Best large SUVs 2025 tried & tested – plus the one to avoid
The best large SUVs are practical, luxurious and good to drive, with sensible running costs. Here we count down the top 10 – and reveal the ones that we'd avoid...
Given how many people are buying SUVs these days, it won't surprise you to learn that some of the largest SUVs have replaced traditional saloons and executive cars as the ultimate expression of modern motoring. Indeed, the best make great family cars, with practical interiors and big boots.
We're not just looking for space here, though, because a good large SUV also needs to be good to drive, with a calm ride which will take the sting out of lumps and bumps in the road, as well as tidy handing and a power source – be it petrol, hybrid or electric – which offers peppy performance.
With so many new models to choose from, though, it can be hard to know which large SUVs are worth looking at, and which aren't. That's why our team of expert road testers have spent hundreds of hours behind the wheel of every large SUV on the market, testing them both on public roads, and back-to-back against key rivals at our private test track.
In this story, we're naming the 10 best large SUVs you can buy, as well as the one we think you should avoid. If any of the cars here take your fancy, you can read more about them in our full reviews, or see the latest SUV deals available through our New Car Deals pages. We've also answered some of the most common questions around large SUV ownership at the bottom of this page.
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Strengths
- Outstanding seven-seat practicality
- Comfortable and quiet at speed
- Long warranty
Weaknesses
- PHEV’s underwhelming electric-only range
- So-so performance
- Peugeot 5008 is even cheaper
This practical and smart SUV looks like a far cry from the Santa Fe which came before it, but that bluff styling is all about maximising interior space – and it's worked, because there's acres of it.
Indeed, not only will middle-row passengers find that they have lots of room to stretch out, but anyone confined to the rearmost seats will find the same. The Santa Fe is more generous for rear-seat passengers than the rival Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq. Nobody needs to pack light, either, because the hybrid version we recommend has an incredible 628 litres of storage space available.
The hybrid system mixes a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 212bhp, and can hit 62mph in 9.6sec. There's also a plug-in hybrid version if you want to make use of its extended 70-mile electric range. Still, the regular hybrid should be plenty frugal enough for most drivers – it returned close to 45mpg in our hands.
"I feel like Hyundai has taken inspiration from Land Rover for the interior of the latest Santa Fe. Both the quality of materials used and the layout reminds me of the Discovery Sport, and that's a big compliment to just how far Hyundai has come." – Darren Moss, deputy editor
Read our full Hyundai Santa Fe review
Strengths
- Smoother and punchy diesel engines
- Up to eight seats
- Slow depreciation
Weaknesses
- Higher trim levels are very pricey
- Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are poor
- Tiny boot in the Defender 90
The Land Rover Defender is a rugged SUV that fuses fantastic off-road ability with decent on-road manners. If that's the blend of talents you're after, it's effectively in a class of one.
Unlike the other cars on this list, it's available in a range of sizes: the Defender 90 (the shortest) is a family-sized SUV, while the 110 and vast 130 each offer a staggering amount of space.
Both the 110 and the 130 are available with up to eight seats – something no other model on this list can offer – although seat number eight is squeezed in between the driver and front passenger seats, so it’s only really usable in short bursts.
"When I lived with a Defender 110 for a few months as a company car, I was amazed at how quickly I got used to its size – and the space it offers. My daughters had so much space to themselves on the rear bench, that there were rarely any squabbles." – Will Nightingale, reviews editor
Read our full Land Rover Defender review
Strengths
- Supremely quiet and comfortable
- Incredibly spacious and practical
- Great infotainment system
Weaknesses
- There are cheaper alternatives
- Looks won’t be to all tastes
- No plug-in hybrid or electric option
The BMW X7, is about as large as large SUVs come – its huge bulk hides an equally huge interior which, in combination with a standard-fit third row of seats, provides enough space for seven six-footers. And even with that third row in place, there’s room for a couple of carry-on suitcases in the boot.
That’s not to say it’s just a big box on wheels, though; the X7 is positively sumptuous inside, remarkably hushed when on the move and very comfortable.
It’s not quite as agile as some other large SUVs – such as its smaller sibling, the BMW X5 – but that’s chiefly because the X7’s extra scale and luxury appointments add weight.
We suspect that the entry-level xDrive40d diesel engine will provide all the poke which most drivers will need, but if you find yourself thirsting for more speed, then there's also the 523bhp M60i, which has a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine under the bonnet. This is capable of hauling the X7 to 62mph in a scarely believable 4.7sec.
"If you don't need seven seats, then you might want to have a look at the X7's six-seat configuration. It costs a bit more, but gets you two individual chairs in the second row rather than a bench seat. And trust me, those seats feel worth every penny." – Lawrence Cheung, new cars editor
Read our full BMW X7 review
Strengths
- Offers lots of Range Rover qualities for a lower price
- Incredible ability off-road
- Fantastic electric range on the PHEV model
Weaknesses
- Cheaper than a Range Rover, but still very expensive
- Rivals are sharper to drive
- Land Rover’s reliability record is a concern
Because the Range Rover Sport shares its underpinnings with the larger Range Rover, it offers many of the benefits of its big sibling for a more attractive price.
One such benefit is the interior; it can rival that of the BMW X5 for quality, and the top-tier attention to detail makes for a distinctly premium feel. Our only gripe is with the infotainment system; the air-con can only be controlled through the touchscreen, rather than with separate, physical controls, making it more of a distraction to adjust when on the move.
As you may expect, the Sport is more agile than the full-fat Range Rover. However, if you’re after a large SUV that’s engaging to drive, the X5 is a better choice.
"I can charge up at home, which means I'd have an eye on the plug-in hybrid versions of the Range Rover Sport. The P460e can officially manage 76 miles on electric power, and that could be enough for your commute." – Stuart Milne, digital editor
Read our full Range Rover Sport review
Strengths
- Smooth and powerful engines
- Pillowy ride in Sport and S line trims
- Superb interior quality
Weaknesses
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Third-row space is better in the BMW X7
- Entry-level Sport trim misses some important kit
Big, luxurious seven-seaters have featured heavily on this list so far because they offer great versatility without compromising on comfort or refinement, and the Audi Q7 is another impressive example of that philosophy.
Indeed, the Q7 can almost match the more expensive BMW X7 for ride comfort, while remaining more nimble through corners than that car. And, although a Q7 fitted with a diesel engine will emit a faint clatter when cold, it’ll soon settle down as the engine warms up. However, we’d still pick the 55 TFSI petrol engine for the extra smoothness it offers.
You can have your Q7 with petrol or diesel power, but it's the entry-level 45 TDI 3.0-litre diesel which we think will suit most drivers the best. It offers 228bhp, and should return decent fuel economy. Unlike some other cars here, the Q7 isn't offered with the option of plug-in hybrid power.
"The Q7 is as reassuringly solid as a pillar of concrete, because no matter where you look, you'll find materials which feel well screwed together. I like the mix of glossy black veneers and soft-touch materials, and the way the ambient lighting seems to seep in from behind hidden panels." – Steve Huntingford, editor
Read our full Audi Q7 review
Strengths
- Fabulous driving position
- Fantastic off-road ability
- Useful seven-seat versatility
Weaknesses
- Very expensive
- Reliability is a concern
- More physical controls for the infotainment would be preferable
For many, the Range Rover is the car you mentally picture when you think of a large and imposing SUV. Yet despite its size, no version of the Range Rover feels bulky to drive, thanks to engines which provide plenty of pep, and steering which is both accurate and well-weighted.
There's diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid power on offer in the Range Rover – the latter of which offers up to 75 miles of electric-only range, which is more than the Porsche Cayenne can manage.
The latest Range Rover was too new to feature in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, but there's no getting away from the fact that Land Rover has consistently featured towards the bottom of the manufacturer rankings. To compound matters, the warranty you get is nothing special – you get unlimited-mileage cover, but only up to three years.
"I was lucky enough to run a Range Rover for a few months as a company car, and the thing I remember most is the sheer size of it – the driving position meant I towered over most other cars on the road. Combined with the world-class comfort and technology on board, it's a large SUV I'd run again in a heartbeat." – Darren Moss, deputy editor
Read our full Range Rover review
Strengths
- Great seven-seat usability
- Stylish, modern-feeling interior
- Long warranty available
Weaknesses
- Some petrol seven-seaters cost less
- Ride comfort isn’t as polished as in pricier rivals
Not only is the Peugeot e-5008 one of the UK's cheapest electric seven-seaters – undercutting key rivals like the Kia EV9 and Mercedes EQB by thousands of pounds – but it's also one of the best.
Entry-level single-motor versions of the e-5008 are good for 211bhp and a 0-62mph sprint time of 9.7sec, while the mid-range Electric 230 has more power and also a longer range, at 413 miles. That's more than the longest-range Kia EV9 can manage. There's also a range-topping four-wheel drive model with 321bhp.
Inside, the e-5008 offers a high-quality feel and a good driving position. But while the curved 21in screen in the middle of the car looks swish, it's fiddly to use, because some of its menus are convoluted.
"I like that you don't have to be a gymnast to gain access to the e-5008's third row of seats – the doors open nice and wide, leacing a large opening for you to clamber through." – Mark Pearson, used cars editor
Read our full Peugeot e-5008 review
Strengths
- Comfortable ride and good to drive
- Spacious interior with a huge boot
- Good value if you stick to the cheaper trims
Weaknesses
- PHEVs not available in seven seat configuration
- Engines are a little coarse when revved
- Frustrating automatic gearbox
You'll pay less to put a Skoda Kodiaq on your driveway than you would for seven-seat rivals including the Kia Sorento and Land Rover Discovery Sport. And while the Skoda can't match the Land Rover for interior quality – some areas, such as the centre console, flex if you lean on them too hard – it's still feels pretty plush.
Our pick of the Kodiaq's engine line-up is the entry-level 1.5-litre petrol, which benefits from mild hybrid technology to help lower your fuel bills. Indeed, this version managed an impressive 41.9mpg in our hands.
The fold-out third-row seats in the Kodiaq offer more head room than the rival VW Tayron, but it's worth noting that the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Peugeot 5008 offer more room still.
"I'm not the tallest person among the What Car? team, but I like that the Kodiaq's lofty driving position places me high above the road. It's easy to see out of, too, thanks to slim pillars and big windows." – Oliver Young, reviewer
Read our full Skoda Kodiaq review
Strengths
- One of the more spacious seven seaters at this price
- A massive boot
- Well equipped
Weaknesses
- Priced above mainstream rivals
- Hybrid engine isn't as fuel efficient as a Honda CR-V's
- Interior quality not as good as similarly priced premium rivals
Not only does every Kia Sorento come with seven seats as standard, but your rearmost passengers will find that they have more space to stretch out than in the rival Land Rover Discovery Sport and Skoda Kodiaq – only a few cars, including the Hyundai Santa Fe which tops our list, offers more.
Even better, you can still fit a couple of holiday suitcases into the Sorento's boot even when every seat is filled. When you're travelling in five-seat mode, you might as well take the kitchen sink with you.
Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Sorento are available, with the latter able to tow an impressive 1500kg, or you can choose good old diesel power. The hybrid Sorento feels nippy enough for most situations, and can hit 62mph in 9.7sec.
"If I was speccing up a Kia Sorento, I'd look at '3' trim, because that's where you get full leather seats which I think look better than the faux-leather alternatives which come on cheaper trims." – Dan Jones, reviewer
Read our full Kia Sorento review
Strengths
- Beautiful hand-finished interior
- Effortless performance
- Impressive infotainment system
Weaknesses
- Gearbox can be laggy around town
- High running costs
- Average boot space
If you're the kind of person who would rather have a Versace handbag than an Addidas hold-all, then the Bentley Bentayga is for you. This is a large SUV which simply screams opulence, and in most areas it's supremely comfortable to drive or be driven in.
The Bentayga's engine line-up is refreshingly short – you can have it with a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, or as a V6-engined plug-in hybrid with an official electric range of 28 miles. The latter is likely to be the best choice for most buyers, if only for the running costs – we managed 35mpg with a full battery.
Inside, Bentley's craftsmanship is on full display, with every surface coated in high-quality materials. It's also thoughtfully designed, with small touches such as an all-round parking camera making this big SUV feel less daunting to weave along an urban road than you might expect.
"You'll want to add the optional Touring Specification when speccing up your Bentayga, because it adds useful features including a head-up display." – George Hill, used cars writer
Read our full Bentley Bentayga review
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And the large SUV to avoid...
It might be good off-road and loaded with kit, but the Grand Cherokee has a drab interior and its hybrid system is disappointing. Read our review
How to choose the best large SUV
SUVs offer the size, comfort and practicality which many families need, and these days they come in more shapes and to suit more budgets than ever before. But with so many to choose from, how can you decide which SUV is best for you?
Here, we’ll reveal the key points you should consider if you’re in the market for a large SUV. It may be that if you’re considering a car in this category, you’ve outgrown the small and family-sized SUV options and need a bigger vehicle. Among your key considerations might be how many seats you need, whether you want hybrid or electric power, and – given its size – whether you’ll be able to easily park it.
Do you need seven seats?
Plenty of large SUVs come with the option of seven seats which typically pull up out of the boot floor, to be used only when you need them. That means you can enjoy the sort of boot which you might usually find in a van in five-seat mode, then swap boot space for bum space when you need to carry two extra passengers.
It’s worth noting that the comfort offered by third-row seats differs widely across the class. Some are fairly narrow and don’t have much leg room, while others have the kind of head and leg room which means even taller adults can travel in comfort. It’s recommended that you or your passengers try them out for size before you make a purchase.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that just because a large SUV has seven seats, that doesn’t mean that all of them will come with Isofix mounting points for child car seats.
How large is too large?
Because large SUVs are, by definition, big, parking them without any driver aids could be tricky. That’s especially true if you’re not already used to driving a large SUV.
Fortunately, even the cheapest large SUVs are likely to come with front and rear parking sensors, which offer audible warnings if you’re getting too close to something behind you. Many will also come with a reversing camera, either as standard or as a low-cost option, which will display an image of what’s behind you onto the car’s infotainment screen, and is a good way to avoid embarrassing car park scrapes.
For added peace of mind, you might also want to add a bird’s eye view camera which shows a top-down view of your car.
Do you want electric power?
Your options for electric seven seaters are relatively limited at the moment, but more will come as we move towards the 2030 ban on the sale of cars powered solely by petrol or diesel.
Cars such as the Peugeot e-5008 prove that large SUVs can make good use of electric power, with their large dimensions well suited to incorporating a hefty battery pack. And thanks to the sheer size of a large SUV, you can fit a big battery inside them – giving you a good electric range.
Of course, if you are thinking of going electric with a large SUV, then as with any electric car, it’s worth thinking about how you can charge it. If you can charge up at home, then you can take advantage of super-low energy tariffs, or if you can do the same at work, then you’ll also enjoy lower running costs.
If you’ll be relying on the public charging networks, then it pays to scope out the chargers in your area beforehand, to see what network they use, and how reliable they are.
Far more large SUVs and seven-seaters are available with plug-in hybrid power, and this represents the best of both worlds if you’re not quite ready to go electric yet.
Would you be better off with an MPV?
If you’re in the market for a larger car, then chances are that you’ve looked at both a traditional people carrier (MPV) and an SUV. The two cars might be similar in that they offer plenty of space and, in a lot of cases, the option of seven seats, but the way they approach things is different.
While an MPV takes the shape of a traditional car which is longer and taller than, say, a family hatchback, an SUV is an altogether more upright vehicle. That means it places you further from the road, which helps to give you a better view out of it – something which could be a bonus when you’re trying to see out at junctions.
An SUV also offers additional versatility, having a square boot makes getting items in and out easy, and allows you to load it easily. A traditional MPV might be the more familiar option to most, but we’d suggest trying an SUV to see if it’s right for you.
Should I buy a large SUV?
Buy one if:
- You want the option of seven seats
- You want to sit high up
- You want the option of plug-in hybrid or electric power
Don’t buy one if:
- You want to sit low to the ground
- You don’t like how an SUV drives
- You want something with space that’s not too big
How we choose the best large SUVs
Our rundown of the best large SUVs on sale today is the definitive list, because it’s continually updated as new models become available, based on the expert evaluation of our reviewers.
We recognise all things aren’t equal, so we interrogate the feedback provided by more than 20,000 car owners in our annual reader survey to uncover the areas of most importance to large SUV drivers. This allows us to place particularly close attention to the following areas – in addition to all parts of our rigorous testing regime.
We take our own measurements to determine interior space, including leg, head and shoulder room. The front seat is positioned to provide a consistent datum point from which all measurements are taken. Subjective tests considering the impact of fixtures and fittings are carried out, as are the number, size and position of storage spaces.
The relationship between the steering wheel, seat and pedals, and the adjustability to allow drivers of all sizes to get comfortable, are key factors. We also consider seat support, and for large SUVs we use laser technology to measure the distance between the road and driver’s seat base.
Our perceived-quality tests examine the tactility of materials, which are particularly important in large SUVs that are often more upmarket in nature. Cars with pleasing finishes and positive-feeling buttons score well. Build quality tests assess how sturdy and well assembled the interior is to ensure it’s up to the rigours of daily life.
Our assessments of large SUVs don’t end there, though. Every car undergoes dozens more tests covering every aspect of car ownership before it is given the definitive What Car? rating.
FAQs
The best large SUV you can buy is the Hyundai Santa Fe, our reigning champion in the seven-seater market. Even when you're not making use of all seven seats, though, the Santa Fe impresses with its top-notch comfort, upmarket feel and sensible running costs. We recommend the 1.6-litre hybrid version for its blend of peppy performance and wallet-pleasing frugality.
In terms of sheer size, few cars can match the long-wheelbased Range Rover. Not only does this behemoth of an SUV have an interior which surrounds you with high-quality materials and the latest tech, but it also has literal acres of space for you and your passengers to stretch out. Even in the standard-wheelbase car, we managed to fit an impressive 10 carry-on suitcases into the boot – and that figure is only likely to grow in the long-wheelbase model.
Put it this way – if you're wanting to travel with any more luggage than the LWB Range Rover can manage, you'll probably need a van.
The best used large SUV to buy is the Peugeot 5008. Not only does it offer seven seats, meaning you won't need to leave any of your extended family behind, but it's also plush, handles well and seems to be a reliable proposition for owners.
These days, you can pick up a used 5008 for less than £25,000, and that makes it an inredibly tempting proposition for anyone in the market for a used large SUV.
According to the results of the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, where real-world car owners tell us about any issues they've had over the past year, Britain's most reliable large SUV is the Mercedes GLC. With a reliability rating of 97.9%, very few owners reported any issues, and of those who did, all problems were fixed for free. However, most cars were off the road for more than a week.
Other large SUVs which performed well include the petrol-engined Volvo XC60 (96.5%) and the Hyundai Tucson (95.5%), while at the other end of the scale, the Mazda CX-60 was revealed as the most unreliable large SUV, with owners reporting issues with areas including the suspension, steering, and non-engine electrics.
Also consider
