2016's Best SUVs

2016’s Best SUVs SUV special

In the market for a high-riding crossover or 4x4? We round up the top buys across every class Richard Ingram

Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @rsp_ingram

SUVs are hot property at the moment, with most car makers now featuring at least one high-riding model in their ranges.

It’s easy to see why, as 4x4s and crossovers now account for more sales than any other sector in the European market, with their popularity growing by the month.

The SUV market offers so much choice that there’s a model for everyone out there – and we’ve put together this comprehensive round-up covering the best options in each category. Whether you’re after a rugged 4x4 that will help you reach the ends of the Earth or a comfortable and practical family car, there’s bound to be something for you here.

The latest models aren’t just comfortable cruisers with a huge boot; cars like the Jaguar F-Pace and Volvo XC90 prove that some of the coolest machines on the road are SUVs, while keen drivers are even catered for, too, as the Porsche Macan offers a modern masterclass in driving dynamics and sports car feel.

But which is best for you? Read on to find out our picks in each key SUV category...

Our guide to the best buys

as 4x4 stars of future line up

Best PREMIUM family SUV

Jaguar F-Pace Price From £35,020

The Jaguar F-Pace doesn’t just look great, it’s also a brilliantly practical and luxurious SUV. Its great drive, plentiful safety technology and plush interior all play a part in making it our top pick, too. In fact, the F-Pace is such a good all-rounder that it’s the reigning Auto Express Car of the Year.

This is a stunning premium SUV, with an upmarket interior and striking, sporty looks. But while it doesn’t come cheap, you get a lot of car for your money. It’s every bit as classy as a Porsche Macan (Page 29), but costs less to buy – and if you go for the entry-level 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel model, it’s also much cheaper to run. There’s plenty of choice for powertrains, too, with two or four-wheel drive and six-speed manual or eight-speed auto boxes on offer.

Engine options comprise Jaguar’s 3.0-litre supercharged petrol and V6 diesel units, both of which serve up more than enough performance, while the standard spec sheet features 18-inch alloy wheels, the company’s InControl touchscreen sat-nav and leather seats.

Inside, the F-Pace is roomy, and although there’s no seven-seat option, it still makes a top choice as a family car. The 650-litre boot is bigger than you’ll get in the back of the larger BMW X5, while there’s more than enough rear seat space for three adults to sit comfortably.

WHILE the current crop of SUVs will take some beating, there are plenty of exciting models just around the corner.

Buyers are demanding more space, greater efficiency and better driving dynamics from their jacked-up cars. So we preview three of 2016’s most eagerly anticipated new SUVs.

SKODA KODIAq

The Kodiaq is Skoda’s first fullsize SUV. The Kia Sorento-rivalling seven-seater was previewed by the Vision S Geneva show car (left).

PEUGEOT 3008

Peugeot’s MPVlike Mk1 3008 never really won over UK buyers.

This new car will right those wrongs when it appears in November.

New Ateca sets benchmark for sharp driving and looks in its class

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

“SUV market offers so much choice that there’s a model for everyone – and our roundup covers the best options”

new Disco, seen in our exclusive image, will get a plush interior and class-leading dynamics. It will still impress offroad, though.

Poblete

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Inside SUV special story

F-Pace combines stand-out looks with sharp driving dynamics

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Audi Q7 Latest Q7 is over 300kg lighter than the old model, which makes a massive difference to its handling and efficiency. It’s a full sevenseater with plenty of engine options, including plug-in e-tron.

High-class cabin has a real feelgood factor; engines deliver strong pace

Best mid-size family SUV

SEAT ATECA Price From £17,990

SEAT’s first crossover was a long time coming, but when we drove the Ateca earlier this year, we quickly realised it had been well worth the wait. It’s based on a raised version of the Leon hatchback’s excellent platform, and features the same range of strong yet frugal engines.

The sharp design is inspired by the Leon, too, and helps the Ateca stand out. With its sharp creases, squared-off wheelarches and rugged add-ons, the SEAT is one of the best-looking cars in its class.

As well as sharp styling, the Ateca delivers a surprisingly sharp driving experience. The chassis feels agile and responsive, while the engines and gearboxes add the performance to go with it. There are 1.6 and 2.0 TDI diesels, and the entry point to the range is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI petrol that costs just under £18,000. A hot Ateca Cupra could follow.

Climb aboard, and you get a classy interior with plenty of space. There’s a 510-litre boot, while higherspec cars get a power tailgate as standard. The only real downsides of the Ateca are its slightly firm ride and the absence of some hi-tech extras, although that would put paid to the car’s great-value pricing.

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Renault Kadjar WHILE the Nissan Qashqai blazed a trail in the crossover sector, the closely related Renault Kadjar takes the same formula and improves on it, with more interior space and greater fuel efficiency.

Ateca’s angular looks continue inside, with dash layout similar to the Leon hatch on which it’s based

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SUV special Best SMALL family SUV

CITROEN C4 Cactus Price From £12,990

The C4 Cactus is a return to quirky form for Citroen, bringing a sense of fun and style to the small family SUV market. The bold design and unique Airbump panels – which are designed to protect the paintwork from dings in car parks – ensure this crossover attracts plenty of attention on the road.

The interior has its own unique style, and while features such as the pop-out rear windows seem a bit cheap, Citroen has made a feature out of them. Meanwhile, the central touchscreen and digital displays add a classy touch.

This is a comfortable and smooth rather than sporty car, and the C4 Cactus glides over bumpy UK roads rather well. That’s not to say it isn’t fun to drive; it’s just not quite as sharp as some rivals.

Most buyers won’t begrudge the lack of a 4x4 option, as it keeps the range simple and prices low. The Cactus is good value, and there’s even a super-economical BlueHDi 100 version with a claimed 91.1mpg return from its diesel engine.

In fact, the Citroen is so good that it was crowned Car of the Year 2015 by our sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, which praised its quirky styling, comfortable ride and great use of space.

Quirky styling and unique Airbumps help C4 Cactus to stand out

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Peugeot 2008 THE recently facelifted 2008 is closely related to the C4 Cactus; both cars use many of the same engines. The Peugeot is practical, comfortable and cheap to run, making it a great family car.

XC90 T8 Hybrid claims to travel up to 27 miles on battery power alone

BEST GREEN SUV

VOLVO XC90 T8 Hybrid Price From £60,455

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Tesla Model X NO SUV is cheaper to run than the pure-electric Tesla Model X. Yes, it’s pricey, but the instant performance, silent motor and seven-seat interior mean a relaxing driving experience.

Owners get free access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, too.

The concept of an eco-friendly SUV seems like a contradiction in terms, but the latest Volvo XC90 attempts to address that. Avoid the thirsty T6 petrol and pick the D5 diesel, and this two-tonne, seven-seat SUV promises 49.7mpg. That will probably be more like 35mpg in the real world, but it’s still pretty good going for such a large machine. The D5 also emits 149g/km of CO2, putting the ageing Land Rover Discovery to shame.

If that isn’t efficient enough, Volvo also offers the T8 Twin Engine hybrid. With a four-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine and an electric motor, it delivers 395bhp and can sprint from 0-62mph in a surprisingly brisk 5.3 seconds. Yet despite the sports car-rivalling performance, Volvo claims the T8 can return 104.6mpg. And if you plug in every time you park, you can drive it for up to 27 miles on electric power alone.

More good news for the environment – and company car users – is the T8’s CO2 figure of 49g/km. The hybrid drive means owners won’t suffer the anxiety associated with pure EVs, either. For such a practical, upmarket SUV to demonstrate such amazing efficiency is hugely impressive, so it’s easy to see why this is our favourite green SUV.

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Our guide to the best buys

SUV special

Precise steering enhances Discovery Sport’s driving experience; Range Rover-inspired cabin has premium feel

Best large family SUV

Land Rover Discovery Sport THE Land Rover Discovery Sport is one of our favourite SUVs, and with good reason. It manages to combine practicality, luxury and style in a desirable SUV package.

The seven-seat layout and high driving position also make it a top choice as family-friendly transport.

It’s clear that Land Rover is building on the success of the Range Rover brand, as the Discovery Sport’s design is considerably more upmarket than the Freelander it replaced in the range. Inside, the Disco’s premium credentials are backed up by slick styling and high-quality materials. It also

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Ford Edge Price From £31,095

feels classy on the road, with a smooth automatic gearbox and solid driving experience. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is a strong performer, while the lack of wind and road noise make it a comfortable cruiser. Plus, the precise steering means the Discovery Sport is easy to place on the road.

The boot is big in five-seat mode, and it opens out to 1,698 litres with the seats folded down. That’s bigger than many of its rivals, and since the seats fold flat the space is very handy. The rearmost seats are best reserved for kids, but for occasional use, they’re more than adequate.

WALK up to a Ford Edge and you’ll be struck by how big it is – and that means it has a very practical cabin.

There’s no seven-seat option, but the boot is enormous and there’s plenty of space in the back seats.

BEST HOT SUV

Porsche Macan Price From £43,908

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Audi SQ7 The SQ7 adds a storming V8 diesel to the standard Q7’s practical and upmarket seven-seat SUV package.

With a trio of turbos helping it to produce 900Nm of torque, it has the pace to see off a Porsche Boxster, yet claims 40mpg.

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Macan blends sports car handling and upmarket quality like no other SUV

Porsche kicked off its controversial SUV campaign with the Cayenne, but the smaller Macan is where the company really found its stride. It’s very loosely based on the Audi Q5 under the skin, and engineers have worked their magic to make this the most driver-focused SUV on sale today.

The Macan’s target audience is buyers who like the idea of a sports car, but need space for the children in the back – and this SUV nails the balance between the two. It can be specified with everything from a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine to a thumping 394bhp twin-turbo V6, and there’s even a fast and frugal diesel option. The Macan Turbo claims 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, but those after real driving thrills should go for the sharper and more agile GTS. Every Macan offers an excellent blend of handling, speed and everyday comfort. Opt for the adaptive dampers and Porsche’s SUV will effortlessly smooth out bumps, while road and wind noise are low. The Macan’s interior is superbly put together, too. And although it’s not the most practical car in the class, the Porsche will still take four adults and their luggage in comfort. Add upmarket cabin technology and the diesel’s 46mpg potential, and it’s clear to see why this car has proven so popular.

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SUV special

Our guide to the best buys

Impeccable refinement and strong pace define Range Rover driving experience; interior has sense of occasion

Best LUXURY SUV

Range Rover There’s a reason the Range Rover remains a household name, and it isn’t just the SUV’s gold-plated image. It was the original luxury 4x4, combining the go-anywhere ability of a Land Rover with the premium air of a limousine. The latest model is more capable and upmarket than ever, and rivals everything from the exclusive Bentley Bentayga to the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series luxury saloons.

The shape is instantly recognisable and oozes class, while inside the opulent surroundings and quality finish are only matched by the best luxury limos. Even shortwheelbase models offer plenty of space for four to relax, but opt for the top-spec LWB versions and you get first-class rear quarters good enough for royalty. Ride and refinement

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Price From £75,850

are almost unmatched, the handling is composed for the car’s size and although it’s not exactly economical, the engines are smooth and hushed. The TDV6 is the best all-rounder, but if you want to indulge, go for JLR’s thunderous supercharged 5.0-litre V8. A hybrid option is even available, as is the super-luxurious SVAutobiography version with its bespoke interior and upmarket touches.

There’s another side to the Range Rover that most owners will never experience, though, as this is one of the most accomplished off-roaders around. Land Rover’s clever Terrain Response system ensures you’ll keep going no matter what the surface is like. All this comes at a cost, of course, but the Range Rover’s breadth of ability is worth it.

Bentley Bentayga

Bentley’s first-ever SUV offers an incredible blend of supercar-slaying pace, luxury and refinement. It’s even pretty capable off-road, if the mood takes you.

Best sevenSEATER SUV

Volvo XC90 Price From £46,850

the XC90 isn’t just an SUV star for its efficiency; it’s also our favourite seven-seater in the 4x4 market.

There are many strings to the big Volvo’s bow; it’s great to look at, comfortable to drive and has a dazzling array of technology. Practicality is one of its strongest talents, too, as you’d expect given its size.

Unlike in most rivals, the seats in all three rows are a good size. That means there’s enough room for adults in the rearmost row, although headroom is a bit tight.

Still, three can squeeze in the middle row, and there’s masses of room up front. Even with all seven seats in place there’s decent boot space, while folding the rearmost row gives 775 litres.

With both rows folded, you get nearly 2,000 litres.

The XC90 is also impressively refined and smooth on the road. Our choice is the efficient D5 diesel, although the T8 plug-in hybrid offers serious punch, low emissions and pure-electric capability. The touchscreen can be fiddly, but it’s also loaded with technology, plus the Volvo is one of the safest cars on the road. If you can afford it, there’s no better way to transport a large family.

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XC90 delivers a tempting mix of comfort and space

Kia Sorento The latest Sorento is proof that Kia really can take on the best mainstream cars on sale. It’s a large, comfortable SUV with a solid cabin and plenty of space, plus it’s safe and good to drive.

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Inside story Best BUDGET SUV

Dacia Duster Price From £9,495

don’t want to fork out big money on an SUV? Look no further than the Dacia Duster – Britain’s best budget choice in this market. With the range starting at £9,495, it offers loads of space at a very low price. But there’s more to the Duster than low costs, as it’s good fun to drive, practical and the 4x4 models are pretty capable off-road, too.

The Duster looks good, with a distinctly utilitarian feel to the design. Entry-level cars have a rugged appeal with their roof bars and steel wheels, while higher-spec models get off-road touches such as a skid plate under the front bumper.

Inside, the Dacia feels cheap and is sparsely equipped if you opt for the basic model – you’ll need to spend extra on a radio – but there’s room for three people in the back and the 475litre load bay makes it impressively practical.

The 1.2-litre turbo petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engines are strong performers, with the diesel in particular being a good choice for economy. There’s a four-wheel-drive version, too, which helps when tackling muddy or slippery conditions.

The diesel is a bit gruff, and the car feels basic inside, but the ride is fairly comfortable – and given its low price, we can forgive the Duster its few faults.

Dacia Duster has a rugged charm to go with its budget price

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SsangYong Tivoli

IT’S not quite as cheap to buy as a Duster, but the Tivoli is still decent value for money. It’s comfortable, economical, has plenty of space and an impressive standard kit list.

It’s getting on, but Disco still rides well and has a classy dash layout

Best off-road SUV

Land Rover Discovery Price From £47,505

the Land Rover name conjures up images of muddy fields, perilous mountain tracks and deep fords. And the Land Rover Discovery backs up this image. It’s an incredible all-rounder, combining all the practicality and comfort of a big MPV with amazing off-road ability.

You can raise the air-suspension into off-road mode and switch the Terrain Response system to optimise the car’s chassis and 4x4 system to suit the terrain. There are centre and rear diff locks, low-range gears and plenty of

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hi-tech electronics designed to keep you going, too. In fact the only obstacle you’ll face in the Discovery is your own confidence, such is the depth of the car’s abilities.

There are sensors to check wading depth and a camera system that relays images from all around the car. And on top of all that the Land Rover is great at towing and was named 2016 Tow Car of the Year.

Despite the fact there’s a new Discovery just around the corner, the current one still sets a benchmark in this class.

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Jeep Renegade

THE Renegade is excellent on rough surfaces, with diff locks and low-range gearing allowing it to navigate terrain that its small SUV rivals couldn’t even attempt to tackle.

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SUV special

Our guide to the best buys

Safest SUV

Volvo XC90 we’ve already lauded the XC90 for its efficiency and space, but safety is arguably more important to Volvo.

And it’s no surprise that the big Swede comes stuffed with more safety technology than any car in its class.

Euro NCAP awarded the family SUV a full five stars as part of its crash testing programme, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The XC90’s amazing 97 per cent adult occupancy rating is one of the best ever recorded, while it also scored the maximum 100 per cent for driver assist technology. There’s innovation in the form of energy

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Mercedes GLC Price From £46,850 absorbent seats that reduce the impact of a crash, plus a world-first Run-Off Road protection system that primes the car for a rollover as soon as it veers off the tarmac.

Volvo’s autonomous braking system is also one of the most advanced of its kind, detecting bikes, pedestrians and even stopping you from turning in front of an oncoming car.

Lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition are standard, plus you can spec rear cross-traffic alert and rear collision mitigation. The tech list grows with every model year update, and is part of Volvo’s bold intention that not a single person will be killed or seriously injured in its cars by 2020.

The GLC is the safest SUV in the small 4x4 class. It doesn’t have the same dazzling array of tech as the Volvo, but Euro NCAP gave it five stars with an impressive 95 per cent for adult occupancy protection.

Lots of hi-tech kit helps XC90 stay safe on the road

Volvo XC90 features autonomous drive at up to 80mph

Best used SUV

It’s showing its age, but Yeti is still good to drive and feels solidly built

Skoda Yeti Price From £4,000

It’s due to be replaced imminently, but that means Skoda’s family-friendly Yeti will become an even better value used buy. As a practical SUV it once ruled the roost, and the fact that it’s been around since 2009 means you can now pick one up for as little as £4,000.

The Yeti is still reasonably competitive in the class after all these years, and that shows just how talented it is. Behind the chunky exterior is a solidly built cabin that offers plenty of space for the family. All but the driver’s seat can be folded flat and you can even remove the middle seats to create an enormous square load area.

Go for an SE model and you get plenty of kit, and thanks to the car’s VW Group roots, it all feels built to last, too. It’s still enjoyable to drive, but while a Nissan Qashqai has a better ride, the Skoda boasts sharper handling. You can have a four-wheel-drive diesel for off-road ability and pulling power, but the 1.2-litre TSI petrol with front-wheel drive is surprisingly peppy and frugal.

Need any more convincing? Then consider that the Yeti is a consistent top performer in our Driver Power survey, with owners praising its reliability.

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Nissan Qashqai

It’s a big seller, and the Qashqai is one of our class favourites. Smart styling, a practical cabin, decent efficiency and a fun drive helped it sell, while parts are readily available and cheap.

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