Best used family SUVs 2023

Published: 13 June 2023

Their huge popularity of SUVs in recent years means that there’s a bewildering choice of used SUVs to choose from. There are big ones, small ones, sporty ones and luxurious ones, cost-effective ones and expensive ones. 

Most SUVs make great family cars thanks to their size and shape, but which are the best used family SUVs you can buy in 2023? Here are our top 10, with something to suit a wide range of budgets and tastes.

Think ‘family SUV’ and the Nissan Qashqai may well be the first car that springs to mind. It’s a big seller with smart looks, keen pricing and a comfortable, roomy interior – and that applies to both the latest Qashqai model (pictured), which was introduced in 2021, and the previous-generation one, sold new from 2013 until 2021. Both are brilliant all-rounders, with solid, spacious interiors that are built to withstand family life. 

The Qashqai has always been good to drive, too, striking a great balance between responsiveness and comfort so you feel confident behind the wheel and everyone gets a smooth ride. Several engines are available, although our choice would be the fuel-efficient 1.3-litre petrol.

A Kia is a great used buy, not least because of the brand’s market-leading seven-year warranty, which means even older used models are still covered. The Kia Sportage SUV is a particularly brilliant option for families. A new model was released in 2022, but it’s the version sold new from 2016 to 2021 (pictured) that we’re focusing on here. It was a huge hit, which means there are lots of them on the market, but its popularity was backed up with great practicality, swish looks and a range of models to choose from.

All Sportages are generously equipped and come with a choice of petrol or diesel engines. Some later models also have mild-hybrid technology to keep fuel costs down. It’s comfortable on the motorway but happy around town and on the school run.

The Ford Kuga is a big seller so there are lots to choose from. The post-2020 model (pictured) is really fun to drive and has a useful, spacious interior as well as a hybrid power option. The older, pre-2020, version will suit smaller budgets.

The older model also gives you a great driving experience, both in terms of fun for you and comfort for your passengers. It’s not quite as spacious as the more recent Kuga, but it’ll easily house a growing family and there are loads of options for trims, engines and gearboxes. Both versions can be found with two-wheel drive for optimum fuel economy or with four-wheel drive for extra reassurance in slippery conditions.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is very much like a higher, more rugged-looking version of the Golf hatchback – and that’s a good thing. It has a similarly restrained yet stylish exterior and an interior that has a premium look and feel. Compared with the Golf, the Tiguan is more practical, with  loads of space for passengers and luggage alike.

Volkswagen has made lots of tech features available across the Tiguan range, with a big central infotainment touchscreen and, on top-spec models, a head-up display. This projects driving information onto the windscreen so that you don’t have to glance down to see it. The driving experience is geared towards comfort and relaxation rather than sportiness and the Tiguan also comes with a solid reputation for reliability.

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The Mini range has a distinct look that lots of people love, but the Mini Hatch doesn't have the practicality to be a great family car. That’s where the Countryman comes in. It’s the most practical car Mini makes, with space inside for four or five, depending on the model (four-seaters have a storage rail running down the middle of the car, rather than a fifth seat).

For maximum space, look at second-generation cars sold new from 2017. These have a larger boot (450 litres compared to 350) and the back seats can slide to prioritise boot space or passenger legroom in the back. All models are fun to drive for this type of car, feeling agile and responsive through corners. Some models come with four-wheel drive for extra grip off-road or in slippery conditions.

Spacious, comfortable and robust, the Hyundai Tucson has long been a family SUV favourite. We’re looking here at the previous-generation model, sold new from 2015 to 2020 (pictured), just because there are more examples available, but the newest version, sold since 2021, is also a great choice.

As well as having lots of space in the boot and the passenger area, the Tucson comes stacked with features across the range, including an updated infotainment system and dashboard in cars made from 2018. It’s also one of the most comfortable family SUVs in terms of seats and ride quality.

The latest Tucson adds mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid models. Both generations feature an impressive five-year warranty from new, so there are many cars for sale that will still be covered.

Looks are subjective, but the Peugeot 3008 is surely in contention as the best-looking family SUV you can buy. But its beauty is more than skin-deep, with a spacious interior, the option of a plug-in hybrid model and a high-tech interior adding to its appeal. It’s really well-made inside, with high-quality materials, and there’s lots of space for four adults, so kids will have no issues fitting in the back seats. Several  storage spaces, including a huge 591-litre boot, add to the 3008’s family appeal.

Another two aspects of the 3008 that make it great family transport are its quiet engine and smooth ride, both of which help to make journeys (especially long ones) with a full load of passengers as stress-free as possible. There are petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid models available to suit different requirements. As an added bonus, Peugeot has a great reputation for reliability, according to recent studies. Oh, and it scored the maximum five stars in EuroNCAP safety tests.

The X1 might be the smallest SUV that BMW makes, but it’s remarkably practical for its size. On top of that, it’s agile and fun to drive and comes with a choice of excellent petrol and diesel engines. With a premium badge comes a premium interior, made of luxurious, high-quality materials, and one of the best, most intuitive infotainment systems on the market. We’re looking at the previous-generation model (pictured), sold from 2016, because there aren't many examples of the latest model (sold from 2022) available used.

Comfortable seats and lots of space in the back are complemented by a good-size boot – 505 litres is very decent for a car of this size. The back seats fold down in a 40/20/40 split, which gives you more flexibility than with a lot of X1 rivals. Being a premium model, the X1 costs a bit more to buy and run than some of its less prestigious rivals, but that extra money does get you a very impressive machine.

If you’re after a family SUV that’s big on luxury and comfort – and you need seven seats – then look no further than the Land Rover Discovery. It has one of the most spacious third rows of seats you can find, which means room even for a large or growing family. And its party piece is an off-road ability that few can match. A muddy farm path will hold no fear and it’ll go impressively far from the beaten track if you want it to.

If you’d rather stay on-road, then you’ll be enveloped in a beautifully luxurious interior with a comfortable ride thanks to clever air suspension. Fold down the third row of seats and you’ll get an enormous boot space. All of this means that for the adventurous family, there are few better cars.

The Nissan X-Trail represents a very affordable and capable option for those looking for a seven-seat family SUV. Check out the previous-generation model (pictured), sold new until 2021, because there are plenty available (a new model was introduced that same year). It’s a really versatile car with a large 565-litre boot, even with the third row of seats raised. The third row can feel cramped if you’re larger than a young child, although you can slide the middle row forward for extra legroom.

The high driving position gives that commanding view of the road that so many SUV customers love and there’s a choice of fuel-efficient engines. New engines were introduced in 2019 and they’re the ones to go for if you can, although the earlier 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels are also very strong.

There are lots of great-value used SUV cars to choose from at Cazoo. Simply use the search function to find one you love then buy or finance it online. You can choose to have it delivered to your door, or you can collect it from your nearest Cazoo Customer Centre.

We're constantly updating and adding to our stock. If you can't find the right one today, it’s easy to set up a stock alert to be the first to know when we have a hybrid that matches your needs.