Best SUVs 2024

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 come with seven seats and, unusually, they can all 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, while all are four-wheel drive and come with an automatic gearbox. And sure, 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 significantly 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 certainly 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 manages to squeeze 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 looking for a luxurious 7-seater SUV that's getting affordable as a used buy, the Audi Q7 should be on your shortlist. It's simply huge, meaning there's a massive amount of space for all three rows of passengers, as well as a big boot. It's certainly one of the best large SUVs you can buy, and because it's been around for so long, there are some great deals to be had. 

Audi's attention to detail is impeccable, with lots of neat touches and superb finishes everywhere you look. And it's very comfortable, the kind of car, in fact, that could transport you across continents and leave you feeling as fresh as the moment you set off.

A big car needs a big engine. Our pick of the bunch is the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, which is available with two power outputs: 231PS or 286PS (badged 45 TDI and 50 TDI, respectively). Both are plenty punchy enough for most drivers, although there's also the SQ7 range-topper with its thunderous 4.0-litre diesel V8 engine (later switched to an equally thunderous twin-turbo petrol V8). 

Or, if you cover a lot of town driving, look for the TFSIe badge. This means it's a plug-in hybrid pairing a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor. The only downside with that one is you can only have it as a five-seater, which is a shame. 

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 over 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. But different isn't necessarily a bad thing: it 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's excellent 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 some extra 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 that 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, once that becomes 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 always been a watchword for sensible family motoring, the original version providing all the space, practicality, versatility, quality, equipment, comfort, refinement and safety that a family could need. The latest second-generation version, released in 2024, takes all those qualities and builds on them, with more space, more equipment and driver assistance, and more tech all round.

The cabin - which can be specified with either five- or seven seats - is roomier than before, meaning even more 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.

Need a premium SUV and don't mind spending big to have the very latest thing? You'll want the new Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The GLC looks and feels more modern than the older Audi Q5 and BMW X3, and you'll certainly notice this in the cabin, with a sleek, elegant look and high-tech infotainment. The cleverness of the Merc's systems beats just about any SUV out there. 

But it's not all about screens and gadgets, though, because the new GLC is surprisingly practical, with a big boot and plenty of rear-seat space. You also get a relaxing, refined driving experience, particularly with the impressive plug-in hybrid models that offer up to 80 miles of pure-electric range. You really could do the majority of your journeys without ever waking up the engine. 

Of course, the hybrids aren't cheap, but there are strong petrol and diesel options offering better outright value. You're still looking at well over £50k for the base model, though.

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 what is 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 577-litre boot. There are plenty of neat storage solutions, too.

Combine that with a high quality interior, a sharp and fast infotainment system and 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. 

The Ford Puma is proof that an SUV doesn't need to be an enormous hulking great thing to offer impressive practicality. It's based on the now-defunct Ford Fiesta supermini, and yet there's enough space inside for four adults to travel comfortably, and five can squeeze in for short hops. It's the boot that's the really clever bit, though, because it's large for the class at 456 litres, 80 litres of which is accounted for by the excitingly named 'Megabox'. This is a deep plastic-lined well with a drain plug at the bottom that sits underneath a false boot floor. It's great for carrying muddy boots on the way home from a countryside walk, or if you're camping, you can fill it with ice and keep your drinks cold.

Better than all that, though, is that the Puma is sensational to drive, blending a comfortable ride with darty, agile handling. The steering is feelsome and accurate, too, while all the other controls are precise and engaging. A range of engines is offered, and if you go for the high-performance ST version, you combine the Puma's SUV versatility with hot-hatch pace.