5 Jun 2024
Choosing the perfect family-sized SUV can become a big task, especially when you're looking for a vehicle that seamlessly combines spaciousness, style, and safety. With so many options available, it's essential to consider important factors such as interior space, comfort, and practicality, to ensure that your family's needs are met. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 best family SUVs available that excel in these key areas.
Whether you prioritise room in the boot, fuel efficiency, or the latest safety features, our comprehensive list of SUVs has something for everyone. We also highlight what makes a good family SUV, so you know exactly what to look for when it comes to owning a new set of wheels. Read on to find out more…
What makes a good family SUV?
A good family-sized SUV should tick all the boxes needed to cater to families on the daily drive. Below, we outline what to look for:
Space and Practicality
A family SUV should offer ample interior space for passengers and cargo, with flexible seating configurations and easy access to the rear seats.
Safety Features
High safety ratings, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and robust build quality are essential for ensuring the well-being of family members when on the road.
On-Board Comfort
A comfortable ride, supportive seats, and effective climate control can make long journeys more pleasant for the whole family.
Reliability
Families often depend on their vehicles for daily tasks, such as the school run, so a good SUV should have a reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs.
Fuel Efficiency
An efficient engine can help reduce running costs, which is important for budget-conscious families.
Entertainment and Connectivity
Features like touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and rear-seat entertainment can keep the family engaged and connected during long trips.
Easy to Drive
A family SUV should be easy to manoeuvre in various driving conditions, with good visibility, light steering, and a manageable size for parking.
Value for Money
A competitive price point and a strong list of standard features can make an SUV more appealing to families working within a budget.
Brand Reputation
A brand with a history of producing reliable, well-built vehicles can provide peace of mind for families.
Versatility
The ability to adapt to various family needs, such as accommodating child seats, carrying sports equipment, or even light towing capabilities, can make an SUV more valuable for families.
Top 10 best family SUVs in the UK
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Dacia Duster
Dacia Jogger
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai SANTA FE
Hyundai TUCSON
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan X-Trail
Peugeot 3008
Peugeot 5008
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Pros: Stylish with sporty good looks, great handling on the road
Cons: Not much headroom which may be limiting for tall drivers, pricier compared to competing models
Price: From £52,980 new
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a strong contender in the family SUV market thanks to its blend of Italian style, driving pleasure, and practicality. Its sleek and sporty design sets it apart from more conservative rivals, while the interior boasts premium materials and a well-laid-out cabin that provides ample space for families.
The Stelvio's responsive steering and agile handling make it a joy to drive, so it performs well whether you're navigating small city streets or open winding country roads. Safety is also a top priority for Alfa Romeo, so the Stelvio includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and optional all-wheel drive for added peace of mind.
In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Discover the Alfa Romeo Stelvio at our Surrey-based dealership by taking a test drive today!
Dacia Duster
Pros: Easy to drive, one of the cheapest SUVs on the market
Cons: The engine can be noisy when travelling at higher speeds
Price: From £18,295 new
The Dacia Duster is a standout choice when it comes to family-sized SUVs, offering exceptional value for money without compromising on essential features. Despite its affordable price tag, the Duster provides a spacious and practical interior, with ample room for five passengers and a generous boot capacity that's perfect for accommodating family luggage or busy shopping trips.
Rugged styling and high ground clearance give the Duster a commanding presence on the road making the SUV capable of handling both urban commutes and countryside adventures with ease. While the interior may feature more basic materials compared to premium rivals, the Duster's focus on functionality and durability makes it an ideal choice for families.
In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Discover the Dacia Duster at our Surrey-based dealership by taking a test drive today!
Dacia Jogger
Pros: Fantastic value for money, incredibly spacious inside, seats 7
Cons: The interior looks cheaper compared to rival models
Price: From £18,295 new
The Dacia Jogger could well be considered a game-changer in the family SUV market due to its unparalleled versatility and value for money. This innovative 7-seater combines the practicality of an MPV with the rugged styling and adventurous spirit of an SUV. With its spacious and flexible interior, the Jogger can easily accommodate large families or groups of friends, making it perfect for both daily errands and weekend getaways.
Despite its budget-friendly price point, the Jogger doesn't skimp on essential features, offering a range of modern conveniences such as a touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, and cruise control. The SUV's efficient engines and lightweight construction contribute to its low running costs, while its raised ride height and optional all-weather tyres provide added confidence in various driving conditions.
In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Discover the Dacia Jogger at our Surrey-based dealership by taking a test drive today!
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Pros: Very comfortable to drive, lots of space, and packed with technology
Cons: As a fully-electric vehicle the range can feel limiting
Price: From £47,645 new
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has taken the e-SUV market by storm, offering a groundbreaking blend of cutting-edge technology, sustainable performance, and futuristic design. As a fully electric vehicle, the IONIQ 5 not only helps families reduce their carbon footprint but also provides an incredibly smooth, quiet, and responsive driving experience.
It can achieve up to 298 miles on a single charge and with fast charging capabilities, range anxiety can become a thing of the past. The spacious and airy interior of the IONIQ 5 is made possible by the innovative E-GMP platform and offers ample room for families to stretch out and relax, no matter how long the journey may be.
In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Discover the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at our Surrey-based dealership by taking a test drive today!
Hyundai SANTA FE
Pros: Very responsive handling, luxury feel inside, lots of space
Cons: On the pricey side for a Hyundai
Price: From £43,940 new
The Hyundai SANTA FE has firmly established itself as one of the best family SUVs thanks to its winning combination of space, comfort, and versatility. With its generous dimensions and well-designed interior, the All-New SANTA FE offers ample room for up to seven passengers, making it an ideal choice for growing families or those who require extra seating capacity.
The SUV's high-quality materials, supportive seats, and advanced infotainment system create a premium and inviting atmosphere, ensuring that every journey is a pleasant experience for everyone on board. The SANTA FE's advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking, provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for families on the road.
In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Discover the All-New Hyundai SANTA FE at our Surrey-based dealership by taking a test drive today!
Hyundai TUCSON
Pros: Standout looks and spacious upmarket interior
Cons: The ride quality can feel hard at times
Price: From £31,500 new
The Hyundai TUCSON has quickly risen to the top of the UK's family SUV segment. With its bold and dynamic exterior design, the TUCSON makes a strong visual statement on the road. Inside, the spacious and well-laid-out cabin provides ample room for five passengers, with high-quality materials and comfortable seating for all.
The SUV also excels in terms of safety, with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, ensuring the well-being of all occupants. With a range of efficient and responsive engines, including mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, the Hyundai TUCSON offers a balance of performance and fuel economy that appeals to eco-conscious families.
In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Discover the Hyundai TUCSON at our Surrey-based dealership by taking a test drive today!
Nissan Qashqai
Pros: Excellent driving position, lots of equipment included as standard
Cons: New hybrid and e-POWER versions mean the diesel variant is no longer being made
Price: From £30,455 new
The Nissan Qashqai has long been a firm favourite among families, and for good reason. As one of the pioneers of the crossover SUV segment, the Qashqai has consistently delivered a winning formula of practicality, comfort, and affordability. Its well-proportioned exterior design strikes a balance between elegance and ruggedness, while the interior offers a spacious and well-crafted environment for families to enjoy.
With ample head and legroom, as well as a generously sized boot, the Qashqai can easily accommodate the needs of growing families. The SUV's composed ride quality and refined handling make it a pleasure to drive, whether navigating city streets or embarking on longer motorway journeys. The Qashqai also boasts an impressive array of safety features, including intelligent emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a 360-degree camera system.
In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Discover the Nissan Qashqai at our Surrey-based dealership by taking a test drive today!
Nissan X-Trail
Pros: The new e-POWER version means it can run on electric for short periods
Cons: Feels smaller in the back than rival SUVs
Price: From £36,769 new
The Nissan X-Trail has earned its place among the best family-sized SUVs thanks to its impressive versatility, spacious interior, and robust capabilities. As a larger sibling to the popular Qashqai model, the X-Trail offers even more room for growing families, with the option of seven seats in selected models. The SUV's well-designed interior provides a comfortable and practical environment, featuring high-quality materials, supportive seating, and a host of convenient storage solutions throughout the cabin.
Expect a commanding driving position and excellent visibility when behind the wheel of a Nissan X-Trail which now boasts added e-POWER technology for bursts of electric-only performance. The SUV also boasts a range of advanced safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Discover the Nissan X-Trail at our Surrey-based dealership by taking a test drive today!
Peugeot 3008
Pros: Stylish looks, very practical and enjoyable to drive
Cons: The boot isn’t as big as some competitor models
Price: From £33,373 new
The Peugeot 3008 has firmly established itself as one of the best family SUVs in the UK, thanks to its winning combination of style, practicality, and innovation. With its bold and distinctive exterior design, the 3008 stands out from the crowd and appeals to style-conscious families. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a futuristic and well-appointed interior that showcases Peugeot's cutting-edge i-Cockpit design.
The high-quality materials, digital instrument cluster, and intuitive infotainment system create a premium and tech-savvy ambiance that elevates the daily driving experience. Overall, the 3008 strikes a perfect balance between comfort and agility, making it a pleasure to drive in both urban and rural settings. With a range of efficient petrol engines, as well as a plug-in hybrid option, the Peugeot 3008 caters to the diverse needs and preferences of modern families.
In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Discover the Peugeot 3008 at our Surrey-based dealership by taking a test drive today!
Peugeot 5008
Pros: A very capable, spacious, and well-equipped 7-seater SUV
Cons: Can feel long to drive and proves tricky to park without a rear camera
Price: From £35,315 new
As a 7-seater SUV, the Peugeot 5008 offers a perfect blend of space, versatility, and style for larger families. As the bigger brother to the popular 3008 model, the 5008 takes practicality to the next level with its generous seven-seat configuration, making it an ideal choice for growing families or those who require extra seating capacity. With a generous boot capacity and flat-folding seats, the SUV can easily accommodate bulky items or luggage for family adventures.
The 5008 also impresses with its advanced technology, featuring Peugeot's innovative i-Cockpit design, which includes a customisable digital instrument cluster and a sleek infotainment system. When on the road, expect a comfortable ride and confident handling, making it a pleasure to drive on both short and long journeys.
In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Discover the Peugeot 5008 at our Surrey-based dealership by taking a test drive today!
FAQs and Answers
When it comes to the best family-sized SUVs, we hope our list of the top 10 models in the UK has helped you draw up a shortlist. Do you have more questions about the best family SUVs? Check out our FAQ section below where we answered your most-asked queries:
What is the best family SUV in the UK?
It's difficult to single out the best family SUV in the UK as preferences and needs vary from family to family. However, based on various factors such as spaciousness, safety, practicality, and overall value, some of the top contenders for the best family SUV in the UK market include the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, and Hyundai TUCSON.
What is the most reliable SUV in the UK?
When it comes to reliability, several SUVs in the UK have consistently demonstrated strong performance with minimal issues reported by manufacturers. One such model that stands out is the Hyundai TUCSON which is backed by a comprehensive warranty and known for its dependable performance.
What is the best second-hand SUV to buy?
The best second-hand SUV to buy will depend on your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences. One of the best options in the UK is the Nissan Qashqai which is known for its practicality, comfort, and affordable running costs, making it a very popular choice in the used SUV market.
What is the best mileage to buy a used SUV?
If you want to prioritise low mileage and a longer remaining lifespan, look for SUVs with less than 50,000 miles on the clock. These vehicles may come at a higher price point initially but could pay dividends in the long run by offering more years of trouble-free driving. Be sure to check the age of the vehicle, as older SUVs with low mileage could indicate infrequent use, which may lead to potential issues.
How many miles do most SUVs last?
The lifespan of an SUV can vary greatly depending on factors such as the make and model, maintenance habits, driving conditions, and overall vehicle quality. However, with proper care and maintenance, many modern SUVs will reach at least 100,000 miles and can last well over 200,000 miles depending on the make and model.
Buy the best family SUVs at Wilsons Epsom
If you're in the market for a spacious, stylish, and safe family SUV, look no further than our Wilsons Epsom multi-franchise dealership in Surrey. We offer an extensive selection of both new and used family-sized SUVs from top manufacturers, ensuring that you'll find the perfect vehicle to suit your family's needs and budget.
Whether you're interested in the latest models with cutting-edge safety features and modern designs or high-quality pre-owned SUVs that offer excellent value for money, our knowledgeable sales team is dedicated to helping you make the right choice.
All of our vehicles can be viewed online where you can explore each model in more detail. If you like what you see, why not come down to our showroom to experience an SUV for yourself by going for a test drive - we encourage you to bring the whole family along for the ride!