Having seen a surge in interest in recent years thanks to their style and enhanced levels of practicality, SUVs are now some of the most common vehicles you’ll see on the road. With well-respected brands such as Audi, Ford and Vauxhall offering options, there are plenty of fantastic used SUVs for you to choose from.

Common characteristics that buyers look out for when searching for a used SUV include a strong reliability rating, high driving position and a comfortable ride. You’ll also want to ensure there’s plenty of room for the family, with many examples offering up to seven seats.

But with such an array of options, how do you know which second-hand SUV is the perfect match?

What are the best used SUVs you can buy?

In this article, we’ve highlighted ten of our favourite options for you to consider.

1. Nissan Qashqai (2021-Present)

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.

 

Best Features

  • Spacious interior
  • Good amount of technology across the range
  • Sharp looks
Things to consider
  • Not quite as practical as others on this list
  • Build quality could be better in areas
  • Interior lacks flair

2. Dacia Duster (2017-Present)

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.

Best Features

  • Superb value for money
  • Economical powertrain lineup
  • Varied equipment levels to choose from
Things to consider
  • Sacrificed refinement in low-spec models
  • Less desirable badge than competitors
  • Could be better to drive

3. BMW X3 (2018-Present)

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.

Best Features

  • Super refined
  • Strong performance
  • A lot of kerb appeal
Things to consider
  • Higher price tag than other options
  • Powerful variants are thirsty for fuel
  • Servicing and maintenance will cost more

4. Ford Puma (2019-Present)

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.

Best Features

  • Unique exterior styling
  • Typical Ford value
  • Economical, yet fun to drive
Things to consider
  • Not quite as practical as others on this list
  • Build quality could be better in areas
  • Interior lacks flair

5. Skoda Kodiaq (2016-Present)

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.

Best Features

  • As practical as they come
  • Very well-built
  • Bundles of technology
Things to consider
  • Not quite as desirable as more prestige options
  • Some models are a little firm
  • Seven seats don’t come as standard

6. MG ZS (2018-Present)

MG’s resurgence in the UK, after being away for 16 years, has brought a range of affordable and practical used SUVs to the market, one of which is the ZS.

Launched in 2017, the ZS strongly competes with the likes of the Nissan Juke and SEAT Arona despite being available for significantly less money. But by no means is the ZS spartan compared to its counterparts, as technology such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite navigation and a 360-degree reversing camera are commonly available on used examples.

MG is so confident in the vehicle’s reliability that it offered all variants with a 7-year warranty when new, leaving multiple years of warranty remaining on the majority of used examples. Whilst the looks of the ZS are more traditional than some of the more expressive designs we’ve become accustomed to, it’s an incredibly well-rounded car that used car buyers will find hard to ignore.

Best Features

  • Very good value for money
  • Generous equipment levels
  • Extensive warranty
Things to consider
  • Tame driving experience
  • Generic SUV styling
  • Fuel economy could be better on some models

7. Volvo XC90 (2015-Present)

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.

Best Features

  • An abundance of safety tech
  • Uber practical
  • Very refined
Things to consider
  • Higher price tag than alternatives
  • Not the most economical
  • Very large, so can be difficult to manoeuvre

8. Kia Sportage (2022-Present)

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.

Best Features

  • Usually have extensive warranty cover – even on used models
  • Nice build quality
  • Various powertrains to choose from
Things to consider
  • Looks split opinion
  • Not the most sought-after badge
  • Top-of-the-range models can be pricey

9. Land Rover Discovery (2017-Present)

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.

Best Features

  • Performs well both on and off-road
  • Luxurious interior
  • 7-seat availability
Things to consider
  • On the expensive side
  • Polarising styling
  • Large dimensions make driving more challenging

10. Audi Q5 (2017-Present)

Offering a well-thought-out balance of refinement, performance and practicality, the Q5 is Audi’s contribution to the mid-size SUV segment. While competition in this corner of the market is fierce, the German brand outclasses many of its rivals due to an unrivalled build quality and sharp design.

With a healthy 500-litre boot with all seats in place, as well as plenty of storage compartments for children’s toys and water bottles, it’s safe to say the Q5 has no issues when it comes to family life. With a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and tech such as blind-spot monitoring and autonomous braking available, you can rest assured knowing safety is a priority for Audi.

Of the available trims, the S-Line is a popular choice due to its sporty accents and additional technology. There’s also a broad range of powertrains for you to choose from, including plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel options.

Best Features

  • German build quality
  • Catches the eye
  • Refined driving experience
Things to consider
  • Could be more practical
  • Servicing and maintenance will cost more
  • High price tag for better-specced cars

Used SUV Frequently Asked Questions

Find your next used SUV with Motors

Largely popular amongst families and those that need additional space, SUVs make for a fantastic option on the used market. With almost all of the world’s top manufacturers competing for eyes in the segment, there are plenty of examples to consider.

If you’re in the market for an SUV, you’ll find thousands of used SUVs at Motors, including a wide range of makes and models for you to choose from.

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