In the past 20 years SUVs have come to dominate the UK automotive market with the public flocking to them and manufacturers following suit.
Today, the likes of Ford, BMW, Audi, and even Aston Martin and Ferrari have a range of SUVs to satisfy the public appetite. There’s big ones, medium ones, and even small ones which are expensive or cheap depending on your budget.
However, for the most part, people can’t afford an Aston Martin or Ferrari SUV. They want something high quality, easy to use, safe, and practical to carry their family and life around in.
With that in mind, journalists from WhatCar? put together a list of the best family SUVs on sale in the UK to decide which was the best.
Their verdict was that the best family SUV on sale in the UK was the Kia Sportage, a Korean SUV that is also one of the best selling cars in the country.
As to why they’d voted the Sportage, that has a list price from £30,935, they said it was partly down to the variety of powertrains, but also what you got for your money.
They explained: “Not only is it available in a wide range of configurations, from petrol to hybrid and even plug-in hybrid power, but it's also loaded with kit, even in entry-level form.
“Because of that, you don't need to swell your budget in order to put one on your driveway. In any case, the Sportage already undercuts most of its rivals on price, especially if you stick with the cheaper versions.”
The Kia Sportage beat the likes of the more expensive £49,810 Volvo XC60 in second and £39,800 Smart #5 in third.
The Sportage has also received praise outside of WhatCar? too.
In his review for the Daily Express, Christopher Sharp said the Sportage was better than one of the UK's best selling cars the Ford Puma, itself a small SUV that succeeded the popular Ford Fiesta.
He concluded: “Overall, I think the Kia Sportage is a better car than the Ford Puma. Yes, it is bigger and therefore likely less able to deal with some of the UK’s tightest spots. It does, because of that, mean that wider loads will more easily fit in it.
“Furthermore, I feel the interior is easier to use, with fewer functions dealt with via the touchscreen and that it drives better. Whether it ultimately succeeds in dethroning the Ford will be fascinating to see as the year roles on.”
Recent sales data from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) suggests the Sportage hasn’t. Last month 7,310 Sportages were registered compared to 9,193 Ford Pumas, 8,178 Nissan Qashqais and 10,064 Jaecoo 7s.
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Kia Sportage wins WhatCar's best family SUV award, beating pricier rivals like Volvo and Smart.
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Strong value proposition could reshape UK SUV preferences away from traditional European brands.
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Despite critical acclaim, Sportage still trails Ford Puma and Nissan Qashqai in monthly sales figures.