'We tested every large SUV on sale in the UK and there was one obvious winner'

Daily Mirror

14-05-2025

A group of motoring experts has tested every large SUV on sale in the UK and compiled a top 10 of the best, with the winner beating the likes of Land Rover and BMW
A group of motoring experts have come together to assess the best large SUV on sale in the UK. Large SUVs are becoming increasingly popular in Britain as people seek safety and security in larger cars.
As a result, manufacturers are building them to cater to the trend and help motorists have more choice.
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After taking into account a large range of factors the experts at Auto Express crowned the Skoda Kodiaq as the victor. Commenting on why the Skoda had won, they said: "The Skoda Kodiaq embodies all that the Czech firm stands for: solid value for money, quality, practicality, and a few little surprises that add to the ownership experience.
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"The Kodiaq is a little unusual in the large SUV sector for still offering a diesel engine, alongside a petrol with mild-hybrid assistance.
"The diesels can manage around a combined 50mpg, while you can also have plug-in hybrid power for an electric only driving range of up to 62 miles and a six percent Benefit-in-Kind rate for company users. The Kodiaq is a great long distance cruiser."
The all-electric Kia EV9 came second the expert's rankings. While Skoda's offerings begin at a more economical £39,000, you'll need to part with at least £65,035 for the Kia, reports the Express.
The experts remarked: "The cavernous interior fits seven plus luggage, so there have been minimal compromises in packaging all that EV technology.
"The EV9's headline 349-mile range should be more than enough for most owners, and make longer jaunts relatively comfortable, although a figure in the 200s is more realistic, and the EV9's size means it's not especially efficient."
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With large SUVs now rivalling the popularity of small hatchbacks from two decades previous, not everyone is cheering.
Safety advocates and other specialists caution that our roads might struggle to handle vehicles whose bulk harks back to World War 1 tanks, posing challenges both to navigating traffic and parking.
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Discussing these concerns with the Guardian, Oliver Lord, the UK head of Clean Cities, voiced his apprehensions. He said: "Cars are getting bigger every year – while our streets are not.
"We need carmakers to prioritise normal-sized cars that can be parked more easily and are less dangerous to people walking around. It's only fair if you want to buy a massive SUV that you should expect to pay more for the space it takes up."
Safety concerns extend beyond parking spots, as pedestrians worry about the devastating consequences of being struck by one of these enormous vehicles.
Green Party peer Jenny Jones recently launched an anti-SUV alliance, she said: "SUVs pollute and are often owned and driven by wealthier citizens at the expense of those in less wealthy areas. They feel safer to drive, but are much less safe for any pedestrians and cyclists they collide with."