

Should you buy a hybrid, electric, diesel or petrol SUV? However, if your driving life largely consists of commuting or school runs, and you simply want the better visibility afforded by a high driving position, or the practicality of seven seats, a crossover model with a smaller engine will likely fit the bill. A large off-roader with four-wheel drive and high ground clearance is recommended if you need to cross muddy fields, or regularly travel across difficult terrain or in particularly adverse weather. What’s best for you will depend on your specific requirements. The largest SUVs were originally beasts of burden designed to tackle the toughest terrain with specialised hardware such as permanent four-wheel-drive and low-range transmissions, designed to keep you going when nature would rather you turned around and went home - see more below.Īs the popularity of large SUVs has grown, the class has grown to encompass everything from sports models and alternatives to luxury limousines, to crossover cars which do without off-road specific features to improve efficiency and around-town road manners. If you're looking to reduce your environmental impact - as well as running costs - keep reading for our pick of the very best new hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and full-electric large and luxury SUVs. Best new large SUVs and 4x4sīelow, our experts reveal the very best SUVs and 4x4s available to buy new, including luxury models, which have excelled in our rigorous lab and road tests. If you're not already a member, join Which? to unlock our Best Buys and Don't Buys. Log in now to see which large SUVs and 4x4s we recommend and get access to all of our independent, expert car reviews. Plus, we reveal some models that aren't worth your money. You'll find our top recommendations for the best new and used large SUVs and 4x4 cars in the tables below. That’s not to say you can’t find a great large SUV that will meet your needs. Long braking distances, wide turning circles and harsh suspension may be fine on a dirt track, but they become significant problems on a motorway or in town. We’ve also found SUVs and 4x4 cars that are a nightmare to drive anywhere other than a muddy field. Our testing has found purportedly ‘green’ models that breach EU limits for exhaust gases, as well as models that fall seriously short of their claimed fuel economy. With diesel falling out of favour with new car buyers, brands have turned to hybridisation and battery-electric power to reduce emissions and running costs – often with impressive results. In recent years, manufacturers have committed to countering the ‘gas-guzzler’ image of large SUVs.


Few do, but beefy suspension and large tyres also do a good job of smoothing out rough roads and absorbing pot holes. And – on most large models at least – you get four-wheel drive and the ability to venture off road. The best large SUVs are also practical, with comfortable and spacious interiors. Favoured for their rugged good looks and the confidence they inspire on the road, thanks to their raised driving position and perceived safety. Large SUVs and 4x4 cars are very popular in the UK.
