Looking for the best SUV in the UK for 2025? From affordable
used crossovers to premium 7-seaters and electric SUVs, this full guide explains the top
choices, running costs and what to look for before you buy.

Introduction

SUVs now dominate UK roads – from compact crossovers in city centres to big 7-seaters
pulling caravans on the M5. With so much choice, it’s easy to feel lost.
That’s exactly why we created SUVTrader.co.uk – a marketplace built 100% around SUVs,
for UK buyers and sellers only.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best SUV options in the UK for 2025, split by
category:

• Small & compact SUVs
• Family SUVs
• Budget SUVs for under £10,000
• Hybrid & electric SUVs
• 7-seater & towing champions
  You’ll also find practical tips on insurance, fuel type and what to check before you buy.
  Note: Models mentioned are examples – availability, specs and prices can vary between
  dealers and private sellers. Always check the exact vehicle details on the listing.

How We Chose the SUVs
When we say “best”, we don’t just mean the newest or most expensive.

We looked at:

• Popularity in the UK (what people actually buy)
• Reliability and ownership reviews
• Running costs – fuel, tax, insurance, servicing
• Practicality – boot space, rear legroom, family-friendly features
• Safety – Euro NCAP ratings where available
• Value for money – especially on the used market

1. Best Small & Compact SUVs (City & Everyday Use)

Perfect if you want the higher driving position and practicality of an SUV, but still need
something easy to park and cheap to run.
Typical examples in this class:

• Nissan Qashqai – Often called the UK’s favourite crossover
• Kia Sportage – Long warranty, strong value
• Hyundai Tucson – Good spec for the money
• VW T-Roc / Tiguan – Solid build and refined drive
• Ford Puma – Smaller, but brilliant for city life
  Why choose a compact SUV?
• Better fuel economy than big 4x4s
• Easier to park in tight UK streets and car parks
• Still enough space for a small family
• Often cheaper insurance groups
  Best for:
  First-time SUV buyers, couples, small families, city and town drivers.

2. Best Family SUVs (Space, Comfort & Safety)

If you’ve got kids, car seats, buggies and shopping to move around, you need something that
genuinely works in real life – not just looks good in photos.
Typical family SUV choices:

• Skoda Kodiaq – Huge boot, optional 7 seats
• Hyundai Santa Fe / Kia Sorento – Very practical, often well-equipped
• Toyota RAV4 – Hybrid options and strong reliability reputation
• Volvo XC60 – Premium feel with focus on safety
• Ford Kuga – Popular all-rounder in the UK
  What to look for in a family SUV
• Isofix points on rear seats (and sometimes front passenger)
• Boot space – Buggies & luggage test!
• Sliding / reclining rear seats for flexibility
• Safety tech – lane assist, AEB, blind spot monitoring
• Rear doors that open wide – makes life with car seats far easier
  Best for:
  Growing families who want comfort, space and strong safety ratings.

3. Best Budget SUVs Under £10,000 (Used Market)

You don’t need £30,000 to own an SUV. The UK used market is full of good older SUVs that
still do the job, especially if you focus on condition and service history.
Common budget choices:

• Dacia Duster – One of the cheapest SUVs to buy and run
• Older Nissan Qashqai / Qashqai+2
• Kia Sportage (previous generations)
• Ford Kuga (early models)
• Honda CR-V (older but very durable)
  Budget SUV tips
• Prioritise service history over gadgets
• Check for rust, suspension wear and tyre condition
• Avoid neglected 4×4 systems – repairs can be costly
• Consider slightly higher mileage with good maintenance rather than low-mileage cars with
  poor maintenance history
  Best for:
  Drivers who want SUV practicality at hatchback money, and are prepared to shop carefully.

4. Best Hybrid & Electric SUVs (Future-Proof Choices)

With ULEZ zones expanding and fuel prices unpredictable, many UK buyers are moving to
hybrid or fully electric SUVs.
Popular hybrid & EV SUV options:

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Proven and economical
• Kia Niro / Sportage Hybrid
• Hyundai Tucson Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid
• Volvo XC40 Recharge (electric)
• Tesla Model Y (electric, very popular in the UK)
• MG ZS EV – Often one of the cheapest electric SUVs
  Pros & cons of electrified SUVs
  Pros
• Lower running costs (especially plug-in & full EV)
• Exempt or reduced road tax in some cases (check current rules)
• ULEZ-friendly for many city centres
• Quiet and smooth driving experience
  Cons
• Higher purchase price
• Range and charging network still important considerations
• Battery health matters on used EVs – always check reports where available
  Best for:
  Drivers who mainly do town/city mileage, or regular commuting where a hybrid or EV can
  really save on running costs.

5. Best SUVs for 7 Seats & Towing

Need space for a big family, or for towing a caravan, horsebox or trailer? Not all SUVs are
equal here.
Strong 7-seater / towing SUV examples:

• Land Rover Discovery / Discovery Sport
• Volvo XC90
• Kia Sorento / Hyundai Santa Fe
• Skoda Kodiaq (selected models)
• VW Tiguan Allspace
  What to consider
• Towing capacity (kg) – always check manufacturer figures
• Braked vs unbraked trailer limits
• Engine torque – diesels are often better for heavy towing
• Rear-most seats – are they usable for adults, or just kids?
• Boot space with all 7 seats up
  Best for:
  Large families, caravanners, outdoor lifestyle, and anyone needing serious practicality.

6. How to Choose the Right SUV for YOU

Instead of asking “What is the best SUV?” ask:
“What is the best SUV for my life, my roads and my budget?”

• Mostly city / short trips → Consider small petrol / hybrid SUV
• Mostly motorway / long distance → Comfortable diesel or hybrid SUV
• Regular towing / heavy loads → Larger diesel or plug-in hybrid SUV
• Live in or near a ULEZ / clean air zone → ULEZ-compliant petrol, hybrid or EV
  Step 2 – Set a realistic total budget
  Include:
• Purchase price (or monthly payments)
• Insurance (get quotes before buying)
• Road tax (VED)
• Fuel or electricity costs
• Maintenance & tyres
• Potential warranty / breakdown cover
  Step 3 – Decide what you really need
  Tick the essentials:
• 7 seats
• Big boot
• All-wheel drive (AWD / 4×4)
• Automatic gearbox
• Tow bar / high towing limit
• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Parking sensors / camera
  Then look at SUVs that match your non-negotiables – not the other way round.

1. Why Use SUVTrader.co.uk?

There are big general classified sites in the UK – but they mix hatchbacks, vans, saloons and
everything else. SUVTrader.co.uk is different.

• 100% focused on SUVs – every listing is relevant
• Smart search filters – filter by body type (Compact, Family, Luxury, Off-Road, Pickup), fuel
  type, gearbox, mileage and more
• Reg number lookup – sellers can create listings quickly by entering the registration;
  buyers see accurate vehicle data
• Simple, transparent listings – clear photos, key specs, and no clutter
• Private sellers & dealers in one place – find your next SUV from a trusted UK source
  Whether you’re looking for a cheap first SUV, a premium family 4×4, or your next hybrid or
  electric SUV, SUVTrader is being built to make the process simple, fast and trustworthy.

1. Quick FAQ
   Are SUVs more expensive to insure in the UK?
   Often yes, but not always. Insurance depends on the specific model, insurance group, your
   age, postcode and driving history. Always compare quotes before committing.
   Is a diesel SUV still worth buying in 2025?
   If you tow regularly or do high motorway mileage, a diesel can still make sense. For mostly
   city driving, a petrol, hybrid or EV may be cheaper and more future-proof.
   What mileage is “too high” for a used SUV?
   It depends on the engine and maintenance. A well-looked-after SUV with 100–150k miles
   and full service history can be a better buy than a low-mileage one with poor maintenance.
   Final Thoughts
   The “best SUV in the UK” isn’t a single model – it’s the one that fits:

• your lifestyle
• your mileage
• your budget
• your plans for the next 3–5 years

Use this guide as a starting point, then head to SUVTrader.co.uk to compare real SUVs for
sale from across the UK. Filter by size, fuel type, budget and more – and find