The Best Used SUVs in the UK

The Nissan Qashqai is somewhat of a staple within the SUV segment, offering sharp looks, a good level of practicality, and a variety of powertrains to suit your lifestyle. As the first British-built UK best-seller since 1998, you’ll be hard-pushed to find an SUV as popular as the Qashqai, which means there’ll be plenty of examples to choose from on the used market.

Coming with a healthy amount of equipment such as LED headlights and rear parking sensors as standard, the Qashqai is well-suited to a variety of lifestyles, while optional extras such as roof bars, satellite navigation and a panoramic roof can also be found.

If you’re after the latest in technology, then third-generation models will appeal (2021 onwards). Alternatively, second-generation models (2013-2021) are also widely available and offer the option of a diesel engine if you regularly travel long distances.

Dacia has made a name for itself in the UK thanks to its ability to produce cars that are cost-effective yet still well-equipped, and the Duster certainly fits the mould.

Sitting in the small SUV segment, the Duster is incredible value for money and comes at a price point that pretty much all of its competition will struggle to beat. Despite its smaller dimensions, examples with extras such as roof bars ensure you have enough space for the likes of family camping trips, while there’s even a 4×4 option if you fancy heading off the beaten track.

You’re unlikely to turn heads, but if you’re looking for a fairly-priced second-hand SUV that’s a great all-rounder, the Dacia Duster should certainly be on your list.

BMW’s X3 is a large SUV that’s seen great success since its introduction in 2003. Now in its third generation, it continues to offer the level of luxury you’d expect from BMW while still being a suitable partner for day-to-day life.

With a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains to choose from, there’s sure to be a model that appeals. Those considering an electric car may also be interested in the all-electric IX3.

Opt for the entry-level xLine model and you can expect equipment such as 19-inch wheels, cruise control and LED headlights, while higher-specced M Sport variants may offer sportier looks and advanced tech such as adaptive suspension.

Originally a coupé when it was introduced, the Ford Puma received a new lease of life when it was relaunched as a crossover SUV in 2019. Since then, it’s gone on to become one of Ford’s most popular vehicles, and for good reason.

Despite being based on the same platform as the much-loved Ford Fiesta, the Puma is more practical, with plenty of space for two child seats in the rear of the car. A 456-litre boot also helps with carrying your family’s luggage, while the clever ‘megabox’ in the boot enhances versatility further.

Each Puma variant comes well-equipped in its own right and is a good amount of fun to drive thanks to nimble handling and punchy powertrains – characteristics that are often overlooked in this segment.

The word practicality is as good as synonymous with the Skoda brand, with the majority of its cars being class leaders in terms of outright space in their respective segments. The Kodiaq, Skoda’s largest SUV, continues this trend, offering up to seven seats and a colossal boot space of up to 2,065 litres.

By no means is Kodiaq a one-trick pony, however, as the Czech brand has ensured it impresses across the board. With a good build quality throughout, both driver and passengers can enjoy their journeys in a comfortable manner.

Much like every other Skoda, the Kodiaq also possesses ingenious touches such as an ice-scraper that lives within the fuel cap and an umbrella holder built into the front doors. All models are well-equipped and fairly priced, but opt for the range-topping vRS if you want maximum tech and dynamism for those school runs.

The Seat Ateca is a car which gets all the benefits of the wider Volkswagen Group’s technology and learnings but brings it at a far lower price than other cars from within that company. It sits on the same platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan, in fact, but has a little extra flair thanks to some tell-tale Spanish styling which makes this a good option for those who like to stand out from the crowd. 

Inside, you’ll find a well-made and spacious cabin with lots of features. The boot is well-sized and handily square, while a low loading lip should help to make putting heavier items in the back a little easier. When it comes to driving experience the Ateca puts many to shame, too, with well-weighted steering that makes this SUV a good-to-drive model which can make a twisty section of road more exciting than you might think.

Volvo cars have long been associated with longevity, so it comes as no surprise to find one on this list. The XC90 is a large SUV that offers a pleasant blend of practicality, refinement, and performance, making it a hit amongst buyers.

With petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants available, the XC90 is well-suited to a variety of lifestyles. It excels in the department of safety too, achieving a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating with impressive scores for adult and child protection, as well as a 100% safety assistance score.

Technology across the range is plentiful, with adaptive cruise control heated seats and automatic LED headlights coming as standard. Pair this with a 1,951-litre boot (with all seats dropped) and the option to choose a 7-seat variant, and you have an attractive all-around package.

As one of Kia’s most popular models, the Kia Sportage has long been a go-to choice for many used buyers in the UK. Originally launched way back in 1993, the Sportage is now in its fifth generation after receiving major updates in 2022.

The latest edition comes with a whole host of clever kit to ensure it competes with more expensive alternatives. It’s also the first Kia model to have a European-specific version, ensuring its design is better suited to the needs of your day-to-day activities.

With a raft of intelligent hybrid and traditional powertrains to choose from, there’s sure to be a model to suit. If you’re working on a tighter budget then fourth- and third-generation models are also a great choice, with strong reliability records across the board.

The Land Rover brand is one that many are familiar with, carving a name for itself in some of the toughest environments due to its off-road prowess and robust nature. The Discovery, which is one of the brand’s bigger models, carries the usual characteristics we know and love and pairs them with luxury elements to cement its upmarket position.

The ‘Disco’ (as it’s known amongst enthusiasts) can pretty much take on anything you ask of it, with a top level of practicality and plenty of gadgets to optimise refinement. Even entry-level ‘S’ models come with 20-inch alloy wheels and satellite navigation as standard to ensure you get your money’s worth.

While it costs more than others on this list, the Discovery offers a level of comfort and interior elegance that many will find hard to beat.

Lexus knows a thing or two about making solid and fuel-efficient SUVs and you’ll find both of these attributes – and more – in the NX. It’s a compact SUV which gets Lexus’ usually distinctive exterior design which is backed up by an innovative interior that looks and feels special. 

While Lexus did offer the NX with a small-capacity turbocharged petrol engine, most that you’ll see for sale on the used market will be hybrid-powered. There’s good reason for this, as it brings a good deal of efficiency. Remember, too, that Lexus has a sparkling record when it comes to reliability, so the NX could be ideal for those after a zero-hassle new car.