Best of
Best SUVs 2026
Fancy joining the SUV party? We’ve rounded up a list of some of our favourite Sports Utility Vehicles currently on sale.
Words by: Erin Baker
Additional words by: Catherine King
Published on 20 July 2026 | 0 min read
Everyone buys SUVs now, so congratulations if you prefer an estate or hatchback. May we commend your original thinking. For the rest of you, we get it. A raised ride height and chunky styling gives off a sense of both safety for passengers and impressive road presence, which is a winning combination. SUVs come in all sizes now, from mammoth seven-seaters to dinky city runabouts, and can be powered by petrol, diesel, electricity or a hybrid solution.
Here's our pick of the (massive) bunch.
Here's our pick of the (massive) bunch.
Skoda Enyaq
Incredible value for money. And not just because of the umbrellas in the doors and ice scraper in the fuel filler cap, or even the decent range. No. It's because the price of this all-electric family SUV is what you'd expect to pay for a petrol version, against a backdrop of a usually substantial price differential between EVs and their petrol twins. Its no surprise then, that the Enyaq was awarded Best Car for Running Costs at our Drivers Choice Awards 2026. Plus, it's pooch-approved as the winner of Autotrader's Best car for Dog Owners in 2025. Choose the eco suite interior for an even lower carbon footprint and some groovy tan leather, or indulge yourself and go for a vRS coupe version in Hyper Green like the one we've been living with.
Read the full review or find a Skoda Enyaq on Autotrader | Lease a Skoda Enyaq
Read the full review or find a Skoda Enyaq on Autotrader | Lease a Skoda Enyaq
Hyundai Santa Fe
Absolutely massive, brilliantly versatile and excellent value for money. The latest Santa Fe plays in an entirely different league to its predecessors, and it now gives the Land Rover Discovery a run for its money. It’s comfortable, sophisticated and a genuine seven-seater. If you fold all the seats down there’s even room for a double mattress! With its boxy looks and distinctive pixel headlights, the Santa Fe’s striking design might divide opinion, but everyone will agree this Hyundai makes a strong statement.
Find a Hyundai Santa Fe on Autotrader | Lease a Hyundai Santa Fe
Find a Hyundai Santa Fe on Autotrader | Lease a Hyundai Santa Fe
Volvo EX60
The EX60 is the all-electric answer to Volvos XC60, slotting neatly between the compact EX30 and seven-seater EX90. Like its gas-guzzling sibling, the EX60 is a premium mid-size SUV and a masterclass in Scandi chic. With an official range of up to 500 miles on a single charge and battery technology which will allow you to add up to 211 miles in just 10 minutes, the EX60 should be easy to live with. This range along with its focus on safety and modern tech makes the EX60 an appealing option for anyone looking to make the switch to electric. Find a Volvo EX60 on Autotrader | Lease a Volvo EX60
Mini Countryman
The new Countryman is the largest Mini yet and while there’s nothing miniature about its proportions, it truly embodies the spirit of the brand. This is not your run-of-the-mill family SUV; this is a funky and playful take on the Mini formula which just happens to be practical too. There’s something for everyone with a choice of petrol or electric powertrains and front- or all-wheel drive. We loved how stylish it was inside and out when we lived with a sporty John Cooper Works version recently. The swish interior and large circular screen really set it apart from the crowd.
Find a Mini Countryman on Autotrader | Lease a Mini Countryman
Find a Mini Countryman on Autotrader | Lease a Mini Countryman
BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 has set the benchmark for premium SUVs, combining cutting-edge technology, family-friendly practicality and an impressive range. Its next-gen battery delivers a claimed range of 500 miles, and when Rory Reid and Alex Legouix put the iX3 through our real-world range test, it achieved a respectable 429 miles on a single charge. Its ability to cover long distances while offering a comfortable and premium driving experience earned the iX3 the YouTube Director Award at our Drivers Choice Awards 2026. Find a BMW iX3 on Autotrader | Lease a BMW iX3
Dacia Jogger
Is it an SUV? Is it an estate? Is it just kinda weird? We don't know and we don't really care, because it's a seven-seater costing less than half the price of nearly every other seven-seater on the market. Don't be put off by the tiny petrol engine (there's also a hybrid now) because we took six people and one dog from Kent to Cornwall in a Jogger and it was a joy for every one of the 300-odd miles, overtaking with ease and sipping fuel. Buy one, now.
Read the full review or find a Dacia Jogger on Autotrader | Lease a Dacia Jogger
Read the full review or find a Dacia Jogger on Autotrader | Lease a Dacia Jogger
Kia EV9
Kia’s EV9 is a huge all-electric seven-seater packed with tech and maximising on comfort. The EV9 created the blueprint for the smaller EV3, EV4 and EV5. We think Kia is on a roll. Hats off for the bold styling, smooth ride, and great value for money.
Find a Kia EV9 on Autotrader | Lease a Kia EV9
Find a Kia EV9 on Autotrader | Lease a Kia EV9
Ford Puma
Beware the large hidden compartment under the boot floor - we once left an entire ski bag full of kids' unworn gear in it at Gatwick airport and had to spank £300 on new sets when we landed. That hiccup aside, this is a great package and Ford's smallest car now Fiesta is adios. Steers and handles like a dream.
Find a Ford Puma on Autotrader | Lease a Ford Puma
Find a Ford Puma on Autotrader | Lease a Ford Puma
Volkswagen T-Roc
Built on the same foundations as the Golf, the T-Roc embodies Volkswagen’s traditional strengths in a stylish SUV. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the brands best-sellers and this latest generation brings funkier looks, increased space and improved technology. While we’re still waiting on the full hybrid option, the mild hybrid T-Roc provides a smooth and efficient drive with low running costs. Find a T-Roc on Autotrader | Lease a T-Roc
Land Rover Defender
You have to hand it to Land Rover with today’s Defender. How do you follow up a bona fide, decades-in-production classic? Well, you make a car that reaches both its target audience and its ACTUAL audience. For the target audience – countryside dwellers –the Defender is better off-road than ever. But for its actual audience – people who want a massive, imposing and proper luxurious family car – the new Defender is all that and more. It drives like a Range Rover. It’s not subtle, but it is awesome. And, it's the winner of Autotrader's Most Loved Car Award in 2026 and Best In-Car Design 2026.
Find a Land Rover Defender on Autotrader | Lease a Land Rover Defender
Find a Land Rover Defender on Autotrader | Lease a Land Rover Defender
