The ultimate list of best SUVs

Kicking off our list is the Volvo XC40. Relaxing and refined, the refreshing design is a great alternative to the more outlandish designs of the German manufacturers. With one of the best driving positions, you really get to enjoy the SUV feel despite its smaller size. From £24,100 brand new it cements its place as one of the best small SUVs you can buy.

Our runner up for the best in small SUV category is the CX-5 by Mazda. Premium without the price tag, the CX-5 is also one of the safest cars on the road winning The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ rating, the highest you can get. Brand new this Mazda comes in at around £26,000 but since this model debuted back in 2013 you can get some fantastic deals on second-hand ones.

Is any ‘best of’ list complete without the feature of an Audi? We think not, and when it comes to large SUVs it’s hard to beat the Q7. With the classic Audi style, this upmarket seven seater is more than capable for all you family needs. Packed will all the latest technology, it feels great to drive and is super comfortable upfront and in the back. Brand new the Q7 does come in at a hefty £54,925 but you can always go second-hand for a cheaper price.

Opting for a large SUV doesn’t always mean opting for a large price tag. Take the Skoda Kodiaq for example, brand new you’re looking at £25,605 which is about half of many in its class. But you don’t get half as much, the Kodiaq is incredible value for money with comfort, practicality, and good driving experience all part of the experience. Perfect for the whole family, this affordable SUV is our runner up.

If you need an unstoppable beast to tackle the turbulent terrain, then look no further than the Toyota Land Cruiser. This fully-loaded motor is entirely equipped to take anything the UK has to throw at it. It’s invincible and must be a go-to when considering an off-road SUV. This sport utility vehicle can be yours, brand new for just £37,644.

When it comes to off-road 4×4’s our minds automatically go to Land Rover. Rightly so too, the iconic Defender is a luxurious off-roader that is worthy of its famous heritage. More than capable to tackle all conditions this beast feels just at home off track than on the road. It’s well equipped inside too with all the latest in-car tech. The latest Defender comes in at £41,395, but since it debuted back in 1983, there is plenty of quality used models to adopt for far less.

The insta model of the car world, the G-Class has the first-rate lavish ride we come to expect from a luxury SUV. The German car is a firm favourite with wealthy celebs and is one of the most sought-after SUVs on the market. Starting at £93,250 it is sadly out of reach for many of us but that doesn’t stop us from admiring it from afar.

The prestige Porsche badge is all the Cayenne needs to make this a beautiful luxury SUV. This powerful Porsche is packed full of desirability guaranteed to impress. But badge aside, there is more than meets the eye here, with smooth handling, dominant performance, and quality finishes, it’s full of the premium feel a luxury SUV needs. Starting from £57,195 it does have a premium price tag, but you can get a second-hand model for much less.

Now in its 13^th generation, the Suburban has certainly stood the test of time, not an achievement that is possible without the badge of reliability. This robust SUV is expected to cost less to maintain for similar cars that average a 200,000-mile life expectancy. The huge SUV is getting a few tweaks for 2022 also which we’re hoping will improve reliability even further.

You can depend on the Kia Sportage to not let you down. This family-sized SUV is a smart choice when it comes to reliability. With a reassuring 7-year warranty it’s easy to see why this SUV is so popular. Benefiting from a quality build they rarely go wrong. Not to mention it’s fantastic value for money, in fact, it makes our list of one of the best cars for under £10,000.