There are many factors to consider when choosing the best SUVs for families in 2023, such as size, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability and price. But what are some of the best cars and most recommended models in the UK market? Whether you’re looking for the best small SUV or compact SUV, from plug in hybrid models to diesel engines, there is a family car out there for you, and lots of exciting family SUVs.
What is an SUV?
A sports utility vehicle, or SUV, is a type of car that combines features from road-going passenger cars and off-road vehicles.
Some of the characteristics of an SUV, according to Law.Cornell are:
It has a high ground clearance, which means it can drive over rough terrain and obstacles more easily than a lower car, says
It often has four-wheel drive, which means it can distribute power to all four wheels and improve traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces
It is usually tall and spacious, which means it can accommodate more passengers and cargo than a smaller car
It is typically built on a light-truck chassis, which means it has a strong and durable frame that can withstand impacts and heavy loads
However, not all SUVs have these features, and there is no clear definition of what makes an SUV. Some SUVs are more road-oriented and have a unibody construction, which means they have a single integrated body and frame that is lighter and more aerodynamic than a body-on-frame construction. These are sometimes called crossover SUVs or crossovers.
What is the best family SUV?
There is no definitive answer to which SUV car is best for a family, as different families may have different needs and preferences. These are just some of the best family SUVs in 2023, but there are many more to choose from depending on your preferences and budget.
BMW X3: The BMW X3 is a good family SUV car, according to many reviews. It has a spacious and high-quality interior, plenty of space in the cabin and boot, decent handling and performance, and a range of efficient engines, including mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. It also has a class-leading infotainment system, a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and a long warranty, says WhatCar. It also faces strong competition from other premium family SUVs, such as the Audi Q5, the Volvo XC60, the Porsche Macan and the Range Rover Velar, according to Top Gear.
BMW iX: The BMW iX is a good family SUV car, according to many reviews. It has a spacious and high-quality interior, plenty of space in the cabin and boot, decent handling and performance, and a range of efficient engines, including mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. It also has a class-leading infotainment system, a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and a long warranty, according to AutoCar. It also faces strong competition from other premium family SUVs, such as the Audi Q8 e-tron, the Jaguar I-Pace, the Porsche Macan and the Range Rover Velar, says WhatCar
Lexus NX: The Lexus NX is a good family SUV car, according to many reviews. It has a high-quality and refined interior, a comfortable and smooth ride, a spacious and practical boot, and a range of efficient hybrid engines. According to WhatCar, it also has impressive on-board technology, such as the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, and a host of safety and driver assistance features, says AutoCar. It also faces strong competition from other premium family SUVs, such as the Audi Q5, the Mercedes-Benz GLC, the BMW X3 and the Range Rover Evoque.
What are SUV cars good for?
There are plenty of SUVs on the car market today that you can buy, offering everything that most families could ever need from a car. Depending on your needs and preferences, SUVs are great cars and can satisfy many of your needs. Buying an SUV could be the most exciting car purchase ever.
Here are some of the advantages of SUV cars, based on the web search results:
Practicality: SUV cars have a large amount of room, which can be useful for carrying luggage, equipment, or passengers. They also have flexible seating arrangements, which can accommodate up to seven people in some models. They are ideal for families who need a lot of space and versatility, says Evans Halshaw.
Safety: SUV cars are generally safer than smaller cars, as they have higher ground clearance, better visibility, and more advanced safety features. They can also withstand the impact of a collision better than smaller cars, reducing the risk of injury for the occupants. They also have driver assistance systems that can alert the driver of hazards and prevent accidents.
Performance: SUV cars can handle rougher terrain and weather conditions better than smaller cars, as they have more powerful engines, four-wheel drive systems, and off-road capabilities. They can also tow heavy loads, such as trailers or caravans, with ease. According to Auto DIY Repairs, they are suitable for drivers who enjoy outdoor activities or need to travel in challenging environments.
Comfort: SUV cars offer a comfortable and smooth ride, as they have more suspension travel, more cabin space, and more luxury features. They also have a high driving position, which gives the driver more confidence and a better view of the road. Evans Halshaw says they are ideal for drivers who value comfort and convenience.
What SUV has the most boot space?
According to Buy a Car, the SUV with the most boot space in the UK market is the Volkswagen Touareg, which has 810 litres of boot space with five seats. This is followed by the Jaguar F-Pace, which has 650 litres of boot space with five seats, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which has 630 litres of boot space with five seats.
However, if you need a practical car with more than five seats, the SUV with the most boot space is the Land Rover Discovery, which has 2,406 litres of boot space with two seats, or 1,137 litres with five seats, or 258 litres with seven seats says Buy a Car. This is followed by the BMW X7, which has 2,120 litres of boot space with two seats, or 750 litres with five seats, or 326 litres with seven seats, and the Peugeot 5008, which has 1,940 litres of boot space with two seats, or 780 litres with five seats, or 166 litres with seven seats.
What is the best SUV for towing?
The best SUV for towing depends on how much weight you need to tow, as well as other factors such as fuel economy, performance, comfort and price. For example, the Land Rover Discovery is a large and luxurious SUV that can tow up to 3,500 kg with ease. It has a powerful and refined diesel engine, a smooth and comfortable ride, a spacious and versatile interior, and excellent off-road capabilities. It also has a range of advanced technology features, such as the Trailer Stability Assist, the Advanced Tow Assist and the Tow Hitch Assist and to some, this would make a cracking SUV for towing.
Can you recommend an SUV with good fuel economy?
SUVs are generally not known for having good fuel economy, as they are larger, heavier and more powerful than smaller cars. However, some SUVs have better fuel economy than others, depending on the type of engine, the size of the car, the driving style and the traffic conditions.
Some SUVs have more efficient engines, such as hybrids or plug-in hybrids, that can save you money on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint compared to your petrol and diesel engines. However, they may also have higher initial costs and maintenance fees than diesel models.
For example, the Toyota RAV4, the Kia Niro and even the Hyundai Kona are just some SUVs that are known for having good fuel economy. Whereas SUVs like the Land Rover Defender are not very good for fuel economy, compared to other SUVs. They have a diesel engine that can deliver up to 32.2 mpg on the combined cycle. It also has a high CO2 emission of 230 g/km and a high company car tax rate of 37%. It has a rugged and capable performance, a spacious and durable interior, and a range of off-road features.
