SUVs have become the default choice for family cars, and it's easy to see why.
You get lots of passenger and cargo space, often with a smaller footprint than many saloon and estate models. Plus, SUVs usually ride higher, which means less bending over for parents with children or easier access for passengers with limited mobility.
Motorpoint has an enormous range of nearly new and used SUVs, plus thousands of other great-value used cars for sale.
Ford Kuga
The current Ford Kuga went on sale in 2019 with a facelift in 2024, and you'll find a wide selection on the used market. Plenty of availability means competitive prices, but the Kuga earns its place on merit. It's one of the larger five-seat SUVs, which means excellent passenger room and decent cargo space. The dashboard is a little plain but you're unlikely to care because this is one of the very best SUVs to drive, with accurate, well-weighted controls and an eager front end that loves to dive into corners. There's suspension wizardry at work here, too, because the Kuga is compliant over bumps while also showing barely any body roll through corners.
Shop used Ford Kuga cars for sale or read our Ford Kuga review
Peugeot 2008
The 2019-on Peugeot 2008 looks much sharper than its awkward predecessor, with faceted bodywork and dramatic claw-like running light details. You're treated to a surprisingly elegant interior compared to most compact SUVs, with plush upholstery and a modern, angular dash. It has lots of substance to go with the style, too, with decent passenger room and a big, square boot. And, while the driving experience isn't exactly thrilling, the suspension has loads of compliance, which makes the car easy to live with on scruffy city road surfaces. There's lots of choice on the used market, with petrol, diesel and fully electric options.
Browse our selection of used Peugeot 2008 cars or read our Peugeot 2008 review
Renault Austral
Yes, the Renault Austral may be yet-another hybrid family SUV, but it's arguably the most complete product the French brand has released in years. The cabin is comfortable, plush and neatly designed. So, too, is the driving experience with easy, predictable handling and a luxuriously soft edge to its suspension. All versions come with self-charging-hybrid tech that's allegedly borrowed from the company's Alpine F1 team. You probably won't be hassling racers around Silverstone, but it's superb in the real world with muscular electrical assistance and a smooth swap over between electric and petrol power.
Shop used Renault Austral cars or read our Renault Austral review
Volkswagen Tiguan
Like the HS above, Volkswagen released a new Tiguan in 2024, but we're more interested in its predecessor. For starters, the old car is widely available and good value on the used market, but it also avoids the new car's fussy infotainment system, with a slightly more intuitive – if more old-fashioned – dashboard. Quality is excellent, both in terms of the understated materials chosen and how solidly they're assembled. The driving experience is easygoing, too, with light, accurate controls and decent ride quality. It's a little pricier, but we'd suggest choosing a Tiguan with the quick-witted DSG automatic gearbox as it suits the car's relaxed manners.
Check out used Volkswagen Tiguan cars or find out more by reading our Volkswagen Tiguan review
Citroen C5 Aircross
The Citroen C5 Aircross is the largest SUV the French brand sells and represents brilliant value for money considering how spacious it is. Front-seat occupants get a commanding view out, but the car's showpiece is the three individual rear seats, making the C5 Aircross a fantastic option if you need to fit two Isofix seats plus an older child on the rear row. The large boot makes carrying cargo easy and, despite its affordable price, you get quirky styling touches inside and out to help the C5 Aircross stand out on the school run. Also consider the similarly affordable Vauxhall Grandland X, which shares parts and engines with the Citroen.
See used Citroen C5 Aircross cars or read our Citroen C5 Aircross review
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai was once known for budget cars, but the brand now has a tech-packed lineup full of premium-feeling cars without the price tag. The Tucson SUV is a great example, with a comfy cabin built from sturdy materials and bold, segmented front-end styling that's unlike any other SUV in the car park. Smooth, efficient hybrid petrol engines are available across the lineup, with the plug-in hybrid offering nearly 40 miles of electric running, and a brutish 265hp when you put your foot down. There are plenty of current-gen Tucsons on the used market with competitive pricing, or you can hunt down its predecessor, which has many of the same benefits but less outlandish styling.
Shop used Hyundai Tucson cars or read our Hyundai Tucson review
Cupra Formentor
Most SUVs don't really deliver on the 'sports' part of their billing. The Cupra Formentor gets closer than most, however, thanks to a surprisingly aggressive setup that could easily fool you into thinking you're driving a smaller, sportier car. Pick one of the strong turbo petrol or plug-in-hybrid engines and you'll get grippy, effective performance that makes the most of the car's capable handling. What's more, the Formentor doesn't demand many compromises with decent rear-seat space, a useful boot and lots of on-board tech to keep you entertained when you're not using all its performance.
View used Cupra Formentor cars or read our Cupra Formentor review
Kia Sportage
The Sportage is Kia's version of the Hyundai Tucson above, sharing most of its oily parts and engine choices. While the Sportage and Tucson have more similarities than differences, Kia's competitor is a touch sportier to drive and tends to cost a fraction less to buy. As with the Hyundai, you're offered either petrol, self-charging-hybrid or plug-in-hybrid power, with the latter returning strong urban fuel economy for an SUV. Among the many plus points of Sportage ownership is Kia's excellent seven-year factory warranty, which offers you a little more peace of mind as a used-car buyer.
Browse used Kia Sportage cars for sale or read our Kia Sportage review
Skoda Karoq
The Skoda Karoq is one of our all-time favourite SUVs for the way it effortlessly appeals to the head. Things start off strong with an enormous cabin that boasts rear seat space that rivals luxury cars priced several times higher than the Karoq. Then there's the massive boot – we're yet to meet a dog large enough that it wouldn't fit back there, and you can be confident that no airport run or trip to the tip will outfox the spacious Skoda. Capping this all off is the Karoq's comfortable and easygoing driving experience that makes long journeys melt away.
View used Skoda Karoq cars or read our Skoda Karoq review
BMW X3
BMW released a new X3 at the end of 2024 but it's the outgoing car launched in 2017 that earns a spot on this list, as it's the better used buy right now. It delivers on the brand's 'ultimate driving machine' mantra, with secure-yet-satisfying handling that makes this large family car uncommonly good at tackling twisty country roads. Brawny engines and silky smooth automatic gearboxes are fitted across the range, so you'll always have enough grunt underfoot to get the X3 up to speed. All this comes before you consider the car's plush and spacious interior, with room for tall adults, and plenty of infotainment technology to keep them entertained.
Check out nearly new and used BMW X3 cars or read our full BMW X3 review
Found the perfect SUV for you?
Browse Motorpoint's huge range of used cars to find your perfect match. If you're after some more inspiration, take a look at our picks for the best family SUVs or, to cut your fuel bills, read our list of the best hybrid SUVs.
