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If you’re in the market for an SUV you’re spoilt for choice these days. Almost every manufacturer makes an SUV, many make a whole range of them and the variety of models on offer is huge. The SUV options are growing all the time to accommodate demand, making choosing the best SUV for your needs all the more difficult.
Even if we limit the search to SUVs that are big enough to serve as family cars, with space for at least four adults and large boots for luggage or dogs, you’ve still got to consider whether to choose mainstream or premium SUV, decide if you need 5 or 7 seats and make your selection between petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric powertrains. That's before all the different SUV manufacturers, models and trim levels even come into it.
Thanks to the growing popularity of this class of car, the SUV segment can be hugely lucrative if manufacturers get it right. Many SUVs come in standard or ‘coupe SUV’ body styles, in economy-focused, luxury or sporty guises and you’ll need to think about what level of off-road ability you want. Are you looking for a hardcore mud-plugging 4x4 vehicle or do you just want to traverse the occasional speed bump or raised kerb without scraping your alloy wheels?
All things considered, finding a new SUV that perfectly suits your family’s needs, and getting a great deal on it, has never been tougher but we’re here to help. The Auto Express team has tested every SUV model on the market exhaustively and to save you from getting lost in a labyrinth of boot and towing capacities, legroom measurements and infotainment specs, we’ve created a list of the top 10 best SUVs on sale. We’ve focused on family-sized models here but if you’re after something smaller, our top 10 best small SUVs list has those more compact models covered…
Scroll down to find out more about the 10 best SUVs on sale at the moment...
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Land Rover has really pulled off the task of reinventing the iconic Defender for the modern age. It's every bit as capable off-road, while introducing a level of luxury that underlines its premium credentials. Crucially, for 99% of customers, the Defender is also good to drive on-road, delivering a surprising amount of fun and dynamic ability on smoother tarmac.
The Defender is as versatile as ever, and in 110 specification you can choose from five, six or seven-seat options, while the engine options are equally flexible with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel units, a plug-in hybrid variant and a storming 5.0-litre V8 model with 518bhp.
Practicality is still a priority for the Defender, with lots of cubbies and storage areas located around the cabin, as well as useful tech features like a standard 3D surround camera. The air suspension can raise and lower to make hitching-up a trailer much easier, while the ClearSight Ground View gives you a virtual view of the ground beneath and just in front of the vehicle - a boon for keen off-roaders.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Land Rover Defender...
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The SUV segment is a fiercely-fought one right now as it’s such a popular class. Over a third of SEAT’s sales are now SUVs, highlighting the importance of getting the formula right for cars like the Tarraco.
Practicality is the most important factor and this is where the Tarraco impresses. With seven seats, the Tarraco will happily ferry kids around (just make sure it will be kids in the third row as legroom is tight) and the boot comes in at 700 litres with the third row folded.
We found the Tarraco to be the best equipped when compared with the similarly-priced Kodiaq and 5008. The interior is of a simple design, but it’s a clean look and the infotainment will be familiar to those coming from other VW-group models.
Utilising a widely-used VW-group MQB platform, the Tarraco has a surprising amount of composure in the bends, keeping body roll to a minimum. The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine is the one to go for as it returned an impressive 44.7mpg on our test run, not bad for a car of this size. It’s a punchy motor and although it’s the same unit found in the Kodiaq the Tarraco is marginally quicker.
The Tarraco’s ride comfort is among the best in its class, coping with bumps and holes in the road with ease. Engine, road and wind noise is also well suppressed within the cabin.
All the factors combined make the SEAT Tarraco a worthy winner of our 2020 Large SUV of the Year.
Click here for our in-depth review of the SEAT Tarraco...
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BMW launched the first X5 model in 1999, and its blend of style, practicality, and famous BMW engineering immediately set it apart from the SUV competition. Originally, BMW marketed the X5 as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), but it has evolved to deliver luxury levels of comfort and refinement.
The X5 won our Large Premium SUV of the Year in 2020, and while it has always demonstrated great flexibility in both five and seven-seat form, it was the introduction of the supremely capable xDrive45e plug-in hybrid version which helped the X5 take the gong.
Capable of covering around 50 miles on battery power alone, the xDrive45e is able to reduce the usual running costs of a typical large SUV, while CO2 emissions starting from 27g/km mean the X5 will be more attractive to business users.
Once inside, you'll benefit from BMW's Live Cockpit Professional infotainment set-up which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a further touchscreen of the same size for controlling the media functions and sat nav - it's a brilliantly intuitive system.
Click here for our in-depth review of the BMW X5...
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The rise of the electric vehicle is accelerating and the e-Niro shows how far car manufacturers have come. The e-Niro’s range of 282 miles is good enough to suit most lifestyles, while the 201bhp 64kWh single electric motor helps the e-Niro accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds. This is fast for a family car, and the e-Niro gets up to speed in a typically quiet and undramatic EV style.
The e-Niro excels as a family car, with a 451-litre boot and plenty of headroom thanks to the SUV-style body. It’s also comfortable on the move with wind and road noise kept at bay. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available as standard and the eight-inch screen is simple to use. The interior is also of a better quality than what you’ll find in a Leaf.
Efficiency is also a strong point of the e-Niro. We recorded a figure of 4.6 miles/kWh at a range of 294 miles on our test, which is better the the WLTP-claimed figure from Kia.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Kia e-Niro...
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Visually, the current 3008 is a huge departure from the tame looks of the first one and the bold design has clearly influenced the larger 5008. Whether you like the looks or not, Peugeot should at least be commended for not playing it safe and by trying to make its family SUV stand out.
To really succeed in the family car market, a focus on practicality is a must and the 3008’s 591-litre boot dwarfs the Nissan Qashqai’s 430-litre load area and comfortably beats the SEAT Ateca’s 510 litres. A flat floor will be a blessing for those sat in the back and there’s plenty of headroom. Up front there’s a curved dash to give a cosseting feel for the driver.
Peugeot’s i-Cockpit display features behind the wheel - allowing you to change the layout of dials and sat nav. The infotainment isn’t the best in its class, but it’s easy to use and there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Peugeot 3008...
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The Jaguar I-Pace is an all-electric premium SUV that arrived to define a new segment in the market, claiming the Auto Express 2018 Car of the Year award in the process. The I-Pace is a hugely important car for Jaguar, showcasing new technology, both in terms of the pure-electric powertrain itself and the new platform that houses it.
The I-Pace uses a 90kWh battery with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, which drives an electric motor on each axle to give four-wheel drive. This is a 2.2-tonne car but the 396bhp and 696Nm of torque are enough for 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and you get a range of around 280 miles on the WLTP tests.
Impressive though they are, the numbers don’t do the Jaguar I-Pace justice because this is a big SUV with a real sense of occasion. From the bold exterior styling to the leather-lined cabin with its dual-screen Pivi Pro infotainment system, it feels special. With plenty of rear legroom and a 656-litre boot, its ticks the practicality boxes too. If your lifestyle can fit with an electric SUV, the I-Pace is still a great buy.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Jaguar I-Pace...
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Skoda’s Karoq is identical to the SEAT Ateca underneath, but it’s the Czech car that is slightly better balanced as a small SUV.
20 years ago the small SUV sector was a relatively niche market, but the success of cars like the Skoda Karoq shows us how tastes have changed. The Nissan Qashqai usually gets a customary mention as to why small SUVs are now so popular, yet the Skoda Karoq is our current favourite within this competitive crop.
In standard guise the Karoq offers a 521-litre boot or 1,810 litres when the rear seats are folded. This should provide more than enough space for most families and headroom in the rear seats is even slightly better than the larger Skoda Kodiaq.
The Karoq’s interior is a nice place to spend an extended period of time if a long journey is on the cards. The cabin space is cleverly packaged with lots of cubby-holes and pockets and there’s an air of quality you’d associate with more expensive VW-group products. The infotainment is among the best in the business and there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, too.
To really stand out in the small SUV sector, performance and general driving dynamics are also important. The Karoq’s ride is more compliant and refined than you’ll find in the SEAT Ateca, but there's responsiveness to the steering and body roll is kept at bay. Avoid speccing the 19-inch alloys however as these can upset the ride quality and add unwanted road noise.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Skoda Karoq...
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The Land Rover Discovery has made a name for itself as one of the best family cars you can buy, and it's even better in its latest guise. With a smoother look and just as much upmarket appeal as its more expensive Range Rover cousins, the Discovery delivers the kind of upmarket motoring that you'd expect from an executive saloon, combined with the seven-seat practicality of an MPV and the off-road ability of a dedicated 4x4.
There's plenty of space inside, and the rearmost seats are roomy enough for adults to use, while the quality and fit and finish of the cabin gives it a classy feel. There's plenty of tech on board, from the latest infotainment to advanced electronics that keep the Discovery on the straight and narrow, whether on tarmac or in the rough.
Aluminium construction means that while the Discovery is big, it's not as heavy as you would expect, so running costs are reasonable, helped by mild-hybrid technology for both petrol and diesel-engined versions.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Land Rover Discovery...
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To be a competitor in the small SUV class means offering plenty of style and versatility, as well as being good value for money.
The Renault Captur, based on the underpinnings of the best-selling Clio, delivers handsome good looks and a practical high-set driving position, along with generous levels of standard equipment and attractive pricing - what's not to like?
At the core of the Captur's appeal is its practicality, and with increased dimensions over the previous model, it offers improved passenger space along with clever touches such as a sliding rear bench which allows you to prioritise room for extra occupants or luggage.
With a host of on-board driver assistance systems and a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, the Captur is a fantastically appealing small SUV.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Renault Captur...
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Mercedes has really moved the game on with its latest GLA model. The manufacturer has improved the small premium SUV in all the right areas with extra interior space, enhanced practicality and, crucially in this mini-luxury class, high levels of comfort and refinement.
With smart good looks and a real air of quality to the cabin, the second-generation GLA has lots of kerb appeal. It benefits from a decent range of powerful, frugal and refined engines, while the 250 e plug-in hybrid version offers up to 37 miles of all-electric drive which helps to cut running costs.
Useful standard features such as an electrically-operated tailgate, a reversing camera and child-friendly Artico man-made leather just add to to the overall appeal, and the GLA deservedly took our Small Premium SUV of the Year title in 2020.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Mercedes GLA...
The good news for SUV buyers is that because there are so many options, irrespective of whether you want to buy or lease your SUV, you need not settle for anything less than perfect. The growth in this sector has largely been fuelled by motorists desiring a commanding driving position, chunky looks and extra grip from 4x4 systems. But there’s more to the SUV package.
The large body of a 4x4 means there's potential for great practicality, so much so that some SUVs can rival MPVs for family-friendly space and versatility. If you're looking for a 7-seater car then a large SUV could be a perfect fit, they tend to be more desirable than MPVs as well as matching them for space. With their huge boot space, roof racks and towing capacity they make great cars for going on holiday, too.
Towing a caravan or trailer is a common use for these cars – and if that's your plan, the high torque of a large diesel engine is the best choice for load-lugging. Check out our top 10 best tow cars to find out more.
As more and more people are opting for an SUV, carmakers have become embroiled in a fierce competition to offer the best ride, refinement, and comfort. What is perhaps most impressive, is that a select few of these new SUVs even exceed the performance and driving dynamics of the more conventional family cars with a genuinely engaging experience.
Some will have concerns about the ethics of driving a big and potentially inefficient SUV of course, but even those concerns can often be put to rest as many of the models on offer are not much thirstier or more polluting than similarly-sized saloons or family hatchbacks. Efficient hybrid models are becoming increasingly popular too, with great mpg figures from their high-tech drivetrains. Just be warned that you may struggle to replicate official figures in the real world.
Despite being known as 4x4s, many SUVs cars are only two-wheel-drive. So, while in the past choosing an SUV probably meant you needed an off-road capable workhorse or wanted to go trail bashing for fun, the picture is very different now.
Four-wheel drive boosts their capability when the weather turns, too, although models with 2WD will deliver the kind of running costs you'd get with a conventional car if you're looking at the financial bottom line. At the other end of the spectrum, the latest range of powerful performance models mean you can get an SUV that can put a smile on your face on twisty roads.
Style is an important factor with many new SUVs and 4x4s, and plenty of models are available with a range of personalisation options to make the car you choose stand out. And at the top end of the SUV spectrum, the most luxurious SUVs have the quality and refinement to match the best limousines for comfort.
Tell us your favourite current SUV in the comments section below...
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Even if we limit the search to SUVs that are big enough to serve as family cars, with space for at least four adults and large boots for luggage or dogs, you’ve still got to consider whether to choose mainstream or premium SUV, decide if you need 5 or 7 seats and make your selection between petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric powertrains. That's before all the different SUV manufacturers, models and trim levels even come into it.
Thanks to the growing popularity of this class of car, the SUV segment can be hugely lucrative if manufacturers get it right. Many SUVs come in standard or ‘coupe SUV’ body styles, in economy-focused, luxury or sporty guises and you’ll need to think about what level of off-road ability you want. Are you looking for a hardcore mud-plugging 4x4 vehicle or do you just want to traverse the occasional speed bump or raised kerb without scraping your alloy wheels?
All things considered, finding a new SUV that perfectly suits your family’s needs, and getting a great deal on it, has never been tougher but we’re here to help. The Auto Express team has tested every SUV model on the market exhaustively and to save you from getting lost in a labyrinth of boot and towing capacities, legroom measurements and infotainment specs, we’ve created a list of the top 10 best SUVs on sale. We’ve focused on family-sized models here but if you’re after something smaller, our top 10 best small SUVs list has those more compact models covered…
Top 10 best SUVs on sale
- Land Rover Defender
- SEAT Tarraco
- BMW X5
- Kia e-Niro
- Peugeot 3008
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Skoda Karoq
- Land Rover Discovery
- Renault Captur
- Mercedes GLA
Scroll down to find out more about the 10 best SUVs on sale at the moment...
1. Land Rover Defender
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Land Rover has really pulled off the task of reinventing the iconic Defender for the modern age. It's every bit as capable off-road, while introducing a level of luxury that underlines its premium credentials. Crucially, for 99% of customers, the Defender is also good to drive on-road, delivering a surprising amount of fun and dynamic ability on smoother tarmac.
The Defender is as versatile as ever, and in 110 specification you can choose from five, six or seven-seat options, while the engine options are equally flexible with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel units, a plug-in hybrid variant and a storming 5.0-litre V8 model with 518bhp.
Practicality is still a priority for the Defender, with lots of cubbies and storage areas located around the cabin, as well as useful tech features like a standard 3D surround camera. The air suspension can raise and lower to make hitching-up a trailer much easier, while the ClearSight Ground View gives you a virtual view of the ground beneath and just in front of the vehicle - a boon for keen off-roaders.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Land Rover Defender...
2. SEAT Tarraco
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The SUV segment is a fiercely-fought one right now as it’s such a popular class. Over a third of SEAT’s sales are now SUVs, highlighting the importance of getting the formula right for cars like the Tarraco.
Practicality is the most important factor and this is where the Tarraco impresses. With seven seats, the Tarraco will happily ferry kids around (just make sure it will be kids in the third row as legroom is tight) and the boot comes in at 700 litres with the third row folded.
We found the Tarraco to be the best equipped when compared with the similarly-priced Kodiaq and 5008. The interior is of a simple design, but it’s a clean look and the infotainment will be familiar to those coming from other VW-group models.
Utilising a widely-used VW-group MQB platform, the Tarraco has a surprising amount of composure in the bends, keeping body roll to a minimum. The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine is the one to go for as it returned an impressive 44.7mpg on our test run, not bad for a car of this size. It’s a punchy motor and although it’s the same unit found in the Kodiaq the Tarraco is marginally quicker.
The Tarraco’s ride comfort is among the best in its class, coping with bumps and holes in the road with ease. Engine, road and wind noise is also well suppressed within the cabin.
All the factors combined make the SEAT Tarraco a worthy winner of our 2020 Large SUV of the Year.
Click here for our in-depth review of the SEAT Tarraco...
3. BMW X5
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BMW launched the first X5 model in 1999, and its blend of style, practicality, and famous BMW engineering immediately set it apart from the SUV competition. Originally, BMW marketed the X5 as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), but it has evolved to deliver luxury levels of comfort and refinement.
The X5 won our Large Premium SUV of the Year in 2020, and while it has always demonstrated great flexibility in both five and seven-seat form, it was the introduction of the supremely capable xDrive45e plug-in hybrid version which helped the X5 take the gong.
Capable of covering around 50 miles on battery power alone, the xDrive45e is able to reduce the usual running costs of a typical large SUV, while CO2 emissions starting from 27g/km mean the X5 will be more attractive to business users.
Once inside, you'll benefit from BMW's Live Cockpit Professional infotainment set-up which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a further touchscreen of the same size for controlling the media functions and sat nav - it's a brilliantly intuitive system.
Click here for our in-depth review of the BMW X5...
4. Kia e-Niro
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The rise of the electric vehicle is accelerating and the e-Niro shows how far car manufacturers have come. The e-Niro’s range of 282 miles is good enough to suit most lifestyles, while the 201bhp 64kWh single electric motor helps the e-Niro accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds. This is fast for a family car, and the e-Niro gets up to speed in a typically quiet and undramatic EV style.
The e-Niro excels as a family car, with a 451-litre boot and plenty of headroom thanks to the SUV-style body. It’s also comfortable on the move with wind and road noise kept at bay. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available as standard and the eight-inch screen is simple to use. The interior is also of a better quality than what you’ll find in a Leaf.
Efficiency is also a strong point of the e-Niro. We recorded a figure of 4.6 miles/kWh at a range of 294 miles on our test, which is better the the WLTP-claimed figure from Kia.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Kia e-Niro...
5. Peugeot 3008
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Visually, the current 3008 is a huge departure from the tame looks of the first one and the bold design has clearly influenced the larger 5008. Whether you like the looks or not, Peugeot should at least be commended for not playing it safe and by trying to make its family SUV stand out.
To really succeed in the family car market, a focus on practicality is a must and the 3008’s 591-litre boot dwarfs the Nissan Qashqai’s 430-litre load area and comfortably beats the SEAT Ateca’s 510 litres. A flat floor will be a blessing for those sat in the back and there’s plenty of headroom. Up front there’s a curved dash to give a cosseting feel for the driver.
Peugeot’s i-Cockpit display features behind the wheel - allowing you to change the layout of dials and sat nav. The infotainment isn’t the best in its class, but it’s easy to use and there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Peugeot 3008...
6. Jaguar I-Pace
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The Jaguar I-Pace is an all-electric premium SUV that arrived to define a new segment in the market, claiming the Auto Express 2018 Car of the Year award in the process. The I-Pace is a hugely important car for Jaguar, showcasing new technology, both in terms of the pure-electric powertrain itself and the new platform that houses it.
The I-Pace uses a 90kWh battery with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, which drives an electric motor on each axle to give four-wheel drive. This is a 2.2-tonne car but the 396bhp and 696Nm of torque are enough for 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and you get a range of around 280 miles on the WLTP tests.
Impressive though they are, the numbers don’t do the Jaguar I-Pace justice because this is a big SUV with a real sense of occasion. From the bold exterior styling to the leather-lined cabin with its dual-screen Pivi Pro infotainment system, it feels special. With plenty of rear legroom and a 656-litre boot, its ticks the practicality boxes too. If your lifestyle can fit with an electric SUV, the I-Pace is still a great buy.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Jaguar I-Pace...
7. Skoda Karoq
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Skoda’s Karoq is identical to the SEAT Ateca underneath, but it’s the Czech car that is slightly better balanced as a small SUV.
20 years ago the small SUV sector was a relatively niche market, but the success of cars like the Skoda Karoq shows us how tastes have changed. The Nissan Qashqai usually gets a customary mention as to why small SUVs are now so popular, yet the Skoda Karoq is our current favourite within this competitive crop.
In standard guise the Karoq offers a 521-litre boot or 1,810 litres when the rear seats are folded. This should provide more than enough space for most families and headroom in the rear seats is even slightly better than the larger Skoda Kodiaq.
The Karoq’s interior is a nice place to spend an extended period of time if a long journey is on the cards. The cabin space is cleverly packaged with lots of cubby-holes and pockets and there’s an air of quality you’d associate with more expensive VW-group products. The infotainment is among the best in the business and there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, too.
To really stand out in the small SUV sector, performance and general driving dynamics are also important. The Karoq’s ride is more compliant and refined than you’ll find in the SEAT Ateca, but there's responsiveness to the steering and body roll is kept at bay. Avoid speccing the 19-inch alloys however as these can upset the ride quality and add unwanted road noise.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Skoda Karoq...
8. Land Rover Discovery
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The Land Rover Discovery has made a name for itself as one of the best family cars you can buy, and it's even better in its latest guise. With a smoother look and just as much upmarket appeal as its more expensive Range Rover cousins, the Discovery delivers the kind of upmarket motoring that you'd expect from an executive saloon, combined with the seven-seat practicality of an MPV and the off-road ability of a dedicated 4x4.
There's plenty of space inside, and the rearmost seats are roomy enough for adults to use, while the quality and fit and finish of the cabin gives it a classy feel. There's plenty of tech on board, from the latest infotainment to advanced electronics that keep the Discovery on the straight and narrow, whether on tarmac or in the rough.
Aluminium construction means that while the Discovery is big, it's not as heavy as you would expect, so running costs are reasonable, helped by mild-hybrid technology for both petrol and diesel-engined versions.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Land Rover Discovery...
9. Renault Captur
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To be a competitor in the small SUV class means offering plenty of style and versatility, as well as being good value for money.
The Renault Captur, based on the underpinnings of the best-selling Clio, delivers handsome good looks and a practical high-set driving position, along with generous levels of standard equipment and attractive pricing - what's not to like?
At the core of the Captur's appeal is its practicality, and with increased dimensions over the previous model, it offers improved passenger space along with clever touches such as a sliding rear bench which allows you to prioritise room for extra occupants or luggage.
With a host of on-board driver assistance systems and a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, the Captur is a fantastically appealing small SUV.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Renault Captur...
10. Mercedes GLA
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Best SUVs 2021
Mercedes has really moved the game on with its latest GLA model. The manufacturer has improved the small premium SUV in all the right areas with extra interior space, enhanced practicality and, crucially in this mini-luxury class, high levels of comfort and refinement.
With smart good looks and a real air of quality to the cabin, the second-generation GLA has lots of kerb appeal. It benefits from a decent range of powerful, frugal and refined engines, while the 250 e plug-in hybrid version offers up to 37 miles of all-electric drive which helps to cut running costs.
Useful standard features such as an electrically-operated tailgate, a reversing camera and child-friendly Artico man-made leather just add to to the overall appeal, and the GLA deservedly took our Small Premium SUV of the Year title in 2020.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Mercedes GLA...
How to choose the best SUV for you
The good news for SUV buyers is that because there are so many options, irrespective of whether you want to buy or lease your SUV, you need not settle for anything less than perfect. The growth in this sector has largely been fuelled by motorists desiring a commanding driving position, chunky looks and extra grip from 4x4 systems. But there’s more to the SUV package.
The large body of a 4x4 means there's potential for great practicality, so much so that some SUVs can rival MPVs for family-friendly space and versatility. If you're looking for a 7-seater car then a large SUV could be a perfect fit, they tend to be more desirable than MPVs as well as matching them for space. With their huge boot space, roof racks and towing capacity they make great cars for going on holiday, too.
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Towing a caravan or trailer is a common use for these cars – and if that's your plan, the high torque of a large diesel engine is the best choice for load-lugging. Check out our top 10 best tow cars to find out more.
As more and more people are opting for an SUV, carmakers have become embroiled in a fierce competition to offer the best ride, refinement, and comfort. What is perhaps most impressive, is that a select few of these new SUVs even exceed the performance and driving dynamics of the more conventional family cars with a genuinely engaging experience.
Some will have concerns about the ethics of driving a big and potentially inefficient SUV of course, but even those concerns can often be put to rest as many of the models on offer are not much thirstier or more polluting than similarly-sized saloons or family hatchbacks. Efficient hybrid models are becoming increasingly popular too, with great mpg figures from their high-tech drivetrains. Just be warned that you may struggle to replicate official figures in the real world.
- SEE MORE Best small 4x4s to buy 2021
Despite being known as 4x4s, many SUVs cars are only two-wheel-drive. So, while in the past choosing an SUV probably meant you needed an off-road capable workhorse or wanted to go trail bashing for fun, the picture is very different now.
Four-wheel drive boosts their capability when the weather turns, too, although models with 2WD will deliver the kind of running costs you'd get with a conventional car if you're looking at the financial bottom line. At the other end of the spectrum, the latest range of powerful performance models mean you can get an SUV that can put a smile on your face on twisty roads.
Style is an important factor with many new SUVs and 4x4s, and plenty of models are available with a range of personalisation options to make the car you choose stand out. And at the top end of the SUV spectrum, the most luxurious SUVs have the quality and refinement to match the best limousines for comfort.
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