Kia Sportage

New Nissan Qashqai

New Hyundai Tucson

New Cupra Formentor

Mercedes GLC

Volvo XC60

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Kia Niro 

every-brands-first-suv-–-and-its-newest

<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

<p>At the turn of the century, sport&nbsp;utility vehicles – more commonly known as SUVs – were just a small part of the car market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today, things could hardly&nbsp;be more different – they're everywhere you look. In fact, with&nbsp;the exception of a few specialised <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-sports-cars-2022/n24412">sports car</a> manufacturers, almost every brand has at least one&nbsp;in its line-up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here we’re looking back at each brand's first step into the 4x4 or SUV market in the UK. Plus, we're looking at their newest offerings to see how far the sector&nbsp;has&nbsp;come.</p>


The oldest and newest SUVs from every major manufacturer

Estate

<p dir="ltr">Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive, while the closely related Stelvio and smaller Tonale both competes in the booming SUV class.</p>

<p dir="ltr">It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.</p>


ALFA ROMEO

STELVIO

<h3><strong>Alfa Romeo Stelvio</strong></h3>

<p>We start with&nbsp;one of many brands on this list that probably wouldn't have dreamed of building an SUV when the term was first coined.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/stelvio/estate/review/n113">Alfa Romeo Stelvio</a> arrived on the scene in 2016 as a stylish <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-large-suvs-2022/n17006">large SUV</a> that was good to drive, although its interior had a&nbsp;rather low-rent feel.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


First Alfa Romeo

Hatchback

TONALE

<h3><strong>Alfa Romeo Tonale</strong></h3>

<p>To complement the Stelvio, Alfa Romeo has just added the smaller&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/tonale/hatchback/review/n24504">Alfa Romeo Tonale</a>&nbsp;to its line-up. Like the Stelvio this looks great and offers hatchback-like handling, plus it adds hybrid power to the mix. Unfortunately, it's also like its older sibling in that the quality of its&nbsp;interior falls short of the class leaders.</p>


Latest Alfa Romeo

<p dir="ltr">Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The DB12 is a very fast and very luxurious long distance cruiser, and the DBS is arguably one of the most glamorous cars around.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Proving it's not afraid to move with the times, Aston has also embraced&nbsp;the march of the SUV; its DBX707 is a stunning example of what's possible when building a fast, expensive and sporty SUV.</p>


ASTON MARTIN

<h3><strong>Aston Martin DBX</strong></h3>

<p>Aston Martin&nbsp;left a gap of&nbsp;more than a century between building its first car and entering the SUV market, but the wait was worthwhile. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/aston-martin/dbx/estate/review/n21787">Aston Martin DBX</a>&nbsp;combines a fabulous V8 soundtrack with playful handling and a spacious interior, although you do have to put up with a firm ride.</p>


First Aston Martin

<h3><strong>Aston Martin DBX707</strong></h3>

<p>The DBX might be the only SUV Aston Martin has ever produced, but it recently&nbsp;spawned a more extreme variant – the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-aston-martin-dbx707-review-price-specs-and-release-date/n24397">Aston Martin DBX707</a>. With 697bhp (or 707PS, hence the name), this performance SUV will complete the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in just 3.3sec. That’s supercar territory.</p>


Latest Aston Martin

<h3><strong>Audi Q7</strong></h3>

<p>Like the current&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a>, the original was closely related to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/touareg/4x4/review/n199">Volkswagen Touareg</a>&nbsp;of its day. It first went on sale in&nbsp;2005, and was available with a raft of engine options, including a 6.0-litre diesel V12 (between 2008 and 2012). Interior space was a little disappointing for such a big car, but it had a settled high-speed ride and&nbsp;a very solidly built interior.</p>


First Audi

<h3><strong>Audi Q4&nbsp;e-tron Sportback</strong></h3>

<p>The brand's&nbsp;latest SUV, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q4/hatchback/review/n23205">Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback</a>, is smaller and sleeker than the Q7 and swaps petrol and diesel power for an electric motor. However, like&nbsp;that original car&nbsp;it's a comfortable choice for&nbsp;long journeys, and impresses with its classy interior.</p>


Latest Audi Q4

<p dir="ltr">In many ways, modern Bentleys offer the best of both worlds, blending traditional British craftsmanship with modern mechanicals developed with the help of the company’s owner, Volkswagen.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Bentayga SUV, for example, is closely related to Audi’s brilliantly engineered Q7 (another VW Group car). Yet the Bentayga still feels every inch a Bentley, thanks to its hand-finished interior and sonorous V8 engine.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Other Bentleys you can buy today include the Flying Spur&nbsp;saloon&nbsp;and the Continental GT coupé and convertible.</p>


BENTLEY

BENTAYGA

<h3><strong>Bentley Bentayga</strong></h3>

<p>Bentley's first and so far only SUV, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/bentayga/4x4/review/n17228">Bentley Bentayga</a>,&nbsp;has been on sale since&nbsp;2015, although it received <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars-2022/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a> power in 2018,&nbsp;and&nbsp;was further refreshed in 2020, when the looks were tweaked and the infotainment system was upgraded. The Bentayga is everything you'd expect a Bentley to be:&nbsp;refined, luxurious and eye-wateringly expensive.</p>


First (and only) Bentley

<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 M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


<h3><strong>BMW X5</strong></h3>

<p>BMW has been making SUVs for longer than you might think, with the first-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a> (of four to date) debuting in 1999. By expertly treading the fine line between practicality, luxuriousness and performance, it set the template for many high-end SUVs that&nbsp;followed.</p>


First BMW

<h3><strong>BMW X7</strong></h3>

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x7/4x4/review/n19102/buying-owning">BMW X7</a> isn't just the brand's&nbsp;newest SUV, it’s also its biggest yet. Originally launched in 2017, it was&nbsp;heavily revised in 2022, gaining a new look inside and out, plus the option of a 523bhp 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine.&nbsp;Well built, spacious and seriously comfortable, we reckon it's currently&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2022-best-luxury-suv-for-big-families/n24049">best luxury SUV for big families.</a></p>


Latest BMW

<p dir="ltr">Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.</p>


CITROEN

C-CROSSER

<h3><strong>Citroën C-Crosser</strong></h3>

<p><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/citroen">Citroën</a> eased itself into the SUV market with the C-Crosser, which went on sale in 2007. It was essentially a rebadged second-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mitsubishi/outlander/4x4/used-review/n769">Mitsubishi Outlander</a>, and as a result it&nbsp;was a decent all-rounder;&nbsp;it rode well, and&nbsp;what the interior lacked in luxury it made up for in toughness.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


First Citroën

e-C4

<h3><strong>Citroën&nbsp;e-C4X</strong></h3>

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-citroen-e-c4-x-electric-car-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n24741">Citroën e-C4X</a> is essentially a stretched version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c4/hatchback/review/n22375">Citroën e-C4</a> electric SUV. It features a bigger boot,&nbsp;a redesigned rear end and a slightly longer range than its non-X counterpart – up to 224 miles – but you can expect to pay a little bit more money for it when it arrives later this year.</p>


Latest Citroën

<p>The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.</p>

<p>Like Abarth, some of Cupra's models including the Ateca and Leon are extensively reworked Seats, but models such as the Born and Formentor are exclusive to Cupra.</p>

<p>Whilst Cupras are closely related to equivalent models from Seat and Volkswagen, they are generally tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience.</p>


CUPRA

ATECA

<h3><strong>Cupra Ateca</strong></h3>

<p>This high-performance version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ateca/estate/review/n111">Seat Ateca</a> was the first car to be launched under the Cupra&nbsp;brand name when it arrived in 2018. Offering all of the practicality of the Seat, but with an extra&nbsp;splash of style and speed, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/ateca/estate/review/n17969">Cupra Ateca</a>&nbsp;initially earned our maximum five-star rating.</p>


First Cupra

<h3><strong>Cupra UrbanRebel</strong></h3>

<p><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-small-suvs-2022/n17050">Small SUVs</a> are on the rise, and Cupra isn't planning to be left out of this trend. The recently revealed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2025-cupra-urbanrebel-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n24663">Cupra&nbsp;UrbanRebel</a> – due to go on sale in 2025 – features sporty styling, underpinnings shared with the upcoming Volkswagen ID 2 X, and a futuristic interior.</p>


Latest Cupra

<p dir="ltr">If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.</p>


DACIA

DUSTER

<h3><strong>Dacia Duster</strong></h3>

<p>Anyone who says that Romanian brand Dacia's first SUV was the Duster is correct, but if they mean the model introduced in 2012, they're wrong – the original Duster was actually launched way back in 1980. This rough-and-ready vehicle was sold briefly in the UK and used the mechanicals from&nbsp;the Renault 12.</p>


First Dacia

<h3><strong>Dacia Duster</strong></h3>

<p>The modern Duster was an instant hit with UK buyers, thanks to its&nbsp;low price and massive interior. And 10 years and&nbsp;one facelift later, there's still very little else which gets you quite so much space for your cash.</p>


Latest Dacia

<p dir="ltr">DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.</p>


DS 7

<h3><strong>DS 7 Crossback</strong></h3>

<p>The<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ds/ds-7/hatchback/review/n188"> DS 7</a> was originally&nbsp;launched in 2017 as the French brand's answer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q3/4x4/review/n43">Audi Q3</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x1/estate/review/n100">BMW X1</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>. And although it was inferior to those rivals in most respects, it was still chosen as Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron's <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/company-cars">company car</a>.</p>


First DS

<h3><strong>DS 7</strong></h3>

<p>In addition to dropping the 'Crossback' part of its name, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-ds-7-large-suv-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n24729">revised DS 7</a>&nbsp;– which will go on sale towards the end of this year&nbsp;–&nbsp;gets sharper looks and a sporty plug-in hybrid variant&nbsp;with a 40-mile electric range.</p>


Latest DS

<p dir="ltr">Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.</p>

<p>Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.</p>


FIAT

PANDA

<h3><strong>Fiat Panda 4x4</strong></h3>

<p>Adding four-wheel drive to an existing model does not make it an SUV. However,&nbsp;there is a case for including the first-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/panda/hatchback/review/n128">Fiat Panda</a> 4x4&nbsp;in&nbsp;this list, because it was surprisingly capable off-road; many bespoke SUVs on sale today would get stuck a long time before the Panda.</p>


First Fiat

500X

<h3><strong>Fiat 500X</strong></h3>

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500x/hatchback/review/n80">Fiat 500X</a> is the largest car the brand currently makes, and is built on the same underpinnings as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jeep/renegade/4x4/review/n138">Jeep Renegade</a>. It has an attractive interior and some people will be sold on it by the styling alone. However, there are plenty of similarly priced rivals&nbsp;that are more practical, better to drive and offer a higher level of crash protection.</p>


Latest Fiat

<p dir="ltr">Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.</p>


FORD

<h3><strong>Ford Maverick</strong></h3>

<p>In the US, Ford's SUV history begins with the 1966 Bronco, but its first UK model, the Maverick, didn't arrive until 1993. Essentially a rebadged <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/terrano-ii/4x4/used-review/n530">Nissan Terrano II</a>, it was distinctly agricultural –&nbsp;although no more so than its main rival, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/frontera/4x4/used-review/n687">Vauxhall Frontera</a>.</p>


First Ford

PUMA

<h3><strong>Ford Puma</strong></h3>

<p>Taking the moniker of a&nbsp;popular coupé&nbsp;produced between 1997 and&nbsp;2002, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n20838">Ford Puma</a> is the high-riding equivalent of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>. Brilliant to drive and surprisingly practical by small SUV standards, it’s a former <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/new-car-awards">What Car? Car of the Year</a>&nbsp;and remains highly recommendable.</p>


Latest Ford

<p dir="ltr">Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.</p>

<p dir="ltr">And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.</p>


HONDA

CR-V

<h3><strong>Honda CR-V</strong></h3>

<p>Honda first sold an SUV back in 1993, but that model – called&nbsp;the Passport –&nbsp;was really just an Isuzu Rodeo with different badging, and it never made it to the UK. On the other hand, the&nbsp;first-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/cr-v/estate/review/n44">Honda CR-V</a>&nbsp;did, and&nbsp;impressed with its practicality, agility and off-road capability.</p>


First Honda

HR-V

<h3><strong>Honda HR-V</strong></h3>

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/hr-v/hatchback/review/n102">Honda HR-V</a> name first appeared in 1999, but this latest version is radically different from those that came before it. With sleek styling, heaps of equipment and a high-tech hybrid system there's a lot to like. It's just a shame it's noisy and a bit tight in the back.</p>


Latest Honda

<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

SANTA FE

<h3><strong>Hyundai Santa Fe</strong></h3>

<p>Hyundai's&nbsp;first SUV to be sold in the UK&nbsp;was the rugged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe</a>, which appeared in 2000 and quickly became popular with cost-conscious buyers. It's only recently&nbsp;that the Santa Fe has been able to challenge for leadership in&nbsp;its class, though, even winning our 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2022-large-suv-of-the-year/n23999">Large SUV of the Year</a> award.</p>


First Hyundai

BAYON

<h3><strong>Hyundai Bayon</strong></h3>

<p>The latest SUV from Hyundai is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/bayon/hatchback/review/n23367">Hyundai Bayon</a>, which happens to be its smallest one, too. Distinctive styling is paired with high levels of comfort and a low driving position, making it something of a curiosity in its class.</p>


Latest Hyundai

<p dir="ltr">Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.</p>


JAGUAR

F-PACE

<h3><strong>Jaguar F-Pace</strong></h3>

<p>Jaguar was for many years one of several manufacturers which could have been listed in a column headed ‘Will never build an SUV’.&nbsp;However, the company freed itself from those shackles in 2016 with the launch of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/f-pace/estate/review/n17356">Jaguar F-Pace</a>. Using bespoke underpinnings, it proved to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a well thought-out interior and excellent handling, but a firm ride and so-so reliability.</p>


First Jaguar

I-PACE

<h3><strong>Jaguar I-Pace</strong></h3>

<p>Jaguar's latest SUV is also its first foray into the world of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a>. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/i-pace/estate/review/n122">Jaguar I-Pace</a> offers sci-fi looks, a luxurious interior and a good range between charges, so&nbsp;remains a very solid choice four&nbsp;years on from its initial debut.</p>


Latest Jaguar

<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

<p>The original <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/jeep">Jeep</a>, arguably the very first SUV of all, was built by both <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/ford">Ford</a> and Willys for the US Army during World War II. In 1945, Willys went into production with the first civilian version, the CJ-2A. More than 200,000 examples were built.</p>


First Jeep

GRAND CHEROKEE

<h3><strong>Jeep Grand Cherokee</strong></h3>

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-jeep-grand-cherokee-suv-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n23572">Jeep Grand Cherokee</a> has been around since 1992, but the newest version – arriving later this year – has the potential to be the best one yet. A plug-in hybrid variant will be on offer for the first time, with&nbsp;a fully electric&nbsp;model tipped to join the range in 2025.</p>


Latest Jeep

<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>


SPORTAGE

<h3><strong>Kia Sportage</strong></h3>

<p>Back in 1993, when the first-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage</a>&nbsp;debuted, the Korean firm was&nbsp;a very different company to the one we know today. At the time, the main&nbsp;reason for buying one of its cars was that they&nbsp;didn't cost very much. And that was also true of the Sportage, because it was noisy,&nbsp;poorly built and not very nice to drive.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


First Kia

E-NIRO

<h3><strong>Kia Niro EV</strong></h3>

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/niro/estate/review/n24582">Kia Niro EV</a> has some big shoes to fill – it replaces the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/e-niro/estate/used-review/n22663">Kia e-Niro</a>, which was the first electric car to win the overall&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/new-car-awards">What Car? Car of the Year Award</a>. It might not be as groundbreaking as its predecessor, but with a good ride, fun handling and a long range, the Niro EV is&nbsp;a good all-rounder nonetheless.</p>


Latest Kia

<p dir="ltr">Lamborghinis have been adorning bedroom posters since the mid-1960s. Not bad for a company whose origins lie in making tractors.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group, and as well as bolstering its core sports car portfolio, it has branched out to launch the Urus – a luxurious SUV that’s a rival to the similarly rapid Bentley Bentayga W12 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.</p>


LAMBORGHINI

<h3><strong>Lamborghini LM002</strong></h3>

<p>Contrary to popular belief, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lamborghini/urus/estate/review/n17868">Lamborghini Urus</a> is not the first SUV produced by the firm. That was the LM002, which was manufactured in small numbers from 1986 to 1993, and&nbsp;initially targeted at the US military.</p>


First Lamborghini

URUS

<h3><strong>Lamborghini Urus</strong></h3>

<p>Even most sports car brands can't be without an SUV. When the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lamborghini/urus/estate/review/n17868">Lamborghini Urus</a>&nbsp;arrived in 2018 to rival the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/bentayga/4x4/review/n17228">Bentley Bentayga</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a> – both of which it shares parts with – it quickly became the firm’s best-selling car. It's comfortable, practical and, in true Lamborghini fashion, very fast.</p>


Latest Lamborghini

<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

<h3><strong>Land Rover Series 1</strong></h3>

<p>The Land Rover Series I was among the earliest SUVs developed for civilian use.&nbsp;Ready for anything you could throw at them, the Series Land Rovers were offered in a variety of forms over the years, and were the only models produced by the brand until the introduction of the first-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a> in 1969.</p>


First Land Rover

RANGE ROVER SPORT

<p><strong>Range Rover Sport</strong></p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-range-rover-sport-luxury-suv-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n24536">Range Rover Sport</a> has been a staple of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-luxury-suvs-2022/n17036">luxury SUV</a> scene since 2005, and is a slightly cheaper and smaller alternative to the full-size Range Rover. The new third-generation model&nbsp;will go on sale in September, offering an electric range of&nbsp;up to 70 miles in&nbsp;plug-in hybrid form. A fully electric Range Rover Sport&nbsp;will follow in 2024.</p>


Latest Land Rover

<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

<h3><strong>Lexus RX 300</strong></h3>

<p>The first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/lexus">Lexus</a>&nbsp;SUV to land on UK&nbsp;shores was the RX 300 in 1998. A rebadged version of the Toyota Harrier, it quickly became the luxury brand's best-selling car by a country mile, and with good reason – it was comfortable, sleek-looking and surprisingly capable off-road.</p>


First Lexus

<h3><strong>Lexus RX</strong></h3>

<p>The latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/rx/4x4/review/n137">Lexus RX</a> is a&nbsp;comfy cruiser with the option of either hybrid or plug-in hybrid power, which should result in lower fuel bills compared with a combustion engined car. It's well built inside, and quiet as you drive along, plus updates made in 2022 have extended the electric range of the plug-in hybrid model to an official 40 miles.</p>


Latest Lexus

<p dir="ltr">Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.</p>


MASERATI

LEVANTE

<h3><strong>Maserati Levante</strong></h3>

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/maserati/levante/estate/review/n19462">Maserati Levante</a> was the firm’s first production SUV when it went on sale in 2016, but the company had made its intention to join the segment clear well in advance – the Kubang SUV concept which preceded the Levante was unveiled way back in 2011. Although it predictably out-sells&nbsp;Maserati's sports cars and saloons, the Levante suffers from stodgy handling and a bumpy ride.</p>


First Maserati

GRECALE

<h3><strong>Maserati Grecale</strong></h3>

<p>Maserati had&nbsp;the same idea as Alfa Romeo when it came to creating a second SUV, introducing a smaller and cheaper model&nbsp;– in this case the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-maserati-grecale-suv-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n24307">Maserati Grecale</a> –&nbsp;in the hope of&nbsp;attracting more buyers to the brand. We're yet to get behind the wheel of the Grecale, but it will initially be available with two petrol engines offering up to 523bhp, with a fully electric model joining the line-up in&nbsp;2023.</p>


Latest Maserati

<p dir="ltr">Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.</p>

<p dir="ltr">So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.</p>


MAZDA

<p><strong>Mazda Tribute</strong></p>

<p>The first SUV from Mazda which you could buy in this country was the Tribute of 2000. A joint venture with Ford, it was a spectacular flop, with just 900 examples sold here. Don't go thinking that it was an overlooked gem, either, because the Tribute&nbsp;was let down by a rough ride.</p>


First Mazda

CX-60

<h3><strong>Mazda CX-60</strong></h3>

<p>As well as being the firm's newest&nbsp;SUV, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/cx-60/estate/review/n24505">Mazda CX-60</a> marks its first go at producing a plug-in hybrid, with this version capable of taking you up to 39 miles on a charge according to official figures. That's not as far as some rivals can go and means the CX-60 sits in a higher company car tax band, but strengths include a&nbsp;smart interior, an intuitive infotainment system&nbsp;and&nbsp;sharp handling.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Latest Mazda

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

<h3><strong>Mercedes G-Wagen</strong></h3>

<p>The SUV now known as the <a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mercedes-benz/g-class">Mercedes G-Class</a> was originally called the G-Wagen, which is short for Geländewagen, or off-road vehicle. Launched in 1979, it was a serious, old-school 4x4, with angular styling&nbsp;and plenty of military customers.</p>


First Mercedes

<h3><strong>Mercedes EQS SUV</strong></h3>

<p>Based on the same underpinnings as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/eqs/saloon/review/n24120">EQS luxury limousine</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-mercedes-eqs-electric-suv-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n24430">EQS SUV</a> is the most luxurious electric SUV ever made by Mercedes. It's capable of travelling for up to 410 miles between charges – that's enough for a round trip from London to Manchester and back – and offers seating for up to seven people inside. It's an expensive choice, though, with prices starting from £129,170.</p>


Latest Mercedes

<p dir="ltr">MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.</p>

<p dir="ltr">While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.</p>


MG MOTOR UK

<h3><strong>MG GS</strong></h3>

<p>British brand&nbsp;MG returned from the dead under Chinese ownership with the launch of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2015-mg6-19-dti-review/n2849">MG 6</a> saloon in 2013, but it took&nbsp;another two years for it to launch its&nbsp;first SUV, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/gs/hatchback/used-review/n18128">MG GS</a>. This&nbsp;felt heavy to drive, but was practical and well priced.</p>


First MG

<h3><strong>MG ZS</strong></h3>

<p>MG's smallest SUV is also its newest, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/zs/hatchback/review/n17318">MG ZS</a> having undergone a comprehensive facelift in 2022. The result is a family&nbsp;SUV with good rear seat space, and the reassurance of a long seven-year warranty should anything go wrong. A poor safety rating lets it down, however, and performance is only so-so.</p>


Latest MG

<p dir="ltr">Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.</p>


MINI

COUNTRYMAN

<h3><strong>Mini Countryman</strong></h3>

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/countryman/hatchback/review/n71">Mini Countryman</a>, which was launched in 2010, remains on sale in facelifted form, offering&nbsp;a good combination of space, style and desirability. Its&nbsp;beautifully finished interior and&nbsp;excellent infotainment system are particular highlights. Just bear in mind that the rival&nbsp;Ford Puma is a lot more fun to drive, while&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/hatchback/review/n17376">Volkswagen T-Roc</a> is&nbsp;quieter and comfier.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


First Mini

<h3><strong>Mini Aceman</strong></h3>

<p>Not to be confused with the discontinued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2013-mini-paceman-review/n9609">Mini Paceman</a> coupé, the new <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2024-mini-aceman-electric-suv-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n24814">Mini Aceman</a> will be the company's first electric SUV when it hits the road in 2024. Chunky styling and a minimalist interior should help it to appeal to the fashion conscious, and it's expected to be powered by a single electric motor with a 70kWh battery, giving a range of around 275 miles.</p>


Latest Mini

<p dir="ltr">Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.</p>


NISSAN

PATROL

<h3><strong>Nissan Patrol</strong></h3>

<p>The Nissan Patrol is one of the world's oldest SUV nameplates. The first model, introduced in 1951, bore something of a&nbsp;resemblance to the Willys Jeep, but by the 1980 launch of the third-generation model in the UK the Japanese brand had gone its own way on styling.</p>


First Nissan

ARIYA

<h3><strong>Nissan Ariya</strong></h3>

<p>The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/ariya/hatchback/review/n24303">Nissan Ariya</a> is the brand's first electric&nbsp;SUV, and gets a lot of things right:&nbsp;it’s roomy for passengers, well built and surprisingly fun to drive. However, the&nbsp;news isn't all good, because&nbsp;the ride can get choppy at low speeds and the boot is relatively small.</p>


Latest Nissan

<p dir="ltr">Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.</p>


PEUGEOT

4007

<h3><strong>Peugeot 4007</strong></h3>

<p>Like the Citroën C-Crosser mentioned earlier, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/special-edition-peugeot-4007-on-sale/n5384">Peugeot 4007</a> was a second-generation <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mitsubishi/outlander/4x4/used-review/n769">Mitsubishi Outlander </a>with a different badge and a smaller range of engines. The&nbsp;4007 was launched in 2007, but was discontinued in 2012.&nbsp;</p>


First Peugeot

5008

<p><strong>Peugeot 5008</strong></p>

<p>Updated in 2021, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a> is the brand's latest – and greatest – SUV, offering seating for seven, a stylish and upmarket interior and low running costs. It has our maximum&nbsp;five-star rating&nbsp;and is well worth considering.</p>


Latest Peugeot

<p dir="ltr">Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.</p>


PORSCHE

CAYENNE

<h3><strong>Porsche Cayenne</strong></h3>

<p>When the original&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a> went on sale in 2002, many&nbsp;observers thought that Porsche had made a mistake in deviating so far from its sports car traditions. However, it was actually a huge hit, due in part to&nbsp;its comfortable&nbsp;ride and great handling.</p>


Porsche Cayenne

Coupe

<h3><strong>Porsche Cayenne Coupé</strong></h3>

<p>The Porsche Cayenne is still a staple of the luxury SUV market 20 years after its launch, with a sleek coupé&nbsp;version (simply called the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/coupe/review/n19924">Porsche Cayenne Coupé</a>) being launched in 2019. What it lacks in rear head room, it makes up for in the styling department – and it's as good to drive as it is to look at.</p>


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