If you’re looking for a family car, you’ve got a whole load of options to choose from. There are estate cars, crossovers, saloons, hatchbacks… the list goes on. However, one of the most popular choices for families is the SUV.
It’s easy to see why, of course. SUVs are flexible and practical. Thanks to their larger size, they offer an abundance of space to keep passengers comfortable especially on longer family journeys, while providing enough storage for football kits, school bags, groceries, and everything else that comes with family life.
Neatly packaged with a stylish exterior, and superior visibility from a higher-than-average driving position, it becomes clear why SUVs are the best option for so many families.
But which do you choose? In this guide, we present the 10 best family car SUVs for 2023. We’ve included a range of options from the affordable to the luxurious so you can get inspired and find the right family car for your budget.
What Are The Top 10 Family SUVs For 2023?
- Range Rover Evoque
- Volvo XC40
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- BMW iX3
- Kia Sportage
- Skoda Kodiaq
- Nissan Qashqai
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Seat Ateca
- Audi Q5
1. Range Rover Evoque
What is a list of 2023’s best family SUVs without a nod to the iconic Range Rover? After all, this is the manufacturer that makes many drivers want a 4x4 family car in the first place.
While there are plenty of models to choose from, we’ve gone for the Range Rover Evoque, one of Land Rover’s most popular cars globally thanks to its competitive pricing. For an affordable monthly fee, you can enjoy a premium driving experience without compromise.
The car’s spacious and luxuriously finished interior does everything to keep the whole family comfortable, while boot space is about average for an SUV. The Evoque is more than capable on- and off-road, so it has you covered for everything from the school run to the yearly family camping trip.
2. Volvo XC40
The XC40 is the smallest in Volvo’s range of SUVs but that’s no drawback. While larger models like the XC60 and XC90 may give you more room to play with, the smaller dimensions of the XC40 lend themselves perfectly to city centre driving, making light work of narrow roads and small parking spaces.
Even as the smallest family SUV car made by Volvo, the XC40 is by no means cramped. Passengers and drivers are well catered for in the luxurious cabin, and there are 452 litres of space in the boot.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 offers a seriously impressive range of 295 miles and is capable of hitting 62mph in just 7.3 seconds. You won’t be waiting for an age for this car to charge either, thanks to the ultra-fast charging technology on board.
The car itself feels more spacious than other electric SUVs on the market, thanks to the bespoke electric platform it's built on. And while it’s large, it actually looks more like a family hatchback than an SUV, so if that’s a style you prefer, you’ll get on well with this. Overall, if you’re considering making the switch to an electric car, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 should be a serious contender.
4. BMW iX3
Next up and, sticking with electric cars, we have the BMW iX3. This model shares a lot of its looks with the BMW X3, so essentially it’s an electric version of a popular family SUV. Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
As you’d expect from BMW, the car has the brand’s trademark build quality and on-road performance. You can expect a range of up to 282 miles from a single charge, which is more than enough for day-to-day family driving.
If you are heading on a long road trip, plug into a 150kW charger and you can gain up to 237 miles of charge in just 30 minutes. That’s about the time it takes to get everyone a bite to eat at the service station.
5. Kia Sportage
It’s a common misconception that you must spend a lot to drive a decent SUV. The Kia Sportage is a prime example of why this isn’t the case. This budget family SUV will surprise you with its space, efficiency and performance.
Inside, the car’s interior is especially surprising, with the look and feel of a car that should cost considerably more. The cabin is practical and spacious and in the boot, you’ll have 503 litres of space with the seats up. That’s enough for everyone’s luggage.
There is a choice of powertrains available, including petrol, diesel and hybrid options. All offer decent mileage but if you’re looking for real efficiency from your family SUV, choose the 1.6-litre diesel mild-hybrid option, which offers up to 52.3mpg.
6. Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq is another SUV on our list that offers excellent value for money.
It’s the biggest SUV currently on offer from Skoda, so there’s plenty of space inside the cabin. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking the cabin is from a more premium manufacturer due to the quality of finish Skoda has achieved.
The 7-seat Kodiaq is a great choice for larger families, with two ‘pop-up’ seats that can be stowed in the boot floor when not in use. It’s perfect if you’re often picking up or dropping off other family members or friends.
Despite its dimensions, light steering means the SUV handles with a lightness of touch. Its size makes it feel sturdy and grounded on the road, but powerful engines don’t leave this large SUV feeling sluggish. Entry-level options manage 0-62mph in just 9.8 seconds.
7. Nissan Qashqai
First hitting the roads in 2007, the Nissan Qashqai has maintained its popularity over the years, holding its own in a competitive and growing SUV market. In fact, the British-built Nissan Qashqai was the UK’s favourite car in 2022, showing just how well-loved it is.
The Qashqai has been refined over the years and the latest models are some of the most impressive we’ve seen from Nissan, while also the largest. A spacious and well-finished interior creates a pleasant environment for every journey, while boot space has been upped to 504 litres.
The range of engine options has also expanded, meaning drivers can now take advantage of hybrid engine options to reduce emissions and driving costs. With Qashqai lease deals starting usually starting at under per month, the SUV is a great choice for families on a budget.
8. Volkswagen Tiguan
Like Volvo, Volkswagen is another manufacturer that has an excellent reputation for both reliability and safety. It goes without saying, then, that the Volkswagen Tiguan is a great choice for a family SUV, especially when you consider it’s the brand’s most popular model worldwide.
With affordable monthly rentals and outstanding practicality, the Tiguan ticks every box. There’s plenty of space for passengers even in the typically tight rear seats, while the boot offers a cavernous 560 litres of space.
The cabin is finished to a high standard with all the essential tech you’d expect, plus a little more to make every journey comfortable - the chilled glovebox is a lovely touch and perfect for keeping road trip refreshments cool.
9. Seat Ateca
The Seat Ateca isn’t the most exciting SUV on our list but it’s more than up to the job of being your family car. Every inch of this family SUV has been carefully considered with practicality in mind.
Inside, you’ll enjoy a spacious cabin that’s a similar size to the Nissan Qashqai. It’s finished to a high standard and sensibly laid out, taking the frustrations out of your daily driving. To the rear, you’ll find 510 litres of space in the boot, so there’s more than enough for the family’s essentials.
Being part of the Volkswagen Group, the Ateca is powered by efficient and reliable engines as you’d expect. You’ll get around 46mpg from petrol options rising to 59mpg with diesel models, helping to keep your fuel costs down.
10. Audi Q5
Audi’s Q5 has been a firm favourite family SUV since its release in 2008. Far more than just a practical runaround, this SUV is one you’ll love to drive and want to be seen in.
You’ll have a choice of engines, including petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid. The latter is a great choice for families who are looking to reduce their fuel spend and emissions. However, the hybrid options do offer reduced boot space. You’ll still have plenty of space for all the essential luggage, though.
In typical Audi style, the Q5 delivers highly on styling, quality and performance. However, if you do want a family car with added oomph, don’t overlook the Q5 Sportback. Refinements combine the best parts of an SUV with a coupe-style design, adding extra style to what remains a great family car.
Whichever SUV you choose for your next family car, you know you’re getting a great deal when you lease with Vanarama. Take a look at our pick of the best small SUVS for more help choosing the right model for your family, or browse our latest SUV leasing deals for some inspiration.
