Family life in the UK often means school runs, weekend trips and long motorway journeys – all with kids, bags, bikes and sometimes the dog on board. That’s why a good family SUV needs to be practical, safe and comfortable, not just stylish.

In this guide, we’ve picked some of the best family SUVs in the UK by budget. The aim isn’t to name a single “best” car, but to give you a clear shortlist for every price range – so you can find the SUV that fits your family and your wallet.

What to Look For in a Family SUV

• Space & practicality: Enough rear legroom, wide-opening rear doors and a big, square boot. If you use a pushchair, make sure it fits easily.
• Safety: Look for strong Euro NCAP ratings, lots of airbags and driver-assistance tech like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assist.
• Running costs: Check fuel economy, insurance group and road tax. A slightly cheaper car to buy can be more expensive to run long-term.
• Comfort: Supportive seats, quiet cabin and a smooth ride matter on longer journeys – especially with kids on board.
• Tech & family features: Easy-to-use infotainment, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, plenty of USB ports and ISOFIX mounts on at least two rear seats.

Best Family SUVs Under £10,000 (Used Market)

With a budget of up to £10,000, you’ll mostly be looking at older but proven models. Condition and service history are more important than exact mileage – a well‑maintained SUV is usually the better choice.

• Nissan Qashqai – Often called the UK’s favourite crossover. Comfortable, easy to drive and very practical. Plenty of choice on the used market.
• Kia Sportage (previous generation) – Good value for money with long Kia warranties on newer examples. Spacious cabin and decent boot.
• Hyundai ix35 / Tucson (early models) – Solid all‑rounders with generous equipment levels. Good option if you want lots of kit for less cash.
• Ford Kuga (first generation) – Nice to drive and comfortable on longer trips. Popular with families who want something a bit more fun than a people carrier.

Buyer tips under £10,000:

• Prioritise service history over gadgets or trim level.
• Avoid neglected 4×4 systems – fixing them can be expensive.
• Check for rust, suspension knocks and worn tyres on older cars.

Best Family SUVs Between £10,000 and £20,000

In the £10,000–£20,000 range you’ll find newer cars with better safety tech, lower mileage and more efficient engines. This is a sweet spot for many UK families.

• Skoda Karoq – Huge boot, clever storage solutions and a comfy ride. Perfect if practicality is your top priority.
• SEAT Ateca – Shares a lot with the Karoq but feels a bit sportier to drive. Great if you want something sharp and family‑friendly.
• Nissan X‑Trail – A larger alternative to the Qashqai with the option of seven seats. Ideal for growing families.
• Honda CR‑V – Known for reliability and comfort. Older diesels are popular with high‑mileage drivers, newer petrol‑hybrids are very efficient.

Best Family SUVs Between £20,000 and £35,000

With a budget of £20,000–£35,000, you can look at nearly‑new or ex‑demo cars with lots of technology and very low mileage. Here are some of the strongest options for comfort, quality and safety.

• Volvo XC60 – Excellent safety rating, very comfortable and a classy interior. A top choice for long‑distance family driving.
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Reliable, efficient hybrid power and a big boot. Ideal if you want lower fuel costs without going full electric.
• Kia Sportage (latest generation) – Modern design, high‑quality interior and long warranty. A great all‑round family SUV.
• Hyundai Tucson Hybrid / Plug‑in Hybrid – Striking looks, loads of tech and very low running costs, especially in plug‑in form if you can charge at home.

Best 7‑Seater Family SUVs

If you regularly carry more than five people, a 7‑seater SUV makes life much easier. Look for models where the third row is big enough for teenagers, not just small kids.

• Kia Sorento – Very practical with a genuinely usable third row. High spec levels and a strong reliability record.
• Hyundai Santa Fe – Comfortable, refined and spacious, with lots of standard safety equipment.
• Skoda Kodiaq – Huge boot in 5‑seat mode and still practical with all 7 seats up. Great for big families and holidays.

Best Hybrid and Electric Family SUVs

More UK families are switching to hybrid or electric SUVs to cut fuel bills and emissions. Initial purchase prices can be higher, but running costs are often much lower – especially if you can charge at home.

• Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Spacious, futuristic and very comfortable. One of the best all‑round electric family cars on sale.
• Kia EV6 – Sportier to drive than many rivals but still practical, with a good‑sized boot and long range.
• Nissan Ariya – High‑quality interior and smooth, quiet drive. A good step up if you like the Qashqai but want full electric power.
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (used) – Very popular plug‑in hybrid with 4×4 capability. Great if most trips are short but you want petrol backup for longer journeys.

How to Choose the Right Family SUV for Your Budget

1. Be honest about your mileage
If you mainly drive short city trips, petrol, hybrid or EV usually makes more sense than diesel.

2. Set a total monthly cost
Include finance, insurance, fuel/charging and maintenance – not just the purchase price.

3. Test‑fit your family kit
Take child seats, prams and bags to the viewing. If they don’t fit easily, walk away.

4. Check history and paperwork
A stamped service book and clean MOT history are worth more than a few extra options.

5. Use specialist SUV marketplaces
On sites like SUVTrader.co.uk you only see SUVs – making it quicker to compare like‑for‑like options.

Final Thoughts

The best family SUV in the UK isn’t the flashiest badge or the newest model – it’s the one that fits your daily life, your budget and your long‑term plans. Use this guide as a shortlist, then compare a few options in detail.

When you’re ready to start browsing, head to SUVTrader.co.uk and filter by body type, budget and fuel type to find SUVs that match your family perfectly.