SUVs have become the most popular family cars – here we highlight the best in the business.
The family car market is now dominated by SUVs. Once the preserve of off-roaders, now these 4x4s have found popularity with those who want a large car for the practicality, safety and high driving position.
As such, there’s now an almost endless list to choose from, with plenty for every kind of budget.
Here, we take a look at some of the best family 4x4s on sale today.
Audi e-tron
We’ll start with something a little left-field. If you’re dead-set on an Audi SUV there are plenty to choose from, ranging from smaller crossovers to the massive Q7, with even ‘coupe-like’ styling on some.
However, the electric e-tron range is the most intriguing, as the Audi e-tron SUV provides premium styling, an ultra-modern interior and fantastic range that means you won’t be taking too many trips to the chargers.
There are options, too, with the S models providing extra performance and the Sportback versions bringing a little extra style at the expense of some practicality.
CUPRA Ateca
Since breaking off from SEAT, CUPRA has carved a name for itself by building some incredibly handsome yet practical vehicles. It sells two SUVs, with the Formentor being the newer and more stylish, though its sloping roof makes it slightly less practical.
Therefore, we’d go for the Ateca, which is a mid-sized SUV with sportiness built into it. There’s a 2.0-litre engine that makes almost 300bhp, making it just as powerful as highly regarded hot hatches, so it’s no slouch.
This does mean running costs will be higher than most in this list, but so will the fun factor.
Honda HR-V
Honda is pushing electrification and the result is that its models have lower running costs than some rivals can manage. The recently updated Honda HR-V is a great example of this, coupling its hybrid powertrain with smart styling.
It’s not a plug-in, meaning you don’t have a huge electric-only range, but the battery and motor should have a decent effect on fuel economy figures. It has a fantastic interior for the price point, too, with comfortable materials and all of the latest technology.
Jaguar F-Pace
If you’re looking for premium appeal and one of the best-looking SUVs on the market, the Jaguar F-Pace should be at the top of your shopping list.
Much like the Audi, buying premium comes at a price, but the F-Pace does a great job of justifying this thanks to the fact it has a lovely interior, with high quality upholstery and an excellent infotainment system.
It’s also offered with a plug-in hybrid for those extra green credentials.
Range Rover
Family SUVs and Land Rover go hand-in-hand. The firm is best known for its off-roading, but in recent years has perfected combining this with premium quality urban-focused models.
The Defender is fantastic, with mountain climbing ability and a plush cabin making it the ultimate do-everything SUV. However, our pick would be the Range Rover, because a new model has gone on sale and it’s more luxurious than ever before.
It has a good choice of powertrains, too, from plug-in hybrids to high-performance V8s.
Volkswagen T-Roc
To bring things back to the mainstream, Volkswagen has a great range of SUVs. They’re all very similar in styling and specification, with interiors that are practical with great technology at affordable prices.
Our pick would be the Volkswagen T-Roc, because it’s somewhere in the middle of the pack size-wise – not too big, but not too small. It’s recently been updated, too, meaning it benefits from a restyle that gives the SUV a softer, more friendly face.
SEAT Tarraco
In need of more space in your family 4x4? You won’t go far wrong with the SEAT Tarraco which comes with 7 seats as standard. Its responsive steering helps maintain the manageable feel of an SUV, rather than a minibus, despite the extra seats.
Rear seats are easily configured to accommodate any combination of passengers and all the paraphernalia that comes with family life. Even with all seats in use, you’ll still find a very helpful 230 litres of boot space.
Convenience-wise, you’ll find large bins in the front and rear doors as well as compartments and cupholders in the front armrest and console. Back-of-seat tables provide a usable space for rear passengers when they aren’t taking advantage of the sliding and reclining seats on the second row, or one of the three 12v sockets for recharging vital gadgets. All round, the SEAT Tarraco provides a comfortable and productive trip, whatever the age of those on board.
Whatever your idea of comfort and convenience, you have to admit that a family 4x4 ticks most of the boxes. Take a closer look at these models and more at your local Swansway Group dealership where you’ll find helpful advisors who can steer you in the right direction.