Best Large SUVs for Families in the UK: Top Picks for 2025

Large SUVs are a popular choice. They’re ideal for families thanks to their roomy interiors and practical features, but they’re also great for anyone who enjoys sitting high on the road with plenty of confidence behind the wheel.

With so many models available, though, it can be tricky to narrow down your options. Right now, the BMW X7 is one of the top picks, but it’s not the only standout. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best large SUVs, along with one that might not be worth your time.

12 Best Large SUVs

We’ve rounded up some of the best large SUVs for you to explore.

BMW X7

The BMW X7 is the definition of a big, bold, and expensive car. It comfortably fits seven tall adults, and the third row manages to offer plenty of space. Even with all seven seats in use, you’ll still have room for a couple of carry-on bags.

This reliable large SUV has a luxurious interior and quiet ride that makes every trip feel relaxing. It’s not as nimble as other large SUVs; that extra size and premium features add weight — but it’s a worthy trade-off.

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is one of the very best large SUVs in the electric market. It takes care of two major concerns: range and charging speed. With up to 328 miles of range on rear-wheel drive models, the car covers long distances, and it charges faster than most of its competitors.

The interior doesn’t offer seven seats, but with room for four passengers, there’s more than enough space to get comfortable. Plus, the rear seats even recline for a more laid-back ride.

Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq has everything you’d expect in a car from this Czech brand: it’s practical, offers great value, and has a few nice interior touches to make it more enjoyable. You can pick a five- or seven-seater, but the full seven is worth it for the flexibility. With the third row folded, you get a vast boot.

It’s also one of the best large SUVs that offers a diesel engine alongside a petrol with mild hybrid support. Or, you can go for the plug-in hybrid, which gives you up to 62 miles of electric-only driving range.

BMW iX3

Next up is the BMW iX3, a large SUV that really delivers. Unlike the Kia EV6, which was made just for electric driving, the iX3 is based on the regular X3. With a range of 285 miles, the car feels reliable on the road.

As for the interior, the iX3 is well-made, with soft materials in all the right places. BMW’s iDrive system is easy to use, with a rotary controller to make the driving experience simple.

Mercedes GLC

If you’re after a petrol-powered large SUV for work, the Mercedes GLC is a top choice. The GLC 300e, probably the best one in the range, is a plug-in hybrid that has around 80 miles of electric range. Thanks to the standard rear air suspension, the plug-in version handles well.

The interior is a step up in style, with a sleek dashboard and a sharp 11.9-inch infotainment screen.

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX is one of the top plug-in hybrids on the market. With a 45-mile electric-only range, the NX keeps running costs down and stays ahead of rivals like the Audi Q5 or BMW X3 when it comes to tax savings.

This large SUV is also great to drive, and it has a sleek interior full of premium touches and all the features you’d want as standard. Also, NX’s performance is nothing short of remarkable.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe gives off a strong, bold look, featuring sharp lines and H-shaped headlights. This large SUV is surprisingly agile for its size and offers a smooth, quiet drive with plenty of safety tech. The car is not available as a full EV, but the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are powerful and efficient.

With seven seats as standard and a big boot when the rear seats fold, it’s perfect for families. You can also opt for a luxury pack with seven seats and added interior features.

BMW X5

If the BMW X7 feels like overkill but you still want to choose from the best large SUVs, the BMW X5 is the perfect middle ground. It’s a bit more compact and affordable, yet it doesn’t cut corners in terms of luxury or interior comfort. Plus, you can opt for seven seats.

Like the X7 and X3, the X5 comes with the iDrive rotary controller. It’s an easy way to use the 12.3-inch infotainment system without having to mess with the touchscreen.

Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover Sport borrows much of its design from the larger Range Rover. However, it’s still a large SUV with many of the same benefits at a more attractive price.

The interior matches the BMW X5 in quality with a refined, premium feel. However, the infotainment system could use some work. On a more positive note, the Sport is more agile than the full-size Range Rover.

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender has both rugged off-road capability and surprisingly good ride comfort. This car is pretty much in a category of its own. What’s also great is the choice of sizes. The Defender 90 is compact but still roomy enough for a big family, while the 110 and the big 130 offer a huge amount of interior space.

If you need to accommodate extra passengers, the 110 and 130 have seven seats on paper but actually sit up to eight. No other large SUV on this list can do that.

Audi Q7

So far, we’ve seen some of the best large SUVs with seven seats that provide great flexibility without skimping on comfort, and the Audi Q7 is a standout example of just that.

Its interior is almost as comfortable as the pricier BMW X7, but the Q7 feels a bit more agile on the road. A diesel-powered Q7 can make a bit of noise when first started, but the car quietens down quickly. That said, the 55 TFSI petrol engine is the best one in the line-up.

Peugeot 5008

The Peugeot 5008 offers the practicality of an MPV with the stylish appeal of other large SUVs. It all comes at a price that undercuts many competitors like the Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq.

Every 5008 comes with enough seats for a large family. The third row might feel a bit tight, but it’s still comfortable enough for short trips with adults. The performance is modest, but the car delivers plenty of power.

SUV to Avoid

Not every SUV lives up to the hype. So, here’s a quick look at the SUV you might want to think twice about before buying.

SsangYong Rexton

If you’re after a tough off-roader that doubles as a tow car, the SsangYong Rexton is a budget-friendly option. That said, it is by no means the best large SUV, and it’s hard to recommend. If you plan to use it mainly on the road, the car falls short in too many areas, and there are better seven-seat options out there for the price.

How We Tested and Selected

We’ve taken a close look at performance, comfort, and practicality to rank the best large SUV to make it easier to figure out which ones are worth considering. Only the SUVs that excelled in multiple categories earned a spot. There are choices to fit different needs and budgets — so this guide has what you need to make the right call.

If you’re looking for a good deal, Carplus is a great place to explore financing options and compare offers. Find the perfect SUV today!