Top 10 best SUVs to buy 2022 / 2023

We name the top 10 best SUVs and 4x4s you can buy on the new car market today

• Top 10 best SUVs on sale
• 1. Nissan Ariya
• 2. Lexus NX
• 3. Land Rover Defender 
• 4. Skoda Kodiaq
• 5. BMW X5
• 6. Renault Captur
• 7. Skoda Enyaq iV
• 8. Ford Puma
• 9. Hyundai Tucson 
• 10. MG ZS EV
• How to choose the best SUV for you

If you’re among the many buyers considering an SUV then you're spoilt for choice. Almost every manufacturer makes at least one SUV, with a huge variety of models on offer. While having lots of options is a luxury, it does make finding the best SUV to meet your needs more difficult.

They all follow a similar formula when it comes to style, with higher ground clearance than a normal car and rugged-looking body trim. But it’s not just a case of picking which manufacturer or dealership you like. Even if you opt for one of the UK’s best SUVs, it might not meet your needs as well as another model, because different SUVs are designed for different purposes.

Even if we limit the search to SUVs big enough to serve as family cars, with space for at least four adults and large boots for luggage or dogs, you’ve still got to consider whether to choose a mainstream or premium SUV, decide if you need five or seven seats and decide between petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric powertrains. That's before all the different SUV manufacturers, models and trim levels even come into it.

Thanks to the growing popularity of this class of car, the SUV segment can be hugely lucrative if manufacturers get it right. Many SUVs come in standard or ‘coupe SUV’ body styles, in economy-focused, luxury or sporty guises and you’ll need to think about what level of off-road ability you want. Are you looking for a hardcore mud-plugging 4×4 vehicle or do you just want to traverse the occasional speed bump or park by a raised kerb without scraping your alloy wheels?

We’ve focused on the best (and best value) family-sized models here but if you’re after something smaller, our top 10 best small SUVs list has those more compact models covered. We also have specific guides to the best large SUVs, best luxury SUVs, the most economical SUVs and many more.

Top 10 best SUVs on sale

1. Nissan Ariya
2. Lexus NX
3. Land Rover Defender
4. Skoda Kodiaq
5. BMW X5
6. Renault Captur
7. Skoda Enyaq iV
8. Ford Puma
9. Hyundai Tucson
10. MG ZS EV

Scroll down to find out more about the 10 best SUVs on sale at the moment…

1. Nissan Ariya

Nissan won our coveted Car of the Year award in 2022 with the new Ariya, so it’s no surprise to see it top the list of the best SUVs you can buy right now. Arguably the best and most pivotal car from the Japanese firm since the original Leaf in 2010, the Ariya impresses thanks to its premium interior, competitive range and refinement.

Sitting on the same CMF-EV architecture that underpins the new Renault Megane E-Tech, there are two battery options available: a 63kWh with 214bhp and a larger 87kWh version with 239bhp. Both send power to the front wheels only, while the larger model comes with a decent 329 miles of range.

The interior is a bit of a step-change for Nissan because it feels on a similar level to electric SUVs from premium European brands. Below the central 12.3-inch screen is a series of haptic buttons sitting on a wood-effect panel – it’s an unusual design but it works well.

2. Lexus NX

Although Lexus was a fairly early adopter of hybrid technology with the second generation RX, the NX is the firm’s first plug-in hybrid. The range-topping 450h+ model comes with a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to a 18.1kWh battery and a pair of electric motors. The result of which is a supremely smooth powertrain that offers 40 miles of all-electric drive and a decent thump of power with 302bhp available.

The NX is so good we named it our Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year in 2022, beating tough competition in the shape of the BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace. Lexus has clearly worked hard on the interior of the NX; the optional 14-inch central touchscreen is a joy to use and the overall build quality is excellent throughout.

The NX is the best-selling Lexus in the UK and it’s easy to see why. Along with the generous levels of equipment on board it’s also spacious and feels pretty premium inside. Lexus usually performs brilliantly in our Driver Power survey, and while the latest NX is too new to feature on the current list, we’d expect it to appear high up the rankings next time around.

3. Land Rover Defender 

Land Rover has really aced the task of reinventing the iconic Defender for the modern age. It's every bit as capable off-road as its predecessor, while introducing a level of luxury that underlines the brand’s premium credentials. Crucially, for 99 per cent of customers, the Defender is now great to drive on the road, delivering a surprising amount of fun and dynamic ability on smoother tarmac.

The Defender is as versatile as ever, and in 110 specification it offers five, six or seven-seat options, while the engine options are equally flexible with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel units, a plug-in hybrid variant and a storming 5.0-litre V8 model with 518bhp.

Practicality is still a priority for the Defender, with lots of cubbies and storage areas located around the cabin, as well as useful tech features like a standard 3D surround camera. The air suspension can raise and lower the car to make hitching-up a trailer much easier, while the ClearSight Ground View gives you a virtual view of the ground beneath and just in front of the vehicle – great for keen off-roaders.

4. Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq has been around for six years now and during that time it’s been one of our favourite SUVs. A mid-life facelift in 2021 made it even more appealing and the Kodiaq went on to bag our award for Best Large SUV in 2022.

It’s a difficult car to fault in any one area while it excels in plenty. The seven-seat Kodiaq has plenty of practicality on board with lots of storage bins and a roomy 765-litre boot with the rear row folded away. The materials don’t feel particularly luxurious but they all feel well put together and sturdy – something a family-friendly SUV like the Kodiaq really requires. Even the entry-level model gets a few USB ports dotted around the cabin, cargo compartments in the boot, dual-zone climate control, a rear-view parking camera and integrated Wi-Fi.

There’s a strong range of powertrains, although electrification is notably missing from the Kodiaq’s repertoire. The least powerful 1.5-litre TSI with 148bhp doesn’t feel overburdened but if you want real performance there’s the vRS model with 242bhp and a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds.

5. BMW X5

BMW launched the first X5 in 1999, when its blend of style, practicality, and quality engineering immediately set it apart from the SUV competition. Originally, BMW marketed the X5 as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), but it has evolved to deliver luxury levels of comfort and refinement.

The X5 won our Large Premium SUV of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and while it has always demonstrated great flexibility in both five and seven-seat forms, it was the introduction of the supremely capable xDrive45e plug-in hybrid version which helped the X5 take the gong.

Capable of covering around 50 miles on battery power alone, the xDrive45e is able to reduce the usual running costs of a typical large SUV, while CO2 emissions starting from 27g/km mean the X5 will be more attractive to business users.

Once inside, you'll benefit from BMW's Live Cockpit Professional infotainment set-up which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a further touchscreen of the same size for controlling the media functions and sat nav – it's a brilliantly intuitive system.

6. Renault Captur

To be a competitor in the small SUV class means offering plenty of style and versatility, as well as being good value for money. There are so many different models available, so a car of this size has to stand out to be in with a chance of winning our Small SUV of the Year award.

The Renault Captur, which is based on the underpinnings of the best-selling Clio, delivers handsome good looks and a practical high-set driving position, along with generous levels of standard equipment and attractive pricing. What's not to like?

At the core of the Captur's appeal is its practicality, and with increased dimensions over the previous model, it offers improved passenger space along with clever touches such as a sliding rear bench which allows you to prioritise room for extra occupants or luggage.

With a host of on-board driver assistance systems and a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, the Captur is a fantastically appealing small SUV.

7. Skoda Enyaq iV

The Skoda Enyaq iV is the first fully electric car to come from the Czech brand, and it has already set a strong standard for electric Skodas of the future.

The Enyaq iV shares a number of parts with the Volkswagen ID.4, such as the batteries and motors, but in a package that’s very typical of Skoda – it’s a straightforward, practical and robust car that comes with plenty of essential features.

To keep things simple, two variants are available with differing battery sizes (the 58kWh iV 60 and 77kWh iV 80), which offer strong ranges of up to 255 and 330 miles respectively. Equipment isn’t as extravagant as with some rivals but all the essentials are there, with LED headlights, a Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors coming as standard on the base model.

Along with the impressive battery ranges, the Enyaq iV should prove highly capable in most everyday scenarios, including family use, thanks to a large 585-litre boot and plenty of head and leg space for all passengers in both the front and rear.

8. Ford Puma

The Ford Puma is proving to be a smash hit for the Blue Oval, even dethroning the ever-popular Fiesta supermini in Britain’s monthly list of best-sellers. Its fashionable size and styling, fun handling and economical engines are a winning combination.

Its 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild-hybrid engine is one of the most frugal petrol engines in any SUV, topping 50mpg, while the 197bhp Puma ST gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol three-cylinder unit, along with a stiffened chassis for serious driving fun.

Ford has also worked to make the Fiesta-based Puma feel as spacious as possible, and for the driver and front passenger there’s lots of room. The rear bench is pretty good too, with a fairly high seating position, although there’s not quite as much room as in the Renault Captur. The boot measures 456 litres, with almost no lip to haul items over, and a handy hidden compartment beneath the boot floor.

9. Hyundai Tucson 

Visually, the latest Tucson is a huge departure from the tame looks of the previous generations and the bold design is like nothing else on the road. Whether you like the looks or not, Hyundai should at least be commended for not playing it safe and by trying to make its family SUV stand out.

To really succeed in the family car market, a focus on practicality is a must and the Tucson’s 620-litre boot dwarfs the Nissan Qashqai’s load area and comfortably beats the SEAT Ateca’s 510 litres. The amount of legroom on offer will be a blessing for those sitting in the back and there’s plenty of headroom. Up front there’s a curved dash to give a premium feel for the driver and front-seat passenger.

Hyundai has chosen a screen instead of traditional dials behind the wheel, allowing you to change the layout of dials and sat-nav. The infotainment is one of the best systems in its class, being sharp and easy to use and having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

10. MG ZS EV

When the MG ZS EV was first introduced in 2019, it was not only one of the cheapest electric cars, but it was also far more practical than similarly priced rivals, the vast majority of which being city cars.

MG facelifted the ZS range just two years later in 2021, with a new look, new interior technology and improved battery ranges on the electric models. Even with these upgrades, though, the ZS isn’t intended to make any radical breakthroughs. Instead, its aim is to simply provide a usable electric car that’s suitable for the family and costs a far more reasonable price than a huge proportion of its competition – something that it does very well.

The ZS EV comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, climate control, adaptive cruise control and integrated sat-nav with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity all fitted as standard. MG’s Pilot system also brings an array of active safety systems, too.

The facelifted car’s new 72.6kWh long-range battery boosts the ZS EV’s range to up to 273 miles, around 110 miles more than the older car. Another model with a smaller 51kWh battery is due to arrive in 2022, which will be less expensive but will still offer a decent 198 mile range.

How to choose the best SUV for you

The good news for SUV buyers is that because there are so many options, irrespective of whether you want to buy or lease your SUV, you need not settle for anything less than ideal. The growth in this sector has largely been fuelled by motorists desiring a commanding driving position, chunky looks and extra grip from 4×4 systems. But there’s more to the SUV package.

The large body of a 4×4 means there's potential for great practicality, so much so that some SUVs can rival MPVs for family-friendly space and versatility. If you're looking for a 7-seater car then a large SUV could be a perfect fit, they tend to be more desirable than MPVs as well as matching them for space. With their huge boot space, roof racks and towing capacity they make great cars for going on holiday, too.

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. 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.

Some will have concerns about the ethics of driving a big and potentially inefficient SUV of course, but even those concerns can often be put to rest as many of the models on offer are not much thirstier or more polluting than similarly-sized saloons or family hatchbacks. Efficient hybrid models are becoming increasingly popular too, with great mpg figures from their high-tech drivetrains. Just be warned that you may struggle to replicate official figures in the real world.

Despite being known as 4x4s, many SUV cars are only two-wheel-drive. So, while in the past choosing an SUV probably meant you needed an off-road capable workhorse or wanted to go trail bashing for fun, the picture is very different now.

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. 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.

Keyword: Top 10 best SUVs to buy 2022 / 2023