Best used large SUVs for less than £20,000

Practicality, refinement, ruggedness: there are many reasons why large SUVs have taken off in popularity in recent years. It's one of the most desirable classes around, as well as tending to be a pricey one.

But don't panic. You see, you can save a hefty sum of money by buying a large SUV used instead of new. There are plenty of fantastic candidates for your consideration, so we've put together 10 of our favourites that are available for less than £20,000.

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The Kia Sorento is mechanically very similar to the 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, and that's no bad thing; it shares a lot of that car's plus points. The model's diesel engine is rather good. It really shines when it comes to practicality though; it's hugely spacious, with seven seats on offer and a large boot. It ranks slightly higher than the Santa Fe because it's that bit more refined and has a nicer interior.

"It's so close between the Santa Fe of this age and the Sorento, but we've just given it to the Kia here because it's a fraction cheaper. I like them both, so if you need a really useful SUV, you won't be missing out." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2019 Kia Sorento 2.2 KX-2, 44,000 miles, £18,700

Strengths

• Big and practical interior
• Well equipped
• Good towing ability

Weaknesses

• Vague steering
• High CO2 emissions
• Cumbersome handling

The Citroen C5 Aircross is one funky large SUV; however, it's not all form and no function. It's impressively comfortable, quiet and efficient on the road. Plus, there are plenty of examples that are under a year old with low mileage going for under £20,000 on the used market. It doesn't have seven seats, but if you don't mind that, there's little to leave you wanting.

"It's not just a funky-looking car, this C5 Aircross, it's also comfortable and surprisingly spacious. My friend Mark has had one for years and it's been really reliable." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross 1.2 Puretech 130 Flair, 25,000 miles, £19,495

Strengths

• Mostly smooth ride
• Quiet interior even at motorway speeds
• Efficient engines
• Good value used

Weaknesses

• Wallows in corners
• No seven-seat version
• Some question marks over long-term reliability

The Volvo XC60 is a great used buy. It's classy inside, roomy and well-equipped. Its well-proportioned design oozes class inside and out. There's a Scandinavian-style feel to its lovely interior that’s flooded with light and loaded with leather, which gives the car a terrific upmarket feel. The driving position is superb, thanks to plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and the comfortable and supportive driver’s seat. There’s a good choice of engines and, on the optional air suspension, the ride is excellent. Reliability's good, too.

"What is so nice about the XC60 is that it embodies all the good things about Volvos and yet has a distinct character. I've had two long-term XC60s and loved them both." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2019 Volvo XC60 D5 Momentum, 30,000 miles, £19,500

Strengths

• Smooth ride, even on poorer road surfaces
• Classy and elegant interior design
• Advanced safety features with high-tech aids

Weaknesses

• Higher cost for the optional from new air suspension
• Hesitant gearbox under initial acceleration
• Some electrical issues have been reported by owners

Previous generations of the Ford Kuga had been good-looking and popular cars but not models that particularly set the market on fire or moved the game on in any great way. However, this latest third-generation car has grown in size and gained a new look and adopted some more modern technology including mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. It's a very likeable, practical and efficient large SUV that's also great value used. Our money buys a year-old car.

"The newest car on our list and yet it's spacious and practical and even pleasant to drive. I love its driving position too." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2022 Ford Kuga 1.5 Ecoblue Zetec, 18,000 miles, £19,995

Strengths

• Spacious interior
• Efficient plug-in hybrid version
• Great value bought used
• Well equipped

Weaknesses

• Interior quality not as good as some
• Infotainment not the best
• Boot not as big as some rivals

There's no doubt this latest third-generation, 2018-onwards version of the premium BMW X3 is a terrific car. It performs admirably and is supremely classy, comfortable and good to drive. It's practical, too, and comes with a great infotainment system. It would have finished even higher if it weren't for the fact it's quite a pricey used proposition.

"This is probably the one I'd buy here for its sheer class. Reliability looks good and its residual values are strong, thanks to its upmarket badge." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2019 BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport, 50,000 miles, £19,000

Strengths

• Sharp handling
• Class-leading infotainment
• Strong engines
• Good value used

Weaknesses

• Firm ride in M Sport trim
• Popular 20d engine sounds gruff

The Kia EV6 is a brilliant and bang-on-trend electric car with a long range and the ability to charge up very quickly. It’s also plush inside and huge in the back and very good to drive. The cheaper rear-wheel-drive versions make more financial sense than the faster four-wheel-drive models, especially used. You'll also pick up the residue of Kia's excellent seven-year-from-new warranty.

"A previous What Car? Car of the Year, the Kia EV6 feels suitably futuristic. It makes a great family car, too, provided it fits into your lifestyle. I also like that the EV6 has a well-built, logically laid-out interior." – Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2021 Kia EV6 77.4kWh GT-Line, 62,000 miles, £19,995

Strengths

• Impressive range
• Fast-charging capability
• Spacious inside
• Long warranty

Weaknesses

• Firm ride
• Shallow boot
• Headroom not great
• Reliability mixed

Classy, spacious and economical: that's the Skoda Kodiaq. It's extremely well-rounded and very easy to live with. It's available with a great range of petrol and diesel engines, two particular highlights being the smooth and efficient 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel unit and the punchy, economical 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol. And if you need seven seats, you'll find examples with just that quota.

"Here's another wonderfully capable and very likeable seven-seater for not much money. Maybe not as stylish as the 5008 but buy a Kodiaq for the family and you'll grow immensely fond of it." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2020 Skoda Kodiaq 1.4 TSI SE, 31,000 miles, £20,000

Strengths

• Classy and spacious interior
• Smooth 2.0 diesel engine
• Good value for money

Weaknesses

• Unsettled low-speed ride
• Kia Sorento is more practical

This latest generation Audi Q5 can now be had for our budget. It's a fantastic large SUV, with sharp handling, good performance and a classy interior. There's also a variety of punchy, yet economical engines to choose from. If you want a really premium-feeling SUV it's the one to go for, though, thanks to that plush interior and its refinement on the road.

Only its relatively high price next to the 5008 and its lack of a seven-seat option prevent it from stealing the show here.

"Solid and sensible next to the 5008's whimsical flair, but the Q5 is a terrific thing, and so refined. If you could buy a slightly newer one for this money, it'd be top of the tree." - George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2019 Audi Q5 2.0 Quattro S Line, 77,000 miles, £20,000

Strengths

• Smooth and punchy engines
• High-quality interior
• Relatively modest running costs

Weaknesses

• Steering could be more involving
• No seven-seat option
• You need air suspension or non-sport suspension for the best ride

The Skoda Enyaq may look rather conventional next to one or two of its modern electric SUV rivals, but don’t be put off: it’s one of the best around, new or used, regardless of size. It’s good to drive, comfortable, practical, extremely refined and comes with a decent range. The iV 60 version has a 58kWh battery and a decent official range. Bought used, it’s also great value. If an electric car fits into your lifestyle, it could be all the car you’ll ever need.

"I'm not usually a fan of touchscreen infotainment systems, but the Enyaq's is helped by having five customisable icons on the top that take you directly to your favourite functions." – George Hill, used cars writer

We found: 2021 Skoda Enyaq iV60 63kWh Nav Loft, 62,000 miles, £19,995

Strengths

• Extremely spacious interior
• Well equipped in all trim levels
• Plush and comfortable ride, even on rough roads
• A good electric range for daily driving

Weaknesses

• So-so performance by electric car standards
• Some rivals are more adept in the handling department
• Infotainment isn’t as responsive as some rival systems

Our number one recommendation here is the Peugeot 5008. It has the most plus points out of any car on this list; it's extremely practical, spacious and comfortable, and its engines are excellent. It's refined, too, and good to drive. Not to mention it's still really stylish inside and out, with a surprisingly plush interior finish. This seven-seater won't disappoint, and with prices starting at around £14,000, it offers almost unrivalled value for money in the segment.

"Here is a car so suave that I liked it before I'd even driven it. It lives up to its looks, too. And the good news is its interior is even more eye-catching than its exterior styling, and it's great for family use.' - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found: 2021 Peugeot 5008 1.2 Puretech 130 Allure, 43,000 miles, £20,000

Strengths

• Plush and practical inside
• Decent ride and handling
• Flexible seating
• Encouraging reliability

Weaknesses

• Not as well equipped as some rivals
• Head room limited by panoramic roof
• Slow-witted infotainment