SUVs of all shapes and sizes pervade all areas of motoring. Small ones have replaced superminis in many manufacturer lineups. Often, the most luxurious model in a premium manufacturer’s line-up is an SUV. And the best large SUVs offer everything family buyers could want.
The modern large SUV is more likely to be targeted towards these families than it is farmyards. Gone are the days when big SUVs were agricultural by default – these cars can do it all – accommodate tons of passengers and luggage, be comfortable for a long-distance cruise, yet remain comfortable to manoeuvre round town. They’re equally at home on the school run or the golf course, and some even retain a modicum of off-road ability. And, of course, they all have those rugged looks and a raised driving position that endear buyers to these cars in the first place.
Of course, large SUVs are by their very definition, large – often this comes with a high list price and hefty running costs, so they’re not for everybody. But if you’re looking for a large SUV, you’re bound to find something on this list – whether you’re after a seven-seater, a luxury limo on stilts or a great-value off-roader.
The premium SUV that truly does it all
First, the practical duties. The X5 has space for four big adults to sit in comfort, in sumptuously plush surroundings. With five seats, there's a massive boot - but if you need more, there's an optional third row of seats turning the X5 into an occasional seven seater.
Engines range from a surprisingly efficient six-cylinder petrol, through excellent diesels and a bahnstorming V8 in the X5 M. The range also includes one of our favourite plug-in hybrids, with the potential for rock-bottom running costs. The best part? They're all brilliant to drive - poised, comfortable, with great roadholding and satisfying steering. If you're willing to pay for it, BMW really delivers with the X5.
Read our full BMW X5 review
Pros
- Great engine line-up
- Optional third-row seating
- Fantastic to drive
Cons
- Not a full-time seven-seater
- Expensive - cash or finance
95% as good as the full-sized Range Rover, 80% of the price
The Sport has always been a great choice for those who don't want the outright opulence of a full-size Range Rover but do want the ability. This is still a car that can off-road with the best of them, but on the tarmac it's comfortable and surprisingly agile. We've rated it just a little lower than the BMW X5 (above) because Range Rovers have some well-documented reliability woes, and because the starting price is significantly higher.
Read our full Range Rover Sport review
Pros
- Amazing off-road
- Excellent six-cylinder engines
- Superb interior
Cons
- Luxury with a luxury price tag
- Question marks over reliability
The best large electric SUV
However, that's made up for by virtue of the EV6's position as one of the best electric cars on sale today. Its large battery endows it with a real-world 300 mile of range, which many premium competitors can't match even with larger battery packs. It's great to drive, both comfortable and nimble, and there's space inside for a family and all their gubbins. Add in a premium interior that would be totally alien to Kia buyers of even five years ago and the EV6 is a definite winner.
Read our full Kia EV6 review
Pros
- Great electric car with long range
- Spacious, premium interior
- Low running costs if charged correctly
Cons
- No good for even light off-roading
- Non-premium badge may put some people off
One of the finest large family cars around
The 5008 is comfortable to drive as it's largely based on the 3008 SUV, and can be had with a similar range of efficient engines. A sports car it is not, but it's great value for the versatility on offer. It's a sort of hybrid between an MPV and an SUV, and we think that's a great idea - giving buyers the space and flexibility they need with the fashionable styling they crave.
Read our full Peugeot 5008 review
Pros
- Three individual rear seats
- Big boot in five-seat mode
- Efficient engines
Cons
- No plug-in hybrid model
- Interior is divisive
Large and in charge, with a long warranty and seven seats
It’s also immensely practical, with seven seats, a huge load area and towing capacity of up to 2,500kg – making it brilliant for carrying a whole family’s kit and clobber. A surprisingly premium-feeling interior and efficient (if slightly grumbly) diesel engine are both further feathers in the Santa Fe’s cap. You can also get the Santa Fe as a desirable plug-in hybrid or a regular self-charging hybrid.
Read our full Hyundai Santa Fe review
Pros
- Loads of equipment
- Spacious interior
- Long warranty
Cons
- Agricultural diesel
- Not much fun to drive
Putting the 'Sport' in 'Sport Utility Vehicle'
The Cayenne is spacious and its luxurious interior is actually fairly hardwearing. All of the engines are fantastic, whether pure petrol or plug-in hybrid – though there’s no diesel available any more, so expect high running costs unless you buy a PHEV and regularly plug in.
Read our full Porsche Cayenne review
Pros
- Great to drive
- Posh interior
- Spacious
Cons
- High running costs
- The best equipment is optional
Not pretty, but pretty damn good
The iX offers incredible performance and an official range of up to 380 miles on a single charge – that’s among the best in the business. It has a really sophisticated structure with high-tech materials such as carbon fibre endowing it with a very stiff body structure – that’s great news for both ride quality and dynamic ability, which is almost unparalleled in electric SUVs of this size.
Read our full BMW iX review
Pros
- Amazing to drive
- Excellent electric range
- Luxurious interior
Cons
- Not a looker
- Not cheap either
The icon reborn - now an excellent all-rounder
The Defender comes in three sizes – the 90 isn’t particularly practical due to its tiny boot and three-door bodyshell, but the seven-seat 110 and the ginormous 130 are great people-haulers. More rough and ready than Range Rover-badged products it’s nonetheless close to a luxury SUV for comfort.
Read our full Land Rover Defender review
Pros
- Unbeatable on the rough stuff
- Comfortable ride
- Rugged but plush interior
Cons
- Smallest 90 variant is impractical for families
- Big, wide and heavy
A good-value family hauler
The tech’s all very well thought-out and the engine range excellent, though there’s currently no hybrid or plug-in variant. Also, the Tarraco’s firm ride may be offputting to some who prefer a cushier family car.
Read our full SEAT Tarraco review
Pros
- Solid, straightforward interior
- Three rows of seats
- Efficient engines, especially diesels
Cons
- No hybrid or plug-in variant
- Firm ride
Getting on in years but still one of the best
All XC90s get the same wonderful interior, with a comfortable ride and superb seats. Few cars are as suited to munching up the miles as the XC90 – and even fewer are anywhere near as safe, with Volvo’s advanced tech making the XC90 about as safe in a crash as a bunker in an explosion.
Read our full Volvo XC90 review
Pros
- Gorgeous interior
- Comfortable ride
- As safe as houses
Cons
- Touchscreen-driven interior
- Can feel big and heavy
FAQs
What is the best large 4x4 SUV?
Almost every SUV on this list has four-wheel drive, but not all of them are good off-road as you’d hope from a 4x4. If you’re looking for an SUV to go off-roading, we recommend the Land Rover Defender from this list. A smaller option could be the Jeep Wrangler – but check our list of the best small off-roaders for more inspiration from that department.
What SUV has the most room inside?
Just about the roomiest SUV you can buy is the Land Rover Defender 130, which has three rows of seats and space for adults in each of them. Honorable mention goes to the full-sized Range Rover, which can be had with seven seats too.
What is the best value large SUV?
It depends what you mean by value – the cheapest car on this list is the SEAT Tarraco, but it’s not good value if it doesn’t do what you want from a vehicle. We do think the Tarraco’s stonking value for what you get, though – it starts at just over £33,000 but comes well equipped. Value champion Dacia intends to launch its own large SUV in 2024, which looks set to be incredible value.
What is the best large SUV for dogs?
Depends on the dog! All of the SUVs on this list will be able to accommodate a large dog crate in the rear, but most of the seven-seaters won’t be able to do this if all three rows of seats are in place. Those with an older dog might want to go for something more like the Peugeot 5008, which has a lower boot aperture for Rover to jump into. Check out the best cars for dog owners for some more suggestions.
What is the best large electric SUV?
The Kia EV6 on this list is our favourite electric SUV – it’s no good off-road but excels in every other area. For more on this, you can check out our best electric SUVs.
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