SUVs are now the most popular cars on UK roads, and with so many options available in 2025, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. From compact city crossovers and sleek electric models to spacious, rugged 7-seaters, there’s an SUV to suit every lifestyle. Combining space, practicality and performance, these vehicles offer something for everyone. This guide breaks down the best SUVs UK for 2025, highlighting their key specs and features to help you find the perfect fit.
Compare the top SUVs in the UK in 2025 by category, price, and running costs. You can find the best SUV UK from small and hybrid to electric, 7-seater, and luxury ones.
| Rank | SUV Model | Category | Key UK Running Cost Focus |
| 1 | Kia Sportage | Best Overall SUV UK | Low VED & running costs on hybrid trims, reliable 7-year warranty |
| 2 | Ford Puma | Best Small SUV UK | Mild-hybrid efficiency, cheap insurance, excellent city fuel economy |
| 3 | Nissan Qashqai | The UK Favourite | e-Power hybrid: petrol engine only charges battery, smooth, efficient |
| 4 | Skoda Kodiaq |
Best 7-Seater SUV | Plug-in hybrid option for school runs, low family running costs, spacious cabin |
| 5 | Toyota RAV4 | Best Hybrid SUV (HEV) | Self-charging hybrid, low real-world MPG, minimal maintenance, reliable resale value |
| 6 | BMW X5 | Best Plug-in Hybrid SUV (PHEV) | 60+ mile electric range, reduced daily fuel costs |
| 7 | Tesla Model Y | Best Electric Midsize SUV | Full-electric range 260–310 miles, Supercharger network for fast |
| 8 | Dacia Duster | Best Budget SUV | Cheapest purchase price, low insurance, optional LPG fuel reduces petrol costs |
| 9 | Range Rover Sport | Best Luxury SUV | PHEV reduces fuel bills, long-term reliability, luxurious features limit extra running expenses |
| 10 | Land Rover Defender | Best for Off-Roading | Durable build reduces maintenance, diesel engine efficient for towing |
SUVs offer space, comfort, and road presence that hatchbacks can’t match. Before you upgrade, see how much your current car could be worth with instant valuations from trusted buyers.
Kia Sportage is that one car which have everything you need. The Kia Sportage has consistently ranked as one of the UK’s favourite SUVs, and the latest generation is the best yet.
It manages to look like a premium European SUV. But it comes with the legendary peace of mind that Kia is known for: a 7-year warranty that is unrivalled in the market.
Also, it would be great to choose the hybrid line-up where you can easily dodge high VED (road tax). It’s simply the smartest purchase you can make in 2025.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Best For | Families, long-term ownership |
| Boot Space | 591 litres (huge) |
| Key UK Trims | ‘2’, ‘GT-Line’, ‘GT-Line S’ |
| Unique Selling Points | 7-Year Warranty, brilliant infotainment system |
The Ford Puma is the undisputed king of the small crossover SUV. It is genuinely enjoyable to drive, tackling twisty B-roads with confidence. But what truly sets it apart is its practicality, specifically the MegaBox that provides an extra 80 litres of versatile space.
It has waterproof storage to protect the car from mud and wet items. The mild-hybrid engine technology is also super smooth and delivers excellent real-world fuel economy.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Best For | City driving, couples, first-time SUV owners |
| Boot Space | 456 litres (massive for a small SUV) |
| Engine | 1.0 EcoBoost Mild Hybrid |
| Unique Selling Points | Class-leading handling, the “MegaBox” |
Nissan Qashqai is the UK’s favourite car, and you can’t drive down any UK street without seeing this car. It’s the car that practically invented the ‘crossover’ market, and for years it has been the default choice for savvy British families.
The latest model comes with a more premium cabin, tech and efficiency. However, the real headline is its ‘e-Power System’, where the petrol engine never drives the wheels. It just acts as a quiet generator for the electric motor.
This means you get the instant, smooth, and quiet driving experience of an electric car, but with the convenience of petrol refills.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Best For | Families wanting a brilliant hybrid without plug-in hassle |
| Boot Space | 504 litres |
| Key UK Trims | Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, Tekna |
| Unique Selling Points | e-Power hybrid system, superb 360-degree camera |
Skoda Kodiaq is one of the most practical 7-seater SUVs you can buy in the UK. It offers genuine room for seven, and the third row is ideal for kids. The boot is cavernous when in 5-seat mode. And it is one of the best family cars in the UK.
Also, in all new models, you get a stunning new interior with a giant tablet screen and a plug-in hybrid option with a massive 60+ mile electric range. It makes it perfect for doing the school run every week.
Moreover, Skoda’s whole brand is built on being “Simply Clever”. It’s packed with genuinely useful touches, like hidden umbrellas in the doors, an ice scraper in the fuel cap, and pop-out protectors.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Best For | Large families who need maximum space and practicality |
| Boot Space | 270 litres (7 seats up) / 835 litres (5 seats up) |
| Key UK Trims | SE, SE L, SportLine |
| Unique Selling Points | “Simply Clever” features, vast interior space, great value |
When you think “hybrid”, you probably think “Toyota“. They’ve been mastering this technology for decades, and the RAV4 is the culmination of all that experience. This is the SUV you buy if you want maximum reliability.
The RAV4’s self-charging hybrid system (HEV) is incredibly smooth and delivers fantastic real-world MPG, where it can run on pure electric power at low speeds.
It is not just about the engine, though the RAV4 has tough and practical build quality, just because it is built by Toyota. It’s also one of the few hybrids in this class available with a proper all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Best For | Unbeatable reliability, “fit and forget” motoring |
| Boot Space | 580 litres |
| Key UK Trims | Icon, Design, Excel |
| Unique Selling Points | Proven hybrid system, 10-year (conditional) warranty |
The BMW X5 has always been a top choice in the luxury SUV market. But the latest plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, the xDrive50e, is a total game-changer.
Because its massive battery gives it an official electric-only range of over 60 miles. This means you can easily drive for your daily commute, like school runs and shopping. It is like having a premium electric SUV.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Best For | Company car buyers, premium commuting |
| Boot Space | 500 litres (PHEV loses a little space) |
| Key UK Trims | xLine, M Sport |
| Unique Selling Points | 60+ mile electric range, low BiK tax, luxury feel |
The Tesla Model Y isn’t just a popular electric SUV. It has become the benchmark that every other brand is trying to beat. It feels modern, simple to use and cost-effective to run.
The car itself is a masterclass in minimalist design and practicality. The interior is dominated by one giant central screen that controls everything.
One of the best parts is the new Tesla Supercharger. In the UK, this is still Tesla’s killer feature. It’s fast, reliable, and perfectly integrated into the car’s sat-nav, removing all the stress and “range anxiety” from long-distance electric driving.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Best For | The ultimate all-in-one EV package |
| Real-World Range | 260 – 310 miles (depending on model) |
| Boot Space | 854 litres (plus 117-litre frunk) |
| Unique Selling Points | The Supercharger network, minimalist tech, massive storage |
The Dacia Duster delivers honest value for money. It offers a brilliant family SUV in this price range of approximately £19,380 and goes up to around £27,330.
This isn’t just cheap but also has good build quality and is best suited for daily life. Inside, it’s simple but effective. You get a new 10-inch touchscreen on most models and the brilliant “YouClip” system.
While the Hybrid 140 engine is smooth, the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel (which runs on petrol or cheap LPG) is the secret hero for keeping running costs rock bottom.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Best For | Value hunters and practical drivers |
| Boot Space | 472 litres |
| Key UK Trims | Expression, Journey, Extreme |
| Unique Selling Points | Unbeatable price, LPG fuel option, rugged “YouClip” accessories |
The Range Rover Sport is all about refinement and comfort. It has the energy of a sports car but feels like royalty because it looks like you’re in a limousine.
Also, it wins “Best Luxury SUV” for UK buyers is the P550e Plug-in Hybrid. It offers a massive electric range of officially over 70 miles. For 2025, the interior remains the benchmark. Because it has active noise-cancelling speakers in the headrests to block out tyre roar and a ‘floating’ 13.1-inch curved screen.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Best For | Luxury seekers and company car drivers (PHEV) |
| Boot Space | 647 litres |
| Key UK Trims | Dynamic SE, Autobiography |
| Unique Selling Points | Active noise cancellation, huge PHEV electric range |
The Land Rover Defender is built for adventures. It’s incredibly capable off-road but still comfortable enough for everyday use. It is built to conquer mountains, floods, and muddy British fields.
The 2025 model year brings a brilliant new diesel engine, the D350, which gives you more pulling power for towing caravans. Land Rover has also added new “Captain’s Chairs” for the rear seats in the larger 130 model.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Best For | Rural living, towing, and off-road adventures |
| Boot Space | 857 litres (Defender 110, 5 seats) |
| Key UK Trims | X-Dynamic, Sedona Edition, V8 |
| Unique Selling Points | Unrivalled off-road ability, iconic design, high resale value |
After reviewing all these contenders, choosing the best SUVs UK comes down to what suits your lifestyle, budget and daily routine. If you’re looking for a reliable all-rounder, the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai are easy choices. Families who need more space will feel at home in the Skoda Kodiaq, while drivers looking to cut running costs will appreciate the Toyota RAV4 hybrid or the BMW X5 PHEV.
There is no single best, but the right match depends on your lifestyle, budget and preference.