Those seeking a practical people-hauler with loads of cargo-carrying capacity and a value-for-money specification list will undoubtedly be searching in this segment. With over 200 million large carriers like this in the world at present, the continued drive to expand the new SUV models list leads to ongoing advancements in performance, quality, safety, and even improvements in gas mileage.
If you’re shopping for a family carrier high up in the best SUV rankings, these are the common attributes to expect from the cream of the crop:
Now that SUVs with plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains are becoming more commonplace, there are many that can be considered fuel-efficient options. From the Volkswagen ID.4 with MPGe figures of 104/89/97 to the Tesla Model Y that manages up to 131/117/125 mpg, all-electric SUVs offer incredible efficiency. Hybrid models that make the best of internal combustion and electricity include the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with 41/38/40 mpg and the Kia Sorento Hybrid with 39/35/37 mpg.
SUVs don’t always cost a fortune unless you’re aiming for a performance-oriented version or the top-spec luxury type that’s designed to chauffeur you around in sublime comfort. SUVs that tick all the practicality, versatility, and capability boxes that won’t ask for more than $35k new include the Toyota RAV4 rage, with gas variants starting well below $28k, and hybrid versions below $30k. Hyundai offers the Tucson range for between $26k and $35k MSRP, while Ford has the Ford Explorer for around $34k.
Top-rated SUVs are one thing, but finding one that works for you is another kettle of fish entirely. Depending on what you need from it, an SUV should be powerful enough to carry and tow all your passengers and their stuff, as well as being reasonable at the pumps. Space and size are big deciding factors, too, but reliability and safety are priorities for those who will be using it for family duty. Always check the warranty and recall history to see what you are signing up for, and make sure there are comprehensive safety ratings and sufficient features to keep your most precious cargo safe.
Everyone wants an SUV right now, with family SUVs almost a default choice for people with kids. Why? Well, the arrival of the SUV in the mid 1990s marked a sea change in the car market, just as the arrival of the practical, flexible and easy-to-drive hatchback did a few decades prior.
Think of an SUV as a tall hatchback — both types of car tend to have a wide-opening, top-hinged boot and fold-down rear seats — but SUVs add in a raised driving position for a better view of the road, plus being taller can make them easier to get in and out of if you have reduced mobility, while strapping young kids into child seats is easier when you don’t have to stoop down. It’s a lot easier for designers to fit a third row of seats into an SUV shape, too, while subjective matters of image, fashion and road presence also come into play to a greater or lesser extent.
Here are the best new SUVs on sale in the UK right now.
The biggest car that Skoda makes is also one of the best cars that Skoda makes. OK, so the Kodiaq is a laggard when it comes to offering hybrid or electric versions, but it sure delivers on the SUV front — bluff styling, masses of space inside, a huge boot, optional seats for seven, and a high-quality cabin. It’s even quite good to drive, while the driving position is more commanding than some SUVs, and it offers strong value, too.
SUVs have grown in popularity in the last decade, and for good reason – SUVs make impressive family cars thanks to their great practicality and comfort. As SUVs become more road-focussed, only some – but not all – are offered with 4×4 capability, as manufacturers tailor their designs for more urban, family use, rather than intrepid off-roading adventures.
For the same reason, many family SUVs are now offered with a range of powertrains, including petrol and diesel engines, as well as hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric propulsion. That said, depending on the model you choose, many are still offered as 4×4 SUVs that are just as capable off the beaten track as they are in the city, making them even more versatile.
SUVs offer a high driving position and dominating road presence, not to mention higher ground clearance that’s useful for tackling the UK’s pothole-filled roads. Their more-upright design can also make them easier to get in and out of for those with limited mobility.
As their popularity has increased, greater competition between manufacturers has also meant SUVs have become more varied than before, and many smaller SUVs, also known as ‘crossovers’, are so named because they combine a compact hatchback bodystyle with the aforementioned benefits of SUVs at a more affordable price and with low running costs. Popular examples of crossovers include the Ford Puma and Vauxhall Mokka.
There’s a huge amount of choice, as nearly all manufacturers have at least one SUV in their ranges. You can also check out our articles covering the best small SUVs and medium SUVs once you’ve decided on the size of car you want. If you’re set on the ultimate offroad capability, check our list of the best 4x4s.
These are the top 10 best SUVs you can buy today.
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