The Best Petrol SUVs

The X-Trail has always acted as the more rugged, go-anywhere sibling to the popular Qashqai. Available with a seven-seater option, the X-Trail is a good choice for larger families or those who require a little extra people-moving space from time to time.

Early models were available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, replaced later on by a smaller – but no less powerful – 1.3-litre unit which is our pick of the bunch due to its decent blend of performance and efficiency. There are plenty to choose from in the used market, too, and you’ll find that all X-Trail models come with a good level of standard equipment including air conditioning and cruise control.

The BMW X5 was one of the first ‘premium’ SUVs that arrived on the market and though its competitors have grown more numerous, it remains one of the most popular cars in this segment. As you might expect from a BMW, the X5 is accompanied by some very strong engine choices including some very punchy petrol options.

This third-generation X5 was available with an impressively potent 50i model with a 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering up to 443bhp and giving the X5 sports car-rivalling performance. However, a petrol plug-in hybrid model provides a more efficient option. Either which way, the X5 brings a polished finish with lots of equipment and an upmarket air.

As with the BMW X5, so the Mercedes GLE has provided a cornerstone to the brand’s entire range of SUVs. Evolved from the original ML, the GLE is a spacious, comfortable and well-specified way of getting from A to B. The suspension of the GLE is a particular highlight as it makes this SUV a particularly relaxing mode of transport.

While many of the GLE models you’ll see are diesel-powered, there are a few petrol options out there. The main one is the 450-badged model, which uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a decent slug of power. Aside from this, you’re looking at the more performance-orientated versions in the AMG GLE 53 and 63 versions – but expect slightly higher running costs with these.

The Q7 is the car that a lot of people will think of the instant an SUV is mentioned. With seven-seater versatility, a comfort-orientated setup and loads of standard equipment the Q7 is a car that’ll appeal to many types of drivers. Good build quality only adds to this car’s plus-points, with Audi’s typically upmarket sense of materials and finish visible throughout this high-riding model.

This Q7 model is available for a variety of budgets used and you’ll find a 3.0-litre engine being the most available petrol-powered version. Remember to factor in repair costs for the Q7 when budgeting, too.

While Volvo might’ve originally been the go-to brand for estate cars, in more recent times it has evolved to become a car marker which is more focused on SUVs than practical ‘wagons’. The XC60 occupies a middle space between the smaller XC40 and the larger XC90 which means, for many people, it has just the right amount of space without proving overly large.

It is available with a number of petrol engines, too, including the 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘T4’ and more powerful ‘T5’ version, both of which provide a decent level of performance without proving too costly to run. Models made from 2019 onwards took a greater focus on efficiency through mild-hybrid technology that made the two petrol engines on this age of car even cleaner and greener.

The Tucson is a core member of Hyundai’s range and has been for quite a while now. Providing assured, reliable transport is the Tucson’s mantra and it’s why it has been the choice of those who want a no-nonsense SUV for a long time. All Hyundai models come equipped with plenty of standard features and this generation of Tucson is no different, with Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning and LED daytime running lights included from the off.

You’re in luck when it comes to petrol engine choices, too. A pair of 2.0-litre units – in different states of tune and one with a turbocharger – means that there’s something for most drivers. We’d opt for the stronger 174bhp version – over the 133bhp variant – if you’re looking for a little extra grunt when accelerating.

Jaguar showed a bold new direction when it introduced the F-Pace back in 2016. It was the first time that the brand had entered into the luxury SUV segment, and showcased new wave of high-riding Jaguar models which still incorporated the high level of finish and striking design that this brand had become known for.

Today, the F-Pace represents a well-priced used buy, as all models come with lots of equipment as standard. You’ve got plenty of options in terms of petrol engines, too, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre, supercharged V6 and range-topping 5.0-litre V8 in the mad-hat SVR version. Put short, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to petrol-power in the F-Pace.

Skoda hit the nail on the head for family SUVs when it launched the Kodiaq. Available in both five- and seven-seater configurations, the Kodiaq’s space, comfort level and large boot make it an extremely versatile option and since it started off from a relatively low price, the Kodiaq can now be picked up for some budget-busting prices on the used market.

While many Kodiaq models did get diesel power. there are some petrol options there to choose from. An entry-level 1.4-litre unit does better than you might think in a car this large, while a 1.5-litre version replaced this in later cars and can prove to be a better option, particularly for those who tow or load up their cars fully quite often.

Tough, rugged and unashamedly value-orientated, the Dacia Duster is an SUV that you can rely upon. With solid mechanicals underneath it’s a reliable choice, while its hard-wearing interior might lack some of the luxuries offered by other cars here, but that does mean it’ll stand up to all types of abuse on a daily basis and still look fresh.

There’s the choice of either 1.2- or 1.6-litre petrol engines, too, and we’d be leaning towards the former as it offers a better combination of performance and efficiency. The Duster isn’t the most polished cars in terms of driving experience, but its rugged character means that for many it’ll only add to the charm.

The Countryman marked a turning point for ‘new’ Mini as it expanded beyond its smaller hatchbacks into a market that was gaining increasing momentum. Today, the Countryman is a common sight on the used market and it’s a great option for those drivers who want a little extra style from their new SUV.

As with the standard hatchback, the Countryman favoured petrol engines over diesel ones. They’re all strong, too, with the 1.5-litre in Cooper cars providing more than enough performance – though the 2.0-litre petrol in Cooper S and John Cooper Works cars is there for drivers who want a little extra punch in their Countryman.