Best family SUVs 2026: our favourite SUVs for kids and cargo

Some people might think they’re getting a superior car if they go for a premium-badged model rather than something more down to earth, but when a car is as well rounded as the Sportage, it’s really difficult to justify the extra outlay.

As well as being good to drive and slightly comfier and more refined than the closely related Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage has a smart-looking and user-friendly interior, with loads of space for rear passengers and a large, practical boot. Although the rear seats don’t slide like they do in some rivals, the seatbacks recline for extra comfort and have a useful 40/20/40 split.

While plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid versions are available, it's the regular hybrid which we'd choose for its blend of real-world performance and excellent running costs. There's no need to look beyond the entry-level Pure trim either, since this comes with everything you're likely to want including 17in alloy wheels, cruise control and dual-zone climate controls.

"An intelligently designed centre console means the Sportage has plenty of storage space, and I like the generously sized bin under the centre armrest." – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

Read our full Kia Sportage review

In many ways, the Volvo XC40 is the purest essence of a great family SUV. This former What Car? Car of the Year blends the practicality, style and – of course – safety credentials for which Volvo is famed the world over. Just here, it’s scaled down into more compact dimensions that make it great for more congested environments.

Our favourite engine is the entry-level B3 2.0-litre petrol, because it has enough power for most buyers and keeps costs down. The driving experience is relaxed and comfortable, with an outstanding ride and a smooth automatic gearbox – you can no longer buy a manual XC40. It’s not as much fun to drive as the BMW X1, but it’s certainly quieter on the road. Plus, it has mild hybrid technology to help lower your fuel bills.

The XC40 comes well equipped as standard, although we recommend upgrading to Plus trim, which adds heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and ambient interior lighting. As you might expect, the XC40 scored a full five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests, coming with a comprehensive suite of safety features including an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system which can detect cars, cyclists, pedestrians and even animals. Low depreciation means good PCP deals are available.

"The XC40’s portrait-orientated 9.0in touchscreen looks and operates a little like a tablet, with menus that slide and swipe. I like the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, too, but that's only available in high-spec Ultimate models." – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor

Read our full Volvo XC40 review

Smart might be a relative newcomer to the family SUV market, but its previous electric SUV offerings, the #1 and #3, have both impressed us, so our hopes were high for its latest and largest model.

Thankfully, it doesn't disappoint. Entry-level Pro versions draw power from a 74.4kWh (usable capacity) battery which gives an official range of 288 miles, which is more than you'd get from a similar Skoda Enyaq. If you feel like travelling further afield, then Pro+ models get a larger 94kWh battery and a range of 366 miles – and we dare say that's comfortably enough to meet the needs of most drivers. Meanwhile, the 335bhp electric motor offers decent performance, helping you to nip away from traffic lights or make the most of gaps in the traffic.

Every #5 offers a comfy ride, but the Pro+ versions, with their 19in alloy wheels and deeper tyre sidewalls, are the best of all. The #5 is surprisingly tidy through the corners for such a heavy SUV, too, with well-weighted steering. It's not quite as sharp as the Enyaq, but no less satisfying to drive.

"I'm tall and regularly carry tall passengers, and I've found they're more comfortable on the rear seats of the #5 than in the Skoda Enyaq or Tesla Model Y." – George Hill, Used Cars Writer

Read our full Smart #5 review

If you're in the market for an electric family SUV, then we think the Skoda Elroq is the best car of its kind. And that shouldn't come as a surprise, because it's roughly the same size and shape as the combustion-engined Skoda Karoq – a firm What Car? favourite. Indeed, we managed to fit six carry-on suitcases inside its boot, which is more than the Kia EV3 can manage. And although the Renault Scenic can hold more still, the Elroq is better to drive than that car.

Speaking of driving, it's the range-topping 85 model which we think will suit most buyers best. That's because you get a punchy 282bhp to play with, which results in a nippy 0-62mph sprint time of 6.2sec, plus the largest 77kWh battery, which gives you an official range of up to 360 miles between charges.

You'll be comfortable inside the Elroq. Its seats offer more side support than the Tesla Model Y, and a couple of six-footers will be comfortable on the rear bench, even if they're sitting behind an equally tall driver. Edition trim won't leave you wanting for kit, with adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and wireless phone charging counting among its key features.

"I didn't expect the Elroq to drive as well as it does – it handles more nimbly than a Kia EV3 or Renault Scenic, with light steering and a tight turning circle." – Dan Jones, Reviewer

Read our full Skoda Elroq review

The third electric SUV to feature on this is the Renault Scenic, which officially offers up to 379 miles of range between charges in our recommended Long Range form. In our real-world range tests, the Scenic's efficiency figure of 3.1 miles/ kWh means a range of 270 miles should be acheivable under normal conditions, and that's likely enough for the needs of most drivers.

The Scenic's suspension has been tuned for comfort rather than agility, with the result being that it edges even the Kia EV6 for outright comfort, and is more supple than the Tesla Model Y. The Scenic's steering is accurate, too, and although we'd like it to have a bit more heft, you can adjust its resistance by placing the Scenic into its Sport driving mode.

Even Long Range versions of the Scenic undercut most rivals on price, and there's no need to look beyond entry-level Techno trim, because this comes with everything you're likely to want including 19in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control.

"Although there's decent space in the back of the Scenic, I was disappointed to find that I couldn't slide the rear bench backwards and forwards to prioritise either leg room or boot space like you can in the rival Hyundai Ioniq 5." – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor

Read our full Renault Scenic review

You can have your Tucson with petrol, mild hybrid, regular hybrid or plug-in hybrid power, but it's the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol which we think makes the most sense. This is pleasantly peppy, and whether you choose to have it with the standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional seven-speed automatic – which also brings mild hybrid assistance – it's a truly versatile powerhouse.

Thanks to a mid-life refresh last year, the Tucson now deals with lumps and bumps in the road far better than it did before, with a ride that's slightly softer than what you'll find in the Kia Sportage. And while the Tucson isn't the kind of car which will have you grinning from ear to ear when you weave it along a country road, its still sure-footed and has accurate steering. The Sportage, as well as the Volkswagen Tiguan, have better body control through corners, mind.

You don't sit as high up inside the Tucson as you do in some rival family SUVs, but it's easy to get comfortable and thje c0ntrols are easy to get used to. The materials you'll find inside are a step up from those in the Ford Kuga, too.

"I managed to squeeze seven carry-on suitcases into the boot of plug-in hybrid Hyundai Tucson, which isn't bad at all when you consider that some boot space is lost to the battery pack." – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor

Read our full Hyundai Tucson review

Just because MG started out making lightweight two-seat sports cars doesn't mean that it can't also excel at making comfortable five-seat family SUVs, and the MG HS is a case in point – because in most of the areas which matter to family SUV buyers, it delivers.

Let's start with the price, because you'll pay less to put one on your driveway than you would for most rivals. In fact, it only costs a little more in entry-level form than several small SUVs from the class below. But don't think that means you'll be short-changed for kit, because even SE models come with everything you're likely to need, and are our recommended choices.

We'd go with the plug-in hybrid version if you can possibly make it work. Not only is this the cheapest option for company car drivers, but its official 75 miles of electric-only range should be enough to cover the commutes of most drivers, meaning a drastic reduction in your fuel bills. And when you put your foot down, the HS' 0-62mph sprint time of 6.8 seconds is respectably lively.

Inside, we like the quality of materials used throughout the HS, but it's safe to say that the infotainment system is a weak point, with graphics which feel behind the times and an unintuitive layout.

"There's a lot to like about the MG HS, but I hate that you have to use the touchscreen just to change the temperature. Physical climate controls would be far simpler to use and less distracting." – Dan Jones, Reviewer

Read our full MG HS review

This family-sized electric SUV is based on the same underpinnings as the Peugeot e-3008 and Vauxhall Grandland Electric, but thanks to a combination of attributes, it's the only one of the three to feature on this list.

Of the two versions available to choose from, named Comfort Range and Extended Range. As you'd imagine, the latter gets the longest official range between charges, at 422 miles. That's thanks to a massive 97kWh (usable capacity) battery, and is comfortably longer than any of its rivals, even the Tesla Model Y. The only slight drawback is that charging the huge battery can take a while, even at the car's maximum speed of 160kW.

Elsewhere, it's clear that the ë-C5 Aircross has been engineered for comfort rather than excitement – it does a good job of gliding over bumps and its seats are impressively comfortable, but plenty of rival family SUVs handle with more aplomb. Speaking of the interior, while everything feels sturdy, the quality of materials doesn't match what you'll find in the Kia EV6 or Skoda Enyaq.

"Call me bonkers, but when Citroën engineers say they wanted to make the ë-C5 Aircross' interior feel like your living room, I sort of get what they mean. The design, materials and colour choices make it feel comfortable and homely." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Read our full Citroën ë-C5 Aircross review

The Nissan Qashqai is one of the most popular cars on UK roads, and with good reason. And while it doesn't score quite highly enough to place any further up this list of the best family SUVs, we wouldn't steer you away from putting one on your shortlist.

It's the entry-level 138bhp 1.3-litre petrol which we think will suit most drivers the best, and this engine benefits from mild hybrid technology to help lower your fuel bills. You might find that you need to drop down a gear to pass slower cars on the motorway, though, which isn't a problem you'll have with the heftier 156bhp version. 

Sadly, the Qashqai isn't among the most agile SUVs to drive. A Seat Ateca is noticably more enjoyable to weave along a country road, but if you're not overly concerned about raising smiles, then the Qashqai offers plenty of grip and remains mostly composed as you change direction. You'll appreciate its light steering around town, but it remains devoid of any feeling no matter what speed you're going.

A couple of six-footers won't have any complaints about the Qashqai's rear seats, but trying to fit three adults back there will be a squeeze. If you regularly need to carry four people with you, consider the Kia Sportage or Skoda Karoq.

"I  think the sweet spot of the Qashqai's wheel options is 18in – they look great and allow the suspension to deal with scruffy surfaces better than models on larger wheels." – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor

Read our full Nissan Qashqai review

As its name suggests, the Bigster is the largest and roomiest SUV made by Dacia, and if you regularly carry tall passengers, they'll thank you for choosing one. That's because there's more head room in the second row than you'll find in most rivals, and even though the MG HS offers more leg room, we reckon a couple of six-footers will be perfectly happy back there, even over longer journeys. And the boot? Well, it's pretty vast. Going for our recommended 1.2-litre petrol-engined version means the boot is 629 litres – and that's more than you get just about anywhere else in this class.

But what's that petrol engine like? Well, with 138bhp the 1.2-litre engine isn't going to set any speed records, but it's fast enough for everyday driving and, like some of the other models on this list, gets mild hybrid assistance to help keep your running costs in check. It should return around 47mpg without you having to try too hard.

As for kit, we'd stick with entry-level Expression trim, since this comes with everything you're likely to want while keeping the price sensible.

"I like to sit high up in my cars, so I was pleased to see that the Bigster places you high up, giving you a great view over the road ahead. In fact, the driving position is even higher than that of the Dacia Duster." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Read our full Dacia Bigster review