Best SUVs in 2025

The Kia Sorento has changed markedly over the four generations it's been on sale. Where once it was a cheap but plain workhorse, it's now a seriously appealing all-rounder. We reckon the latest model is one of the best SUVs you can buy today, especially if you need a lot of space. All models are seven-seaters and, unusually, each seat can comfortably carry an adult.

On the face of it, the Sorento is significantly more expensive than competitors like the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008. That's because all Kia Sorento models are powered by punchy hybrid or diesel engines, and all come with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. Yes, a Land Rover Discovery Sport might appeal due to its premium badge and lifestyle image, but the Sorento is significantly bigger and more practical. Not to mention much more reliable.

Really, the Sorento straddles both mainstream and premium SUV sectors because of the design, quality and technology on display. If you want a seriously luxurious Sorento, look for a top-spec '4' model. This is lavishly equipped with ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof and window blinds for the second row.

The BMW iX is the perfect example of how not to judge a book by its cover. Certainly its, erm, distinctive design won't be to all tastes, but it'll get you noticed in a sea of cookie-cutter SUV designs out there. 

But its best qualities lie beneath the bodywork. Like all of BMW's X models, it's an SUV that makes you feel good every time you drive it, with a brilliant all-round driving experience. Cheaper models like the BMW X3 are still great in terms of ride, handling and engines, but the all-electric iX really shows what the brand's engineers can do when everything is pushed to the limit. 

Even the entry-level BMW iX xDrive40 is pretty sprightly to drive, but you'll want the xDrive 50 model, which comes with more power and a bigger battery. The range is up to a seriously impressive 380 miles, and it'll do 0-62mph in a sports car-baiting 4.6 seconds. 

Still not fast enough? The BMW iX M60 has a whopping 619PS and will do 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. All are comfortable, smooth, and yet more agile than you might think.

Designed from the get-go as an electric car, the BMW iX is cleverly packaged and squeezes a huge amount of space into its (admittedly large) body. You also get the latest generation of BMW's excellent iDrive infotainment, a really luxurious interior design and top-notch build quality. All that comes at a hefty price, though.

If you’re after a big electric SUV, the Kia EV9 is one of the best available. With space for up to seven, a fancy modern interior and striking external styling, there’s plenty to like.

It’s not the cheapest seven-seater EV around, but you get a ton of kit included, even on the base model. It’s spacious, comfortable and has enough storage (and USB ports) to keep everyone happy. 

On the entry-level Air trim, you get a raft of driving assistance, heated- and ventilated front seats and outer second-row seats, plus support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Audi and Mercedes can’t match that with their base-spec big electric SUVs.

While there’s no denying the size of the EV9, from inside the cabin you’ll be less aware of the scale. It’s quiet and comfortable, and the ride is smooth - verging on premium - while the steering is light enough to easily manoeuvre the car through town. 

Plus, with a quoted range of more than 300 miles (and over 340 for the ‘Air’ trim), it'll get you a fair way across the country before you need to consider a charging stop.

If you're in the market for an SUV that can take you across the Serengeti, look no further than the Land Rover Defender. The latest model, on sale since 2020, is very different from the long-selling original model. The latest Defender retains some of the original's character, but is brought thoroughly up to date in every way. Oh, and if you really want to go off road, no other SUV featured here will keep up with a Defender when the going gets tough. It's simply the best SUV for going off-road.

The brilliant thing with the new Defender is that, while the old one was fantastic off-road and terrible on it, the new car is excellent in both environments. There are superb levels of comfort and refinement, and while it doesn't exactly have sports car-like responses, the handling is stable and assured. The engine range offers something for everyone, too. 

Land Rover initially launched the Defender with four-cylinder diesel and four- or six-cylinder turbo petrol engines. We'd recommend the later 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesels for their smoothness and swift performance, while a bonkers 525PS V8 petrol motor is sure to win Top Trumps competitions. There's also a plug-in hybrid model with an electric range of up to 27 miles.

You'll pay strong money for a Defender but residual values are good, so you'll also get a decent chunk of it back at resale time. You can buy short- and long-wheelbase models, badged the 90 and 110, respectively, plus another version called the 130 with longer bodywork on the rear end and up to eight seats. We'd opt for the 110: it's a lot more practical than the 90 (even if there is an appeal to the pint-size Defender) but not as cumbersome as the 130.

Traditionally famous for its estate cars, Volvo has become more renowned for its SUV offerings in recent years, and particularly - since the launch of the brilliant first-generation XC90 in 2002 - big seven-seater ones. The new Volvo EX90 takes that theme and brings in right up to date for the impending all-electric age.

Now, there's no avoiding the fact the EX90 is an expensive car, and that's not helped by the fact that, to begin with, it's only available in range-topping trim levels that are absolutely stuffed with tech, and with Twin Motor all-electric drivetrains with huge amounts of power and pace. That does also mean, however, that the EX90 is quite a thing to behold.

The hugely spacious and plushly trimmed seven-seater cabin has just about every gadget you can think of for ultimate luxury, and the cool Scandi design perfectly compliments the car's chic exterior style. The two powertrains on offer deliver either 408PS or 517PS, so the EX90 is very quick for such a huge car, while you also get a smooth ride and surprisingly agile handling. What's more, the EX90 is packing all the technology necessary for it to be able to drive itself, should that become legal.

The EX90 is not just a hugely impressive flagship for the Swedish company, it's also a hugely tempting family car for the eco-conscious and well-heeled.

The Skoda Kodiaq has long been a watchword for sensible family motoring, with the original Kodiaq providing all the space, practicality, versatility, quality, equipment, comfort, refinement and safety that a family could need. The new, second-generation version, released in 2024, takes all those qualities and builds on them, with more space, equipment and driver assistance, and more tech all round.

The cabin - which can be specified with either five- or seven seats - is even roomier than before, meaning greater space to stretch out, while the quality on show has also improved markedly. The large central infotainment screen and digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel also lend things a high-tech feel, and it's all refreshingly easy to use. What's more, Skoda's trademark 'Simply Clever' features - little touches designed to make everyday life that little bit easier - are present and correct.

There's a wide range of engines on offer, meaning most people should find something to suit them, and all trim levels come with a very decent slice of standard equipment. And, while the Kodiaq is a wee bit more expensive than it was, it still feels like very good value for money.

Few cars nail it right from day one, but the Ford Puma is a shining example of this. From the moment it arrived, this compact SUV seemed to be all things to all drivers, unless you're after a berm-bashing off-roader.

The looks pay tribute, just about, to the 1990s coupé that loaned its name to the SUV, while the driving manners are definitely out of the sporty play book. Nimble handling, accurate steering, and just loads of fun mark out the Puma from all of its rivals. The ST version adds even more fun factor.

You can also have the Puma as a pure EV nowadays, so it has all bases covered depending on your driving needs. You'll also find it roomy inside, well made and equipped, and the boot has a hidden secret under the usual floor in the shape of a massive waterproof box that's perfect for storing the kids' wellies or your soggy trainers after a walk.

Just like its predecessors, the new Dacia Duster represents excellent value for money and is very practical, but unlike its forebears, it's actually quite desirable beyond these elements. It's a car you might be drawn to simply by its looks, with the third-generation model taking on a more rugged look complemented by smart daytime running lights and the use of the innovative 'Starkle' recycled plastic.

The cabin is more stylish than before, too, and has a good helping of tech from the extensive parts bin of its parent company, Renault Group. Meanwhile, wipe-clean surfaces mean the Duster is well up for the rigours of family life. 

It's not quite as nice to drive on the road as some rivals, but it's better than most when straying away from the asphalt, dealing surprisingly well with rough terrain. There is a hybrid version and even one powered by LPG, but the pick of the bunch is the 1.2-litre TCe 130 petrol. 

As undeniably competent as the old Hyundai Tucson was, with the best will in the world, you wouldn't call it interesting. Hyundai obviously decided it wanted to make a scene with the latest version, which has arguably the most distinctive design in the class. 

Love it or hate it, in the ever growing sea of mid-size SUVs on the road, the Hyundai Tucson definitely stands out. What's more, there's plenty of substance as the Tucson is more spacious than most of its rivals, with loads of head- and legroom for passengers, and a big 620-litre boot, or 577-litres with the hybrid models. There are plenty of neat storage solutions, too.

Combine that with a high quality interior, a sharp and fast infotainment system, a comprehensive choice of petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine options, and it's clear to see that Hyundai didn't skimp on development costs. It's even good to drive: not fun exactly, but stable, refined and smooth. 

It's simply impossible to argue with how much the latest MG HS gives you in return for so little cash. The prices you pay are exceptionally affordable, even for the top-spec, fully tooled-up versions that are brimming with luxury equipment, and despite the low prices, you're getting a large and roomy family SUV that looks great and is genuinely pleasant for you and your family to be in. 

Corners haven't been cut on quality, either, with nice materials and a good standard of fit and finish, and while it's not the most exciting car you'll ever drive, it is utterly convincing and - more importantly for most families - comfortable enough. The choice of powertrains includes pure petrol engines for those on a tight budget, or if you've got more cash to splash, you can go for the desirable plug-in hybrid version that has an impressive all-electric range of 75 miles. All that, and you also get the peace-of-mind of a seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty. No wonder MG has been rocketing up the sales charts in recent years.