BMW X1

Skoda Karoq

Audi Q3

Lexus NX

Kia Sportage

Volvo XC40

Hyundai Tucson

Range Rover Evoque

the-best-family-suvs-in-2023

best-family-suvs-2023

<p>Picking the best car to transport you and your family is a big decision, and it’s important to get it right.</p>

<p>Family SUVs are incredibly popular, because they cater not only to a family’s need for practicality, durability and sensible running costs, but also to a desire for a raised driving position and 4x4-like&nbsp;styling.</p>

<p>While they are typically more expensive than their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-cars/n16996">family car</a>&nbsp;counterparts, many of the best family SUVs offer greater practicality and versatility, further increasing&nbsp;their appeal.</p>

<p>We’ve put together a list of our top 10 family SUVs – as well as naming two models that you should steer clear of – to help you make the right choice for your family.</p>

<p><strong><em>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile </em></strong></p>


Best family SUVs 2023

Estate

<p dir="ltr">One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.</p>


SKODA

ENYAQ

<p>The Enyaq is one of the cheapest ways to get your hands on a family&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUV</a>&nbsp;and it’s a strong all-rounder despite the appealing&nbsp;price.</p>

<p>The interior is solid, and quality feels better than in the more expensive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/mustang-mach-e/estate/review/n22387">Ford Mustang Mach-E</a>. It also comes well equipped as standard – the features list even includes an umbrella that tucks into a slot in the driver’s door in case of an unexpected downpour.</p>

<p>To drive, the Enyaq isn’t what you’d call fun, but even the entry-level car will be quick enough for most people, and we managed 208 miles of range from the standard battery in real-world conditions. You can upgrade to a version with a bigger battery, a more powerful motor and four-wheel drive if you want a longer range or better performance.</p>


10: Skoda Enyaq iV

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Well priced</li>
	<li>Extremely practical</li>
	<li>Comfortable and easy to drive</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>So-so performance by electric car standards</li>
	<li>A Volkswagen ID.3 is more fun to drive</li>
	<li>Infotainment isn’t as responsive as rival systems</li>
</ul>


KAROQ

<p>Versatility is key for a family SUV, and the Karoq is about as versatile as can be. There’s plenty of room for passengers, and it's available with rear seats that slide and recline independently, or can be removed entirely, so you can choose between&nbsp;boot space and rear&nbsp;leg room. The boot is big enough for nine carry-on suitcases, and is a useful shape.</p>

<p>The Karoq comes well equipped as standard, and the interior is plush and sturdy, with squishy materials and a solid feel.</p>

<p>As for engines, our favourite is the 1.5 TSI 150 petrol, which is noticeably punchier than the entry-level 1.0 TSI 110 petrol engine. While the Karoq isn't as sporty to drive as the closely related&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ateca/estate/review/n111">Seat Ateca</a>&nbsp;the ride is more comfortable.</p>


9: Skoda Karoq

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good to drive</li>
	<li>Excellent space and seating flexibility</li>
	<li>Smart-looking and sturdy-feeling interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Seat Ateca is more fun to drive</li>
	<li>You can no longer specify an adjustable boot floor</li>
	<li>No hybrid options</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.</p>

<p dir="ltr">If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.</p>


LAND ROVER

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

<p>The Evoque is quiet and refined, with impressive comfort. Additionally, the driving position is excellent, and interior space is plentiful.</p>

<p>There are two diesel engines, three petrols and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;(PHEV) to choose from. Our favourite is the P300e PHEV, which offers great all–round performance, a respectable&nbsp;38-mile official electric-only range and low company car tax.</p>

<p>If you don’t fancy the plug-in hybrid, the Evoque is hard to justify as a company car. However, if you’re looking to buy privately on a PCP finance deal, any Evoque is a smart choice, because strong resale values keep monthly payments low.</p>


8: Range Rover Evoque

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great driving position</li>
	<li>Well-equipped</li>
	<li>Slow depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Limited boot space</li>
	<li>So-so fuel economy and emissions</li>
	<li>Land Rover’s reliability record</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.</p>

<p dir="ltr">After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.</p>

<p>The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.</p>


VOLVO

XC40

<p>If you want a family SUV that blends distinctive looks with a practical boot, high-quality interior and top-notch safety, the XC40 is an excellent choice. It's so good, in fact, that it’s a former What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/new-car-awards">Car of the Year</a>.</p>

<p>Our favourite engine, the T4 petrol PHEV, is punchy and efficient. When combined with the car's outstanding ride and smooth automatic gearbox, it makes for a relaxing and comfortable driving experience.</p>

<p>The XC40 comes well equipped as standard,&nbsp;although we’d recommend upgrading to Plus trim, which adds heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and ambient interior lighting. As with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/4x4/review/n109">Range Rover Evoque</a>, low depreciation means good PCP deals are available.</p>


7: Volvo XC40

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Stylish and high-quality interior</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride on most versions</li>
	<li>Comprehensive safety kit</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Lacks the rear seat flexibility of some rivals</li>
	<li>Fiddly infotainment system</li>
	<li>Road noise on the motorway</li>
</ul>


Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.</p>


HYUNDAI

IONIQ 5

<p>The Ioniq 5 is an electric family SUV that can match the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>&nbsp;for distinctive looks, but is quieter at speed and has a much roomier interior.</p>

<p>Space in the rear seats is especially generous, because the Ioniq 5's&nbsp;front and rear wheels are as far apart as those of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a8/saloon/review/n17302">Audi A8</a>&nbsp;luxury car. That doesn't mean boot space has been sacrificed, and the load bay is still a good size.</p>

<p>The rear-wheel-drive version has a 0-62mph time of 7.3sec&nbsp;and a real-world range of up to 250 miles. All versions are slightly beaten on range by the equivalent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a>&nbsp;though.</p>


6: Hyundai Ioniq 5

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Very quiet on the move – as long as you avoid 20in alloys</li>
	<li>Super-fast charging speeds</li>
	<li>Enormously spacious interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as quiet as the Genesis GV60 at a cruise</li>
	<li>Not as sharp to drive as the EV6</li>
	<li>Interior quality could be better</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.</p>


LEXUS

<p>Available as either a regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a>&nbsp;or a PHEV, the NX is excellent in both forms. The 450h+ PHEV offers lower&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/company-car-tax-calculator">company car tax</a>&nbsp;and the best efficiency, while the non-plug-in 350h is significantly cheaper to buy, and is still very efficient by class standards.</p>

<p>Both variants offer a refined ride, especially if you opt for smaller wheels, and the driving position should suit most people. The 450h+ comes with more kit as standard, but neither is poorly equipped and all the extra features can be added to the 350h as options.</p>


5: Lexus NX

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong performance</li>
	<li>Promise of stellar reliability</li>
	<li>PHEV has an impressive electric range</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Petrol engine isn’t the smoothest</li>
	<li>Choppy high-speed ride on F Sport versions</li>
	<li>Takumi versions are pricey</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.</p>


<p>This former What Car? Car of the Year is a fantastic all-rounder&nbsp;and excels as an electric family SUV.</p>

<p>The EV6's interior is very smart and user-friendly, while space is generous up front and&nbsp; there's limo-like leg room in the rear. The boot is a very practical shape, and large enough to swallow seven carry-on suitcases.</p>

<p>It's great to drive, too: it grips well, the ride is firm without being uncomfortable, and performance ranges from decent to seriously quick. And the range is impressive, with the entry-level EV6 RWD covering&nbsp;230-270 miles between charges in real-world use.</p>


4: Kia EV6

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Long range</li>
	<li>Fast-charging capability</li>
	<li>Long warranty</li>
	<li>Loads of rear legroom</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Shallow boot</li>
	<li>Not exactly cheap</li>
	<li>Slightly firm ride</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


<p>Many&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>&nbsp;that are based on the underpinnings of petrol or diesel models&nbsp;end up being quite compromised, especially when it comes to range. However, the iX3 – which shares parts with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n42">BMW X3</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;shows that doesn’t have to be the case.</p>

<p>Like the X3, the iX3 is a classy and practical family SUV. It has a comfortable ride, and feels more agile than rivals such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/eqc/4x4/review/n19377">Mercedes EQC</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/i-pace/estate/review/n122">Jaguar I-Pace</a>.</p>

<p>Its real-world range of more than 200 miles and competitive pricing make it a better buy than the equivalent EQC.</p>


3: BMW iX3

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Longer range than most direct rivals</li>
	<li>Great infotainment system</li>
	<li>Comparatively well priced</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as fast as rivals</li>
	<li>Audi E-tron is quieter</li>
	<li>Tesla Model 3 has a longer range and faster charging</li>
</ul>


GENESIS

GV60

<p>The GV60 is based on the same underpinnings as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/ioniq-5/hatchback/review/n22944">Hyundai Ioniq 5</a>&nbsp;and Kia EV6, and offers the most compelling package of the three. Its ride strikes a perfect balance between comfort and control, making it more refined than the EV6, with less lean than the Ioniq.</p>

<p>On the inside, the GV60 is by far the most plush of the trio&nbsp;and is adorned with a sensible combination of physical and touch controls, making it very easy to live with.</p>

<p>Despite being shorter than its siblings, the GV60 manages to be practical, and the value for money the entry-level car represents makes it the best all-round electric family SUV.</p>


2: Genesis GV60

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Wonderful interior</li>
	<li>Extremely quiet on the move</li>
	<li>Great infotainment system</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Boot isn't huge</li>
	<li>Rear space is average</li>
	<li>Optional cameras not as good as traditional door mirrors</li>
</ul>


SPORTAGE

<p>To be the best family SUV overall is a very tall order, and&nbsp;every car on our list so far is practical, comfortable and efficient. But the Sportage beats them all by being the most complete package of the lot.</p>

<p>It’s comfortable and good to drive, with a settled ride and precise steering. Inside, it feels&nbsp;solidly built and plush where it matters, while it has the lofty driving position that many SUV buyers seek.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sportage is also outstanding when it comes to practicality, with generous space for passengers and a big boot. As a bonus, you get lots of kit for your money. Highlights of our favourite 3&nbsp;trim include electrically adjustable, heated front seats and keyless entry.</p>


1: Kia Sportage

<h3><strong>Pros</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Lower spec models are great value</li>
	<li>Smart interior</li>
	<li>Generous rear legroom and boot space</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Cons</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Hybrid petrol engine sounds strained</li>
	<li>Rear headroom compromised with panoramic roof</li>
	<li>No clever rear seat functions</li>
</ul>


<p>The biggest drawback of the Lexus UX is its impracticality. It struggles to compete with small SUVs and even some small cars in terms of boot and rear seat space. A fidgety ride, poorly weighted controls and stingy standard equipment levels leave it well adrift of...</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/ux/hatchback/review/n17871">Read our review</a></strong></p>


And the family SUVs to avoid: Lexus UX

<p dir="ltr">Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.</p>

<p dir="ltr">However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.</p>


JEEP

COMPASS

<p>Despite its high price, the Jeep Compass is nowhere near the top of the pack in a very competitive class. Unrefined engines, an unsettled ride and a cheap-feeling interior add up to make the Compass a thoroughly underwhelming family SUV.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jeep/compass/4x4/review/n17288">Read our review</a></strong></p>

<hr />
<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html"><strong>here</strong></a></p>


Jeep Compass

The best family SUVs in 2023

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

<p>While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.</p>

<p>As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.</p>

<p>The Seat Ateca and&nbsp;Skoda Karoq should definitely be on your shortlist. But if you have a bit more to spend,&nbsp;the Range Rover Evoque is another strong option. If money is a concern, then the Dacia Duster provides comfortable, spacious and well-equipped transportation for an affordable price.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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