The best large SUVs – driven, rated and ranked
From vast seven-seaters, to off-roading going workhorses. These are our favourite large SUVs
News
by Sam Phillips and Jack Warrick
8 mins read
9 May 2025
Share
The very best large SUVs go beyond your common-or-garden sports utility vehicles.
Not only do they major on spaciousness, practicality and versatility, but they deliver a luxury air to their persona that makes them that bit more appealing in the broader SUV landscape.
To the dismay of many, gone are the days when drivers called upon an estate car or even a big saloon car to serve as the go-to family wagon.
Related articles
- The best small SUVs – driven, tested and ranked
- The best sports cars – driven, rated and ranked
- The best MPVs and people carriers – driven and tested
- Best hot hatches – driven, rated and ranked
- The best hybrid SUVs – PHEVs and regular hybrids rated
Nowadays, the large SUV reigns supreme, and it’s easy to see why when such models offer a supple ride, a premium cabin and often seven seats.
Others are configured with a go-anywhere attitude in the form of off-roaders and 4x4s.
And you needn’t have your large SUV with a traditional ICE powertrain. There are plenty of pure-electric and plug-in hybrid options too, bringing appealing economy figures and BIK-busting tax benefits for company car drivers.
Our top pick is the Range Rover Sport, which we think is the best large SUV on sale for its luxury feel, spacious and upmarket cabin and broad capabilities.
Keep reading as we reveal the best large SUVs which nail the fundamentals of spaciousness and practicality but go beyond the basics to offer buyers even greater value for money.
1. Range Rover Sport
9
- Design8
- Interior9
- Performance9
- Ride & Handling9
- Costs8
Pros
Uber refined, materially rich cabin
Huge ability both on and off the road
Broad mix of engines
Cons
Dearer than rivals
No seven-seat option
JLR has a poor reliability record
Best for: Luxury
Neatly balancing proper off-road credentials with the dynamism and poise of a proper driver’s car, the Range Rover Sport earns a place on this list over its big brother for being a more rounded, more usable and, crucially, cheaper large SUV.
This car feels close to greatness – which, for the money, is perhaps exactly how it should feel.
Even though the Sport rides on the same platform as the full-size Range Rover, it has its own distinctive character.
It can be had with either a diesel, plug-in hybrid or petrol V8 engine.
It steers with an abiding sense of precision that helps to hide its 2315kg kerb weight, while clever dampers bestow it with a supple and comfortable ride that makes it a true cross-country warrior.
Broadening its appeal is an incredibly versatile cabin that’s rich in material quality.
And while JLR seems hell bent on removing some secondary controls, the Sport’s Pivi Pro infotainment system is one of the best in class for its logical configuration and responsiveness.
Read our Range Rover Sport review
Save money on a Range Rover Sport with What Car?
Finance this car with Drivenfi
Latest Reviews
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
Mercedes V-Class
7
Skoda Enyaq
Merecedes-AMG E53
7
Volkswagen Tayron
Read our review
Car review
BMW X5
In its 25th year, is BMW’s original SUV back to its very best?
Back to top
2. BMW X5
9
- Design9
- Interior7
- Performance10
- Ride & Handling9
- Costs8
Pros
It’s a dynamic SUV angled towards keen drivers
Plug-in hybrid mixes performance with good electric range
You can have seven seats
Cons
Interior isn’t as materially rich as rivals’
Latest infotainment system isn’t as easy to use as before
Plug-in hybrid can’t charge very quickly
Best for: Refinement
For a car that has been on sale for more than 25 years, the BMW X5 has managed to adapt to market changes with little difficulty, while retaining its luxury appeal and sweet-handling drive.
This is the luxury SUV half-breed that gives people as much space, convenience and utility as they need and a driving experience that doesn’t make any of those things feel like it has come at a compromise.
Thanks to its reassuringly weighted steering, solid body control and balance through corners, the X5 handles like a big saloon rather than a heavy SUV.
And even though its ride isn’t quite as cushioned as a Range Rover’s, it remains pliant and comfortable over potholes and harsh imperfections.
There are more engine options beyond the tax-swerving xDrive50e plug-in hybrid: there’s a choice of two diesels and a snarling 500bhp petrol V8,
The revisions to the X5 a year ago means it now has the technology to match its plush and super-refined cabin.
There’s plenty of room for adults in the back, a large boot and, unlike with some cars in this list, the option of seven seats.
Read our BMW X5 review
Save money on a BMW X5 with What Car?
Finance this car with Drivenfi
3. Land Rover Defender
9
- Design9
- Interior9
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling10
- Costs6
Pros
Unrivalled off-road ability
Practical, spacious cabin
Impressive road handing and ride
Cons
Plug-in hybrid’s electric range isn’t great
The 130 version is vast
More expensive than some rivals
Best for: Off-roading
Rugged, robust and with an air of refinement, the Land Rover Defender majors on off-road ability and personifies the marque’s 4×4 identity like no other model in its line-up.
Draw up a list of the most broadly capable cars in the world and the Defender would sit comfortably in the top three.
Even if your need for a go-anywhere large SUV is small, its big proportions, versatile yet durable cabin and vast boot make it the ultimate family SUV.
But while its departure angles and endless off-road modes make it a thoroughly enjoyable car for ploughing through mud, the Defender is an equally pleasant car to drive on the road, with easy-going driving manners.
It’s this key trait that marks it out against rivals: whether you’re using it for daily duties on a farm or simply heading up the motorway, the Defender is a true all-rounder.
There’s a broad mix of engines, and you can have it in 90, 110 and 130 bodystyles – or even with no rear seats in commercial Hard Top form.
Read our Land Rover Defender review
Save money on a Land Rover Defender with What Car?
Finance this car with Drivenfi
Back to top
4. Porsche Cayenne
9
- Design8
- Interior8
- Performance9
- Ride & Handling9
- Costs8
Pros
Proper driver’s SUV thanks to sweet handling
Cabin is refined and brimming with usable technology
Spacious cabin
Cons
Plug-in hybrids don’t offer best electric range
Not as pliant as similarly priced rivals
Coupé comes at a premium
Best for: Driver appeal
The German marque’s flagship SUV has maintained a foothold at the front of the large SUV class for decades, thanks to its impressive driving dynamics.
If you have been waiting for an uncomplicated, relatively traditional but really enjoyable luxury SUV to go all in on and keep forever, this may be it.
Much of the Cayenne’s appeal lies within its driving experience, which intelligently unifies the athleticism of a Porsche sports car with the comfort and refinement of a big 4×4.
Granted, it’s not as pliant over bumps as other cars here, but that’s a minor trade-off when you consider just how interesting the Cayenne is to pilot down a twisty road.
While you sit high in the Cayenne, its stellar body control and overall agility tricks the mind into thinking it’s a surefooted saloon car in the corners.
With excellent ergonimcs and refinement, the Cayenne feels upmarket and comfortable inside, too.
Its cabin might not be as flexible as rivals, nor dos it’s ride isolate bumps as well as others, but for all-out driver appeal, the Cayenne is in a league of its own.
Read our Porsche Cayenne review
Save money on a Porsche Cayenne with What Car?
Finance this car with Drivenfi
5. Kia EV9
8
- Design8
- Interior9
- Performance9
- Ride & Handling7
- Costs9
Pros
Huge cabin is spacious and versatile
Vast boot
Strong performance and decent range
Cons
Very large for UK roads
Some interior materials are lacking in quality
Dual-motor models are expensive
Best for: Electric motoring
With bucketloads of kerb appeal, thanks to its modern and boxy silhouette, the Kia EV9 is a radical large electric SUV that delivers on versatility and spaciousness without compromising on range.
All versions of the EV9 can be fast-charged at up to 210kW. On our DC rapid-charging test, the GT-Line S logged an impressive 170kW weighted average.
Kia‘s premium flagship SUV has pushed the Korean brand into new territory, as its biggest, most expensive car to date.
In its costliest form, the EV9 is almost as expensive as the entry-level Cayenne, and a poke and prod at some of the interior materials suggest it lacks a bit of quality to match some rivals.
That being said, the EV9 more than makes up for any material shortcomings with oodles of cabin flexibility, with the option of six or seven seats.
The chunky EV9 doesn’t cut corners when it comes to range and efficiency: under the floor, there’s a huge 99.8kWh battery that offers a range of 313-349 miles depending on trim.
Read our Kia EV9 review
Save money on a Kia EV9 with What Car?
Finance this car with Drivenfi
Back to top
6. Audi Q7
8
- Design8
- Interior9
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling7
- Costs7
Pros
High-quality interior
Comfortable motorway cruiser
Plug-in hybrid’s electric range is decent
Cons
Not the most inspiring to drive
Latest facelift brought only subtle changes
Residual values aren’t great
Best for: Sophistication
There aren’t many large SUVs that come close to matching the sophisticated and uber-refined cabin of the Audi Q7.
Another facelift later, the Q7 remains a likeable, practical and plush large SUV.
Its innards are full of polished metals, soft-touch fabrics and a fit and finish that makes it a true luxury SUV, but one that also comes with a spacious interior and a big boot.
There’s plenty of grip and it steers accurately, but there isn’t much communication through the wheel, nor does it drum up the same level of entertainment as rivals like the X5.
Like the other large SUVs here, you can have the Q7 with a mix of engines, and there’s also a plug-in hybrid variant that promises up to 52 miles of pure-electric driving.
There’s the option of a third row of seats too, and the car recently received a minor facelift and a number of tech updates to help it keep pace with rivals.
Read our Audi Q7 review
Save money on an Audi Q7 with What Car?
Finance this car with Drivenfi
7. Hyundai Santa Fe
8
- Design9
- Interior10
- Performance6
- Ride & Handling7
- Costs7
Pros
Classy, versatile interior
Huge boot
Appealing design
Cons
Engines lack a bit of punch
ADAS functions can frustrate
Ride quality is a mixed bag
Best for: Hybrid options
Hyundai is now a force to be reckoned with, having worked its way into the upper echelons of the automotive hierarchy with a successful electrification strategy.
The interior has all the design and material appeal you could wish for and combines it with clever practicality solutions and excellent usability.
Its EV success has trickled down to its ICE cars, and no car showcases this paradigm shift better than the latest Sante Fe.
You can have it as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, seven seats come as standard and without the third row up there’s 725 litres of boot space to play with.
It also feels more expensive than rivals like the Nissan X-Trail, thanks to its plusher materials and curved digital displays.
The hybrid engine lacks a bit of pep which means you have to work it harder, and the ride is often struck dumb by harsh imperfections.
But for 99% of the time, the Sante Fe is a relaxing cruiser, and with bags of usability and space, it’s a fine large SUV.
Read our Hyundai Santa Fe review
Save money on a Hyundai Sante Fe with What Car?
Finance this car with Drivenfi
Back to top
8. Skoda Kodiaq
8
- Design7
- Interior8
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling7
- Costs7
Pros
Plug-in hybrid has excellent electric range
Spacious and practical interior
Decent handling
Cons
Materials aren’t of high quality
Firm ride
Automatic gearbox isn’t the best
Best for: Daily driving
A no-nonsense SUV with pleasing on-road dynamics and a broad range of engines, the second-generation Skoda Kodiaq delivers on space, comfort and practicality to make it a solid all-rounder.
Despite some evidence of cost-cutting and an interior that isn’t quite the resounding success we thought it was, the Kodiaq strikes all the chords it needs to play.
Being at the cheaper end of the spectrum (prices start at just over £36,000), the undemanding Kodiaq might have a super-spacious interior and a vast boot, but prod and poke around the cabin and you will understand where Skoda has cut corners.
It feels robust inside, and the physical ‘Smart Dials’ are a great addition, but there is a lack of material richness compared with some rivals.
But for a large SUV, there is little the Kodiaq can’t handle, with endless cubby holes and storage compartments, a middle row that’s big enough for adults and a 910-litre boot.
The plug-in hybrid has an impressive 71-mile pure-electric range and can charge at up to 50kW.
Read our Skoda Kodiaq review
Save money on a Skoda Kodiaq with What Car?
Finance this car with Drivenfi
9. Volvo XC90
8
- Design8
- Interior8
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling8
- Costs7
Pros
Relaxed, comfortable drive
Massively practical
Serene, easy-to-use interior
Cons
Other PHEVs offer better electric range
Expensive
Coarse engines
Best for: Technology
Volvo’s flagship SUV gained a facelift late last year with several updates, but the model remains a competent all-rounder at its core, with serious appeal for families and briefcase-wielding business people alike.
This truly is the car Volvo can’t afford to stop making. The recent improvements – especially the infotainment and passive suspension set-up – are well judged and it’s still, as ever, a supreme product.
The XC90 comes with a few powertrain options, all electrified. There’s the B5 mild hybrid, which uses an electrified 2.0-litre petrol engine with 247bhp and 267lb ft of torque.
BIK tax-busters will want to opt for the T5 plug-in hybrid, which takes a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and adds an electric motor. Total power stands at 461bhp, which propels the XC90 onto 0-62mph in 5.5sec. The PHEV also gets 44 miles of electric range.
Inside, the XC90 is thoughtfully organised, using a combination of buttons and touchscreen functions. There’s an option for seven seats too, if you’re after even more flexibility.
Read our Volvo XC90 review
Save money one a new Volvo XC90 with What Car?
Finance this car with Drivenfi
Back to top
10. Volkswagen Touareg
7
- Design7
- Interior8
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling7
- Costs7
Pros
Function, user-friendly cabin
Diesel V6 suits its workhorse character
Genuine off-road credentials
Cons
Real-world PHEV economy isn’t great
Not the most comfortable large SUV
ADAS functions can frustrate
Best for: Versatility
It might be dearer than its predecessor, but the dependable Volkswagen Touareg is a proper workhorse that’s spacious, practical and reliable large SUV, especially in V6 turbo diesel form.
There’s a quiet competence and genuine versatility to the Touareg that may be all the recommendation it needs.
In the hybrid and electric age, a diesel might seem a little crude, but the oil-burning Touareg is an affable, comfortable and pleasant car to drive, especially on a long journey.
Judge your speed and inputs currently and the Touareg can manage 45mpg on longer drives too.
Any downsides? The interior is a little austere and the central touchscreen is a bit tricky to use on the move.
Company car drivers will be tempted by the plug-in hybrid and its 62-mile electric range, but we would steer you towards the 3.0-litre diesel, as it suits the car’s personality far better.
Ultimately, it’s a competent large SUV with a broad set of skills that makes it a true all-rounder.
