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the-best-used-suvs-you-can-buy

best-used-suvs

The 2008 superhero&nbsp;film Iron Man gave birth one of the most popular media&nbsp;franchises of all time.&nbsp;Marvel's&nbsp;cinematic universe has grossed more than 24 billion pounds, with the big earner being&nbsp;2019's Avengers: Endgame. Funny thing is that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">SUVs</a>&nbsp;have followed a similar path.

In 2007, we got the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan Qashqai</a>&nbsp;– a model so popular it began spawning&nbsp;rival after rival, as well as&nbsp;smaller and larger&nbsp;alternatives. The SUV space expanded exponentially in the years that followed, before, in 2019,&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n20838">Ford Puma</a>&nbsp;arrived: it currently stands as the best-selling new car – let alone SUV –&nbsp;in the UK.&nbsp;

In the&nbsp;end(game), we're left with a massive&nbsp;SUV market in 2024 – and that goes for both new and used sides of the coin. For this list, we're focusing on the top 10 used SUVs, helping you sift through the vast sea of options in the classifieds. All of these models can be found via our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">used car buying</a>&nbsp;pages, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

You've read about some bargains already, but how does an electric Mercedes SUV – and one that has a remarkable&nbsp;402bhp and a 0-60mph time of 4.9sec –&nbsp;for less than £25,000 sound? The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/eqc/4x4/used-review/n23007">Mercedes EQC</a>&nbsp;feels thoroughly expensive, from its plush interior&nbsp;to its comfy ride and quiet cruising manners.&nbsp;

"There are some amazing deals to be found within&nbsp;the used electric car space at the moment.&nbsp;The EQC is a prime example." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2020 Mercedes EQC 400 80kWh AMG Line,&nbsp;59,356 miles,&nbsp;£22,800

10: Mercedes EQC

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Supremely quiet</li>
	<li>Comfortable motorway ride</li>
	<li>Decent infotainment system</li>
	<li>Good value used</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Range between charges could be better</li>
	<li>The Audi E-tron is more practical</li>
	<li>The Jaguar I-Pace is more fun</li>
	<li>Mercedes' reliability not the best</li>
</ul>

Hatchback

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

ARONA

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/arona/hatchback/review/n117">Seat Arona</a>&nbsp;is one of the very best small SUVs you can buy used, thanks to its spacious interior, a compliant&nbsp;ride and punchy petrol engines. And like the Puma borrows parts from the Fiesta, the Arona shares&nbsp;DNA&nbsp;with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>&nbsp;small car – and that's a very composed and capable handler, even if it doesn't quite match the Fiesta for fun.&nbsp;

What's more, the Arona is the most affordable SUV on this list, dipping below the £10,000 mark in more cases than the Puma does, actually.&nbsp;

"Some small SUVs, though based on good small cars, can sometimes turn out disappointing. That's not the case with the Arona. I like it just as much as I do&nbsp;the Ibiza&nbsp;on which it's based." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2020 Seat Arona 1.0 TSI SE Technology, 69,970 miles,&nbsp;£9985

9: Seat Arona

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good ride comfort on standard suspension</li>
	<li>Big boot for class</li>
	<li>Excellent 1.0-litre petrol</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Average interior quality</li>
	<li>Reliability could be better</li>
	<li>Some road noise</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.&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;2021 Skoda Enyaq 80, 55,131&nbsp;miles, £21,370

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>

Estate

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.

E-NIRO

The&nbsp;Kia e-Niro&nbsp;(now known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/niro/estate/review/n24582">Kia Niro EV</a>) might not look revolutionary, but it was one of the first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars (EVs)&nbsp;</a>that was both&nbsp;reasonably&nbsp;priced and could go an impressive&nbsp;distance on a single charge.&nbsp;In one of our What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/range-test-how-far-can-electric-cars-really-go/n24836">Real Range</a>&nbsp;tests, it travelled 253 miles before running out of juice – to achieve&nbsp;that figure, you'll need an e-Niro that has&nbsp;the 64kWh battery, we should mention.&nbsp;

Nowadays, there are a fair few&nbsp;EVs that can surpass that&nbsp;253-mile effort, but few are as affordable to buy when used.&nbsp;

"The e-Niro's range is more sufficient for my 120-mile (there and back) commute." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, used cars reporter</a>

We found:&nbsp;2021 Kia e-Niro 64kWh 3, 34,500 miles, £15,180

7: Kia e-Niro

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Terrific range</li>
	<li>Spacious interior</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Can lean on the pricey side</li>
	<li>Doesn't charge as quickly as some rivals</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 Q7, mind you.&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, 38,208 miles, £29,995&nbsp;

6: Volvo XC90

<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>

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

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) – that's the SQ7, by the way.&nbsp;

However, even 3.0-litre models deliver performance that's beyond sufficient. The Q7 is good to drive as a whole, actually. It rides comfortable 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, £29,488&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;2021 Peugeot 5008&nbsp;1.2 PureTech Allure Premium, 49,347&nbsp;miles, £19,720&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>

SPORTAGE

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage</a>&nbsp;understands&nbsp;and delivers&nbsp;on 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.

"The Sportage is able to cater for my family of four 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;2022 Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi 3, 41,766 miles, £19,514&nbsp;

3: 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>

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 is. That's what sets it apart&nbsp;and 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;2021 Ford Puma 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV Titanium, 45,304 miles, £12,000&nbsp;

2: Ford Puma

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great fun to drive</li>
	<li>Remarkable blend of performance and fuel economy</li>
	<li>Big and cleverly designed boot</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Rear space is adequate rather than outstanding</li>
	<li>Visibility could be better</li>
	<li>Volkswagen T-Roc is more comfortable and quieter</li>
</ul>

XC40

As of writing, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>&nbsp;is seven years old and counting. We doubt you'd have guessed that upon first glance, though, because 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 XC40 is 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 SUV</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 less than £18,000.&nbsp;

"I've driven much larger, more expensive&nbsp;Volvos SUVs and the XC40 is barely any less luxurious. It's remarkable." –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, used cars editor</a>

We found:&nbsp;2020&nbsp;Volvo XC40 1.5 T3 Momentum, 43,143&nbsp;miles, £17,300&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>

The best used SUVs you can buy

From cheap and cheerful small SUVs to lavish seven-seater ones, the used market has them all. Here are our top 10 used SUV recommendations

NEW REVIEWS:

The best used SUVs you can buy

From cheap and cheerful small SUVs to lavish seven-seater ones, the used market has them all. Here are our top 10 used SUV recommendations...

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