Best family SUVs 2025: 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 fuel-sipping hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are available, we’d stick with the cheaper mild hybrid petrol engine, which combines lively performance with reasonable 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

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 second 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

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

It won't surprise you to learn that since the Tesla Model Y is, in effect, a jacked-up version of the big-selling Tesla Model 3, it keeps many of the same virtues as that car.

Chief among those is how far it can go between charges. Even entry-level RWD models can officially take you up to 311 miles, while the Long Range model ups that figure to 387 miles – which be more than enough for the weekly needs of most families. They're quick, too, with the RWD model dispatching the 0-60mph sprint in less time than the cheapest Kia EV6 could manage.

While the BYD Sealion 7 or VW ID Buzz offer more space for rear-seat passengers, a couple of six-footers won't field any complaints from the rear bench of the Model Y. They won't need to pack light, either, because the Model Y has a large boot by class standards. Indeed, we managed to split nine carry-on suitcases between the regular boot and the small 'frunk' under the bonnet.

"I like the Model Y both for the way it looks and the way it drives, but I especially like it because, as with all Teslas, it gives you preferential access to the brand's ultra-fast and ultra-reliable Supercharger network." – Dan Jones, Reviewer

Read our full Tesla Model Y 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

The Audi Q5 is a stalwart of the family SUV class because it blends sportiness and usability with the upmarket look and feel many buyers seek. While there’s no electric version – you’ll need the slightly smaller Q4 e-tron for that – there is a comprehensive range comprising petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid models. That’s in addition to the high-performance SQ5 and Q5 Sportback coupé SUV, which we’ve covered separately.

The best choice for company car drivers is the plug-in hybrid model, but for all round ability (whisper it quietly), the diesel, badged TDI quattro 204, is our top pick. It feels strong and smooth, and makes for an excellent tow car, too. Ride quality is good, but depends on the trim you choose.

S Line trim is our favourite because it has superb and supportive seats, sliding rear seats and tinted rear windows – plus the sporty look that’s so popular with premium SUVs. 

Space in the rear is a step behind the Mazda CX-60, but there’s a decent amount of storage. The boot is great; we were able to squeeze nine carry-on suitcases inside, although plug-in hybrids’ boots are smaller.

"I found the Q5 to look a little austere inside, but there's no faulting its build quality and the solid yet tactile materials. These are first-rate." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Read our full Audi Q5 review

Want to mix your practical family SUV with a sprinkling of sports car fun? The Porsche Macan Electric is a great place to start. 

Our recommended version might be the entry-level choice, but it can still rocket you to motorway speeds in a deceptively quick time, thanks to its 356bhp motor which drives the rear wheels. Incidentally, if you want four-wheel drive, then the Macan 4, 4S and Turbo all have a second motor.

'Genuinely astounding' is how we described this electric Macan as it weaved along a country road, because its body movements are remarkably well controlled for such a heavy car. Its handling is both agile and engaging, too, so you're likely to complete your countryside B-road blast grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Your family will likely be smiling, too, because they'll have a decent amount of space to stretch out in. The rival Kia EV6 GT is roomier still, but a couple of six-footers will be perfectly fine. Just be warned that, unlike some electric SUV rivals, the Macan Electric's rear seats don't recline or slide.

"I love in-car tech, so I was delighted to have a play around with the Macan Electric's three-screen infotainment setup. As well as a digital driver's display and infotainment screen, you can get a third 10.9in screen for the front passenger to use." – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor

Read our full Porsche Macan Electric review

The latest BMW X3 is the driver's choice among the cars here, offering punchy performance and agile handling no matter which version you go for. It's the xDrive20 mild-hybrid petrol which we'd steer you towards, though. With 205bhp, it's not short on grunt, and can hit 60mph in about the same time as a Lexus NX350h, which is a full hybrid.

Then there's the way the X3 tackles corners, offering the kind of tight body control which you don't always find in cars of this size. And yes, the X3 is a sizeable car, with room for a couple of tall adults to lounge in its rear seats, and enough room for eight carry-on suitcases in its boot – that's the same amount you can fit inside a Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Elsewhere, the X3 sets the standard for infotainment, thanks to the swish graphics of its iDrive system, and the fact that you can control it with a rotary dial, as well as using your fingers or voice.

"Just because we recommend petrol power in the X3, don't think you'll need to spend a lot of time at the pumps. I managed to get 37.9mpg without trying too hard, helped by the car's mild-hybrid assistance." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Read our full BMW X3 review

The Mercedes GLC is a strong performer in the family SUV class but it’s the plug-in hybrid version, badged 300e, which is particularly impressive, especially for those with short commutes to school or work, or for company car drivers.

That’s because it combines low company car tax bills with the promise of being able to travel around 80 miles on electric power alone – that’s further than pretty much any other plug-in hybrid on the market.

Away from the pragmatic, the GLC has a spacious and eye-catching interior with loads of on-board tech that's a big step up from the tough-but-dull look of some family-focused models. Our favourite AMG Line Premium car even includes special glass that insulates you from heat and noise – a welcome feature if you have a young family and do lots of long journeys.

We were able to fit six carry-on suitcases into the PHEV 300e, which has a slightly smaller boot than regular petrol-powered models. But there’s more outright space than you’ll find in the Audi Q5 or BMW X3.

"The GLC trades some agility for impressive stability, and I like that its suspension is softer than rivals such as the Lexus NX to deliver a comfy ride. It's quiet at motorway cruising speeds, too." – George Hill, Used Cars Writer

Read our full Mercedes GLC review