Best used large SUVs and 4x4s to buy 2026
The best used large SUVs and 4x4s offer space, practicality, performance and low running costs
While the UK car market has been flooded with mid-size SUVs in recent times, many buyers, especially those with large families, are still fans of the sheer space and practicality that a full-size SUV brings.
Of course, these bulky cars command some equally large prices if you’re buying brand new, but the very best used large SUVs and 4x4s offer some massive savings if you can find the right one.
For many drivers, the temptation of four-wheel drive is a big pull, too. A 4x4 will take varied terrain in its stride, and while few SUVs are true off-roaders, large models equipped with 4WD will be in a better position to deal with slippery surfaces and who knows what else when the going gets tough in the winter.
Running costs can be high for vehicles in this class but we’ve chosen models that shouldn’t break the bank.
Best used large SUVs and 4x4s to buy
Our expert road testers have rounded up the best models to buy right now and think the best used large SUV is the Volvo XC90.
If you want your large SUV to have a sporting edge then BMW X5 should be high up on your shortlist, while the SEAT Tarraco offers lots of space and is great value for money.
| Rank | Make and model |
| 1. | Volvo XC90 |
| 2. | BMW X5 |
| 3. | SEAT Tarraco |
| 4. | Audi A6 Allroad |
| 5. | Kia Sorento |
| 6. | Hyundai Santa Fe |
| 7. | Skoda Kodiaq |
| 8. | Mercedes GLE |
| 9. | Lexus RX |
| 10. | Peugeot 5008 |
Keep reading to learn more about the best used large SUVs and 4x4s, or click the links in the table above to jump straight to a make and model...
1. Volvo XC90
- 2.0 D5 Momentum (2017), 68,000 miles - £19,950
Why buy? It’s one of the oldest cars in its class – and still one of the best.
When Volvo introduced the first XC90 in 2002, it was overwhelmed by the demand. As the first road-biased seven-seat SUV, the XC90 brought something new to the full-size SUV party, and remained in production for 12 years. Its successor is now the same age yet it shows no sign of losing its appeal, and it’s not hard to see why.
Once again, Volvo has given the XC90 regular updates since it arrived, with fresh powertrains, new tech and cosmetic tweaks. But the fact that Volvo got the basics right is what makes the XC90 so appealing, because this is a car that’s attractive inside and out, safe and spacious, while also being good to drive and brilliant at towing.
There has been a wide choice of engines including petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. None has had more than four cylinders, but thanks to electrification, you never feel short of pace.
If you like as much driver-assistance tech as possible, buy a post-February 2016 XC90 because this is when Pilot Assist II became standard. A facelift in September 2019 brought updated tech, then in September 2024 there was a revised interior with further technology updates.
There’s no engine or trim that we’d suggest you avoid, although the T5 and T6 petrol models are thirsty; the diesels, hybrids and plug-in hybrids will be lighter on your wallet. All are well equipped, but range-topping Inscription (which became Ultra) versions are even more luxurious than the entry-level Momentum (later renamed Core) editions.
2. BMW X5
- xDrive40d M Sport (2018), 53,000 miles - £25,995
Why buy? Great to drive, but the X5’s talents are far more wide-ranging than that.
We’ve loved the BMW X5 ever since the first edition arrived in 1999. This fourth-generation model is better to drive than ever, safer and more efficient. Yes, running costs can be high, but it’s worth it.
Choose between petrol, diesel and PHEV powertrains, all of which came with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, and they all make towing a breeze. Some X5s are seven-seaters, but five seats came as standard.
3. SEAT Tarraco
- 1.5 TSI SE Technology (2020), 35,000 miles - £14,899
Why buy? It looks smart, it’s good to drive, and it’s well equipped.
The SEAT Tarraco sums up precisely what this Volkswagen sub-brand is all about: sharp looks, a great drive, user-friendly design and decent value for money.
An easy car to live with, it comes with excellent petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines, front or four-wheel drive, and manual or automatic gearboxes. Its prices, build quality and seven seats make it ideal family transport.
Latest used SEAT Tarraco deals
4. Audi A6 Allroad
- 3.0 TDI (2015), 106,000 miles - £9,250
Why buy? The perfect SUV for people who don’t want an SUV.
When the second-generation A6 Allroad was launched, it was Audi’s most well heeled customers who bought them.
It’s expensively made, luxurious, refined and supremely comfortable. It also tows up to 2,500kg, and even the longest journeys are relaxing thanks to the automatic transmission and a muscular 3.0-litre diesel engine. Reliability tends to be good but repairs can be costly.
Latest used Audi A6 Allroad deals
5. Kia Sorento
- 2.2 CRDi KX-3 (2011), 106,000 miles - £2,750
Why buy? Is there a more usable all-rounder available for so little money?
Whereas the original Kia Sorento (2003-2010) was a bit rough around the edges, its replacement was a lot more polished. Still fairly capable off-road thanks to four-wheel drive on all but early entry-level models, the Sorento also makes a great towcar.
Comfy, spacious, well equipped and reliable, most Sorentos came with seven seats, all of which makes it an SUV bargain.
6. Hyundai Santa Fe
A close relative of the Kia Sorento above, it was inevitable that the Hyundai Santa Fe would be a recommendation here, because it shares so many of the same traits. A genuine seven-seater with a top-notch warranty, the Santa Fe is also filled with kit, reliable and sensibly priced.
Auto Express Buy a Car has a 52,000-mile Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi 4WD Premium SE on a 19-plate for just £20,000.
Latest used Hyundai Santa Fe deals
7. Skoda Kodiaq
The Mk1 Kodiaq was Skoda’s first SUV and first seven-seater, but you wouldn’t know it – it was 'just right' from the outset. Comfy, practical, reliable, well made and packed with equipment, it was offered with 1.4, 1.5 and 2.0 TSI petrol engines, or a 2.0 TDI diesel.
You can buy a Kodiaq at a very keen price, such as a 2020 37,000-mile 2.0 TDI 4x4 SE on Auto Express Buy a Car for just £16k.
Latest used Skoda Kodiaq deals
8. Mercedes GLE
When it was launched in 2019, the Mercedes GLE started at £55k, and was a real class act. Dripping with tech, it came with punchy engines; a GLE 350 de plug-in hybrid joined the line-up in 2020.
Available with five or seven seats, the refined and incredibly safe GLE is a corker. We found a 48,000-mile 21-plate GLE 30 d AMG Line for £31,000 on Auto Express Buy a Car.
Latest used Mercedes GLE deals
9. Lexus RX
The Lexus RX has angular styling and a sumptuous interior that looks and feels the part, while its full-hybrid powertrain is smooth, eager and efficient. Refinement is first rate, too, and an impeccable reliability record makes it a guaranteed stress-free choice.
10. Peugeot 5008
The Peugeot 5008 is about as good as it gets when it comes to large SUVs at this end of the price spectrum. No, it’s not as premium as the Volvo XC90 or Mercedes GLE, but it gets the basics spot on and thanks to a lack of weaknesses, it’s one of the best all-rounders on the market.
The Peugeot is lighter than most of its rivals, so even the smallest petrol engine packs enough punch to offer reasonable performance on the road. Inside you’ll find an eight-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital screen behind the steering wheel for ultra-clear information on the move.
With the exception of a few materials in the lower part of the cabin, the 5008 is a high-quality place to sit, belying its status as one of the more affordable cars in its class.
Latest used Peugeot 5008 deals
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