Introduction: The Versatility of Family SUVs
A family SUV is the Swiss Army Knife of the automotive world, designed to tackle every task thrown its way—from daily commutes and school runs to long motorway trips and light off-roading. These vehicles balance practicality, comfort, and style in a relatively compact and affordable package, with powertrain options ranging from petrol and diesel to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric models. With more choices than ever across all budgets, finding the right one can be daunting, which is why our team of expert road testers spent thousands of hours evaluating key factors like performance, practicality, reliability, and running costs. Below is our curated list of the 10 best family SUVs of 2025, plus one model to avoid, along with essential buying advice to help you make an informed decision.
1.Kia Sportage: Best Value All-Rounder
The Kia Sportage stands out as a well-rounded family SUV that delivers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Its smart, user-friendly interior offers generous rear legroom and a large practical boot, with 40/20/40 split-folding seatbacks for flexibility (though the seats don’t slide like some rivals). Lower-spec models like the entry-level Pure trim are particularly compelling, coming standard with 17in alloy wheels, cruise control, and dual-zone climate control—everything most families need. The mild hybrid petrol engine strikes a perfect balance between lively performance and reasonable running costs, while the Sportage is slightly comfier and more refined than its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson. Weaknesses include compromised rear headroom with the panoramic roof option and a slow auto gearbox in non-hybrid versions, but these are minor flaws in an otherwise excellent package. What Car? best price: £26,450 (save up to £3,720); leasing from £272pm.
2.Skoda Elroq: Best Electric Family SUV
For those seeking an electric family SUV, the Skoda Elroq is unmatched, building on the success of the petrol-powered Karoq with electric efficiency and practicality. It fits six carry-on suitcases in its boot (more than the Kia EV3) and offers a more engaging drive than the Renault Scenic, with light steering and a tight turning circle. The range-topping 85 model is our pick, boasting a 282bhp motor (0-62mph in 6.2sec) and a 77kWh battery that delivers an official 360-mile range. Inside, the Elroq is spacious—two six-footers will comfortably fit in the rear even behind a tall driver—and the Edition trim comes well-equipped with adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, and wireless phone charging. Drawbacks include no physical climate controls and an optional (extra-cost) heat pump, but these don’t detract from its status as the best electric family SUV. What Car? best price: £26,499 (save up to £5,891); leasing from £324pm.
3.Renault Scenic: Longest-Range Electric Option
The Renault Scenic is the second electric SUV on our list, offering an impressive official range of 379 miles in Long Range form—one of the longest in its class. In real-world testing, its 3.1 miles/kWh efficiency translates to around 270 miles per charge, more than enough for most family needs. Tuned for comfort over agility, the Scenic’s suspension is softer than the Tesla Model Y and even edges the Kia EV6 for ride quality, with accurate steering that can be adjusted via Sport mode. It’s also cheaper than many rivals, with entry-level Techno trim including 19in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and adaptive cruise control. While rear-seat versatility is limited (no sliding bench) and the brake pedal feels spongy, its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and affordability make it a top choice for eco-conscious families. What Car? best price: £33,995; leasing from £305pm.
4.Volvo XC40: Safest Compact SUV
The Volvo XC40 embodies the brand’s reputation for safety, practicality, and style, packaged in a compact size ideal for urban environments. This former What Car? Car of the Year comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features—including automatic emergency braking (AEB) that detects cars, cyclists, pedestrians, and animals—earning it a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The entry-level B3 2.0-litre petrol engine is our recommendation, offering sufficient power and mild hybrid technology to lower fuel bills, paired with a smooth automatic gearbox (manual is no longer available). The interior is stylish and high-quality, with Plus trim adding heated front/rear seats and ambient lighting. While it lacks rear-seat flexibility and has a relatively small infotainment screen, its comfortable ride, low depreciation, and strong PCP deals make it a reliable choice for families. What Car? best price: £35,840 (save up to £1,000); leasing from £322pm.
5.Tesla Model Y: Best for Charging & Performance
As a jacked-up version of the best-selling Model 3, the Tesla Model Y retains its sibling’s strengths: long range, rapid acceleration, and access to Tesla’s industry-leading Supercharger network. Entry-level RWD models offer an official 311-mile range, while the Long Range variant extends that to 387 miles—perfect for family road trips. It’s quick too, with the RWD model outpacing the cheapest Kia EV6 in 0-60mph sprints. Practicality is strong, with a large boot and a front “frunk” (froot) that together fit nine carry-on suitcases, though rear-seat space is slightly less than the BYD Sealion 7. Drawbacks include fiddly interior controls, limited visibility, and no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but its charging infrastructure and performance make it a top pick for tech-savvy families. What Car? best price: £46,080; leasing from £471pm.
6.Hyundai Tucson: Most Versatile Powertrain Lineup
The Hyundai Tucson offers a wide range of powertrains—petrol, mild hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid—making it adaptable to diverse needs. The entry-level 1.6-litre petrol engine is our top choice, offering peppy performance with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic (with mild hybrid assistance). A 2024 mid-life refresh improved its ride quality, making it softer than the Kia Sportage, though it’s less agile through corners than the Volkswagen Tiguan. The interior is well-made and user-friendly, with higher-quality materials than the Ford Kuga, and ample space for passengers and luggage (seven carry-on suitcases fit in the plug-in hybrid’s boot, despite battery intrusion). While it’s slightly more expensive than rivals and lacks sliding rear seats, its versatility and reliability make it a solid family option. What Car? best price: £27,548 (save up to £5,532); leasing from £249pm.
7.Audi Q5: Best for Tow Capacity & Premium Feel
The Audi Q5 is a stalwart of the family SUV class, blending sportiness, usability, and an upmarket vibe. It offers a comprehensive powertrain lineup (petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid) plus high-performance SQ5 and Sportback variants, with no electric option (opt for the Q4 e-tron for that). Our top pick is the TDI quattro 204 diesel, which is strong, smooth, and an excellent tow car, with good ride quality (especially with optional air suspension). S Line trim is recommended for its supportive seats, sliding rear seats, and tinted windows, while the boot fits nine carry-on suitcases (though plug-in hybrids have smaller cargo space). Weaknesses include unremarkable interior quality, fiddly touchscreen climate controls, and less rear legroom than the Mazda CX-60, but its overall refinement and practicality justify its premium positioning. What Car? best price: £42,980 (save up to £10,029); leasing from £465pm.
8.Porsche Macan Electric: Best for Driving Fun
For families who want a practical SUV with sports car thrills, the Porsche Macan Electric delivers. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive model packs a 356bhp motor, accelerating to motorway speeds deceptively quickly, while four-wheel-drive variants (Macan 4, 4S, Turbo) add a second motor. Its handling is genuinely astounding for a heavy electric SUV—agile, engaging, and with well-controlled body movements—making country road drives a joy. The interior is of exceptional quality, featuring a three-screen infotainment setup (including an optional 10.9in screen for the front passenger), and rear-seat space is sufficient for two six-footers. However, it’s more expensive than its petrol counterpart, requires pricey options to fully equip, and Porsche’s reliability is a concern. What Car? best price: £59,990; nearly new deals from £62,000.
9.BMW X3: Best Driver-Focused SUV
The BMW X3 is the driver’s choice in this segment, offering punchy performance and agile handling across all variants. Our recommendation is the xDrive20 mild-hybrid petrol engine, which delivers 205bhp and hits 60mph in roughly the same time as the Lexus NX350h hybrid. It excels through corners with tight body control, unusual for a car of its size, while still providing ample space: rear seats comfortably accommodate tall adults, and the boot fits eight carry-on suitcases (matching the Land Rover Discovery Sport). The iDrive infotainment system is top-tier, with swish graphics and multiple control options (rotary dial, touch, voice). Drawbacks include a less user-friendly interior than previous generations, the need for optional extras, and a shorter plug-in hybrid range than rivals, but its driving dynamics set it apart. What Car? best price: £47,495 (save up to £12,875); leasing from £604pm.
10.Mercedes GLC: Best Plug-In Hybrid SUV
The Mercedes GLC stands out for its impressive plug-in hybrid variant (300e), which offers an official 80-mile electric range—far more than most PHEVs on the market—making it ideal for short commutes and company car drivers (thanks to low tax bills). The interior is spacious and eye-catching, with loads of on-board tech, and AMG Line Premium trim includes noise and heat-insulating glass—perfect for long family journeys. The boot fits six carry-on suitcases (slightly less than petrol models due to the battery), but offers more space than the Audi Q5 or BMW X3. While its ride is slightly firmer than rivals, the suspension is softer than the Lexus NX for a comfortable drive, and it’s quiet at motorway speeds. Petrol engines require hard work, and the interior doesn’t feel as sturdy as some competitors, but its PHEV range and luxury make it a top choice. What Car? best price: £49,375 (save up to £6,000); nearly new deals from £48,480.
