Best SUVs and 4x4s 2017/2018
We rate our top 10 best SUVs and 4x4s for sale in the UK right now
Currently there is a wide range of excellent SUVs and 4x4s on sale here in the UK. A by-product of this is that it is easier than ever to get lost in the maze of boot capacities, rear legroom measurements and infotainment system specs when trying to choose the best SUV to buy.
Fear not, however, we are here to help you find the best SUV for your needs. Our top 10 SUVs and 4x4s are the crème de la crème irrespective of whether you are on the hunt for a luxurious everyday cruiser, bombproof family car, or even something which ticks the ‘fun to drive’ box.
It doesn’t matter if you are looking to buy or lease your new SUV, there are a host of different options – mostly due to market growth fuelled by motorists wanting the commanding driving position, roomy cabin, and occasional extra confidence which comes from extra 4x4 grip.
As more and more people are opting for an SUV, carmakers have become embroiled in a fierce competition to offer the best ride, refinement, and comfort, to attract the most trade. What is perhaps most impressive, is that a select few of these new SUVs even exceed the performance and driving dynamics of the more conventional family cars with a genuinely engaging experience.
No matter what you're looking for, there's bound to be something that fits your requirements perfectly. Whether it's the best SUV for snow or muddy conditions, or just the attraction of a prestige badge on the front of a Range Rover, Audi or Bentley. There’s also a contingent of smaller ‘urban-focused’ SUVs like the Renault Kadjaror Citroen C4 Cactus to consider – you can see our top 10 in that category here.
When you look at the benefits in detail, there are a number of reasons why a 4x4 holds so much appeal. The raised ride height gives a better view of the road ahead, and the high driving position inspires confidence. The large body of a 4x4 means there's potential for great practicality, so much so that some SUVs can rival MPVs for family-friendly space and versatility.
With demand for vehicles in the SUV sector booming, and car makers unleashing new and more competitive models all the time, we've compiled a list of the 10 best SUVs and 4x4s on sale in the UK to help you find the cars that are worth investigating further.
Four-wheel drive boosts their capability when the weather turns, too, although models with 2WD will deliver the kind of running costs you'd get with a conventional car if you're looking at the financial bottom line - and there are a number of hybrid and plug-in models available to cut your costs even further. At the other end of the spectrum, the latest range of powerful performance models mean you can get an SUV that can put a smile on your face on twisty roads.
Style is an important factor with many new SUVs and 4x4s, and plenty of models are available with a range of personalisation options to make the car you choose stand out. And at the top end of the SUV spectrum, the most luxurious SUVs have the quality and refinement to match the best limousines for comfort.
And with the security of four-wheel drive designed to provide extra security in wet and slippery conditions, it's clear that the best 4x4s and SUVs have the range of talents to justify their popularity. But which ones are the best models on sale today? You've come to the right place to find out…
To help you choose which 4x4 is right for you, we've rounded up 10 of the best. Click the links on the left or the next page link below to find out more.
Best SUVs and 4x4s 2017
- 1. Land Rover Discovery
- 2. Volvo XC60
- 3. Peugeot 5008
- 4. Skoda Kodiaq
- 5. BMW X3
- 6. Jaguar F-Pace
- 7. Volvo XC90
- 8. Peugeot 3008
- 9. Skoda Karoq
- 10. Tesla Model X
Which 4x4 or SUV is right for me?
There are all kinds of SUVs on the market - from cheap and cheerful cars to luxury models boasting limousine comfort. All shapes and sizes are catered for, with small cars like the Nissan Juke vying for position alongside the large Kia Sorento or Volvo XC90. Efficient hybrid models are becoming popular too, with great mpg figures from their high-tech drivetrains. Yet despite being known as 4x4s, many of these cars are only two-wheel-drive.
Some models - like the excellent Range Rover Sport - are still fantastic off-roaders, though. Something like a Land Rover Discovery is a good choice if you really need to go off-road, but poor fuel economy and a high price mean it's not the best idea if you're planning to stick to tarmac.
For most people, though, an SUV will remain firmly on tarmac - so it's good news that most of the latest cars are just as good to drive as their hatchback and saloon cousins.
The Dacia Duster is one of the UK's cheapest new cars - and it happens to be an SUV, so it's great for anyone who can't afford a Land Rover model. The 4x4 version isn't too bad off-road, though it's suited more to rough tracks than anything too challenging.
If you're looking for a 7-seater car then a large 4x4 might be something you'll be interested in: they tend to be more desirable than MPVs and can offer a great deal of practicality. With their huge boot space, roof racks and towing capacity they make great cars for going on holiday, too.
Towing a caravan or trailer is a common use for these cars as well - and if that's your plan, the high torque of a large diesel engine is the best choice for load-lugging. Check out our review of the best tow cars in Britain to find out more.
Having a car with four-wheel drive is useful when you need to get going on a slippery surface – you have twice as much grip, after all. However, winter tyres are must in poor weather, though - you might be able to speed up faster, but only winter tyres can help you stop faster (thanks to the increased traction they provide). And if you're dedicated to off-road driving, then a set of knobbly of-road tyres should be on your shopping list, although these will spoil the ride of any 4x4 you put them on.
In the models that like going off-road the most, there is often a computer-controlled driving mode that improves grip on certain surfaces, and sets up the suspension to work better in adverse conditions. This can be turned off when you get back on the road.
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