The best 4x4s and SUVs in 2016

6 - Suzuki Vitara

Considering its size, the fact that the Suzuki Vitara offers so much space inside is worthy of real praise. This is a seriously practical small SUV, and it's also the cheapest car on this list by some margin. There are four trim levels to choose from, but even the cheapest models come with plenty of kit. The 1.6-litre petrol engine we recommend here is also smooth to drive, and offers eager responses.

Click here to read our full review of the Suzuki Vitara

Price from: £13,999

Our favourite version: Suzuki Vitara 1.6 SZ-T 5dr

5 - Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is our favourite small SUV. There are very few cars which can match its blend of stylish looks, incredible practicality, strong engines and low cost. It's solidly built - in the UK, too - and offers superb refinement from its engines. We recommend in particular the 1.5-litre diesel. You'll have to head relatively high up the spec sheet to get the kind of equipment levels you'll be looking for, but despite this the Qashqai is very easy to recommend.

Click here to read our full review of the Nissan Qashqai

Price from: £18,545

Our favourite version: Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi 110 N-Tec 5dr

4 - Volvo XC90

The latest Volvo XC90 is, quite simply, the safest car on sale in the UK today. In fact, we named it as the winner of our Safety Award at the most recent What Car? Awards. It's loaded with active and passive safety equipment, and still retains the easy practicality and luxurious interior that made the previous XC90 such a hit with families. We'd stick with the entry-level D5 diesel engine and the basic Momentum trim level, because this combination brings out the best of the XC90, while still giving you a well equipped car.

Click here to read our full review of the Volvo XC90

Price from: £46,850

Our favourite version: Volvo XC90 2.0 D5 Momentum 5dr AWD Geartronic

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