The Best SUVs In The UK In 2026

If you’re looking for a reliable family car, you may be tempted by a large estate or hatchback. But, more often than not, SUV cars are the perfect option for those in search of practicality and space. Finding the best used SUV can be tricky though. 

Typically, you get the same, if not more, space in SUV cars than you would in those other body types, with the added benefit of a high driving position that gives you the perfect view of the road ahead. Not just that, being higher off the ground makes it easier to get the kids in the back, too. We also have to acknowledge that SUV cars are pretty trendy right now, too.

Best Family SUVs In The UK

The Kia Sportage and Ford Kuga stand out as the best family SUVs in the UK thanks to strong reliability, modern tech, and practical interior space.

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage has been a popular SUV in the UK for a long time. It's been seen as a cheaper SUV car that offers reliability and practicality. It isn't the most flashy, but it's definitely an SUV car that you can trust. With newer models sat at a slightly higher price than its predecessors, Kia have raised their game and provided a large interactive touchscreen plus modern accents and contours to help it fit into todays car age. New models are available in petrol, hybrid and diesel models, in both automatic and manual options. The Kia Sportage has an edge over competitors, offering seven-year cover, compared to the usual five. This, combined with the updated tech and reliable ride makes the Kia Sportage a great SUV option. 

Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is a great family car. The basic model is okay, but we recommend upgrading to the Titanium if you want the latest tech. It might not be the flashiest SUV out there, but it’s safe, practical, and perfect for everyday life. The Kuga looks really smart and modern, too. It's a car that just gets the job done.

Best Compact SUVs

The Dacia Duster, Nissan Juke, and Ford Puma are among the best compact SUVs in the UK, offering everyday practicality in a smaller, easier-to-drive size.

Dacia Duster

One of the most popular cars on this list, the Dacia Duster is reliable, versatile and easy to drive. A clean, modern interior makes this a great car for the family, with a heads-up touchscreen display and smart contours throughout. The Dacia Duster can also come as an automatic, making it one of the best automatic compact SUVs available in the UK. A newer Dacia Duster can range anywhere from £18,000 to £25,000, and a used model can be as low as £7,000, making it a great, cheap small SUV option.

Nissan Juke

A long-standing compact SUV, the Nissan Juke is one of the most popular options in the small SUV range, with its reliability and interesting look. Appearing as a smaller car with a higher suspension, the Juke deceives in its size, with plenty of boot and passenger space. In terms of small SUVs, there aren’t many that fit the description better than the Nissan Juke. More modern models have updated tech, too, like displays with all the information you could need. Throughout its years, the Nissan Juke has been chosen by drivers due to its reliability and practicality, and this doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon. Nissan is committed to the Juke line and is always looking at ways to develop the driving experience. Prices for a Nissan Juke vary massively based on age. As a rough guide, a new model will set you back around £24,000 to £28,000, with used models starting anywhere from £5,000. The current highest tier option for the new Juke line is the Nissan Juke Tekna, which offers advanced safety features and a large infotainment screen. This model is around £28,000.

Ford Puma

A very similar look to the Nissan Juke, the Puma is Ford’s answer to the small SUV question. One of the smaller options in this list, Ford defines the Puma as a compact SUV. Later models now come with the option of a hybrid engine, appealing to those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Although the Puma appears small from the outside, it is surprisingly spacious and perfect for small families. An added bonus of the Puma is that it comes with the reliability that lots associate with Ford. A rather unspectacular car that probably won’t turn heads, the Ford Puma is a safe option that you can trust to get your family from A to B. A new Ford Puma comes in around £26,000 and rises to £33,000, making it one of the more expensive cars on this list.

Best Value SUVs

The Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan offer excellent value in the UK SUV market, combining affordability, reliability, and modern features.

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a great all-rounder. It’s got all the latest tech and is really practical, so it’s a popular choice.

The Nissan Qashqai isn’t as flashy as the Audi Q or Range Rover Evoque, but it’s great value for money. A new one costs around £30,000, but you can pick up a used one for as little as £10,000! It’s reliable, everyone loves it, and it’s perfect for everyday life. That’s why it’s one of our top picks for the best-value SUV in the UK.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a superstar. It's VW's best-selling car worldwide, which says it all really! It's perfect for families and looks really modern. Plus, it's cheaper than other fancy SUVs like the BMW X1 or Volvo XC40.

You can choose from different engines, including a plug-in hybrid, and there are loads of options to pick from. It can handle a bit of off-roading, but it's best on the road. A brand new one costs around £30,000, but you can get a great used one for under £20,000. It's a fantastic car for the price – you can't go wrong!

Best SUVs For Reliability

The Volvo XC40 and Skoda Karoq are widely seen as some of the most reliable SUVs in the UK, known for build quality and dependable performance.

Volvo XC40

Including the Volvo XC40 on this list was a no-brainer. It’s a small, reliable SUV with all the style you’d expect from a Volvo. The XC40 is a previous ‘what car?’ winner with good reason. This car is reliable, has plenty of interior space, and great safety features, making this a fantastic option if you have a small family. Some parts inside the car might not look as fancy as other cars like the Audi Q7 or BMW X1, but it’s still a great car for everyday life. It’s comfy, reliable, and has everything a family needs. Plus, it’s not too expensive.

Skoda Karoq

The Skoda Karoq is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect answer if you’re torn between a VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca, or Peugeot 3008.

It’s not as sporty as the Tiguan, but it’s way more comfortable and practical than the Ateca. You’ll love the space inside, and there are loads of options to choose from. Pick your perfect engine, whether you want petrol or diesel, and decide if you need power on all four wheels. And that’s not all – you can even choose how you want to change gear.

The Karoq is seriously well-built and offers fantastic value for money. It’s no wonder it’s one of our top picks for the most reliable SUVs.

Best Electric SUVs

The Tesla Model Y, Kia EV9, and Renault Scenic E-Tech are leading electric SUVs in the UK, offering strong range, family space, and modern technology.

Tesla Model Y

A popular car over recent years, the Tesla Model Y is one of the most popular electric SUVs around. The Model Y comes with all the tech and finishes of a usual Tesla, with good spacing for both the driver and passengers. It’s well-priced vs rivals, and strong efficiency means it lasts well off one charge. At the same time, the very nature of the Tesla Model Y as an electric car means it requires regular charging, which makes it less spontaneous than a petrol SUV. Used Model Ys start anywhere from £25,000, and can reach upwards of £45,000 based on the spec and quality.

Kia EV9

The Kia EV9 is a large, all-electric SUV designed with families in mind. It offers seating for up to seven people, a spacious and modern interior, and a bold design that stands out on the road. With a competitive electric range and practical layout, the EV9 is one of the best electric SUV options for larger households.

Renault Scenic E-Tech

The Renault Scenic E-Tech is a practical electric family SUV that focuses on comfort, efficiency, and everyday usability. It offers a smooth driving experience, a well-designed interior, and a strong electric range, making it a solid choice for families looking to switch to electric without moving to a very large vehicle.

Best Large And Seven-Seater SUVs In The UK

The Skoda Kodiaq and Land Rover Discovery are among the best large and seven-seater SUVs in the UK, delivering flexible seating and generous interior space.

Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq is a real winner. It’s built like a tank and won’t let you down. It looks great inside and out, and while it might not be as the flashy as some other cars, it’s packed with quality.

You’ll love how easy it is to drive, and interior feels way more expensive than the price tag suggests. Plus, you can choose if you want it to drive all the wheels or just the front ones. It’s good value for money, starting at £28,000 and going up to £40,000. Trust us, it’s worth every penny.

Land Rover Discovery

At the top end of the SUV range, the Land Rover Discovery is perhaps a tough sell at a price of £50,000 to £70,000. The Discovery has blended off-road domination with a smooth on-road driving experience, creating a car that ticks all the boxes. Seven seats and an updated look make the Discovery perfect for both on and off-road experiences. Land Rovers are typically reliable and well-built, putting the Discovery firmly in our list of the best SUV in the UK.

Luxury SUVs

The Audi Q range, Range Rover Evoque, and BMW X3 represent the best luxury SUVs in the UK, combining premium interiors, performance, and everyday usability.

Audi Q Range

The Audi Q range is the ultimate SUV. They’ve got the perfect mix of size, style, and performance. Everyone loves them! The iconic Audi look is even better in the bigger SUV bodies. You can go off-road, speed down the highway, or just cruise in style – there’s an Audi Q for everyone.

Audi Qs are way better than anything else out there. They’re top of the range, and for good reason. Of course, you pay a bit more for all that quality, but if you buy a used one, you can get a bargain. You can find a great Audi Q for around £17,000 to £20,000. That’s amazing value for such a top-notch car! No wonder it's seen as one of the best SUVs in the UK.

Range Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque is a total stunner. It’s the most popular Land Rover for a reason - it's stylish, classy, and surprisingly affordable for a luxury vehicle. It’s really comfy to drive and perfect for families, with all the fancy extras you’d expect from a luxury car.

People didn’t love the older Evoques, but don’t worry, Range Rover has really upped their game. The new ones are smooth, luxurious, and a dream to drive. If you’re looking for a family SUV that’s got it all, the Evoque is the one.

BMW X3

The BMW X3 is still a top dog. It used to be number one, but other cars caught up. Now, it's back and better than ever, ready to take on the competition. The X3 looks like a classic BMW, but it’s been given a fresh look inside and out. It comes with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox, so it’s really easy to drive. The BMW X3 is a fantastic SUV – you won’t be disappointed.

Closing Thoughts

We’ve attempted to find the best SUV in the UK. From family-friendly options to stylish rides, there’s something for everyone on our list. Any of these cars would be a great choice!