Best coupé SUVs 2025 – tried, tested and rated
The best coupé SUVs are sleek yet practical, comfortable and enjoyable to drive. Here we count down the best - and the worst...
Lots of us are buying SUVs of all shapes and sizes right now, and such vehicles make up many of the cars you'll find among Britain's best-selling new cars. If you'd like to mix the family friendly practicality of an SUV with the style of a coupé, though, you need to look for a coupé-SUV. There are now more of these to choose from than ever before, which makes sorting the best from the rest a bit of a mission.
To make it onto our list of the best coupé-SUVs, a car must not lose practicality at the expense of style. Indeed, as well as head-turning looks, we're searching for cars which offer lashings of equipment, a well-finished interior, and the sort of elevated driving position which buyers look for in an SUV. We also want a good driving experience which strikes a fine balance between comfort and agility, as well as sensible running costs.
Our experienced team of road testers have spent hundreds of hours behind the wheel of every coupé-SUV on the market, driving them both on public roads, and back-to-back against key rivals at our private test track. The result of that testing is the list you see here, where we've ranked our 10 favourite coupé-SUVs, and named the model we think you should avoid.
Remember that if any of the cars here take your fancy, you can click the links through to our in-depth new car reviews to learn more about them, or use our free New Car Deals service to see the latest discounts. And if you have questions about coupé-SUV ownership, then we've answered some of the most common queries at the bottom of this page. Alternatively check out our rundown of the best SUVs of any type.
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Strengths
- Powerful engines
- Fantastic handling for a big SUV
- Classy interior
Weaknesses
- Expensive to run
- Stingy kit list
- Air suspension costs extra on some versions
As with the regular Porsche Cayenne, the biggest strengths of the Coupé are its handling and performance. No version feels slow, but if you can afford to, we'd recommend paying a little extra to put an S version on your driveway. That model gets a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 petrol engine with 468bhp – and can rocket to 62mph in 4.7sec.
Team your favourite engine with air suspension and you're in for a real treat, because such equipped cars offer exceptional body control at high speeds, and deal with smaller lumps and bumps well, even if the air-sprung Range Rover Sport is even better.
Inside, you'll find an infotainment system that's easy to get along with, plus a comfortable driving position and the kind of build quality which should stand up to family life well. It's a shame that adjustable lumbar support isn't standard, but that's one of very few gripes.
You'll need a fair amount in the bank to put a Cayenne Coupé on your driveway, and only the plug-in hybrid versions make any sort of sense if you're a company car driver. But on the right road, at the right time, few cars of any sort can put as big of a smile on your face.
"I'd be running a Cayenne Coupé as a company car, which means I'd choose an E-Hybrid version. These are capable of 50 miles of electric-only range, and sit in a low Benefit-in-Kind tax bracket as a result." – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor
Read our full Porsche Cayenne Coupé review
Strengths
- Good to drive
- Smart interior
- Great safety rating
Weaknesses
- Slightly choppy low-speed ride
- Small boot
- Rivals can travel further on a charge
The bigger sibling to the Smart #1, the #3 takes everything which we love about that car and packages it into a larger and more tempting shape.
Barring the range-topping Brabus model, most versions of the #3 come with a 268bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels. The result is a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.8sec – faster than an entry-level Tesla Model Y, and faster than any version of the Skoda Enyaq Coupé can manage.
As for range? Well, the Pro+ model can officially take you up to 270 miles between charges, while the Premium can go 283 miles thanks to its marginally more efficient motor.
If you do want more power, then the Brabus trades a little range (258 miles) for four-wheel drive and a dollop of extra power. With 422bhp available, its 0-62mph sprint time of jut 3.7sec is faster than an Audi RS3.
"I'm quite tall, and found that the Smart #3's fixed head restraints pushed my head forwards no matter what driving position I was in. It felt a bit un-natural, and let the side down in a car which is otherwise brilliant." – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our full Smart #3 review
Strengths
- Plush interior that features class-leading infotainment
- Impressive handling
- Well-equipped
Weaknesses
- Some rivals are more spacious
- Firm edge to ride
- Some options are pricey
Without the BMW X6, it’s doubtful this class would even exist. And despite only placing third on this list in 2025, it remains a solid all-round choice.
Perhaps controversially, you can have your X6 with either petrol or diesel power, but we'd suggest only looking at the latter if you'll be covering lots of miles. If you do, then you might want to consider the punchy yet frugal xDrive30d, which is our current pick of the range. It's beautifully smooth, and has enough grunt to make stepping up to the more powerful xDrive40d feel a little pointless.
While the rival Audi Q8 is a more comfortable car in which to tackle a long journey, the X6 still does a good job of isolating you from the worst lumps and bumps, as well as outside noise. Body control is impressively tight, too, and makes the Range Rover Velar feel a bit sloppy by comparison.
We like the X6's sharp and feature-packed infotainment system, not least because it's controlled through a physical dial rather than you having to prod the touchscreen for every interaction. Elsewhere, the materials used around the interior feel exactly as they should at this price point – high-quality and built to last.
"I'd steer clear of the X6's optional Sky Lounge panoramic roof. It might let more light into the rear seats, but any tall passengers won't thank you for the sacrifice in head room." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor
Read our full BMW X6 review
Strengths
- Punchy engines
- Composed handling
- Comfy ride on optional air suspension
Weaknesses
- Interior quality is nothing special
- Fiddly touchscreen controls for the air-con
- Less spacious but more expensive than Q5 SUV
The Q5 sportback is rather a sensible choice in a class usually ruled by the heart rather than the head. You see, its engines include mild-hybrid techology, meaning they can save you money on running costs and, unusually, can also run for short distances on electric power alone. Whether you opt for petrol or diesel power, you'll get a 2.0-litre engine sending its power to all four wheels. We've only tried the diesel so far, and it makes for effortless everyday driving.
It's shame that the Q5 Sportback follows the regular Audi Q5 in feeling like a bit of a step backwards in terms of interior quality. Both the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupé offer more of a first-class feeling, and there are no longer any physical air-con controls which means another backwards step for usability.
At least a couple of six-footers will still be happy on the rear bench of the Q5 Sportback, since there's better head room than in the X4. And if you go for an S Line or Edition 1 model, you also get a sliding rear bench, meaning you can prioritise either leg room or boot space depending on your needs.
"I like all the tech in the Q5 Sportback, but Audi as a whole has some catching up to do when it comes to reliability. The brand fnished in a disappointing 24th place out of 31 brands in our latest Reliability Survey." – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor
Read our full Audi Q5 Sportback review
Strengths
- Comfortable ride
- Surprisingly spacious interior
- Cheap running costs
Weaknesses
- Rivals are more fun to drive
- So-so interior quality
- Reliability could be better
You'll pay far less to put a Volkswagen Taigo on your driveway than you would for many of the other cars on this list – and don't think that you're not getting the full coupé-SUV experience as a result. Quite the opposite, in fact – the Taigo is a sleeker and sportier alternative to the Volkswagen T-Cross on which it is based.
Even the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol engine doesn't feel too out of breath on the motorway, but we'd suggest going for the 113bhp version if you do regularly travel on faster roads. This is our recommended choice, and does a good job of balancing peppy performance with reasonable running costs – the official figures suggest you should see upwards of 50mpg without trying too hard.
Despite its sloping roof, head room in the back of the Taigo doesn't take too much of a hit, even if it's not as spacious as some other small SUVs like the Skoda Kamiq. A couple of taller passengers are unlikely to complain on the rear seats, though middle passengers get a slightly worse time because their seat is raised.
"I don't think there's any need to look beyond entry-level Life trim in the Taigo, because it comes with everything you're likely to want, including 16in alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, automatic wipers and adaptive cruise control." – Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor
Read our full Volkswagen Taigo review
Strengths
- Controlled ride
- Classy and spacious interior
- User-friendly dashboard
Weaknesses
- Cheapest versions have a short range
- Some cheap interior plastics
- No front boot
The Q4 Sportback E-tron is Audi's smallest coupé-SUV, and as its name suggests, is a more swooping version of the regular Q4 E-tron. As such, it offers the same combination of motors and batteries as that car, meaning entry-level 35-badged versions get a 168bhp motor which allows you to cover the 0-62mph sprint in a fairly slow 9.0sec. The official range of 211 miles isn't anything to write home about, either.
We'd suggest spending a little more on the mid-range '40' model, which has more punch, at 201bhp, and a larger battery pack which is officially good for 323 miles of official range. That's far more usable for most drivers.
SUV fans will like that you sit quite high up in the Q4 Sportback E-tron, and we like that you get physical switches and dials for the climate controls, which makes the system easier to operate than through the touchscreen alone. Speaking of the touchscreen, it's easier to get along with than the rival setups you'll find in the Skoda Enyaq or Volkswagen ID 4, with sharp graphics and lots of features.
"If you're an audiophile like me, then it's worth thinking about getting a range-topping Vorsprung model, because this gets you a Sonos sound system. I was seriously impressed by by the sound quality this offers." – Chris Haining, Sub-Editor
Read our full Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron review
Strengths
- Very comfy with smaller wheels or air suspension
- Cheaper versions are temptingly priced
- Huge boot
Weaknesses
- Rivals are more agile
- Fiddly climate controls
- Disappointing reliability record
The Range Rover Velar is a stylish, refined and seriously appealing coupé SUV, plus it's very comfortable if you resist the temptation to upgrade to big wheels. Our favoured S trim keeps the price sensible and still provides plenty of standard kit, with adaptive cruise control, automatic lights and wipers and keyless entry all included.
The fastest Velar is also the most appealing option for company car drivers, with the plug-in hybrid P400e officialy capable of up to 39 miles of all-electric driving, as well as being able to reach motorway speeds in 5.1sec. If you'd rather stick with combustion power, then the diesel-engined D200 offers plenty of punch for high-mileage drivers, while the D300 is even more powerful.
While your rear-seat passengers are unlikely to complain about head room, even if you opt for a panoramic roof, they might have some reservations around leg room, which is tighter than you'll find in an Audi Q8 or BMW X6.
"It's a shame that as you poke around the Range Rover Velar, it's all too easy to find some flimsy plastics and larger panel gaps. It's not what I'd expect for a car in this price bracket." – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor
Read our full Range Rover Velar review
Strengths
- Spacious interior
- Fantastic build quality
- Strong range of engines
Weaknesses
- Pricey to buy
- Lack of physical buttons for infotainment system
- Iffy reliability and average warranty
If electric power isn't for you, and you're after a coupé-SUV look and are shopping with a hefty budget, then the classy, spacious and refined Q8 is seriously worth considering. Your engine choices are limited to either a punchy 282bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel, or a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 355bhp. The latter feels fantastically quick, and can propel you up to 62mph in 5.9sec. If you want more speed, then there's also the Audi SQ8 and RS Q8 to consider, but those both cost substantially more.
The dual-screen infotainment setup of the Q8 takes some getting used to, not least because you have to look away from the road to change any of its settings, but at least it looks swish and comes with all of the features you might expect. We prefer the physical controller of the BMW X6, though. Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster works well, and is highly configurable.
Unlike some of the other cars on this list, you get a great view out of the Q8 no matter where you're looking. Even seeing out of the sloped rear end is a doddle, and it's made even easier by the stanfard-fit rear-view camera and all-round parking sensors.
"If, like me, you don't like packing light for a road trip, then you'll be pleased to know that we managed to fit eight carry-on suitcases inside the Q8's boot – more than in the BMW X6." – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor
Read our full Audi Q8 review
Strengths
- Soft, comfortable ride
- Cheaper than many alternatives
- Hushed at motorway speeds
Weaknesses
- Battery range is underwhelming
- Not as roomy as some rivals
- Functional interior isn’t as classy as in rivals
Not only does the e-C4 cost substantially less than most of the other cars on this list, but even when viewed against key electric car rivals such as the Peugeot e-2008 and Volkswagen ID 3, it represents something of a bargan. It's not like you're going to be able to see the cost-savings from behind the wheel, either. The entry-level version has an official range of 218 miles, which is better than a similarly equipped Mini Aceman E, and if you go for the bigger battery option, that figure grows to an official 256 miles.
And while the e-C4 isn't quick – even the fastest versions still take 9.2sec to reach 62mph – it is comfortable. The ride is soft enough to iron out all of the small lumps and bumps you're likely to find on the motorway, and while the handling isn't the last word in excitement, it is reassuring and makes the e-C4 an easy car to drive smoothly.
Two adults will find they have more room to stretch out on the rear seats of the e-C4 than they would in the rival Mazda MX-30, but it's worth remembering that both the Kia EV3 and VW ID 3 are better in this regard. Shoulder-room is tight if you want to add a middle passenger to the rear bench, too.
"I'm forever unfurling charging cables for electric cars, so it's useful that the e-C4 has a dedicated storage area under the main boot floor to store them." – George Hill, Used Cars Writer
Read our full Citroën ë-C4 review
Strengths
- Dynamically, it rewrites the fast SUV playbook
- V12 engine will go down in history as one of the greats
- Glacial depreciation
Weaknesses
- Eye-wateringly expensive
- Not as spacious as rivals
- Almost as thirsty as a private jet
The Ferrari of SUVs is all about big numbers – whether you take that to mean its 6.5-litre non-turbocharged V12 petrol engine, its colossal 715bhp, or the fact that you can happily let the rev counter stray beyond 8000rpm before needing to change gear. The result is incredibly fast as you'd expect, but what you might not expect is how agile and lively the Purosangue feels. Whether thanks to the rear-biased four-wheel drive system, or the rear-wheel steering, or any number of the myriad other systems at play, this huge SUV feels very un-SUV like to drive.
You sit low down inside the Pursosangue, making you feel like you're in a proper old-school grand tourer. It's spacious in the front for the driver and passenger, but rear-seat passengers get a worse deal, because their seats don't get much padding and you're forced to sit in quite an upright position. There's not an abundance of room in the boot, either, because we managed to fit just five carry-on suitcases inside.
You'll need very deep pockets to even consider buying a Purosangue, and even deeper reserves to run it, with our varied test route returning just 13mph. But as a statement, very few cars in any class get close to the Ferrari.
"I barely touched the stereo in the Purosangue, because I was too busy enjoying the soulful and evocative sound from its V12 engine – it's a simply addictive sound." – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our full Ferrari Purosangue review
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And the coupé-SUV to avoid...
It's well equipped and relatively spacious, but this electric SUV is only disappointing to drive and its build quality is so-so Read our review
How to choose the best coupé SUV
If you’re considering a coupé SUV, you’re likely to have some fairly demanding requirements. Dashing looks and sparkling performance will probably be at the top of your wish list, but close behind them will be enough practicality to cope well with a family and all their luggage.
We explain the key factors to consider to help you find the perfect coupé SUV.
Style or substance - which is more important?
If you aim to tackle pan-European drives fairly often, you’ll be best off with a big-engined coupé SUV that has enough high-speed prowess to eat up motorway miles with ease. However, if most of your driving involves short hops on urban or rural roads, you may be happier with a model that has strikingly sporty styling combined with a less powerful, and potentially more frugal, engine.
It’s important to be honest with yourself here, because the sleeker styling of a coupé SUV may lure you to a faster, larger model or one that’s more costly to run than you might otherwise choose.
And don’t forget you can choose from petrol, diesel and electric models, as well as mild, full and plug-in hybrid models – and each of these has their own advantages and disadvantages depending on how and where you’ll use your car.
Will a sporty SUV be uncomfortable?
Whatever type of driving you do, it’s also worth considering what type of ride will suit you best. Some of the most overtly sporty coupé SUVs have masses of grip that can also result in an unforgiving ride that may be too uncomfortable to live with every day. We advise taking a test drive in a potential purchase to see how well it deals with potholes and other road imperfections.
If you can afford it, a model with a good adjustable, adaptive suspension system will give you the best of both worlds: grippy handling and a forgiving ride. It’s also worth thinking about tyre size, because some of the widest, low-profile tyres can also result in a harsh ride because they transmit more bumps and vibrations into the car.
Consider how much room you need
Coupé SUVs come in many different sizes, and picking the right one will depend on who and what, you usually travel with. If you only transport one passenger and a minimal amount of luggage, your options will be broad.
If you have golf clubs, or a large dog, a larger boot will be important. Similarly, if you have growing children, you may need to consider how much leg and head room there is in the back so they don’t feel cramped and can travel in comfort. That’s particularly important with coupé SUVs, because the nature of them means they usually have a sloping roofline in the interest of delivering sleeker looks.
The importance of creature comforts
A well-appointed interior is something many coupé SUV buyers value: according to our research, it was an important factor for 74% of those polled in a recent What Car? survey.
Soft-touch materials are important, especially on all the parts of the car you interact with regularly, so it’s worth checking out the spec of a coupé SUV before you buy, and if possible sitting in an example of the trim level you’re considering.
Equipment and features that take the strain out of driving and minimise distraction are important, too. So consider if you’d like a head-up display that projects useful information onto the windscreen above the dash, and how easy it is to alter frequently used controls, such as those for the air con or radio. As many coupé SUVs are priced as slightly more upmarket versions of their more boxy brethren, you can expect many of these features as standard or on the options list.
How much should you pay for a coupé SUV?
Just because you want a coupé SUV doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. While some models will leave you with very little change out of £70,000, there are also some appealing models that cost less than £25,000.
So, as with all car purchases, work out your overall and monthly budget in advance, so you know which models will be within your remit.
Many coupé SUVs are sportier-looking versions of standard SUVs, with more sloping rooflines and sleeker looks, and they tend to be pricier than their more straight-laced siblings. So check out the price of both versions of any model you’re considering, because you may be better off sticking with the standard version and saving money.
Should I buy a coupé SUV?
Buy one if:
- You want a car that has sportier looks than a standard SUV
- Sporty handling and performance are important
- You still want some of the practicality of an SUV
Don’t buy one if:
- You regularly transport four or five adults, large pets or bulky items
- You aren’t bothered by exterior looks
- You want the most affordable version of a model
How we choose the best coupé SUVs
We’ve tested every coupé SUV on the market and through our rigorous testing and continual reassessment, this is the definitive list of the top 10 coupé SUVs you can buy.
While coupé SUVs are often bought for their driving prowess, there are countless other areas of consideration. We consider them all, but using data from the 20,000-plus car owners who respond to our annual reader survey, we’re able to focus our attention on the areas of most importance to buyers of coupé SUVs. These are:
We use a dedicated test track to put every coupé SUV through its paces, checking the 0-62mph time, top speed and in-gear speeds to make sure they match the figures their maker claims. We also assess what the engine feels like, how noisy it is, and how it works with the car’s gearbox.
We test every coupé SUVs that comes our way on a handling circuit, assessing how much grip they have, how they handle on dry and wet roads and how easy they are to control. We compare each coupe SUV with its rivals to see which one offers the most eager and pleasing all-round handling.
Coupé SUVs sell on the strength of their looks, so the interior also needs to look and feel smart. We look at the quality and mix of materials, and assess how they feel to the touch – especially areas you’ll most commonly touch. But while we test for that perceived quality, we also check that everything feels built to last and will mark down any models with flimsy-feeling features or scratchy hard plastics; soft-touch alternatives and leather, whether genuine or artificial, are almost always preferable.
Of course, our testing doesn’t end there. In fact, it covers hundreds of assessments in dozens of different areas. You can read more about this in our how we test cars feature.
FAQs
Coupé SUVs aim to mix the practicality and go-anywhere ability of an SUV with the sleek lines of a coupé. They are characterised by having a more swept-back design than regular SUVs, with a tapering roofline towards the rear and, therefore, slightly less head room for rear passengers than a regular SUV. Typical examples of the class include the BMW X6, which arguably set the formula for coupé SUVs, as well as the Porsche Cayenne Coupé and Range Rover Velar.
No modern coupé SUV is sold with two doors rather than the standard four, because while this might look better to some – and would more be in fitting with the sleek lines of a coupé – coupé SUVs need to balance looks with practicality. Most cars in this market, therefore, retain the standard four-door layout which you'd expect to find on a typical SUV, since this makes getting in and out easier.
Helpfully, Mercedes adds the coupé suffix to the SUVs it makes in this market, which makes categorising them very easy. The smallest model Mercedes makes is the GLC Coupé which, as you might guess, is based on the regular Mercedes GLC SUV. Then there's the GLE Coupé, which is based on the Mercedes GLE SUV. There's currently no coupé SUV based on Mercedes' largest SUV, the GLS, but the GLC Coupé and GLE Coupé both carry ratings of three stars.
Like most car makers, Audi has been busy launching SUVs to suit every taste, style and budget, and that includes coupé SUVs. The Audi Q3 Sportback is the brand's smallest coupé SUV model, and above that sits the Audi Q5 Sportback. The largest coupé SUV Audi makes is the the Q8, which is the only such model from Audi to be offered with both combustion engines and as a fully electric SUV.
