Land Rover Defender V8
Best SUV for those want the Defender with classic JLR supercharged power
Pros: Good looks, great engine
Cons: Not great around town, very inefficient
The new Defender is much more of a status symbol than the old car ever was – and none of its endless configurations convey that attitude better than the range-topping, 518bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8. It’s a detuned version of engine fitted to the old Jaguar F-Type SVR, churning out up 518bhp and 461lb ft of torque.
It’s enough shove the short-wheelbase 90 model from 0–62mph in a hot-hatchback-troubling 5.2 seconds. The larger, heavier 110 and 130 variants aren’t that far behind, either – they can complete the same sprint in 5.4 and 5.7 seconds respectively. That’s Hyundai i30 N territory, in a car that can haul you and all your mates across the Sahara in air conditioned comfort.
Of course, compared to other cars on this list, the Defender V8 is expensive to buy, inconvenient around town and swills fuel faster than a burning oil rig – but there are few cars capable of matching it.
To find out more, read our full Land Rover Defender V8 review
Or try: The new Land Rover Defender OCTA if you’re after all-out performance
Ferrari Purosangue
Best SUV for those who want most of the Ferrari experience, but with much more space
Pros: Luxurious cabin, impressive handling, V12 at the front
Cons: Boot is small for the class, rear suicide doors
It finally happened. Ferrari made an SUV, and thankfully it’s one of the most impressive examples of the genre we’ve ever driven. Maranello has shoved a V12 in at the front, with a total output of 715bhp at 7750rpm. That’s good for 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds and 120mph in 10.6 – despite a dry kerb weight in excess of two tonnes.
Inside, Maranello has opted for a bold, clean design that gives each occupant the feeling of their own individual space and tech without losing the cocooned-in feel of a proper sports car. The material choice throughout is second to none, ranging from beautifully stitched leathers to a carbon fibre weave that integrates fine copper wire. Oh and the boot measures up at 473-litres with all seats in place, meaning it’s around the same as a hybrid Range Rover Evoque.
The Purosangue has the looks, sound and pace of a proper Ferrari, while the cabin and outright luxury is second to none. It does have its flaws (what Italian supercar doesn’t) and dynamically it’s not quite a match for Ferrari’s low-slung sports cars, but in the grand scheme these are small complaints.
To find out more, read our full Ferrari Purosangue review
Or try: The Aston Martin DBX further up on this list
Renault Scenic
Best SUV for those looking for French flair in a light, electric, bubbly package
Pros: Engaging handling, efficient powertrain, good range
Cons: Ride can be jiggly at times, poor rear visibility
Is it an SUV or an MPV? Ultimately it doesn’t matter because the Renault Scenic is one of the best electric SUVs we’ve driven, and one of the best SUVs period. Just like the original Scenic – it keeps the safety and well-being of passengers front and centre.
Despite being an electric SUV with a lithium-ion battery in tow it’s relatively light for a car in this sector, and that comes with two key benefits: its official efficiency and range figures are impressive, and best of all, it has a little old-school Renault va-va-voom.
Its performance isn’t electrifying as some electric cars, but it doesn’t really need to be. There’s enough spirit in its dynamic DNA here to at least provide a semblance of fun for keen drivers. And importantly that doesn’t detract from a driving experience that’s mostly comfortable and easy around town.
To find out more, read our full Renault Scenic review
Or try the Peugeot e-5008, if you’re after a charming, electric, French SUV
Skoda Kodiaq
Best SUV for those looking for a practical, good value option
Pros: Roomy inside, lots of spec choice, inviting interior, quiet at speed
Cons: Not particularly exciting to drive, ride isn’t as good as it was
The new Skoda Kodiaq continues the good work achieved by its predecessor and sticks closely to the winning formula of the previous car too. The new Kodiaq is longer and roomier and features a range of updates: there are new lights, a new logo, a new grille with new air intakes underneath, a new spoiler sticking out the back of the lengthened roof, and some new colours.
Inside, there’s nothing radically different or innovative inside, but it’s a very successful mix of familiar and new, of traditional and advanced. It’s still very roomy – in fact slightly roomier than before, with an expanded boot and more headroom for those in the third row, while having a sleeker shape that has reduced aerodynamic drag.
As this list proves, there are plenty of choices for buyers wanting family-friendly SUVs, and this remains among the best, certainly when you factor in the cost.
To find out more, read our full Skoda Kodiaq review
