What is the best SUV for families?

You don’t need to give up a stylish car just because you have a growing family. SUVs are among the most popular type of cars on the road because they offer the practical space drivers need to carry kids while also looking good. The raised driving position can also give you a better view of the road and make it easier to access the seats if you are carrying older passengers. Here are the UK's top family cars – and your local Eden dealership would love to help you find the one that fits.

1. Vauxhall Grandland – Besides having space for all the family, Vauxhall’s new Grandland is really stylish, thanks to a full redesign to incorporate the company’s latest look. The inside has been updated too, with a Pure Panel digital cockpit, cutting-edge tech and even more advanced features. There’s plenty of choice too, with a plug-in hybrid, petrol or diesel engine available.

2. Vauxhall Mokka – If your family (and budget) are a little smaller, the Mokka offers all the style of an SUV with the price tag and running costs of a small hatchback. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is economical, but to save even more on the running costs you could plump for the 100% electric Mokka-e. It has an official range of 201 miles between recharges, which should be plenty for a week’s worth of school runs. 

3. Hyundai Tucson – Hyundai’s mid-size SUV is one of the most eye-catching designs on the road, and offers quality which is a match for the so-called premium brands. And yet it retains the great value you’d expect from Hyundai. It has the most electrified powertrain line-up in its segment too, with the amazing choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, pure petrol or a mild hybrid.

4. Hyundai Santa Fe – If your family – or your adventures – are a little bigger than average, then the Hyundai Santa Fe has got to be on your SUV shortlist. With seven seats there is space for a five-a-side team and a couple of supporters, which dynamic four-wheel-drive will mean you won’t get stuck in the muddy car park. The running costs will be lower than you might expect too, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid or efficient diesel powertrains.

5. Peugeot 5008 – Peugeot’s new 5008 has more space inside than many much bigger SUVs, with plenty of space for seven in a stunningly-designed interior. It’s full of tech too, including a full complement of safety kit to keep your family safe. Despite the practicality it is sharp to drive and economical too, with hatchback-rivalling economy from a petrol or diesel engine. And the best bit? It costs around half the price of some similar-sized SUVs.

6. Mazda CX-5 – As soon as you get behind the wheel of the CX-5, you’ll be able to feel that it’s a car which has been engineered by the same team who created the famous MX-5 roadster. It’s far more fun to drive than most other SUVs, and has an unusually sporty look too. The CX-5 is usefully large too, with a huge boot and plenty of space for five. It really is a car for those drivers who don’t want to give up on having fun just because they need some extra space.

7. MG ZS EV – The ZS is a stylish and spacious SUV in its own right, but the real highlight of the range is the EV model. This 100% electric car has a massive 273 mile electric range thanks to a 72.6kWh battery. Charging is rapid too, allowing you to top up on the go and tackle the longest holiday trips. Inside there’s all of the latest technology and connectivity. But the real surprise is the price – most of the range cost less than £32,000 which makes them eligible for the government grant of £1,500.

8. Fiat 500X– Everyone loves the cute looks of the Fiat 500, but there’s no denying that it’s a city car which will struggle to cope with the demands of a growing family. If you want to keep the Italian style but add more space, a raised driving position and the ability to tackle the odd rough track, then the 500X is the car for you. Five doors and a larger luggage capacity mean it is practical, but efficient engines keep a cap on the running costs.

9. Suzuki Vitara – Suzuki has decades of experience in making truly capable SUVs which are cheap to run and great value too. The latest range features ALLGRIP 4-wheel drive technology, making it perfect for families who love adventure off the beaten track, or make their own holidays by camping and caravanning. To leave you more money to spend on those adventures, the Vitara is available with either mild or full hybrid technology for maximum efficiency.

10. Range Rover – If you really want to spoil yourself and your family, the Range Rover has always been the ultimate in luxury SUVs, and the all-new model can certainly keep the upstart challengers at bay. If you have pockets deep enough to cope with a six-figure starting price, you’ll be rewarded with a car which can be a luxury limo in the city and then climb mountains at the weekends. There’s even a PHEV version to keep the fuel costs reasonable making this one of the top family cars UK.

Discover the whole Eden range now!

Visit the official manufacturer's websites here:

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