accelerating. That said, at lower speeds around town, when you’re maximising use of the electric motors, it’s quiet enough.
You don’t have to run an electric car to benefit from low running costs – if you’re not ready to take the full EV plunge, the Toyota Yaris Cross has an incredibly economical hybrid engine that should see your fuel costs drop dramatically.
With its lifted suspension and black cladding, it has a hint of rugged SUV about it despite being a small city car. It’s hardly a head-turner but the Yaris Cross is a good-looking thing.
The interior is a touch plain – a Peugeot 2008 is much more visually interesting inside – but you get some nice soft-touch plastics and solid build quality. It’s just about spacious enough for four passengers, and the boot sits around the middle of alternatives – at 397 litres it’s bigger than a Vauxhall Mokka and smaller than a Skoda Kamiq.
It’s a bit more expensive than similar petrol-powered alternatives (the hybrid’s batteries add to the cost), though it does make up for this not only by being incredibly economical, but also by giving you lots of standard equipment. For example, many much more expensive cars don’t get adaptive cruise control on all models, but the Yaris Cross does.
One downside of that economical hybrid engine is the gearbox. It’s a CVT, which is a type of automatic gearbox. The benefit is that it helps reduce fuel use, but the downside is that it can be really noisy when accelerating. That said, at lower speeds around town, when you’re maximising use of the electric motors, it’s quiet enough.
8. MG HS
MG HS review
Best for: Value for money
For a car that costs the same as a small hatchback, the MG HS brings a lot to the table. The HS’s interior space, standard equipment and performance are all impressive. While it may not be quite as refined as some alternatives, it’s easy to see why the HS is so popular among new car buyers.
It looks good too, with pointy headlights and a big grille giving the SUV more road presence than you’d expect from a budget brand such as MG. The interior looks posh too, and while fit and finish aren’t quite up to scratch compared to its German and French alternatives the HS’s dashboard is attractive.
Up front you have a pair of well cushioned seats with lots of adjustment, but they’re not hugely supportive and there's no hidden storage to hide any odds and ends in. The infotainment system isn’t very slick, and a lack of physical controls is annoying as a result.
Rear passengers have loads of room and you have a large 507-litre boot in the HS, but alternatives have more storage space - unless you compare hybrid versions where the HS has the same luggage capacity as the petrol model.
While the HS has soft, comfortable suspension, cost-cutting is again evident as it’s not very well controlled. It has a tendency to bounce and wallow over bigger bumps and dips in town, on the motorway and on a twisty road. Far from fun, but that can (almost) all be forgiven for the HS’s fantastic price.
For a car that costs the same as a small hatchback, the MG HS brings a lot to the table. The HS’s interior space, standard equipment and performance are all impressive. While it may not be quite as refined as some alternatives, it’s easy to see why the HS is so popular among new car buyers.
It looks good too, with pointy headlights and a big grille giving the SUV more road presence than you’d expect from a budget brand such as MG. The interior looks posh too, and while fit and finish aren’t quite up to scratch compared to its German and French alternatives the HS’s dashboard is attractive.
Up front you have a pair of well cushioned seats with lots of adjustment, but they’re not hugely supportive and there's no hidden storage to hide any odds and ends in. The infotainment system isn’t very slick, and a lack of physical controls is annoying as a result.
Rear passengers have loads of room and you have a large 507-litre boot in the HS, but alternatives have more storage space - unless you compare hybrid versions where the HS has the same luggage capacity as the petrol model.
While the HS has soft, comfortable suspension, cost-cutting is again evident as it’s not very well controlled. It has a tendency to bounce and wallow over bigger bumps and dips in town, on the motorway and on a twisty road. Far from fun, but that can (almost) all be forgiven for the HS’s fantastic price.
9. Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage review
Best for: clever infotainment
Looks can be deceiving, and while the Kia Sportage is a striking-looking thing it’s actually a very grown up, if plain, family SUV under the skin. The styling is positively wild though; a flurry of angles, lines and creases from front to back.
The interior is almost as wacky, with a curved dual-screen setup and wide control bar jutting out of the heavily styled dashboard. Material quality is high and that control panel is just one example of Kia’s designers packing the Sportage with thoughtful features.
There’s loads of space inside the funky Kia, with both front and rear seat occupants being well catered for for legroom and headroom. The seats are supportive and comfortable and there’s loads of in-cabin storage as well as an enormous 591-litre boot - though that number drops in hybrid models.
Don’t expect the Sportage to be fun to drive on a twisty road though, as this is a car that’s been designed purely for easy low-speed and long-distance driving. All of the controls are light and easy to use, but the Sportage is surprisingly stiff and jiggly over bumps, without any sporty cornering traits to show for it.
Looks can be deceiving, and while the Kia Sportage is a striking-looking thing it’s actually a very grown up, if plain, family SUV under the skin. The styling is positively wild though; a flurry of angles, lines and creases from front to back.
The interior is almost as wacky, with a curved dual-screen setup and wide control bar jutting out of the heavily styled dashboard. Material quality is high and that control panel is just one example of Kia’s designers packing the Sportage with thoughtful features.
There’s loads of space inside the funky Kia, with both front and rear seat occupants being well catered for for legroom and headroom. The seats are supportive and comfortable and there’s loads of in-cabin storage as well as an enormous 591-litre boot - though that number drops in hybrid models.
Don’t expect the Sportage to be fun to drive on a twisty road though, as this is a car that’s been designed purely for easy low-speed and long-distance driving. All of the controls are light and easy to use, but the Sportage is surprisingly stiff and jiggly over bumps, without any sporty cornering traits to show for it.
10. Peugeot 2008
Peugeot 2008 review
Best for: affordable style
Peugeot’s bold styling isn’t exclusive to its big SUVs, having trickled down to the small 2008 too. It’s cheap to run and oh-so-comfortable, though the infotainment isn’t the best.
Bold colour schemes, sharp angles and strong lines all over the 2008’s design marking it out as one of the French brand’s products. The intricate grille and slender taillights really stand out, as do the vertical daytime running lights flanking the front end.
A 2023 update brought a standard-fit 10.0-inch display to the 2008, sitting atop a striking, if slightly fussy, dashboard design. The switchgear and surfaces (almost) all feel posh, and the small steering wheel is a joy to use - even if it can obstruct the driver display in certain seating positions.
The front seats are comfortable and there’s a good amount of adjustment and space, but rear headroom is cramped for tall adults and the rear door openings are narrow making entry and egress a pain. A 434-litre boot means the 2008 fares well compared to its alternatives, and a lack of boot lip makes loading and unloading easy.
On the road the 2008 is generally good, but grabby brakes and a vague gearchange require a bit more focus in traffic than you’d like. Visibility isn’t great either, but the 2008 is supremely comfortable in town and on the motorway. Twisty roads can feel a little unsettling as the 2008 floats about, but it never lacks for grip.
Drive it like the soft, city cruiser that it is and the 2008 is a lovely car - especially considering it’s a deposit-free way to get motoring through Motability.
Peugeot’s bold styling isn’t exclusive to its big SUVs, having trickled down to the small 2008 too. It’s cheap to run and oh-so-comfortable, though the infotainment isn’t the best.
Bold colour schemes, sharp angles and strong lines all over the 2008’s design marking it out as one of the French brand’s products. The intricate grille and slender taillights really stand out, as do the vertical daytime running lights flanking the front end.
A 2023 update brought a standard-fit 10.0-inch display to the 2008, sitting atop a striking, if slightly fussy, dashboard design. The switchgear and surfaces (almost) all feel posh, and the small steering wheel is a joy to use - even if it can obstruct the driver display in certain seating positions.
The front seats are comfortable and there’s a good amount of adjustment and space, but rear headroom is cramped for tall adults and the rear door openings are narrow making entry and egress a pain. A 434-litre boot means the 2008 fares well compared to its alternatives, and a lack of boot lip makes loading and unloading easy.
On the road the 2008 is generally good, but grabby brakes and a vague gearchange require a bit more focus in traffic than you’d like. Visibility isn’t great either, but the 2008 is supremely comfortable in town and on the motorway. Twisty roads can feel a little unsettling as the 2008 floats about, but it never lacks for grip.
Drive it like the soft, city cruiser that it is and the 2008 is a lovely car - especially considering it’s a deposit-free way to get motoring through Motability.
Factors to consider when buying a Motability SUV
Size appeal
SUVs come in all shapes and sizes, and the Motability scheme has everything from city-sized options such as the Citroen C3 up to seven-seat monsters such as the Hyundai Santa Fe. Consider your needs before buying - is the extra space worth the penalty in fuel consumption? Or will you kick yourself six months down the line when you’re trying in vain to squeeze your shopping in the boot?
Accessibility
Not everyone eligible for the Motability scheme has a physical disability, but plenty do - and so an SUV is a great choice for accessibility thanks to their higher ride height. You can step into an SUV rather than having to lower yourself down like you do in a hatchback. But consider your requirements carefully. Some large SUVs may actually be a difficult step up if you’re not the tallest, and it’s all very well having a huge boot but not much use if you can’t lift items into it because it’s too high up. Not every SUV is as spacious as it looks, either.
Fuel type
There are fewer and fewer diesel-powered options on the Motability scheme as car manufacturers phase it out, so your choice is more likely to be between petrol, hybrid, and electric. Think about the journeys you do most often, and which fuel type will suit them best - EVs are great for short hops but can be frustrating on longer journeys, for example.
Advertisement
