Best SUVs 2024 reviewed and rated – plus the models to avoid (2024)

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Best SUVs 2024 reviewed and rated – plus the models to avoid

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Thinking of buying a new SUV? Well, we've tested them all – from the smallest to the biggest – so we can reveal the top 10. Plus, we've named the SUVs that are best avoided...

byGeorge Hill

Published01 October 2023

With their high driving positions, spacious interiors and rugged go-anywhere looks, SUVs can tick many of the right boxes – and that’s just part of the reason why they’re so popular.

Indeed, nearly every car manufacturer makes an SUV these days to help meet this demand. So, to help separate the best from the worst, we’ve made a list of the top 10 SUVs you can currently buy – and revealed the ones to steer clear of.

Best SUVs 2024 reviewed and rated – plus the models to avoid (2)

You'll see a wide range of different models here, ranging fromsmall SUVstoa couple of 7-seat SUVs, all spanning different price brackets. What’s more, many of the cars listed are What Car? Award winners. If you'd like to read more about particular types of SUVs, then our lists of the best luxury SUVs, sports SUVs, coupe SUVs and the best off-roaderswill help.

If you want to find out more about a particular model or see what SUV deals are currently available via our free New Car Buying service, you can click on the relevant links below. Or, if you don't fancy reading the full story and are simply looking for the best SUV, then look no further: the Kia Sportage is the best SUV you can buy.

Learn more about how we test cars, or see the best and worst SUVs below

1

Kia Sportage
Our pick: 1.6T GDi 157 48V ISG 3 5dr

0-62mph: 9.9 sec

MPG/range: 42.8mpg

CO2 emissions: 149g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 562 litres

Reliability

Safety

Costs

Quality

Performance

Strengths

  • Lower-spec models are great value
  • Smart interior
  • Generous rear leg room and boot space

Weaknesses

  • Hybrid petrol engine sounds strained
  • Rear head room compromised with panoramic roof
  • No clever rear seat functions

While there are many impressive family SUVs out there to choose from, no car is more complete than the Kia Sportage.

For starters, you only need to step inside to see how impressive it is. The interior has a very smart design, with a solid feel and intuitive controls, while the dual 12.3in screens with our favourite 3 trim offer a real ‘wow’ factor.

There’s no limit to the amount of space on offer, either. The Sportage can carry five adults with ease, while the boot is one of the biggest in the class – especially in petrol form. It features a capacity of 591 litres, which is more than the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq can manage.

So, surely all of this comes at a cost? Well, not exactly, because the Sportage is actually at its best in entry-level 1.6-litre petrol form. We think it’s the one to go for because it’s cheaper than the mild hybrid and only fractionally behind it in terms of acceleration and fuel economy.

Need we say more to tempt you? Well, our favourite 3 trim level comes with a full haulof kit, including heated seats (both front and rear), electrically adjustable front seats and keyless entry.

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2

Volkswagen T-Roc

Reliability

Safety

Costs

Quality

Performance

Strengths

  • Comfortable ride and quiet on the motorway
  • High-set driving position for a small SUV
  • Good boot by class standards

Weaknesses

  • Touch-sensitive controls can be fiddly
  • Upper trims and engine options are too pricey
  • Unexciting handling (the Ford Puma is a sharper drive)

If you’re looking for a small SUV but covet a high driving position, then few rivals can match the Volkswagen T-Roc for the feeling it gives you behind the wheel.

It places you higher above the road than the rivalSeat Arona and Skoda Kamiq, and the interior gives a feeling of quality with its soft-touch plastics, leather steering wheel and bright coloured inserts.

The T-Roc is also a pleasure to drive, with minimal wind noise, tidy handling and a range of punchyyet efficient engines. Our favourite is the entry-level 109bhp 1.0-litre petrol unit, which provides plenty of pulling power for the money.

In fact, we think the T-Roc makes the most sense in entry-level form, otherwise it can become expensive.

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3

Range Rover Sport
Our pick: 3.0 D300 Dynamic SE 5dr Auto

0-62mph: 6.1 sec

MPG/range: 38.9mpg

CO2 emissions: 191g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 647 litres

Insurance group: 48E

Reliability

Safety

Costs

Quality

Performance

Strengths

  • Offers lots of Range Rover qualities for a lower price
  • Incredible ability off-road
  • Fantastic range on the PHEV model

Weaknesses

  • Cheaper than a Range Rover, but still very expensive
  • Rivals are sharper to drive
  • Land Rover’s reliability record is a concern

Few SUVs combine luxury and on-road capability as successfully as the Range Rover Sport. And at times, it can be difficult to believe what it can do in the rough stuff, too.

However, it’s on the road where the Range Rover Sport really shines. Okay, it’s not quite as sporty as its name suggests, but the tight body control means that it can take on corners better than the full-size Range Rover, while the air suspension means that long motorway journeys are a doddle.

As with its bigger brother, a wide range of smooth engines are available. Our favourite is the D300 3.0-litre straight-six diesel, which feels strong enough to haul its weight at any speed. For company car drivers, the P460e plug-in hybrid is the better option.

Of course, a car that bears the Range Rover name must be luxurious, and the Sport is just that. The driving position is superb, while the interior is vast and beautifully put together.

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4

Ford Puma
Our pick: 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV 155 ST-Line DCT 5dr

0-62mph: 8.7 sec

MPG/range: 49.6mpg

CO2 emissions: 128g/km

Seats: 5

Insurance group: 17E

Reliability

Safety

Costs

Quality

Performance

Strengths

  • Great fun to drive
  • Remarkable blend of performance and fuel economy
  • Big and cleverly designed boot

Weaknesses

  • Rear space is adequate rather than outstanding
  • Visibility could be better
  • Volkswagen T-Roc is more comfortable and quieter

If you think that SUVs are boring to drive, then the Ford Puma could be the car to change your mind.

The Puma is a pleasure to drive everyday; it’s nimble, both around town and on a twisty country road, while our favourite 153bhp 1.0-litre engine provides plenty of pulling power.

But what about fuel economy? Well, our favourite engine comes with mild hybrid technology, which means a small electric motor assists the engine to help boost performance and efficiency.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty of room for your family in the Puma – and even the kitchen sink. Actually, having said that there’s no need to bring the kitchen sink at all, because the Puma has an enormous underfloor storage box that has a plug for rinsing it out if you need to.

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5

Hyundai Santa Fe
Our pick: 1.6 TGDi Hybrid Premium 5dr Auto

0-62mph: 8.9 sec

MPG/range: 44.1mpg

CO2 emissions: 145g/km

Seats: 7

Boot: 571 litres

Insurance group: 22E

Driving

Interior

Practicality

Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Outstanding seven-seat practicality
  • Plush interior
  • Long warranty

Weaknesses

  • Pricing yet to be confirmed
  • Hybrid engine not particularly inspiring
  • Styling might be divisive

Our 7-seat Car of the Year, the Hyundai Santa Fe continues to have nearly every base covered for those looking for an SUV with seven seats.

Despite being one of the more affordable cars in its class, its interior doesn’t feel cheap; in fact, it’s really quite upmarket. The cheapest trim, for instance, comes with heated leather front seats, a 10.3in infotainment touchscreen and adaptive cruise control.

That upmarket feel continues in the back seats, because space is very impressive; even adults should be comfortable in the third row for shorter journeys.

What’s more, the 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid is a great match for the Santa Fe. Okay, it may not be the quickest engine, but it does help keep running costs low.

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6

Smart #1
Our pick: 200kW Premium 66kWh 5dr Auto

0-62mph: 6.7 sec

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 313 litres

Insurance group: 32E

Driving

Interior

Practicality

Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Great to drive
  • Plush, high-quality interior
  • Great safety rating

Weaknesses

  • Small boot
  • Slightly choppy low-speed ride
  • Efficiency could be better

It may be made in adifferent vein to previous Smarts, but the #1 is a much better car as a result.

Being fully electric, the #1 provides impressive performance; our favourite Premium model provides a 0-62mph time of 6.7sec and an official range of 273 miles. For comparison, the similarly-priced Jeep Avenger can travel 249 miles officially.

The #1 continues to impress inside. The quality of the materials is top notch, while the touchscreen infotainment system is quick to respond and packed full of features.

Space in the back seats is plentiful, too, with seats that slide and recline. It’s just a shame that the boot space is significantly compromised as a result.

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7

Genesis GV60
Our pick: 168kW Premium 77.4kWh 5dr Auto [Comfort]

0-62mph: 7.8 sec

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 432 litres

Insurance group: 41A

Driving

Interior

Practicality

Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Wonderful interior
  • Extremely quiet on the move
  • Great infotainment system

Weaknesses

  • Boot isn't huge
  • Rear space is average
  • Optional cameras not as good as traditional door mirrors

Genesis is still a relatively new brand in the UK, so we wouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of it before. However, the GV60 could be the car to change that.

How so? Well, the GV60 is based on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 – two of the best electric cars around. And like those cars, the GV60 is comfortable, spacious and very competitive on charging speeds. Indeed, it can top up from 10-80% in as little as 18 minutes with a suitably powerful charger.

Where the GV60 steps ahead of those cars is with its interior, because it's filled with soft-touch materials, synthetic leathers and attractive metals, making it feel properly premium. What’s more, the GV60 has a row of physical buttons and a rotary controller for the infotainment system, which makes it very easy to operate while driving.

Factor in a generous equipment list, competitive pricing and an impressive range of 321 miles (in RWD Premium form), and the GV60 is hard to beat.

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8

BMW X7
Our pick: xDrive40d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

0-62mph: 5.9 sec

MPG/range: 36.2mpg

CO2 emissions: 205g/km

Seats: 7

Boot: 750 litres

Insurance group: 50E

Driving

Interior

Practicality

Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Supremely quiet and comfortable
  • Incredibly spacious and practical
  • Great infotainment system

Weaknesses

  • There are cheaper alternatives
  • Looks won’t be to all tastes
  • No plug-in hybrid or electric option

The BMW X7 is everything a big and luxurious SUV should be.

The interior, for starters, is beautifully put together. Every surface you touch simply screams craftsmanship, lending it a properly upmarket feel that even beats the more expensive Range Rover for build quality.

However, it’s actually in the practicality department where the X7 really shines, because the X7’s third row is more spacious than those in the Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery. And as you’d expect from a car this big, the boot is vast – especially in five-seat mode.

Despite its size, the X7 is surprisingly easy to drive, with a great view of the road, agile handling and accurate steering. The engines available are also smooth and powerful, with the 3.0-litre straight-six diesel (xDrive40d) being our pick.

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9

Mercedes GLC
Our pick: GLC 220d 4Matic AMG Line 5dr 9G-Tronic

0-62mph: 8 sec

MPG/range: 52.3mpg

CO2 emissions: 141g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 620 litres

Insurance group: 40E

Driving

Interior

Practicality

Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Well equipped
  • Plug-in hybrid has impressive electric range
  • Spacious interior

Weaknesses

  • Slightly firmer ride than rivals
  • Stylish interior doesn't feel the most sturdy
  • Petrol engines need working hard

Which plug-in hybrid has the longest electric-only range of any new car? That would be the Mercedes GLC, which can travel a whopping 80 miles on electric power officially. This makes it the ideal candidate if you’re looking for an SUV as a company car, thanks to its low CO2 emissions and benefit-in-kind (BIK) rating.

However, it’s not just the range that makes the GLC tempting. The GLC 300e is actually the best engine in the GLC line-up, and that’s largely thanks to the refinement and instant power available from the electric motor.

Of course, being an SUV, you sit suitably high up in the GLC, and you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a comfortable driving position. In fact, the interior is a very pleasant place to spend time, with plenty of soft-touch materials, a large central infotainment screen and snazzy ambient interior lighting to lift things up.

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10

BMW iX3

Driving

Interior

Practicality

Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Longer range than most direct rivals
  • Great infotainment system
  • Comparatively well priced

Weaknesses

  • Not as fast as rivals
  • Audi E-tron is quieter
  • Tesla Model 3 has a longer range and faster charging

The BMW iX3 is one of the more conventional electric SUVs, and it’s actually all the better for it.

You see, the iX3 is based on the same underpinnings as the BMW X3. So, this means you get the same intuitive infotainment system, high-quality interior and big boot.

What’s more, the iX3 has a similar dynamic set-up tothe regular car, which means it’s one of the more engaging SUVs to drive with an agile and alert feeling through the bends. Its 0-62mph time of 6.8sec is more than quick enough, too, while the 285-mile official range is better than the Mercedes EQC.

As for equipment, there’s only one trim level available– but thankfully it comes with everything you need, including a head-up display, a panoramic glass sunroof, a powered tailgate and heated front seats as standard.

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Best SUVs 2024 reviewed and rated – plus the models to avoid (2024)

FAQs

Which SUV is safest in a crash in 2024? ›

  • 2024 Mazda CX-50. U.S. News Safety Score: 9.7/10. ...
  • 2024 Hyundai Tucson. U.S. News Safety Score: 9.7/10. ...
  • 2024 Volvo XC90. U.S. News Safety Score: 9.7/10. ...
  • 2024 Cadillac XT5. U.S. News Safety Score: 9.7/10. ...
  • 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge. U.S. News Safety Score: 9.7/10. ...
  • 2024 Cadillac XT4. ...
  • 2024 Subaru Ascent. ...
  • 2024 Ford Explorer.
Jun 6, 2024

What SUV has the highest reliability rate? ›

Most reliable large SUVs
  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2019-present) Reliability rating 98.7% ...
  • Lexus RX (2016-2022) ...
  • Volvo XC60 petrol/hybrid (2017-present) ...
  • Honda CR-V (2018-2023) ...
  • Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014-2021) ...
  • Volvo XC60 diesel (2017-present) ...
  • Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2017-present) ...
  • Audi Q5 petrol (2018-present)
Mar 29, 2024

Which SUV has the best 5 star safety rating? ›

Tata Safari, Tata Harrier, Tata Nexon, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are the five SUVs with the highest Global NCAP safety rating. Tata Motors has the largest portfolio of SUVs with five-star safety rating. The passenger vehicle (PV) industry is witnessing a couple of new trends right now.

What SUV has the longest life expectancy? ›

The longest-lasting cars, trucks and SUVs to reach 250,000 miles and beyond
Top 14 SUVs Most Likely to Last 250,000+ Miles – iSeeCars Study
RankModel% Chance of Lasting 250,000+ Miles
1Toyota Land Cruiser47.9%
2Toyota Sequoia47.1%
3Honda Pilot42.7%
12 more rows
May 20, 2023

What midsize SUV has the best crash test rating? ›

Safest Midsize SUVs in 2024
  • 2024 Ford Explorer: Overall Score: 7.8/10 | Safety Score: 9.7/10.
  • 2024 Volvo XC90: Overall Score: 8.1/10 | Safety Score: 9.7/10.
  • 2024 Cadillac XT5: Overall Score: 7.7/10 | Safety Score: 9.7/10.
  • 2024 Hyundai Palisade: Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Safety Score: 9.8/10.
Jun 7, 2024

What SUV do mechanics recommend? ›

Top crossover SUVs according to mechanics include the Toyota Highlander and Lexus GX luxury SUV. The GX was named Consumer Report's most reliable vehicle in 2022.

What SUV has the best customer satisfaction? ›

Subaru is not new to this honor and has topped this ranking as recently as 2021. and just last March, another J.D. Power study showed Subaru ranking the highest of all mass market brands in their Customer Satisfaction Survey.

What vehicle has the least amount of problems? ›

Here are nine cars for your consideration with the fewest problems.
  1. 2024 Kia Forte (Top-rated compact car) ...
  2. 2024 Kia K5 (Top-rated midsize car) ...
  3. 2022 Toyota C-HR (Top-rated small SUV) ...
  4. 2024 Kia Sportage (Top-rated compact SUV) ...
  5. 2024 Chevrolet Blazer (Top-rated midsize SUV) ...
  6. 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe (Top-rated large SUV)
Jan 2, 2024

What is the most reliable American made SUV? ›

Best American Midsize SUVs:
  • Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – 8.7 / 10.
  • Jeep Wrangler – 8.7 / 10.
  • Ford Explorer – 8.7 / 10.
  • Chevrolet Blazer – 8.7 / 10.
  • Ford Edge – 8.7 / 10.
Apr 13, 2024

What is the most reliable mid size SUV of all time? ›

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the long-running 4Runner is the most reliable midsize SUV. Besides the 4Runner's rugged good looks and off-road capability, SUV shoppers buy it for its tried-and-true dependability.

What is the safest car to buy in 2024? ›

2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick Winners
  • Midsized Cars. Hyundai Sonata. ...
  • Large Car. Toyota Crown.
  • Midsized Luxury Cars. BMW 5 Series. ...
  • Large Luxury Cars. Genesis G80 (built before November 2023) ...
  • Small SUVs. BMW X1. Honda CR-V. ...
  • Midsized SUVs. Honda Pilot. Hyundai Palisade. ...
  • Large SUVs. Jeep Wagoneer.
  • Small Pickup Truck. Toyota Tacoma.
Jun 6, 2024

What's the number one safest SUV? ›

The safest large SUV is the Ford Expedition (10 safety rating) and the safest crossover SUV is the Honda Passport (10 safety rating). Topping the list for the safest three-row SUVs is the Hyundai SANTA FE (10 safety rating), while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks first for the safest hybrid SUVs (10 safety rating).

Which used SUV is safest in a crash? ›

Top 5 Safest Used SUVs
  1. 2015 Mazda CX-5. To start the list, we recommend looking at the 2015 Mazda CX-5 as one of the safest used SUVs you can buy. ...
  2. 2016 Acura MDX. If you desire a little luxury, consider the 2016 Acura MDX instead. ...
  3. 2017 Honda CR-V. ...
  4. 2018 Audi Q5. ...
  5. 2019 Subaru Ascent.

What is the safest SUV to survive a crash? ›

2024 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is arguably the best SUV on sale right now, and its IIHS safety ratings only bolster that claim. It scored well in every single category.

What large SUV has the best crash rating? ›

According to the IIHS website, the large SUVs listed as 2024 top safety picks include:
  • Audi Q7 4-door SUV.
  • Audi Q8 e-tron 4-door SUV.
  • Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron 4-door SUV.
  • Jeep Wagoneer 4-door SUV.
  • Rivian R1S 4-door SUV.
Jun 6, 2024

What is the #1 safest car? ›

The Safest Cars of 2024
  • Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A.| ...
  • Kia Motors America| 2024 Kia EV6. ...
  • Hyundai Motor America| 2024 Genesis GV60. ...
  • American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 2024 Acura TLX. ...
  • Subaru of America, Inc. 2024 Subaru Impreza. ...
  • Tesla Inc. 2024 Tesla Model 3. ...
  • The Volvo Group| 2024 Volvo V90. ...
  • Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. FAQs.
May 20, 2024

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