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BMW 5 Series

best-used-suvs-for-less-than-pound25000-and-ones-to-avoid

Buying a used&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/suvs/n26176">SUV</a>&nbsp;large enough for the whole family needn’t cost you the earth. Some of the most desirable SUVs are now cheap enough to make huge financial sense as a second-hand purchase.

Nowadays, it’s possible to buy a very solid and nearly-new example of many of the more&nbsp;popular models for less than £25,000. Most of these will have large boots, some will be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hybrid-suvs/n20392">hybrid-powered</a>&nbsp;and some will have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven seats</a>, too.&nbsp;

However, there are so many to choose from for this sort of cash that finding the right car for you can be bewildering. That’s where we come in. Here, we’ve rounded up our 10 favourite SUVs for less than £25,000.

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

Best used SUVs for less than £25,000 (and ones to avoid)

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

As a new car, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Audi Q5</a>&nbsp;a bit pricey, but&nbsp;it's relatively good value used – you should be able to pick up a three or four-year-old car for our budget. If you could have picked up a newer one for our budget this Q5 could have been up at the top of the list, though.

It's similar in prestige to the BMW X3, yet it has more up-to-date technology and an even&nbsp;swankier interior. It can be had with Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel&nbsp;– a configurable 12.3in display that provides the driver with lots of information. It’s also extremely&nbsp;nice to drive and ride in.&nbsp;

We found:&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Audi Q5&nbsp;2.0 TFSI 45 Sport, 39,000&nbsp;miles, £24,995

10: Audi Q5

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Smooth and punchy engines</li>
	<li>High-quality interior</li>
	<li>Relatively modest running costs</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Steering could be more involving</li>
	<li>No seven-seat option</li>
	<li>You need air suspension or non-sport suspension for the best ride</li>
</ul>

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

MACAN

Underneath its skin, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan</a>&nbsp;shares parts with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Audi Q5</a>, not that you'd know it –&nbsp;the Macan is much more of a driver's car.&nbsp;It almost defies physics with how agile and composed it is: enter a bend and it handles more like a somewhat tall, chunky&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot hatch</a>&nbsp;than an SUV.&nbsp;

It is an SUV after all, though, and you get a lofty driving position, seating for five and a decent boot, meaning it can work as a family car – unlike&nbsp;the sports cars on this list.&nbsp;

"The Macan has much of the same qualities and driver appeal as the super sporty Porsches and&nbsp;yet it's quite practical. I like the steering in particular, because&nbsp;it's sharp and well-weighted." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2017&nbsp;Porsche Macan 3.0TD V6 S, 69,000&nbsp;miles, £24,995

9: Porsche Macan

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Punchy performance</li>
	<li>Superb handling</li>
	<li>High-quality interior</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rear seat space limited</li>
	<li>Misses some safety kit</li>
	<li>Expensive to buy and run</li>
</ul>

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

ENYAQ

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/enyaq/4x4/review/n22909">Skoda Enyaq</a>&nbsp;is&nbsp;good to drive, comfortable and very&nbsp;spacious.&nbsp;Depending on your chosen battery size, it'll go&nbsp;a decent/fantastic distance on a charge, too. For instance, the iV 60 version has a 58kWh battery and a 246-mile official range, while the iV 60 version has a 77kWh battery and a&nbsp;339-mile official range. It's extremely practical, comfortable and well-priced used.&nbsp;

"While modern Skodas tend to be comfy and practical, I was still surprised by just&nbsp;how refined and well rounded the Enyaq felt." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, used cars reporter</a>

We found:&nbsp;2022&nbsp;Skoda Enyaq iV 80, 25,000&nbsp;miles, £23,500

8: Skoda Enyaq

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Extremely spacious</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
	<li>Plush ride</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>So-so performance by electric car standards</li>
	<li>Some rivals are more adept at handling</li>
	<li>Infotainment isn’t as responsive as rival systems</li>
</ul>

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

You won't find endless amounts of<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n42">&nbsp;BMW X3s</a>&nbsp;(from this latest generation) within our budget, but there's still a good batch to choose from. This premium SUV is a great buy – it's classy, comfortable and good to drive. You'll find a slick, class-leading infotainment here, too, as well as other desirable tech, to go along with its more practical elements. If prices weren't higher age-for-age than some of the other cars in this list&nbsp;it would have finished even higher.&nbsp;

"All the driver appeal of the smaller and more agile BMWs wrapped up in a highly practical package. This is one of my favourite SUVs." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2022&nbsp;BMW X3 2.0 30e SE, 52,000&nbsp;miles, £25,000

7: BMW X3

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Sharp handling</li>
	<li>Class-leading infotainment</li>
	<li>Strong engines</li>
	<li>Good value used</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Firm ride in M Sport trim</li>
	<li>Popular 20d engine sounds gruff</li>
</ul>

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

XC90

If you think Volvos are purely practical machines, meant for those who wake up to thoughts of school runs and weekly shops, then you might want to think again. This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>&nbsp;(similar to the aforementioned XC40) is as much a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036">luxury SUV</a>&nbsp;as it is a spacious, versatile one.

It'll cater to a family of seven, and it's such a good all-rounder it won't leave you desperately craving all of its German rivals, such as&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gle/4x4/review/n145">Mercedes GLE</a>. It doesn't feel&nbsp;quite as cushy and premium as the rival Audi Q7, mind you, but it is more reliable.&nbsp;

"I'd recommend going for an&nbsp;XC90 in one of the more relaxed (non-R-Design) trims, because that way you'll get a smoother, softer ride that leans into the model's luxury car nature." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2018 Volvo XC90 2.0 T5 Inscription 4WD, 38,200&nbsp;miles, £24,995&nbsp;

6: Volvo XC90

Estate

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Classy interior</li>
	<li>Seven-seat versatility</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Ride slightly unsettled</li>
	<li>Road and suspension noise</li>
	<li>Reliability average</li>
</ul>

The&nbsp;Audi Q7&nbsp;is a pricier buy than most of the SUVs&nbsp;on this list, but then again, it's also considerably larger and more luxurious than a lot of&nbsp;them too. It's also available with much more powerful engines, the height of which is a 429bhp 4.0-litre V8 (diesel or petrol, depending on model year) in the SQ7.&nbsp;

However, even 3.0-litre models deliver performance that's beyond sufficient. The Q7 is good to drive as a whole. It rides comfortably yet, for a car of its heft, it handles well. And don't even get us started on how well-built and premium the&nbsp;interior feels.&nbsp;

"I felt like a bit of a celebrity driving around in a Q7. It has a lot of presence on the road, not to mention it's&nbsp;thoroughly&nbsp;classy and refined." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2018 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI S Line, 32,000 miles, £24,995&nbsp;

5: Audi Q7

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Smooth and powerful engines</li>
	<li>Great ride on air suspension</li>
	<li>Wonderful build quality</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as sharp to drive as some rivals</li>
	<li>Plug-in hybrid loses seven-seat option</li>
	<li>Expensive to run</li>
</ul>

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

5008

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/5008/estate/review/n17369">Peugeot 5008</a>&nbsp;is a former What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/used-car-awards">Used Car of the Year</a>&nbsp;and it's&nbsp;stylish, practical and good to drive. It's a genuine seven-seater, too, with the rear-most row providing enough space for children or small to average-sized adults.&nbsp;

There's a range of strong engines and well-equipped trims&nbsp;to choose from and the model&nbsp;strikes a good balance between ride comfort and capable handling.&nbsp;All in all, it's a great car and good value&nbsp;too – you're certainly getting a lot for your money.

"Even if they weren't&nbsp;in constant use, I found the 5008's useful third row of seats does come&nbsp;in handy now and again." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2023&nbsp;Peugeot 5008&nbsp;1.2 PureTech Allure Premium, 29,000&nbsp;miles, £23,700&nbsp;

4: Peugeot 5008

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Plush and practical inside</li>
	<li>Decent ride and handling</li>
	<li>Flexible seating</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as well equipped as some rivals</li>
	<li>Head room limited by panoramic roof</li>
	<li>Slow-witted infotainment</li>
</ul>

Hatchback

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

PUMA

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n20838">Ford Puma</a>&nbsp;earned&nbsp;our overall&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/new-car-awards">What Car? Car of the Year award</a>&nbsp;back in 2020.&nbsp;The recipe is simply brilliant: you&nbsp;take the tried-and-tested&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/used-review/n952">Ford Fiesta</a>&nbsp;as the basis, retain the super-sharp, fun driving experience and add a higher driving position and an extra&nbsp;layer of practicality.&nbsp;

This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-suvs/n17050">small SUV</a>&nbsp;can fit&nbsp;six carry-on-sized suitcases in its main boot compartment and, for reference,&nbsp;that's one more than the Fiesta can manage. The Puma has a trick up its sleeve, too.&nbsp;If you lift up its 'false' boot floor, you’ll come across a large well&nbsp;that can swallow two more cases.

Aided by the huge number that've&nbsp;flown&nbsp;off new car forecourts, there are plenty of Pumas on the used market and&nbsp;prices are very reasonable. Running costs are reasonable, too, thanks in part to the model's&nbsp;fuel-efficient (yet punchy) engines.&nbsp;

"There are small SUVs that are good to drive, but none are&nbsp;as entertaining as the Puma. That's what sets it apart&nbsp;and that's why it's my favourite car&nbsp;in the class." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, used cars reporter</a>

We found:&nbsp;2023&nbsp;Ford Puma 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV Titanium, 25,000&nbsp;miles, £19,000&nbsp;

3: Ford Puma

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Excellent to drive</li>
	<li>Practical, flexible boot</li>
	<li>Quick and economical</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Passenger space isn’t outstanding</li>
	<li>Reliability isn’t rock-solid</li>
	<li>Visibility could be better</li>
</ul>

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

SPORTAGE

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage</a>&nbsp;delivers what families demand from a mid-sized&nbsp;SUV. Passengers of all ages and sizes can fit comfortably in the front and back seats, plus the boot is vast and&nbsp;you can fold the back seats in a useful 40/20/40 configuration. The Sportage also&nbsp;has&nbsp;a&nbsp;lofty driving position that gives you a great view ahead.

There are fuel-sipping hybrid and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;versions available, but even the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol model is a good performer, offering affordable&nbsp;running costs and strong performance. Add in smart looks, a comfortable ride and eager handling and you've got a very pleasing SUV.

"The Sportage can cater for my family of four easily and, what's more, I'm left with space and practicality to spare." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2023&nbsp;Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi 3, 11,000&nbsp;miles, £23,500&nbsp;

2: Kia Sportage

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Smart interior</li>
	<li>Large boot</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Hybrid and plug-in hybrid are a tad expensive</li>
	<li>Auto gearboxes not the slickest</li>
	<li>Rear head room with panoramic roof not the best</li>
</ul>

XC40

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>&nbsp;might be a few years old now but this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUV</a>&nbsp;still feels fresh today – it's certainly still as popular as ever, both new and used.

The reasons for its popularity are simple. It's very refined and well-rounded, with a plush, spacious interior, a comfortable ride and plenty of engines to choose from – the range is incredibly varied, from&nbsp;petrol and diesel engines to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric</a>&nbsp;options. The thing that seals its position in first, though, is the fact it's a bargain, with many excellent examples available for much less than our chosen budget here. Good ones can be had for less than £16,000.&nbsp;

"I've driven much larger, more expensive&nbsp;Volvos SUVs and the XC40 is barely any less luxurious. It's a remarkably good car." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2022&nbsp;Volvo XC40 1.5 T3 Momentum, 13,000&nbsp;miles, £21,000&nbsp;

1: Volvo XC40

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Stylish interior</li>
	<li>Comprehensive safety kit</li>
	<li>Supple ride on most versions</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fiddly infotainment</li>
	<li>Lacks flexible rear-seat arrangement</li>
	<li>Some reliability reports were a little mixed</li>
</ul>

Some of the most spacious and desirable SUVs around can now be had for very reasonable money. Here are 10 of the best

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