Best SUVs to buy 2026
There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Choosing the best SUV to buy can seem like a daunting task. Not only are there so many different makes and models to choose from on today's market, but SUVs now come in a vast array for shapes and sizes driven by petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid power. The choice can be baffling.
Of course, this means there is probably an SUV out there to suit most buyers’ needs. For some, the best SUV will be the model with the most space inside, yet for others it might be the one that looks the best, is fastest, cheapest or has the most technology. As a buyer, you will have your own special blend of qualities in mind.
That’s why we’ve selected a wide range of SUVs from various sectors for our pick of the best SUVs on sale. If you have more specific requirements in mind, then take a look at the following pages:
Whatever you’re looking for in a car, you’re in safe hands with Auto Express. Our experts have thoroughly tested every SUV you can buy in the UK. We’ve rounded up the top 10 best SUVs below, based on our extensive testing criteria and focussing on what’s most important to buyers in this sector of the market.
Top 10 best SUVs in the UK
| Rank | Car | Prices from | Buy |
| 1 | Skoda Elroq | £33,560 | Latest deals |
| 2 | Renault 4 | £23,445 | Latest deals |
| 3 | Nissan Qashqai | £30,615 | Latest deals |
| 4 | Skoda Kodiaq | £39,025 | Latest deals |
| 5 | Dacia Bigster | £25,215 | Latest deals |
| 6 | Hyundai Santa Fe | £49,000 | Latest deals |
| 7 | Dacia Duster | £21,845 | Latest deals |
| 8 | Tesla Model Y | £41,990 | Latest deals |
| 9 | Citroen C5 Aircross | £34,065 | Latest deals |
| 10 | BMW X3 | £53,305 | Latest deals |
Keep reading to find out about the very best SUVs on sale in the UK. Alternatively, you can also click the links in our table above to jump directly to a specific model..
1. Skoda Elroq
If you’re after a car to be a jack-of-all-trades, the Skoda Elroq is just about the best there is.
- Prices from £33,560
- Auto Express Car of the Year 2025
- Best SUV overall
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
You’ll be forgiven if you’re not familiar with the Skoda Elroq as it’s a relative newcomer in the Czech brand’s line-up. Think of it as an Enyaq which is slightly cheaper and with a slightly smaller boot - but it’s a whole lot better than that sounds.
While it’s a little more compact than the Enyaq, the Skoda Elroq still feels hugely spacious inside. Passengers in both the front and rear seats have plenty of room to stretch out, while some ‘Simply Clever’ storage solutions help to keep things tidy.
There’s a total of 470-litres worth of boot space and when testing we found the opening to be nice and wide which was really useful when it comes to loading large, bulky items. There’s also some handy underfloor storage spaces for the car’s charging cable, as well as Skoda’s trademark ice scraper and tyre tread-depth gauge.
Often the case with electric models that house their batteries under the car, the Elroq’s floor is a little bit high. This is most noticeable when sitting in the back, but the seat bases have been designed to increase thigh support and keep things comfortable.
Not only is it a good all-rounder in terms of practicality, but the Elroq is also a very pleasant experience from behind the wheel. The powertrains are smooth, responsive and silent, and stepping up to the hot vRS model will get you the fastest accelerating Skoda ever produced (0-62mph in 5.4 seconds).
This being an electric car, there are plenty of potential savings to be had over a similarly-sized combustion-powered SUV. Company car drivers can enjoy a low Benefit-in-Kind tax rating, and if you can regularly charge your car at home then you can save plenty when ‘filling up’.
“The Elroq is so good that we see it creating a bit of a dilemma for Skoda: why would anybody need the larger Enyaq now”. - Ellis Hyde, news reporter
- Who will like it: Those looking for a practical family car which is great value for money.
- Who won’t like it: Some still aren’t convinced by the Skoda brand.
2. Renault 4
Affordable, practical and brimming with retro-coolness. The Renault 4 is a seriously good family car.
- Prices from £23,445
- Best budget electric SUV
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
The Renault 5 E-Tech is a fantastic electric supermini, but it has just one small flaw: rear seat space can feel a little tight. But fear not, a solution comes in the shape of the new Renault 4.
The original Renault 4 was loved by so many due to its rugged simplicity and practicality. The modern-day model feels classier but the practicality ethos still remains.
Riding on a stretched 5 platform has given the 4 all of the things we love about its supermini relative, but with more cabin space. The official range is pretty much on par with 5 at up to 247 miles, which is plenty for typical everyday use. In the real world, we got closer to 200 miles when we tested the Renault 4 against the Ford Puma Gen-E.
Adults can now easily get comfortable in the back, and the 420-litre boot is generous for the class. Much like it did on the original car, Renault has endeavoured to make the boot opening as low as possible, too.
Being a slightly larger car than the R5, the Renault 4 offers a smoother ride than its sibling and thanks to its boxy shape, it’s quite easy to place the car when navigating tight car parks.
The infotainment system is one of our road testers’ favourites thanks to plenty of physical switches, and aside from an overabundance of stalks behind the steering wheel, this is a refreshingly simple car to get on with.
Perhaps the best bit of news is that the Renault 4 starts from just under £24,000, which makes it something of a bargain.
“On the road, the R4 continues to impress. It feels neatly tied down, despite Renault claiming it has a slightly softer set-up than the 5, with a willingness to change direction that’s missing in plenty of its rivals.” - Richard Ingram, deputy editor
- Who will like it: Anyone looking for a practical family car with a little retro style.
- Who won’t like it: Adults or older children who have to sit in the rear might feel slightly cramped.
3. Nissan Qashqai
Arguably one of the first cars to kickstart the SUV craze, the Nissan Qashqai is still one of the best.
- Prices from £30,615
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
The Nissan Qashqai is a stalwart of the mid-size SUV class and has been an undeniable sales hit for the Japanese brand.
While previous versions of the Nissan Qashqai were a tad bland and might have lagged behind rivals on certain criteria, the latest Qashqai is a great all-round car. It has sharp looks, a pleasant cabin full of intuitive on-board tech and feels incredibly well put together.
The boot is a family-friendly size at 479-litres, and while this isn’t as large as rivals like the Dacia Bigster or Kia Sportage, it’s a usable space and can accommodate the weekly shop or pushchairs with ease.
The Qashqai won’t be winning any awards in the driver engagement department, but for most buyers a blast down twisty country roads won’t be high up on their priority lists. Where this SUV excels is when it comes to being comfortable and quiet. Most larger bumps can be shrugged off, although the ride can feel a bit fidgety over rough surfaces, so we recommend avoiding the larger 20-inch wheels if possible.
The e-Power hybrid powertrain really is the best engine for this car. The 1.5-litre unit acts like a generator for the electric motor, giving the car an EV-like driving experience when pulling away. Performance is sprightly so making progress on faster roads shouldn’t be a problem and an official WLTP fuel efficiency figure of 62.8mpg means the Qashqai shouldn’t break the bank to run, either.
“Even before you get in the back, it’s clear that Nissan has designed the Qashqai with family life in mind. The back doors open to 85 degrees, giving excellent access to the rear seats. That makes loading a child seat – and then youngsters after that – a much easier job, and the Isofix points are simple to reach behind removable plastic covers.” - Shane Wilkinson, senior content editor.
- Who will like it: Families with small children who want low costs and high comfort.
- Who won’t like it: Those looking for a car which is fast and fun to drive.
4. Skoda Kodiaq
If you’re after a large SUV with up to seven seats, the Skoda Kodiaq should be on your shortlist .
- Prices from £39,025
- Best seven-seat SUV
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
For many drivers, the Skoda Kodiaq has become the de-facto large family SUV, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Unlike some cars on this list, the Kodiaq has the advantage of being offered in either five or seven seats. You can either have room for a large family or a smaller family with a huge amount of luggage. The seven-seater still has 340 litres of boot space but the five-seater offers the most at 910 litres. Simply put, it blows other seven-seat rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe out of the water when it comes to space.
You’ll also find plenty of the brand’s ‘Simply Clever’ touches, including an ice scraper, a display screen cleaner and even a door-mounted umbrella. Our road testers are also fans of the ‘Smart dials’ - customisable physical dials that provide quick and ergonomic access to frequently used features on the control system.
The Kodiaq is a large SUV, but it does a respectable job of maintaining its composure in corners. There is some body roll, but nowhere near enough to reintroduce you to your last meal.
Buyers have a selection of strong petrol and diesel engines to choose from. We’d go for the latter here; the 2.0 TDI’s (Turbocharged Direct Injection) torquey power delivery suits a car like this well, yet it still returns over 53mpg in official tests.
There’s also a plug-in hybrid powertrain, capable of 75 miles of pure-electric driving thanks to its 25.7kWh battery, although this is only available in the five-seat model.
“The Kodiaq is spacious, efficient and features plenty of clever touches, while the cabin has taken a step upmarket when compared with the first model.” - Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
- Who will like it: Families who need a big, practical seven-seater with diesel power.
- Who won’t like it: People who want a seven-seat plug-in hybrid (there isn’t one).
5. Dacia Bigster
The Dacia Bigster is a great SUV if value-for-money is your main priority.
- Prices from £25,215
- Best value-for-money SUV
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
Dacia has become synonymous with the phrases ‘no-nonsense’ and ‘value-for-money’, but that’s exactly what the Bigster is.
Brimming with rugged charm and value; this Hyundai Tucson-sized SUV starts from just over £25,000. While the cabin doesn’t feel as plush as some of its pricier rivals’, the Bigster has a huge amount of space, Those seeking a new family car will also be well catered for by the vast 612-litre boot and sensible passenger space.
Plant your right foot in any variant of the Bigster and the effects are pretty minimal (the quickest model will cover the 0-62mph sprint in a leisurely 9.7 seconds). However, we’re willing to bet that very few buyers are eyeing up this rugged, budget-based SUV for its performance. What the Bigster does surprisingly well, is provide a comfortable and refined ride, even on motorway runs.
The thirstiest petrol variant returns 46mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, those who want the lowest running costs will want to look towards the two-wheel drive TCe 140 mild-hybrid petrol or the full hybrid-powered model. Both of these can surpass the 50mpg mark, a figure we easily achieved when testing the car, even in colder conditions.
“The Bigster is a decent cruiser at motorway speeds, with a floating sensation to the ride that boosts comfort. The hybrid model switches between petrol and EV drive even at 70mph, with no hesitation in the powertrain as you accelerate.” - Dean Gibson, senior road test editor.
- Who will like it: Budget-conscious buyers who want the best value-for-money.
- Who won’t like it: Some might think the Bigster is a little lacking in quality and prestige.
6. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a great option for large families, but the current generation is the best yet.
- Prices from £49,000
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
Just because a seven-seater is practical, doesn’t mean that it can’t have a shred of desirability, and the Hyundai Santa Fe has proved that with its striking, contemporary look.
The Santa Fe does lean heavily into the boxy approach to styling, this does have its benefits inside. Simply put, the Santa Fe’s cabin is vast, and accommodation in the third row is more than a match for any of its rivals’. If you don’t need all of the seats, you can always make use of its vast 1,949 litres of cargo space with the rear rows folded instead.
A laid-back driving experience perfectly suits the Santa Fe’s character, too, which alongside strong kit levels put it among the most desirable seven-seaters around. As with many of Hyundai's other cars, there are plenty of advanced safety systems to keep everything in check. While these safety systems are incredibly useful, when we tested the Santa Fe, we were driven slightly mad by the incessant chimes.
There’s no fully electric option but the Santa Fe does come with either full or plug-in hybrid power. We recommend steering clear of the four-wheel drive hybrid, unless it’s absolutely essential for your needs, as this only manages around 38mpg.
“The Santa Fe's lofty driving position gives a good view of your surroundings, while all versions feature front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera to help with manoeuvres. Light steering is also a bonus.” - Dean Gibson, senior road test editor.
- Who will like it: Large families who need a seven-seat car with big capacity.
- Who won’t like it: Those looking for all-electric power.
7. Dacia Duster
If you like the look of the Dacia Bigster but think it’s a little on the large side, look no further than the Duster.
- Prices from £21,845
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
Value for money is hard to come by these days, but the Dacia Duster really feels like it over-delivers.
While it does feel far less plush than its pricier competitors inside — which is entirely forgivable at this price point — the Duster is sturdy and neatly designed. This will be particularly welcome news for those who are looking for a family car, as they won’t need to worry too much about breakages, marks and tears, a common highlight from Duster owners in our most recent Driver Power survey.
What Dacia’s SUV lacks in poshness is also made up for in space, as all passengers have a decent amount of head and legroom. The boot is also rather roomy at 472-litres, which is more than you’ll find in rivals like the Skoda Kamiq or Renault Captur. The load lip is quite high though so’ll want to be sure to lift with your knees and not your back.
The Duster is very straightforward from behind the wheel. It’s a bit softer than its rugged appearance would have you believe, although we don’t feel it’s quite as refined as its predecessor, largely due to the boxy shape creating a lot of wind noise at speed. If you fancy a bit of off-roading, the four-wheel drive variants perform surprisingly well for such a low-cost car.
The headline figure here is undoubtedly the Dacia Duster’s starting price of under £22,000. It’ll also be rather kind to your bank balance when it comes to day-to-day running. Every variant can return over 40mpg but the hybrid is the most frugal option with an official figure of 55.3mpg.
“The Duster hasn’t lost its way, because the third-generation SUV offers great-value motoring and family car practicality at an affordable price.” - Alex Ingram, ex-chief reviewer.
- Who will like it: Buyers wanting value for money and some off-road ability.
- Who won’t like it: People after a premium small SUV to make a statement.
8. Tesla Model Y
Spacious, well-equipped and incredibly efficient. The Tesla Model Y is one of the best electric SUVs money can buy.
- Prices from £41,990
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
Tesla is a brand that frequently finds its way into the headlines, and not always for the right reasons. But nonetheless the Tesla Model Y remains one of the best electric SUVs on the market.
Even if you’re carrying the full five passengers, each one will have ample room to get comfortable thanks to the sizeable rear bench seat and flat floor. Headroom isn’t compromised by the sloping roofline either, so even tall adults will feel comfy.
While Tesla doesn’t measure its boot sizes in the traditional way, our road testers can confirm that the Model Y offers a huge amount of luggage space, low loading lip and additional storage solutions that all prove highly useful.
While the previous Model Y had a few weak points in the way it drove, most notably ride comfort and refinement, we’re pleased to announce that the midlife facelift has notably improved these pitfalls. There’s far less noise inside than before, even at higher cruising speeds, while the amount of power on offer ranges from quick to downright ridiculous. For example, the Tesla Model Y AWD will accelerate from a standstill to 60mph in under five seconds.
Tesla’s refresh also improved efficiency. The entry-level Standard Range car can officially do 311 miles on a single charge, while the Long Range Model Y now delivers a claimed 387-mile range. When we drove a Long Range All Wheel Drive Launch Edition we saw a real-world range of 293 miles.
“The Tesla’s regenerative braking is superbly composed. Nothing in this class can bring itself to a halt with the same limo driver-like smoothness as the Y, which makes low-speed manoeuvres very relaxing.” - Dean Gibson, senior test editor
- Who will like it: Families who want an easy, high-tech entry into EV ownership.
- Who won’t like it: Some people might be put off by the Tesla brand image or the touchscreen-centric controls.
9. Citroen C5 Aircross
The Citroen C5 Aircross is the largest car from the French manufacturer, and if comfort at an affordable price is your priority then it’s fit for the family.
- Prices from £34,065
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
Citroen is well-known for creating comfortable and quirky cars and the C5 Aircross is no different.
The new C5 Aircross closely follows the same recipe as the previous generation model: acres of space and a focus on comfort. The suspension is supple, the cabin is incredibly quiet and when you throw the supportive Advanced Comfort seats into the mix, you have a car which can iron out some of the worst potholed roads the UK has to offer.
Of course, with such a focus on comfort there is a distinct trade-off when it comes to driving engagement and the C5 Aircross suffers from a noticeable amount of body roll through sharp corners.
For a five-seat SUV, the Citroen C5 Aircross is generously sized. The styling is quite quirky, but the boxy shape makes it incredibly capable when it comes to carrying passengers and their accompanying luggage.
Up front, the seats are nice and wide, and the large centre console has plenty of cubby storage. Space in the rear is good for the class, although the floor is raised slightly and taller members of our testing team noted that it initially feels like your thighs and knees lack seat base support - although it’s something which you get used to. The floor is flat, so it’s quite easy to stretch your legs out and the boot is rated at a generous 565 litres.
Although it's quite a chunky family car, the C5 Aircross fares pretty well in the economy stakes. There’s a wide range of engine choices, too, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains to pick from. Hybrid cars start from insurance group 18, meaning they shouldn’t cost the earth to run.
“While the boot is slightly smaller than in rivals, the tailgate opens wide and leaves a low load lip that is level with the false boot floor. On either side of the boot floor are small pockets for odds and ends, plus there’s a light and a solid parcel shelf, rather than a roller cover.” - Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
- Who will like it: Families who want to prioritise both comfort and space.
- Who won’t like it: People looking for a car which is fun to drive.
Latest Citroen C5 Aircross deals
10. BMW X3
If you want a classy family car that’s both practical and fun on twisty road, look no further than the BMW X3.
- Prices from £53,305
| Pros |
|
| Cons |
|
The BMW X3 offers one of the best driving experiences on this list; we rate its ride, handling and powertrains as highly as anything else in the class.
The X3 might be classed as a mid-size SUV, but the amount of passenger space on offer isn’t exactly remarkable. While nobody will feel uncomfortable, and there’s ample room for tall passengers, as well as an ISOFIX child seat in the back, rivals like the Audi Q5 are slightly roomier. The best practicality news is that the boot capacity does stand out at 570 litres. BMW also throws in some useful standard kit here including a luggage net, a sliding parcel shelf and a movable floor.
While many people believe that buying a family-friendly car means waving goodbye to driving enjoyment, the BMW X3 is something of an exception to this unofficial rule. While it’s still a long way off the experience provided by this Bavarian brand’s finest sports cars, the X3 feels respectably planted and responsive for its size.
Our testers felt confident to push on through corners at higher speeds (although nothing too outrageous), and the suspension isn’t easily upset by imperfections in the tarmac. For maximum thrills you’ll want the X3 M50, as this is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine producing 398bhp.
The X3 is a premium SUV, so you’ll inevitably be paying for the privilege. If you want to at least attempt to counteract the starting price with lower running costs, the plug-in hybrid X3 30e xDrive will be the best candidate. On paper, this model can go up to 54 miles on a single charge and return up to 100.9mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. While it’ll be highly difficult to achieve this three-figure economy in the real world, the PHEV should still prove far less thirsty than its counterparts (provided you keep the battery charged).
“Cabin storage is acceptable inside, with two cupholders in the centre console and a useful storage box under the armrest. You’ll find two bottle holders in the doors for the front occupants, although a two-litre bottle will be a struggle to fit.” - Alex Ingram, ex-chief reviewer
- Who will like it: Those looking for a premium SUV that’s fun to drive and high quality.
- Who won’t like it: It is quite expensive so will put off those on a budget
How we find the best SUVs
Exclusive research by Auto Express has underlined just what a demanding bunch SUV buyers are. We asked SUV owners what their top priorities were when looking for a new car and the results confirmed what we already thought, that buyers in this sector want cars that can do it all.
- Value for money was the key priority for SUV buyers with 52.6%.
- Reliability was chosen by 50% of respondents.
- Comfort was the third biggest priority with 48.7% of people choosing it.
- Cabin and boot space tied with running costs as the fourth biggest priorities on 37.8%.
We want you to find the best SUV for your needs and so these buyer priorities are baked into our testing processes for cars in this class. We’ve tested every new SUV currently on sale in the UK, most of them on multiple occasions.
Our expert road testers typically get behind the wheel on the international launch events and then again on UK roads where we carry out intensive group tests to compare top models head-to-head against their rivals. Some SUV models even come in for a six-month long-term test where we really get under the skin of what it’s like to live with day-in and day-out.
Over the course of the evaluation process we try the full range of engine options and specifications, taking our own precise measurements of important areas like the rear seats and the boot. This helps bring you a complete picture of the best SUV models on sale, and the ones that aren’t up to scratch.
It’s a continually evolving picture with more and more SUV models being launched all the time, so we’re constantly updating and revising our reviews to keep you informed. You can discover more about how the Auto Express expert team review cars here...
Key updates to Best SUVs
10 February 2026: Nissan Qashqai added to the Best SUV list and ranks in third place. The Citroen C5 Aircross makes its debut in ninth place. The BMW X3 is moves from ninth to tenth position, pushing the Hyundai Tucson out of the top-10. The Volkswagen Tayron also exits the list.
Find the SUV of your dreams! Our nationwide dealer network has some fantastic cars on offer right now with new, used and leasing deals to choose from...
