Large SUVs are among the most adaptable and capable cars you could hope to drive. They offer everything from a family-friendly cabin with up to seven seats, a big boot, superb refinement, and plenty of luxury and safety tech. Whether you’re planning a holiday, an off-road adventure, or simply ferrying the family around, large SUVs have it covered.
Our expert road testers have examined and driven every large SUV on sale in the UK, and we’ve gathered the very best here for you to consider.
Read on to find out our picks for the best large SUVs to buy in 2025, along with some frequently-asked questions at the bottom of this page.
1. Skoda Kodiaq
Overall rating
4.5
RRP
£37,870 — £53,195
Pros
- Good value for money
- Generous boot space
- Clever cabin options
Cons
- Ordinary looks
- Flimsy-feeling rotary dials
- Fidgety ride on bigger wheels
At a glance
Key specifications
- Engine power150 – 265 BHP
- 0 – 62mph6.4 – 9.9 secs
- Top Speed126 – 143 MPH
- Fuel Economy33.8 – 53.3 MPG
- Insurance Group18E – 31E
Dimensions & weight
The Skoda Kodiaq embodies all that the Czech firm stands for: solid value for money, quality, practicality, and a few little surprises that add to the ownership experience.
You can have the Kodiaq as a five- or a seven-seater, and we’d take it with the full seven to have as much flexibility as possible; transporting a full quota of passengers whenever you need, along with the option to fold the third row flat and open up a huge boot space.
The Kodiaq is a little unusual in the large SUV sector nowadays for still offering a diesel engine, alongside a petrol with mild hybrid assistance. You can also have plug-in hybrid power for an electric-only driving range of up to 62 miles.
Good to drive and now with the latest infotainment tech included, the Skoda Kodiaq carries on its winning run as the current Auto Express Large SUV of the Year.
2. Kia EV9
Overall rating
4.5
RRP
£65,615 — £77,615
Pros
- Comfortable to drive
- Spacious seven-seat interior
- Long range and quick charging
Cons
- Fidgety at low speed
- Modest single-motor performance
- High insurance groups
At a glance
Key specifications
- Power200 – 378 BHP
- 0 – 62mph5.3 – 9.4 secs
- Top Speed114 – 124 MPH
- Efficiency2.8 – 3.1 m/kWh
- Range313 – 349 miles
- Insurance Group45E – 50E
Dimensions & weight
You can’t miss the Kia EV9. It’s big, it’s bold, and it looks a bit like it should be a concept on a motor show stand. We’re very glad it’s on the road as the EV9 is a superbly appealing large SUV with electric power and a near-350 miles available on a full charge.
There are rear- or four-wheel drive versions of the EV9, so you can decide which works best for your needs. It’s quick to recharge, too, and the cavernous interior fits seven people plus luggage, so no compromises have been made in packaging all that EV technology.
Speaking of the interior, all seven occupants get plenty of space, and the driver is presented with large twin screens to present all the vital information and infotainment.
On top of all its other talents, the Kia EV9 is good to drive. It’s relaxed, comfortable, and very quiet, so it more than holds its own with similarly priced large SUVs.
3. Hyundai Santa Fe
Overall rating
4.0
RRP
£47,200 — £59,225
Pros
- Comfortable to drive
- Head-turning design
- Generous equipment
Cons
- Expensive to buy
- Noisy petrol engine when worked hard
- No diesel option
At a glance
Key specifications
- Engine power215 – 253 BHP
- 0 – 62mph9.3 – 9.8 secs
- Top Speed112 MPH
- Fuel Economy38.2 – 41.5 MPG
- Insurance Group35D – 39D
Dimensions & weight
The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a sound bet in the large SUV category, but with the latest generation gambling on a daring new look, has it come up trumps? Well, yes – we love it. There’s more than a dash of the Land Rover Defender to the Santa Fe’s attitude, yet it is distinctly its own design thanks to those angular lines and H-themed headlights.
Related to the Kia EV9, it’s no wonder the Hyundai Santa Fe is much more agile to drive than you would at first suspect for a large SUV of this scale. It’s also extremely refined and comes packed with safety tech.
Unlike the Kia, the Hyundai is not offered with full EV power, so instead you can choose from hybrid or plug-in hybrid options. Both use the Korean firm’s 1.6-litre petrol engine, which may sound on the small side for this car, but it does an excellent job providing performance, economy, and a hushed ride.
Hyundai fits the Santa Fe with seven seats as standard, which is ideal for family life as the rear pair fold to create a gigantic boot space. Or, you can have the Santa Fe as a luxury six-seater, along with a choice of three well kitted trim levels.
