the best family SUVs for 2021

the best family SUVs for 2021

FREE Car History Check

See MOT history, valuations, detailed specs and more… AND upgrade to see if any vehicle has been stolen, has finance or has been written off from just £3.99

Search

For busy families an SUV can be like a second home. From every day school runs to road trips away, your SUV is a melting pot of different uses and it can be a vital part of family life. If you are looking to upgrade or change your car this year, we’ve got the lowdown on the best family SUVs by function and price.

Which is the best SUV to buy in the UK?

The SUV market is huge, with almost every car manufacturer branching out with their own SUV model, so the choices are endless. There are a few basic categories to think about - do you opt for something practical like the SEAT Tarraco, or are you in the market for a more luxurious SUV like the Jaguar I-Pace?

Some of the highest rated SUVs for the coming year include the Nissan Juke, which has been upgraded from the original Juke with a larger rear seat bonus. The smart interior has tons of gadgets like climate control, keyless start, and a strong 1.0 litre engine.

Infotainment systems can be important for many SUV drivers - whether it’s for keeping the kids entertained on long rides, or making solo journeys more exciting - and the Audi Q2 has it in spades. Whilst it’s relatively small compared with some of Audi’s other SUVs, it’s also cheaper and you get a lot of bang for your buck. Not only is it known to depreciate slowly, making resale a possibility later down the line, it’s got a fantastic dashboard layout and infotainment system, giving drivers a comfortable and intuitive drive.

What is the best used SUV to buy under £10,000?

If you are looking to buy a used SUV on budget, there are quite a few options. For example, the Mazda CX-5 can come in at around £9000 depending on spec and is a spacious and reliable, well-equipped, and reliable option. Similarly, the Dacia Duster offers a comfortable drive which won’t cost the earth to run. It has got a large boot, perfect for road trips with the family, and has a robust design that will stand the test of time.

One of the best-sellers of 2016 was the Renault Captur, which has had a 2018 upgrade that you can now pick up for less than £10,000. It’s been restyled to offer better aesthetics and is a seriously practical choice if you’re happy to go without the bells and whistles.

Of course, the Nissan Qashqai is known as the flagship SUV of this type, hailing the way for a whole host of similar iterations. To this day, it’s a good option for buyers looking for something under £10k that gives them everything they need from an SUV. With a sturdy aesthetic and a well-equipped interior, it could be an attractive option for buyers on a budget.

What’s the best SUV for under £20,000?

If you have a bit more to spend, the Peugeot 3008 has curbside appeal as well as some premium features that make it feel a little more luxurious than some other SUVs. Coming in at around £17,000, it’s safe and practical with an efficient engine of either 1.2 or 1.6 litre.

Another choice for those looking for a premium feel is the BMW X1. It was launched in 2015 to wide acclaim, with reviewers praising not just how it drives, but the look and finish of the car as a whole. There are a few choices when it comes to the X1, including petrol, diesel, or hybrid engines, or a 4x4. You’ll be able to pick up a good quality, low mileage model for around £15,000.

We also recommend looking at the Kia Sportage because of its space, comfort, practicality, and great handling. Although the latest model came out in 2016, the Sportage sees continuing popularity, and used models can be excellent value for money.

What’s the best SUV for a family of 5?

Many families choose SUVs for their space and safety. If you’re looking for a new vehicle to ferry your children around, as well as enjoying the drive yourself, we’d recommend the Toyota C-HR oozes cool, but moreover offers safety, space, and a hybrid engine for eco-friendly and efficient journeys with the whole family. It’s got a sporty aesthetic with more space than the tapered design would have you believe.

If you’re looking for a used SUV that can offer you the safety and comfort your family needs, the Dacia Duster is great value for money and comes with all the mod cons. It’s rugged enough to handle even the wildest family trips, and has enough boot space for road trips and holidays. You can probably pick up a brand new Dacia Duster for the same price as some used SUV models so it is worth looking into if you have a smaller budget but still want all the plus points of an SUV.

What is the most reliable used SUV?

As SUVs can often be used as family cars, reliability is a key factor for many potential buyers. The Auto Express Driver Power Survey 2021 interviewed SUV owners asking them to rate them across the board for different categories, including reliability. According to the survey, the SUV that comes out on top is the Volvo XC40. You get a lot for your money, with a stylish look and feel and plenty of boot space, and there is the added bonus of knowing that it is the highest rated for reliability in the survey.

Choosing the right SUV for your family, whether used or new, is down to a few factors, including price, practicality, and style. There are lots of used options available that can be just as suitable as a brand new car, but we recommend getting a history check before you buy. If you want to discover everything about a used car before you part with your cash, type the reg into the search box and get started.

Car History Check

car history check

Search
Never buy a used car without checking the vehicle's history first. Start your journey to being car confident by entering any UK vehicle reg number.
Free checks won't tell you if it's stolen! Every month, an average of 2,554 miss out as they don't upgrade.
data analysis from 28th Dec '23 to 28th Mar '24