Family SUVs have exploded in popularity in recent years. Eight of the Top 10 best-selling cars in the UK in 2024 were SUVs – and, in response to this intense demand, most car makers have now downgraded their traditional hatchback, MPVs, estates and saloon models in favour of an SUV-led line-up.
That means there’s a vast array of SUVs to choose from. But, with so many choices, it’’s hard to work out the best option for you and your family. That’s where Parkers comes in. We’ve tested every new family SUV on the market to sort the wheat from the chaff – and we’ve picked our experts’ brains to compile this Top 10 list of family SUVs to help you walk into your next purchase feeling informed.
Scroll down to read our list of the best family SUVs on sale today in order of preference. We’ve tested them all and think each one shines brightly enough to be included here – and we’ve deliberately avoided any luxury options to give you a list of attainable contenders. If you’d like to learn more about how our team of road testers arrived at the opinions expressed here, check out our page on how we test cars.
The best family SUVs on sale in 2025
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The interior has been designed with family written all over it. For a start, there is acres of room inside, with all passengers spoilt for space. Legroom is plentiful, even for adults, and it's a bright and airy space to sit too, especially with the optional panoramic sunroof. Add in rear-mounted phone holders and USB-C charging ports dotted throughout the car and the Scenic couldn't be more family-friendly.
The Scenic offers a solid driving experience thanks to a relatively low kerbweight for an EV. While it leans heavily into comfort, it still offers agility and a fairly satisfying steering feel. We'd plug for the larger 87kWh battery model for the real-world 300 miles of range it offers. With Renault's award-winning financing too, the big battery option is only a couple of quid more a month too.
It's such a good car that nitpicking really is required to be critical. Those sleek retracting door handles are a faff to get used to, and rear visibility is rubbish. Outright performance is also fairly restrained against some other electric rivals, but you'd never call the Scenic slow.
To find out more, read our full Renault Scenic E-Tech review
Pros
- Easy and enjoyable to drive
- Superb real-world driving range
- Spacious, well-planned interior
Cons
- Poor rear visibility
- Ride can get fidgety at times
The best traditional all-round family SUV. End of discussion
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You can’t have it with a hybrid powertrain, which is somewhat of a faux pas these days. However, the Karoq’s 1.5-litre petrol engine comes with a clever cylinder deactivation system that makes it almost as efficient as its mild hybrid rivals in the real world. Our testers can easily achieve more than 45mpg without really trying – and it has 150hp, so it’s not short of performance. If you want a petrol or diesel family SUV, test drive a Karoq before viewing anything else.
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We love how Skoda has packaged the Karoq, too. It’s huge inside. It’s also brimming with intelligent features, such as Skoda’s Varioflex rear bench. This can be tumbled forwards or removed completely to liberate some extra boot space.
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If we had to be critical, the Karoq is starting to show its age now, with its infotainment system falling behind the competition now. It uses the Volkswagen Group’s previous-generation screen and software, which is eons behind the system fitted to the latest Tiguan. It works fine, it just doesn’t look or feel as crisp. But, considering how well-resolved the rest of the car is, we reckon that’s a small price to pay.
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To find out more, read our full Skoda Karoq review
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Flexible rear seats
- Spacious interior
Cons
- No hybrid option available
- 1.0-litre engine feels slow
It’s spacious and that styling makes a bold statement
Step inside, and the Tucson is impressively spacious, with a comfortable ride and a cabin that feels solid and well thought out. Hyundai packs in a lot of standard equipment even on mid-level trims, and the touchscreen infotainment system is sharp and easy to use. It’s also available with a range of hybrid options, helping to keep running costs down.
Its 1.6-litre petrol engine isn’t anything to write home about but, thanks to an astute hybrid system, the Tucson at no point feels sluggish, despite its enormous size. The full nuclear family of hybrid systems are on offer, including plug-in, full and mild. The PHEV and full hybrid systems will happily pootle about in EV mode for most of the time around town, helping to keep your MPG figures down and the whole experience rather civilised.
What’s more, the Tucson is also very competitively priced, with lower monthly finances costs than the Tiguan, the Sportage and the Austral. Long gone are the days when Hyundai was considered an underdog in the UK market – the Tucson is now right at the heart of the family SUV shortlist.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai Tucson review
Pros
- Spacious inside
- Comfortable on the road
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Interior lacks character
- Only one petrol engine available
Practical, comfortable and for a great price
Skoda is renowned for making excellent family cars, and the Elroq is no exception. It's slightly larger in size than the Karoq, and offers plenty of rear-seat space especially, making it ideal for those that regularly carry taller teenagers or adults in the back. It's quite a wide car by class standards, and those dimensions go into making a wide and spacious interior. Perhaps the only downside with the Elroq is that it's not quite as versatile as the petrol Karoq, as it doesn't get that car's sliding rear seats, which can also tumble forward to allow for a completely flat floor.
The Elroq is available with three battery sizes – 52kWh, 59kWh, and 77kWh – offering maximum driving range figures between 232 and 360 miles. A choice of power outputs means there’s likely to be a model to suit most needs, from everyday commuting to longer family journeys. For those seeking more performance, a sportier all-wheel-drive vRS version is coming, which should broaden the Elroq’s appeal further.
Even in standard form, though, it’s enjoyable to drive – arguably more so than rivals like the Renault Scenic. Beyond its technical credentials, the Elroq also stands out for its value. Pricing is competitive, and early leasing deals already make it an appealing alternative to more established electric SUVs. The interior is modern and well-equipped, in keeping with the latest crop of Skoda models, and practicality seems promising with a flat floor and usable boot space.
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To find out more, read our full Skoda Elroq review
Pros
- Generous rear-seat space
- Excellent to drive
- Well-priced
Cons
- Not as practical as Skoda's petrol Karoq
- Desirable options are expensive
Staggering value for money – especially in PHEV guise
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MG has now introduced a new, second-generation version of its HS, which is a significant step forward in many areas, yet importantly is hardly any more expensive. It’s quite an impressive achievement, and a sign of just how much this Chinese-British car firm has improved in recent years.
All engines are new to the HS, including a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine as the base option, as well as a brilliant plug-in hybrid that delivers a claimed 75 miles from a charge. The PHEV is much better to drive over the standard petrol engine, which isn’t the most refined or efficient, and is hardly any more expensive than many non-hybrid rivals. In some cases, it’s even cheaper. Now better to drive, more spacious and still as generously equipped, the HS is more than deserving of a second look.
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While there are a few small rough edges to the HS, these are easy to forgive considering how much you’ll save by opting for it, at least if you're buying outright. The leasing costs aren't actually much cheaper than most others on this list.
To find out more, read our full MG HS review
Pros
- Brilliant value for money
- Spacious interior
- Excellent electric range from plug-in hybrid
Cons
- Slow automatic gearbox
- Inefficient petrol engine
Stylish, sporty plug-in for non-conformists
The Terramar e-Hybrid is the one to have, as it offers usable electric-only range, making it ideal for commuting or school runs without ever stirring the petrol engine into life. This adds a real-world element of efficiency, especially if you have access to a home charger. On the road, the plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers smooth acceleration and responsive handling. While it’s not exactly a hot hatch on stilts, the Terramar does feel agile and composed, with plenty of grip and well-weighted steering.
Inside, the Cupra continues its youthful theme with a tech-laden dashboard, sporty seating and premium-feeling materials. Standard equipment levels are generous, with features like digital dials, a large central touchscreen, and advanced driver-assistance systems included even on entry models. Compared to the Tiguan, the cabin feels a little more adventurous in design, and there’s a sense of getting more car for your money – especially when you look at the monthly figures on a finance deal.
Overall, the Terramar is a very appealing addition to the SUV market. While it might not be as refined or versatile as the Tiguan in every area, its engaging styling, competitive pricing and impressive equipment list make it a tempting alternative. Add in Cupra’s strong track record for attractive leasing offers, and it becomes a seriously attractive option for buyers who want a bit of flair alongside everyday usability.
To find out more, read our Cupra Terramar reviewÂ
Pros
- Sharp, distinctive looks
- Long electric-oonly driving range
- More fun to drive than rivals
Cons
- Firmer ride than some rivals
- undistinguished driving experience
A no-nonsense family SUV with a cracking warranty
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The best leasing deal we could find for the Tucson was around £60 per month cheaper than the best offer on the Sportage – and that sort of saving soon adds up over the course of a three-year finance package. And while the Sportage’s boot is a respectable size at 591 litres, the Tucson bumps that figure up to 620 litres, which means it’s a little more useful as a family runabout – especially if you need to carry a pushchair.
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That being said, the Sportage has its own set of strengths. It comes with a far more attractive seven-year warranty, compared to the five-year package you get on the Tucson. Interior quality has vastly improved over previous versions of the Sportage, too, especially in terms of infotainment technology. But the Tucson feels that little bit better built – and it shares the same touchscreen and gauge cluster. An updated Sportage is on the way later in 2025, however.
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The Sportage’s trump card is that it's available with a broad range of powertrains that includes a conventional petrol, a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in hybrid option – along with the choice of either front or four-wheel drive. That means you should be able to find a model that suits you within the range, which is something you can’t say for most of the cars on this list. Opt for either of the Sportage’s hybrid powertrains, though, and you’ll sacrifice more boot space to their batteries.
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To find out more, read our full Kia Sportage review
Pros
- Smart, well-equipped cabin
- Excellent infotainment system
- Spacious seating arrangement
Cons
- More expensive to lease than most rivals
- Plug-in model is expensive
The best family SUV if you like super-sized tech and a great driving experience
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Now, space was hardly something the previous Tiguan struggled with but, thanks to an increase in dimensions, it’s now got more boot and rear passenger room than almost any car in its class. The interior is a particular highlight, with Volkswagen really lifting things up a notch in terms of general design and quality. The huge touchscreen works well, although some might find the sheer number of features it handles a bit daunting.
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If choice is key on your family SUV, you won’t find anything better than a Volkswagen Tiguan. It’s now one of the few cars in its class available with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids, each being some of the best powertrains you’ll find in a car of this type. The plug-in hybrids are particularly noteworthy as they’re new and can travel up to a claimed 77 miles on electric power – again, the most of any car in this class – and particularly appealing from a company car perspective.
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There are only two small downsides about the Tiguan. The first is that the ride on the standard suspension isn’t all that comfortable, especially on big wheels. Second is the cost, as the Tiguan’s high starting price puts it close to many more premium rivals.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen Tiguan review
Pros
- Hugely spacious
- Great choice of engines
- Upmarket interior
Cons
- Expensive starting price
- Ride quality could be better
Excellent value, especially in E-Power guise
More than four million Qashqais have rolled off the production line since the Mk1 model was launched in 2007, and the company’s marketing team now claims – rather eerily – that you’re never more than a few hundred metres away from one. But how does the latest version stack up?
Well, it’s mightily refined and comfortable inside. The cabin has more flare than the Tucson or the Tiguan, while the new parking assistance systems are a game changer. They include a new invisible hood mode that will ‘remove’ the body of the car from your display camera feed when parking, to ensure you have a clear view of where your rims are at all times.
The new Qashqai is available with a mild-hybrid power unit or Nissan’s E-Power system. The latter has a unique setup in that the engine works essentially as a generator to power the electric motor and charge the battery, with no direct power to the wheels at all. On the road, it feels closer to an EV than any of the other hybrids on this list, but the ICE unit will still kick in with just a slight nudge on the accelerator. Best of all with the Qashqai, though, is the price. It’s one of the cheapest on this list to finance, generally costing as little as £190 per month.
To find out more, read our full Nissan Qashqai review
Pros
- Fantastic value
- Refined cabin
- Efficient power unit
Cons
- Lacks poke compared with rivals
- Not very original
Tremendous value and even available with seven seats
The Frontera was Vauxhall's family SUV of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and the name has now been revived for the firm's new value-packed family SUV. It replaces the flawed Crossland and sits between the Mokka and Grandland in terms of size, though is cheaper than both of them to buy.
You can choose the Frontera as both a mild-hybrid petrol or an electric car, and the important thing to note is that both of these versions cost the same – and it's the first model to achieve genuine price parity between petrol and electric. Starting from £23,495, the Frontera undercuts many electric city cars for price, and is tremendous value for money to buy both outright and to lease.
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Though the claimed 186-mile range electric range isn't all that much, we don't think it's bad for the price – and Vauxhall will introduce a 250-mile Long Range model later in 2025. The mild-hybrid is available with 100hp or 136hp, though isn't very refined and isn't particularly economical, so we think the EV is best.
The Frontera is nothing special to drive but is very comfortable, and we think that's more important for a family car. It's also a very spacious interior for the price, with its boxy shape meaning it has plenty of rear-seat room and a good-size boot. Hybrid versions are also available with seven seats as a £1,000 option, but though we haven't been able to test them yet, suspect they will be quite cramped.
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Frontera review
Pros
- Great value for money
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable
Cons
- Hybrid isn't all that good to drive
- Interior feels quite cheap
FAQs: Family SUV buying guide
What does SUV stand for, and what does it mean today?
SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle. Originally, SUVs were rugged off-roaders with four-wheel drive and high ground clearance, typified by Jeeps and Land Rovers. These days, the term covers a much broader range of vehicles, from compact crossovers to large seven-seaters, and most are far better suited to the school run than a muddy track.
In the UK SUV market, they’ve become a family favourite thanks to their elevated driving position, practical interiors and desirable image. Not all SUVs are built for off-road use anymore – many share their underpinnings with hatchbacks and estates, offering a balance between practicality and elevated driving position.
What makes an SUV good for families?
A great family SUV combines a high driving position, comfort, practicality and safety. Key features include wide-opening doors, a flat boot floor with storage options, plenty of Isofix points, and a large, usable loadbay. You’ll also want good rear seat legroom, clever cabin storage, and lots of safety kit as standard.
For longer trips, rear USB ports, sliding seats and great-sounding infotainment are helpful. Many of the best family SUVs also include useful features like reversing cameras, powered tailgates and keyless entry to take the stress out of everyday driving and using. These cars are all about making family life easier.
Are all SUVs four-wheel drive?
Where have you been, that’s ancient thinking! Most modern SUVs are two-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive offered on some as an option or reserved for more expensive trim levels. This helps reduce cost, emissions and fuel consumption, especially for buyers who spend most of their time on tarmac.
Unless you regularly tow, live in a rural area or drive in wintry conditions, front-wheel drive is usually fine. And if not, winter tyres will make all the difference before going down the four-wheel drive route. Many of the most popular SUVs in the UK – like the Nissan Qashqai or Peugeot 3008 – are buyers don’t care.
Is a hybrid or electric SUV better for families?
Hybrid and electric SUVs can be ideal for families, especially if most journeys are short. In fact, we’ve included a couple in this list, as they are so good. Plug-in hybrids let you do the school run on electric power, while full EVs offer quiet, smooth driving with lower running costs – provided you have access to home or reliable (and cheap!) public charging.
Many hybrid SUVs also come with impressive boot space and towing capacity, while electric SUVs are becoming more affordable and family-friendly by the day. Just be aware of how you drive and charge – efficiency depends on usage.
Are SUVs more likely to roll over than normal cars?
Modern SUVs are much safer than their off-roading ancestors, and roll-over risk is minimal under normal driving. Features like electronic stability control and improved suspension design help them corner confidently and brake every bit as well as any other car.
It’s true that SUVs have a higher centre of gravity than a hatchback or saloon, so aren’t quite as sharp to drive, but the difference is much smaller than it used to be. If you’re buying a newer model with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, roll-over risk shouldn’t be a concern.
How much boot space do I need in a family SUV?
For a typical family, 500 litres or more is a good benchmark. That allows room for pushchairs, shopping and luggage without needing to fold the seats. Mid-size models like the Skoda Karoq or Hyundai Tucson strike a strong balance between overall size and practicality.
Boot shape matters too. Look for low loading heights, square openings and flat floors for ease of use. If you need to carry five people and luggage regularly, larger SUVs or those with clever storage solutions – like the Volkswagen Tiguan – are worth a look.
Are seven-seater SUVs worth it for families?
If you have a large family or regularly carry extra passengers, a larger seven-seater SUV is a flexible choice and sometimes not much more expensive choice. Models like the Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq, our current favourite, offer third-row seating that folds flat when not in use, giving you the best of both worlds.
However, the rearmost seats are often best for children, and boot space can shrink dramatically when all seven seats are in use. For regular seven-up driving with luggage, consider a roof box or look at MPV people carriers instead.
Are SUVs expensive to run?
That comes down to what you choose, as SUV running costs vary massively by model. Smaller petrol SUVs are often surprisingly economical, while larger diesel or performance models can be costly to fuel and insure. Hybrids and EVs help keep costs down, especially if you drive in town and can charge up at home.
Use the Parkers car tax calculator and check out our specs pages to see real-world fuel costs. Many plug-in hybrid SUVs look efficient on paper, but as we’ve said before, only deliver savings if you regularly recharge them at home. Tyre wear, servicing and insurance should also factor into your budget.
Is an SUV a good first car?
Some small SUVs can make excellent first cars, rather than the larger models featured in this list. Models like the Ford Puma, Vauxhall Mokka or Volkswagen T-Cross combine SUV looks with small car dimensions, giving you good visibility and ease of driving without feeling too bulky on the road.
Check insurance groupings before committing, as some small SUVs carry a premium over equivalent hatchbacks – a T-Cross costs more than a Polo, for instance. That said, the newest ones are packed with a good amount of safety kit and driving aids, making them ideal for inexperienced drivers who want a bit more security on the road.
Which family SUVs are the safest?
Safety is a top priority for many families, and the best SUVs combine high Euro NCAP ratings with active driver assistance features. Look for autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert – ideally standard across the range.
A rule of thumb tends to be the newer the better, so top picks include the Volkswagen Tiguan, Renault Austral and Hyundai Santa Fe, all of which score well for adult and child occupant protection. Check Parkers car reviews for more detail on what to look for in each specific model.
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