15 Best Used Family SUVs in the UK

A family SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) is a great choice for those prioritising spacious interiors and elevated driving positions. Also, these cars are both practical and have a strong, rugged look. Searching the used SUV market is a smart move to get more for your money, whether you need extra space or a prestigious brand.

We’ve handpicked 15 models for various budgets to help you find the best family SUV in the UK to fit your needs. While you’re at it, make sure to check out the Carplus finance tool to make wise and smart decisions for your next move.

1. Škoda Kodiaq

The Škoda Kodiaq shines as one of the best family SUVs, especially in the seven-seat SUVs category.

The preferred 1.5 TSI 150 petrol engine offers a balance between performance and cost. The 2.0 TDI 150 diesel engine delivers robust power. For towing needs, this family SUV is equipped with the 197hp 2.0 TDI 200 engine. The plug-in hybrid version is coming soon.

The Kodiaq is easy to drive, with excellent visibility and light steering. It has a spacious storage capacity to ensure practicality even with all seven seats occupied.

2. Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is truly one of the best family SUVs thanks to its styling and a full five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests.

Starting with petrol and diesel engines, the diesel B4 offers relaxed driving, and for more power, there’s the petrol B5 with 247hp. These family SUVs also come with plug-in hybrid options — the T6 with 345hp (suitable for company car drivers) and the Pro T8 with 449hp (better for private buyers).

The interior fits three adults in the back with ample shoulder space, and the boot has plenty of storage.

3. Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan meets all the requirements of the best family SUVs. It offers a variety of trim levels and engine options for different styles of family life. There’s a 1.5-litre petrol with 128hp and a potent 316hp 2.0 petrol exclusive to the Tiguan R sports SUV. The 2.0 TDI diesel is also well-suited to the car.

While considered to have compact dimensions in some places, in the UK, it’s a spacious family SUV with ample room for passengers and any cargo. However, the third-row seats in the seven-seat version lack Isofix points.

4. Peugeot 3008

The Peugeot 3008 is a complete package — a stylish, practical, and well-equipped family SUV. You can get one of the 1.5-litre diesel models, 1.2-litre petrol hybrids, or three plug-in hybrid versions. The plug-in hybrid variants include the 180 Hybrid, 225 Hybrid, and 360 Hybrid4, with the latter two offering a 40-mile range on electric power.

The 3008’s boot isn’t the largest among the best family SUVs. But it can easily accommodate a buggy or a couple of large suitcases without any awkward intrusions.

5. Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is silent, pleasant, and fuel-efficient; it well could be the best family SUV with great value for money. The original range included 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre diesels, as well as 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol units. In the more modern SUVs, you can opt for a petrol engine with either 136hp or 154hp. Also, there’s a hybrid Qashqai e-Power version, but it’s more expensive and doesn’t save much on fuel. The wide-opening rear doors make accessing the back seats easy, ideal for installing child seats.

6. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage offers ample space in both the front and rear, a spacious boot, and one of the best interiors in the family SUV class. With loads of equipment in the 3 trim and sensible entry-level trims, it’s definitely one of the best family SUVs. Its engine lineup includes a 1.6 diesel (115hp/136hp), a 150hp turbo petrol, a hybrid version with 226hp, and a plug-in hybrid model with 265hp. It’s easy to find a good driving position, and in the rear seats, there’s enough leg, head, and elbow room for two tall adults.

7. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is featured among the best family SUVs for its practicality and standout interior.

You can start with the 148hp 1.6 engine and add the MHEV tech for extra speed. There’s also a stronger 178hp and a full hybrid option, the 227hp 1.6 hybrid. For those seeking more electric running, the range-topping plug-in hybrid models with 261hp offer low running costs (up to 201.8 mpg).

There’s more space inside than in other family SUVs, and the interior quality matches the relatively high asking price.

8. Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga offers the agility of a hatchback with the versatility of a family SUV. Despite its smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine, it delivers strong performance. For even better acceleration and hill-climbing ability, consider the hybrid model with its 2.5-litre engine. Alternatively, the 148hp 2.2-litre diesel provides excellent flexibility.

On the road, you get good body control, and inside, the cabin space is relatively compact but wide. The rear seats are adjustable, so you can customise passenger and cargo space as needed.

9. BMW X3

The BMW X3 made its way to the list of the best family SUVs for its superb driving experience and impressive engine lineup (including electric versions).

The 187hp mild hybrid 2.0-litre diesel offers strong performance, while the 282hp 3.0-litre straight-six diesel delivers even more. For petrol options, there’s the 2.0-litre 184hp engine. As for the PHEV, the xDrive30e offers around 30 miles of electric-only range.

The X3 features a high-quality interior with a decent 550-litre boot, ideal for family needs.

10. Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is a standout choice in the seven-seat family SUV category. Engine options include petrols (250hp and 300hp), a diesel (235hp), and a powerful T8 plug-in hybrid (455hp). All models feature four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The hybrid offers a pure electric range of 45 miles.

Another feature to put the XC90 among the best family SUVs is a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. The XC90 provides enough space for a couple of large bags in the boot, even with third-row seats occupied.

11. SEAT Ateca

The SEAT Ateca can make driving a family car enjoyable, putting a smile on your face.

The entry-level 108hp 1.0-litre petrol engine is ideal for city driving. The mid-range 148hp 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is a well-rounded choice for most buyers. Diesel options include the 113hp 2.0 TDI and the more powerful 148hp 2.0 TDI, which are ideal for long family trips.

The back seats fit three adults but might be snug. Overall, there’s more interior space than in some of the best family SUVs, and the boot is easy to load with wide access.

12. Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a proper off-roader among family SUVs thanks to a raised ride height and a practical interior. It also looks very smart.

The engine options include a 2.0-litre diesel (D200) with 197hp, a powerful petrol variant (P250) delivering 247hp, and a plug-in hybrid (P300e) featuring a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor.

Inside, the Discovery Sport has a spacious boot and adequate room in the back, although the optional third-row seats are small.

13. Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the best family SUVs in the premium mid-size sector. It draws inspiration from the C-Class saloon but offers a raised view of the road, bolder styling, and family-friendly credentials.

The GLC is available with three diesel engines, three petrol engines, and a plug-in hybrid variant. The GLC 300e has a huge range of 85 miles. The petrol and diesel variants provide 600 litres of boot space, whereas the plug-in versions reduce the capacity to 400 litres due to the battery.

14. Jaguar F-Pace

The Jaguar F-Pace, another top contender in the family SUV category, impresses with its superb driving manners, ample standard features, stylish interior, and strong resale value.

The 250hp P250 petrol engine is suitable for city driving. Meanwhile, the 204hp D200 diesel engine is ideal for higher mileage and motorway trips, offering better fuel efficiency.

As one of the best family SUVs, the F-Pace comfortably accommodates a family of four, even with taller kids. The boot capacity is 650 litres, except for the P400e plug-in hybrid variant.

15. Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is very popular among family SUVs because of the great balance of size, interior quality, and versatility for both sporty driving and everyday use.

The lineup includes the 201hp 40 TDI diesel, the 261hp 45 TFSI petrol, and the 295hp 50 TFSIe plug-in hybrid. For those seeking more power, there’s the SQ5 with a 336hp 3.0 diesel engine. Families typically don’t require something faster, but if needed, there’s the SQ5 with a 336bhp 3.0 diesel engine.

The cabin feels premium with high-quality materials and solid build, especially around the front seats. The rear seats recline for added comfort, but the middle seat may feel narrow.

Final Words

As you can see from these best family SUVs, there are many models to choose from, each with its own features and designs. But the trickiest part? Finding the truly best family SUV is a matter of personal preference, but we’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit.

Before diving into the used car market, it’s important to set a budget and consider ongoing expenses like tax and repairs. Conduct a history check to ensure the car is free from any financial issues or previous damage. By the way, this advice is relevant for a vehicle with a manual gearbox or an automatic version.

Whether it’s one of these 15 models or some other cars, Carplus will be there to help you secure the best financing terms available.