When reviewing family SUVs, we look for cars that offer an all-rounded package. The best family SUVs must balance the morning commute and school run, with the demands of long-distance holiday trips, all while maintaining manageable running costs.
Here’s what we assessed:
Practicality and versatility
We measured leg room and head room across all rows and while taking into account ease of access to the third row in seven-seat models. We assessed boot capacity with various seating configurations, testing how easily they swallow large, bulky items. We also looked out for smaller wins, such clever storage space, a sliding rear bench and an electric tailgate.
Real-world efficiency and performance
Whether petrol, diesel or hybrid, we measured real-world fuel economy (MPG) and efficiency (mpkWh) across motorways and urban environments. Ride quality is paramount, hence we tested each SUV’s ability to iron out potholes and imperfections while maintaining good body control, despite their higher center of gravity.
Safety and driver assistance
We looked at visibility from the driver’s seat, ensuring larger vehicles were easy to park and maneuver in tight school zones. We also assessed the effectiveness of ADAS software, while taking into account how easy it is to turn off.
Interior quality and technology
We tested infotainment responsiveness, ensuring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is seamless and that physical controls for climate and volume are intuitive enough to use on the move.
