Visit a new car showroom in 2024 and you’ll almost certainly find an SUV of some description. From the Ford Puma to the Lamborghini Urus, British buyers can’t get enough of these high-riding vehicles.
SUVs hit the sweet-spot as family cars. Their virtues include a high driving position, practical interiors and running costs that should be little more than a mid-size hatchback. Whatever your budget, you should be able to find a family SUV that suits your needs.
We’ve created a list of the best family SUVs to buy in 2024, from the premium Audi Q5 and Volvo XC40, to the more affordable Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Our choices are presented in alphabetical order.
Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 isn’t the cheapest family SUV you can buy, but it’s possibly the best all-rounder. There are three core models: the standard Q5, the more stylish Q5 Sportback and the TFSI e plug-in hybrid, which offers an electric range of up to 39 miles.
Few family SUVs provide such a compelling blend of quality and technology. Even the entry-level Q5 Sport features LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, a 12.3-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit driver display, three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and a reversing camera.
We said: ‘The Audi Q5 is one the UK’s best-loved SUVs, cementing a reputation for a high-quality interior, the latest tech and a strong image. As a comfortable and refined cruiser, the Q5 is hard to beat.’
BMW X3
The BMW X3 sits in the middle of an extensive SUV range bookended by the X1 and the X7. In many ways, it’s the best of the crop, offering the usability and low running costs of the X1, but the quality and comfort of the X5 and X7. Prices are roughly in line with the Audi Q5, so the choice comes down to badge and driver appeal. If you enjoy driving, there’s a clear winner: the X3.
On the move, the X3 feels like a high-riding BMW 3 Series. Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions are available, with the latter offering up to 26 miles of electric range. There’s also the iX3 if you want to go fully electric.Â
The entry-level xLine model features 19-inch alloy wheels, BMW Navigation with traffic information, sports seats, adaptive LED headlights, an electric tailgate, three-zone climate control and a reversing camera.Â
We said: ‘The BMW X3 stands out in a crowded sector thanks to how it drives. Handling is class-leading, while all engines offer strong pace and fuel economy.’
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the most distinctive family SUVs on sale. You might not love its bold styling, but you can’t accuse the adventurous Hyundai of playing it safe. Make no mistake, your neighbours will know you’ve bought a new car.
It’s not the bargain family SUV it was previously, but it comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a generous level of standard equipment. The SE Connect gets 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, a 10.25-inch touchscreen media system with sat-nav, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and front and rear parking sensors.
Upgrading to Premium trim adds more kit, while the Ultimate nudges the Tucson into luxurious territory. Look out for the N Line and N Line S models, which feature styling inspired by Hyundai’s N performance models. A 1.6-litre petrol engine is available in a choice of outputs, and with mild-hybrid or full hybrid technology. A plug-in hybrid Tucson has been launched recently, too. It offers 38 miles of pure electric range and hefty tax savings, particularly for company car drivers.
Read our review of the old Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
The previous Kia Sportage was regularly among the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars, so a lot rides on this latest model. It’s certainly no wallflower, with a full-width grille and angular LED lights providing plenty of road presence. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard across the range, while the high-spec ‘3’ and GT-Line S models also get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
All Sportages come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and a rear-view camera. Niceties on the plush GT-Line S version include a Harman Kardon audio system, electric tailgate and ventilated seats.
Most buyers will choose the 150hp 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine, which is optionally available with an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. The 230hp hybrid is our pick of the range, but don’t rule out the 265hp plug-in hybrid if you fancy 43 miles of electric range. Despite its name, the Sportage doesn’t inject the ‘Sport’ into ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’. However, all versions are comfortable and easy to drive.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Few family SUVs ever venture off-road, but the Land Rover Discovery Sport is the best choice for getting your boots dirty. It also comes with seven seats as standard, so you can choose between lots of luggage space or a pair of occasional seats that are ideal for children. The entry-level S trim lacks some desirable equipment, but the Dynamic HSE edges the Disco into Range Rover territory.
The Discovery Sport P300e combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a total output of 309hp. Crucially, it provides up to 37 miles of electric range and an official 190.5mpg. You just have to remember to plug it in when you go to bed. The diesel engine boasts mild-hybrid tech to deliver an official 42.7mpg.
We said: ‘The 2.0 diesel delivers more oomph and is the best choice for towing. The P300e plug-in hybrid is tax-efficient, but expensive to buy. As an all-rounder, the Discovery Sport is superb, especially when the going gets tough.’
Read our Land Rover Discovery Sport review
Mercedes-Benz GLB
No other car manufacturer offers such a bewildering array of SUVs as Mercedes-Benz, so it might be tricky to choose the right one. We’ll cut to the chase: the GLB is one of the most practical and family-friendly SUVs in the range. It also offers better value for money than the more expensive Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Squint and it looks a little like the chunky Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which helps the GLB stand out in a crowded market. It’s actually shorter and narrower than the GLC, but its lofty stance creates an interior that is spacious enough for five adults. You even get a pair of extra seats in the third row. Quality isn’t quite up to the high standards of the GLC, but the price reflects this.
All versions get a pair of 10.25-inch screens, which blend together to create one seamless display across the dashboard. Take into account the fact that the entry-level GLB undercuts the basic GLC by around £16,000, and you’ll see why we consider it excellent value.
Peugeot 3008
The Peugeot 3008 is proof that you don’t need to pay a premium price to get a premium SUV experience. This is one of the most individual SUVs you can buy, with bold exterior styling matched by an interior that oozes quality and sophistication.
Petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are offered, with the latter offering up to 42 miles of electric range. Meanwhile, the 3008 Hybrid offers 49.6mpg without the need to plug it in, making it a more affordable and economical alternative to the petrol and diesel versions.
We said: ‘The multi-award-winning Peugeot 3008 is one of the best family SUVs on sale. Only an underwhelming driving experience, cramped rear seats and high prices at the top of the range prevent the 3008 from getting a full five stars.’
Read our review of the Peugeot 3008
Skoda Kodiaq
We could mount a strong case for the Skoda Kodiaq being the best family SUV you can buy. Available with a choice of five or seven seats, the Kodiaq comes with a long list of equipment, even on the entry-level version. An all-new Kodiaq is on the way in 2024, so grab a bargain on the outgoing model.
It shares a platform with the Volkswagen Tiguan, and although the level of finish isn’t up to the standards of the VW, you’ll get more equipment for your money. Prices start from around £38,500, while the four-wheel-drive SportLine with a 200hp diesel engine costs £46,000.
We said: ‘In SE L Executive trim, the Kodiaq is arguably all the SUV you could ever need, with bags of space in the back, a cavernous boot and a host of standard equipment. It’s also refreshingly simple to drive and likely to offer a stress-free ownership experience.’
Read our review of the Skoda Kodiaq
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most popular family SUVs in Europe, with many buyers prepared to pay a small premium for the badge and a noticeable uplift in quality. It feels a class above its mainstream rivals, but can’t quite reach the high standards set by the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The new Tiguan (pictured) promises to be even better.
Don’t be fooled by the attractive price of the entry-level Tiguan as it lacks the kind of creature comforts you’ll want over a three-year PCP deal. The Life trim level is more appealing, while Match and Elegance add more luxury to the mix. There’s also a Tiguan R-Line, which features more aggressive styling and lowered suspension. For seven seats, you’ll need to upgrade to the versatile Tiguan Allspace.
We said: ‘The Tiguan has one of the nicest cabins in its class and a huge range of efficient and punchy engines. Little wonder it’s so popular.’
Read our review of the Volkswagen Tiguan
Volvo XC40
Not many family SUVs are as appealing as the Volvo XC40. It might be the smallest SUV in the Volvo range, but it’s arguably the most charming and attractive of the three. Its chunky styling sets it apart from premium rivals, while the interior exudes sophisticated Swedish cool.
Diesel versions were axed in 2020, so you’re left with a choice of a petrol engine or the all-electric XC40 Recharge. The £45,000 Single Motor version offers an official 294 miles of range, while the Twin Motor model adds another 35 or so miles for an extra £10,000.
We said: ‘The Volvo XC40 has deservedly won a string of awards and a legion of admirers. It looks blockier than most compact SUVs, with hardly a line out of place.’
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