The best family SUVs in the UK: top picks for practicality & comfort
By FergusGuide overview:
- A good family SUV should be easy to park, comfortable over rough roads, and practical inside. Consider usable boot space, rear-seat room, plus the right technology and engine options.
- For small SUVs, the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Puma are brilliant choices if you want everyday practicality without the bulk.
- For mid-size SUVs, the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson strike a great balance of space, comfort, and value.
- For larger SUVs, the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Audi Q5 offer more room for family life, with strong motorway comfort.
If you’re searching for a new family car, there’s a good chance the letters “SUV” are already living rent-free in your head. And it's not hard to see why. SUVs are brilliant all-rounders, and of the UK's ten best-selling new cars of 2025, eight were SUVs (SMMT).
Over the last decade, the SUV has become the go-to choice for drivers who want one car that can do it all: space for family life, a confidence-boosting driving position, and the flexibility for everything from school runs to weekends away.
The only downside is that their popularity has made the market ridiculously competitive. Just about every manufacturer offers at least one SUV, and many offer several, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the different sizes, styles, and trim levels.
But don't worry, we're here to help. In this guide, we'll compare the best SUVs in the UK, looking at the things that matter most day-to-day like driving comfort, fuel economy, safety ratings, and the interior space families actually need.
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If you're after a family SUV, you’re usually trying to solve the same handful of problems: space, comfort, practicality, and running costs that won’t bite later.
A big SUV can feel brilliant on the motorway… then become a headache in multi-storeys and tight residential streets. If you drive in towns and cities often, a mid-size or crossover usually gives you space without daily parking stress.
Read our Understanding Car Body Types guide to compare different body styles and choose the right fit.
UK roads aren't always kind and it's fair to say there's a few too many potholes for everyone's liking. Getting a car that's comfortable on rough roads is more important than you think, especially with kids in the back.
Look for a model with a settled ride and sensible wheel/tyre choices. Don't automatically go for the biggest wheels available as these can sometimes make the ride harsher.
A raised driving height (which most SUVs have) helps, but the real winner is parking sensors/cameras and good all-round visibility.
Driver assistance tech is also brilliant, and getting an SUV will a decent suite of assistance systems can help make every journey that bit easier.
Head over to our blog, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Explained for more information.
For family-first drivers, Euro NCAP rating is essential. Do a bit of research and choose a car that has at least a four-star rating.
You also need to consider the day-to-day stuff like boot space, ISOFIX points, and whether the car can carry all the essentials of family life.
If you've got a young family, head over to our Best Cars for Prams & Young Children guide.
Want a hand choosing the right SUV? Speak to our friendly team of leasing experts for genuine advice.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best SUVs in the UK, comparing family-friendly space, comfort, safety, and running costs to help you shortlist the right model.
1. Nissan Qashqai
It's not a list on the best SUVs without including the Qashqai. You could argue it's the perfect family car currently on the market. It's easy to drive on UK roads, straightforward to park, and practical enough for the weekly shop without feeling too bulky. It's also available with Nissan's e-POWER setup if you want a more EV-like drive.
- Seats and boot space - 5 seats, 479 litres of boot space
- Engine options - Mild-hybrid petrol and e-POWER (petrol engine generates electricity to drive an electric motor)
- Unique family features - Around view monitor on some trims and family-friendly cabin storage
- Latest Euro NCAP safety rating - 4-star (2025)
- Best for - Busy families looking for a reliable and practical medium SUV.
2. Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is a mid-size SUV and strong all-rounder that was the 10th most registered car in 2025. With a roomy cabin, comfortable ride, and lots of family-friendly kit, it's perfect for families after a solid SUV.
- Seats and boot space - 5 seats and up to 620 litres of boot space
- Engine options - Petrol, mild-hybrid, self-charging hybrid, and plug-in hybrid
- Unique family features - Useful driver assistance tech and trim lines that include strong standard equipment
- Latest Euro NCAP safety rating - 5-star (2021)
- Best for - Families with a growing family who want space, comfort, and lots of standard kit.
3. Kia Sportage
The Sportage is another mid-size SUV that's a bit of a family favourite, being the second most popular car in 2025. Blending strong practicality with a modern interior, the Sportage ticks all the boxes for a family car. It's also backed by Kia's seven-year warranty, which is reassuring if you're worried about long-term running costs.
- Seats and boot space - 5 seats and up to 591 litres of boot space
- Engine options - Petrol and hybrid engines available
- Unique family features - Kia's strong warranty and a simple cabin layout
- Latest Euro NCAP safety rating - 5 star (2022)
- Best for - Families looking for peace of mind and hybrid engine options
4. Ford Puma
The Ford Puma is a compact SUV that's ideal for urban family life. It's easy to park, easy to drive, and surprisingly practical inside. It was the UK's best-selling new car in 2025 (SMMT data), which says a lot about how well it fits everyday life.
- Seats and boot space - 5 seats and 456 litres of boot space
- Engine options - Petrol mild-hybrid and electric (available with the Puma Gen-E)
- Unique family features - MegaBox underfloor storage area and hands-free tailgate
- Latest Euro NCAP safety rating - 4-star (2022(
- Best for - Urban families looking for a small SUV that's agile, nippy, and practical.
5. Skoda Kodiaq
The Kodiaq is one of the best large SUVs on the market. Giving proper space without luxury-car pricing, it's perfect for families regularly carrying luggage, sports equipment, or a car full for a weekend away. It's also available with five or seven seats, giving you the flexibility to choose a version that fits your day-to-day.
- Seats and boot space - 5 or 7 seats. 340 litres of boot space with seven seats, 910 litres with five seats
- Engine options - Diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options
- Unique family features - Wireless charging for two smartphones, built-in umbrella in the door, smartphone holder pocket in the front seat
- Latest Euro NCAP safety rating - 5-star (2024)
- Best for - Bigger families who need seven-seat flexibility
6. Volkswagen Tiguan
If you're after a touch of class without going all-out for a premium SUV, the Tiguan is a great compromise. With a lovely cabin and state-of-the-art tech, the Tiguan is a proper family SUV. It's comfortable on long runs, very practical, and offers a range of engine choices.
- Seats and boot space - 5 seats and up to 652 litres of boot space
- Engine options - Petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options
- Unique family features - Panoramic sunroof, variable luggage compartment floor, optional head-up display
- Latest Euro NCAP safety rating - 5-star (2024)
- Best for - Families who do a lot of motorway miles and are looking for a powerful and refined all-rounder
7. Audi Q5 Estate
Whereas the Tiguan fell just outside the 'premium SUV' category, the Q5 Estate is definitely a member. With a luxurious cabin, strong engine options, and premium comfort, it's ideal for families who do a lot of longer trips and want a quiet, composed car. It's also one of the best-looking SUVs on this list, ensuring you'll make a statement wherever you go.
- Seats and boot space - 5 seats and up to 520 litres of boot space
- Engine options - Petrol and diesel engines with mild-hybrid tech. Plug-in hybrid tech available on the Q5 Sportback.
- Unique family features - Voice-activated assistant, twin displays on the dashboard, and plenty of high-end features
- Latest Euro NCAP safety rating - 5-star (2025)
- Best for - Families who want premium comfort and long-distance refinement
8. Volvo XC60
The XC60 is a premium mid-size SUV that leans into comfort and calm, perfect if you're after a family SUV that feels relaxing on long drives. It's not the cheapest option around, but it's one of the most comfortable SUVs on the market, featuring excellent technology, convenience features, and safety systems.
- Seats and boot space - 5 seats and up to 598 litres of boot space
- Engine options - Two plug-in hybrid options
- Unique family features - Minimalist and clean cabin, one-pedal driving, convenient storage compartments in the centre console and rear seats
- Latest Euro NCAP safety rating - 5-star (2017)
- Best for - Families who enjoy minimalist styling, premium comfort, and rack up motorway miles
9. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a fully electric family SUV that’s perfect for eco-conscious families. Big on space and simplicity, it’s packed with clever storage, strong safety tech, and a massive load area for pushchairs, bags, and holiday gear, while also keeping running costs predictable if you can charge at home.
- Seats and boot space - 5 seats and up to 890 litres of boot space
- Engine options - Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive
- Unique family features - Huge cargo space, fast charging, storage under the bonnet
- Latest Euro NCAP safety rating - 5-star (2025)
- Best for - Families who want EV practicality with loads of space and strong safety credentials
10. BMW X3
The X3 is a premium SUV that's cut from the same cloth at the Audi Q5. It's smart looking, seriously refined, and built for families who want to treat themselves without sacrificing everyday practicality. It's the kind of SUV that makes the school run feel effortless and quietly goes about its business on longer journeys.
- Seats and boot space - 5 seats and up to 570 litres of boot space
- Engine options - Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid
- Unique family features - Extended legroom in the rear, huge boot space, clever storage space
- Latest Euro NCAP safety rating - 5-star (2025)
- Best for - Families wanting an imposing SUV that's really good on long-distance drives.
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If you're racking up the miles on the motorway, comfort matters more than the badge. Prioritise:
- Supportive seats
- A quiet cabin
- Driver assistance that reduces fatigue (cruise control and lane support)
- Good fuel economy (and mild-hybrid assistance if available)
Strong picks from the list above: Volvo XC60, Audi Q5, Hyundai Tucson.
The best SUV in the UK isn’t the one that looks the biggest on your driveway, it’s the one that fits your family routine, your parking situation, and your monthly budget.
If you're ready to compare your options, browse our 4x4 and crossover lease deals. And if you’d like a hand weighing up your shortlist, contact our helpful team on 0345 811 9595.
Still doing your research? Head over to our Family Guides hub for more practical advice on finding the right family lease car.
Guide Information
Originally published: 27th July 2022
Last updated: 18th December 2025
Due to be reviewed: 18th February 2026
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