Volvo XC40

Volkswagen Tiguan

Genesis GV70

Citroën C5 Aircross

Mini Countryman

Volvo XC60

Mazda CX-5

Honda CR-V

best-family-suvs-2024-our-favourite-suvs-for-kids-and-cargo

<p dir="ltr">Family SUVs are now the default family car of choice for a large and increasing number of buyers – and it’s not hard to understand why. They represent a huge bump in practicality over many hatchbacks, and their raised driving positions make many drivers feel safe and secure when navigating rural roads or urban speed bumps.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Petrol and diesel engines are still common, but you’ll find some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUVs</a>&nbsp;and plug-in hybrid (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">PHEV</a>) options, which make great financial sense as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">company cars</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr">But what should be on your shopping list? Read on for our regularly updated current top 10 ranking of the best family SUVs available to buy new in the UK, plus two models we think you should avoid. You can read about each one in more detail in our full new car review, and search the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/family-suv">best family SUV deals</a>&nbsp;available, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile</strong></em></p>


Best family SUVs 2024: our favourite SUVs for kids and cargo

<p dir="ltr">Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.</p>


FORD

KUGA

<p>Despite a raft of newer models, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/kuga/4x4/review/n57">Ford Kuga</a>&nbsp;was the fifth biggest-selling SUV in 2022, thanks to a wide range of engine choices, sporty driving characteristics, svelte styling and a huge dealer network.</p>

<p>That engine range encompasses (relatively) affordable petrol engines, a plug-in hybrid capable of travelling between 30 and 40 miles on a charge, and a full hybrid. It’s the latter that’s our favourite, particularly in racy ST-Line trim, because it offers the economy of a diesel without the requirement to plug in. It’s better value for private buyers than the PHEV and has a smooth yet punchy engine.</p>

<p>It has the lofty driving position buyers want, even if the space in the front seats isn’t as plentiful as you’ll find in some other cars here. Things are better in the back seats, which can slide back and forth to balance legroom and boot space. We managed to fit six carry-on suitcases, which is less than the Hyundai Tucson, but the boot is at least well shaped with no loading lip and is a good shape.</p>

<h3><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/kuga/4x4/review/n57">Ford Kuga&nbsp;review</a></strong></h3>


10: Ford Kuga

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Competitively priced against rivals</li>
	<li>Plug-in hybrid offers a long electric range and low company car tax</li>
	<li>FHEV hybrid is cheaper than equivalent diesel, yet has similar economy</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Interior quality doesn't impress</li>
	<li>Relatively small boot</li>
	<li>Infotainment system isn't the slickest</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

<p>The Audi Q5 is a stalwart of the family SUV class because it blends sportiness, usability with the upmarket look and feel many buyers seek. While there’s no electric version – you’ll need the slightly smaller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q4/estate/review/n23194">Q4 e-tron</a>&nbsp;for that – there is a comprehensive range comprising petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid models. That’s in addition to the high-performance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n17278">SQ5</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5-sportback/hatchback/review/n22878">Q5 Sportback</a>&nbsp;coupé SUV, which we’ve covered separately.</p>

<p>The best choice for company car drivers is the plug-in hybrid model, but for all round ability (whisper it quietly), the entry-level diesel, badged 40 TDI, is our top pick. It feels strong and smooth, and makes for an excellent tow car, too. Ride quality is good, but depends on the trim you choose. Here, the expensive Vorsprung is best, closely followed by the entry-level Sport.</p>

<p>Yet it’s the S Line that’s our favourite because it has superb and supportive seats, LED headlights with beams that constantly adjust to avoid dazzling other motorists – and the sporty look that’s so popular with premium SUVs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Space in the rear is a step behind the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc60/estate/review/n17339">Volvo XC60</a>, but there’s a decent amount of storage. The boot is great; we were able to squeeze nine carry-on suitcases inside, although plug-in hybrids’ boots are smaller.</p>

<h3><strong>Read our&nbsp;in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Audi Q5 review</a></strong></h3>


9: Audi Q5

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Smooth and punchy engines</li>
	<li>Good to drive</li>
	<li>High-quality interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Plug-in hybrid battery range could be better</li>
	<li>No seven-seat option</li>
	<li>Firmer ride on S line and Edition 1 versions</li>
</ul>


Estate

<p dir="ltr">In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.</p>


LEXUS

<p>Lexus has been building SUVs and hybrid models for years, but the NX was the first to be offered as a plug-in hybrid. But you’d be hard pressed to tell, because it’s a superb effort. As you’d expect, the Lexus NX 450h PHEV offers lower company car tax and the best efficiency, while the non-plug-in 350h is significantly cheaper to buy, and is still very efficient by class standards.</p>

<p>Both versions offer a refined ride, especially if you opt for smaller wheels, and the driving position should suit most people. Indeed, those front seats are some of the best you’ll find in any car because they’re extremely comfortable, provide excellent support and have a huge range of adjustment.</p>

<p>The rest of the interior is a delight, with a superb attention to build quality and tech that represents a huge leap forward over Lexuses only a few years old. Space in the front, rear and boot is perfectly respectable, too, and usually for a plug-in hybrid, the NX 450h has underfloor storage for its charging cables.</p>

<p>The NX comes well-equipped whichever version you choose, but we recommend the entry-level version of the 450h called Premium Pack. And we certainly recommend the optional larger touchscreen.</p>

<h3><strong>Read our&nbsp;in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/nx/estate/review/n132">Lexus NX review</a></strong></h3>


8: Lexus NX

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong performance</li>
	<li>Promise of stellar reliability</li>
	<li>PHEV has an impressive electric range</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Petrol engine isn’t the smoothest</li>
	<li>Choppy high-speed ride on F Sport versions</li>
	<li>Takumi versions are pricey</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

<p>The Mercedes GLC is a strong performer in the family SUV class but it’s the plug-in hybrid version, badged 300e, which is particularly impressive, especially for those with short commutes to school or work, or for company car drivers.</p>

<p>That’s because it combines low company car tax bills with the promise of being able to travel around 80 miles on electric power alone – that’s further than pretty much any other plug-in hybrid on the market.</p>

<p>Away from the pragmatic, the GLC has a spacious and eye-catching interior with loads of on-board tech that's a big step up from the tough-but-dull look of some family-focused models. Our favourite AMG Line Premium even includes special glass that insulates you from heat and noise – a welcome feature if you have a young family and do lots of long journeys.</p>

<p>We were able to fit six carry-on suitcases into the PHEV 300e which has a slightly smaller boot than regular petrol-powered models. But there’s more outright space than you’ll find in the Audi Q5 or BMW X3.</p>

<h3><strong>Read our&nbsp;in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/4x4/review/n17345">Mercedes GLC review</a></strong></h3>


7: Mercedes GLC

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
	<li>Plug-in hybrid has impressive electric range</li>
	<li>Spacious interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Slightly firmer ride than rivals</li>
	<li>Stylish interior doesn't feel the most sturdy</li>
	<li>Petrol engines need working hard</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.</p>


SKODA

ENYAQ

<p>With a sub-£40,000 starting price, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/enyaq/4x4/review/n22909">Skoda Enyaq</a>&nbsp;is among the cheapest family&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUVs</a>&nbsp;on sale. Yet despite this, it’s still a superb all-rounder – and its ‘Simply Clever’ features such as a compartment in the driver’s door to store an umbrella, double seat pockets, folding tables and myriad storage compartments make family life that much easier.</p>

<p>The interior is handsome and the controls are well laid out. And importantly for a family SUV, it feels higher quality than the more expensive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/mustang-mach-e/estate/review/n22387">Ford Mustang Mach-E</a>. The driving position is great – not lofty like a Range Rover, but higher than a Kia EV6 – and the seats are comfortable for most drivers.</p>

<p>Tech is mostly good, and isn’t afflicted with the unlit heater controls that vanish at night as you find in cars like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id4/estate/review/n22789">Volkswagen ID 4</a>. A number of interior design flavours are available, buy we think if you’re choosing our favourite model, the iV 60, then the standard Loft trim is plenty plush enough.</p>

<p>To drive, the Enyaq isn’t what you’d call fun, but even the entry-level car will be perfectly quick for most people, and we managed 208 miles of range from the standard battery in real-world conditions. You can upgrade to a version with a bigger battery, a more powerful motor and four-wheel drive if you want a longer range or better performance.</p>

<h3><strong>Read our&nbsp;in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/enyaq/4x4/review/n22909">Skoda Enyaq review</a></strong></h3>


6: Skoda Enyaq iV

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Extremely practical</li>
	<li>80 version has an impressive range</li>
	<li>Comfortable and easy to drive</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>So-so performance by electric car standards</li>
	<li>You'll want to add options</li>
	<li>Infotainment isn’t as responsive as rival systems</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.</p>

<p dir="ltr">After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.</p>

<p>The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.</p>


VOLVO

XC40

<p>In many ways, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>&nbsp;is the purest essence of a great family SUV. The former&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/new-car-awards">What Car? Car of the Year</a>&nbsp;blends the practicality, style and – of course – safety credentials for which Volvo is famed the world over. Just here, it’s scaled down into more compact dimensions that make it great for more congested environments.</p>

<p>Our favourite engine is the entry-level B3 2.0-litre petrol, because it has enough power for most buyers and keeps costs down. The driving experience is relaxed and comfortable, with an outstanding ride and a smooth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">automatic gearbox</a>&nbsp;– you can no longer buy a manual XC40. It’s not as much fun to drive as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x1/estate/review/n25006">BMW X1</a>, but it’s certainly quieter on the road.</p>

<p>The XC40 comes well equipped as standard, although we’d recommend upgrading to Plus trim, which adds heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and ambient interior lighting. As you might expect, the XC40 scored a full five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests, coming with a comprehensive suite of safety features including an automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>) system which can detect cars, cyclists, pedestrians and even animals. Low depreciation means good PCP deals are available.</p>

<h3><strong>Read our&nbsp;in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40 review</a></strong></h3>


5: Volvo XC40

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Stylish and high-quality interior</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride on most versions</li>
	<li>Comprehensive safety kit</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Lacks the rear seat flexibility of some rivals</li>
	<li>Fiddly infotainment system</li>
	<li>Road noise on the motorway</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.</p>


<p>We named the&nbsp;Kia EV6 What Car? Car of the Year in 2022, and the striking electric SUV remains a fantastic all-rounder and excels as an electric family SUV. It’s proof that family SUVs can be handsome, spacious, good to drive and travel long distances – even if its price is a far cry from Kias of old.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a>&nbsp;shares its underpinnings with the Genesis GV60 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, but the Kia is the most fun to drive of the trio. Yet while its suspension is firmer than the Hyundai, some of our testers preferred the less floaty sensation. The stiffer setup does mean that cars like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/i-pace/estate/review/n122">Jaguar I-Pace</a>&nbsp;and GV60 are slightly more comfortable, though,</p>

<p>The EV6's interior is very smart and user-friendly, while space is generous up front and there's limo-like leg room in the rear. The boot is a very practical shape, and large enough to swallow seven carry-on suitcases.</p>

<p>It's great to drive, too: it grips well, the ride is firm without being uncomfortable, and depending on the model you choose, the EV6’s performance is either decent or seriously quick. And the range is impressive, with our top choice, the entry-level EV6 RWD, covering 230-270 miles between charges in real-world use.</p>

<h3><strong>Read our&nbsp;in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6 review</a></strong></h3>


4: Kia EV6

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Long range and fast charging</li>
	<li>Loads of rear legroom</li>
	<li>Seven-year Kia warranty</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Shallow boot</li>
	<li>Not exactly cheap</li>
	<li>Slightly firm ride</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/ix3/4x4/review/n22236">BMW iX3</a>, like many other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>, is based on the underpinnings of petrol and diesel models – the iX3 shares many parts with the impressive BMW X3. But developing cars in that way can leave electric versions compromised.</p>

<p>Not so with the iX3, though. By placing batteries under the floor, there’s no impact on boot space or leg and head room for rear passengers, and you can even recline the outer rear seats – something you can’t do in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/eqc/4x4/review/n19377">Mercedes EQC</a>&nbsp;or Jaguar I-Pace. That 550-litre boot can swallow eight carry-on suitcases, which matches the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery-sport/4x4/review/n17358">Land Rover Discovery Sport</a>, but is one less than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Audi Q5</a>&nbsp;can accommodate.</p>

<p>Like the X3, the iX3 is great fun to drive, feeling agile and alert through the bends, which is why we favour the more sporting feel of the M Sport trim. Its 0-62mph time of 6.8sec is brisk rather than thrilling, but of more interest to most family SUV buyers is the range. Officially it will cover 285 miles on a charge, more than both the Audi E-Tron and Mercedes EQC, although we found 210-220 miles is more likely during our testing.</p>

<p>Don’t fancy an all-electric model? Don’t worry, because we rate the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n42">BMW X3</a>&nbsp;just as highly.</p>

<h3><strong>Read our&nbsp;in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/ix3/4x4/review/n22236">BMW iX3 review</a></strong></h3>


3: BMW iX3

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Longer range than most direct rivals</li>
	<li>Great infotainment system</li>
	<li>Comparatively well priced</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as fast as rivals</li>
	<li>Audi E-tron is quieter</li>
	<li>Tesla Model 3 has a longer range and faster charging</li>
</ul>


GENESIS

GV60

<p>Genesis is a relative newcomer to the British new-car market, and is the upmarket sister brand to Hyundai and Kia. As a result, cars from the trio are similar, meaning the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/genesis/gv60/estate/review/n24373">Genesis GV60</a>&nbsp;is based on the same underpinnings as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/ioniq-5/hatchback/review/n22944">Hyundai Ioniq 5</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a>. And despite being the least well known of the three, it's the GV60 that is the most compelling package.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its ride strikes a perfect balance between comfort and control, making it more refined than the EV6, with less lean than the Ioniq 5 when cornering. All models are supremely fast, but we think the entry-level Premium model is best because it trades searing performance for improved range. So while it takes 7.5sec to accelerate from 0-60mph, it can travel 321 miles between charges.</p>

<p>Inside, the GV60 is by far the most plush of the trio and is adorned with a sensible combination of physical and touch controls, making it very easy to live with. Despite being shorter than its siblings, the GV60 manages to be practical, and the value for money the entry-level car represents makes it the best all-round electric family SUV.</p>

<h3><strong>Read our&nbsp;in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/genesis/gv60/estate/review/n24373">Genesis GV60&nbsp;review</a></strong></h3>


2: Genesis GV60

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Wonderful interior</li>
	<li>Extremely quiet on the move</li>
	<li>Great infotainment system</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Boot isn't huge</li>
	<li>Rear space is average</li>
	<li>Optional cameras not as good as traditional door mirrors</li>
</ul>


SPORTAGE

<p dir="ltr">The Kia Sportage is the very definition of a good family SUV. And that, quite simply, is why it’s the best car in the class.</p>

<p dir="ltr">For instance, the Sportage feels solidly built&nbsp;and plush where it matters, while all models have&nbsp;a&nbsp;lofty driving position to give you a great view of the road.</p>

<p dir="ltr">When it comes to space, passengers of all ages and sizes can fit comfortably in the front and back seats, plus the boot is absolutely vast. You can also fold the back seats in a useful 40/20/40 configuration, which is something that neither the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan Qashqai</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>&nbsp;can do.</p>

<p>Then there’s how much it costs to buy and run. Even though there are fuel-sipping hybrid and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;versions available, the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol model is more affordable to buy, yet it still offers cheap running costs and strong performance.</p>

<p>When combined with 3 trim, you get luxuries such as a 12.3in digital driver’s display, heated front and outer rear seats, plus electrically adjustable front seats as standard. And even though the Sportage is more expensive to buy than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/tucson/4x4/review/n103">Hyundai Tucson</a>, we think it’s worth the extra because of its superior ride comfort and refinement.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>Read our in-depth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage review</a></strong></h3>


1: Kia Sportage

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Lower-spec models are great value</li>
	<li>Smart interior</li>
	<li>Generous rear leg room and boot space</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Hybrid petrol engine sounds strained</li>
	<li>Rear head room compromised with panoramic roof</li>
	<li>No clever rear seat functions</li>
</ul>


<p>The biggest drawback of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/ux/hatchback/review/n17871">Lexus UX</a> is its impracticality. It struggles to compete with small SUVs and even some small cars in terms of boot and rear seat space. A fidgety ride, poorly weighted controls and stingy standard equipment levels leave it well adrift of the class leaders.</p>


And the family SUVs to avoid: Lexus UX

<p dir="ltr">Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.</p>


JEEP

COMPASS

<p>Despite its high price, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jeep/compass/4x4/review/n17288">Jeep Compass</a> is nowhere near the top of the pack in a very competitive class. Unrefined engines, an unsettled ride and a cheap-feeling interior add up to make the Compass a thoroughly underwhelming family SUV.</p>

<hr />
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<h2><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-suvs/n17050">Best small SUVs</a> &gt;&gt;</strong></h2>


Jeep Compass

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

<p>While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.</p>

<p>As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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