April 25, 2023
Abby Nuttall
Top Picks

SUVs have fast become the most popular type of car on the market with drivers choosing to switch their hatchbacks, estates and even saloons for an SUV.

There are a lot of reasons that this body shape is becoming more and more popular and this includes:

The large vehicle size gives it a strong road presence
Spacious interiors that have enough room for you, your passengers and cargo needs
A higher driving position that gives a better view of the road ahead
They can be more capable, especially when driving off-road
Ability to tow larger weights than other body shapes

With the rise in demand, manufacturers are producing more SUVs, giving us a large range of models to choose from ranging from compact and crossover models through to large seven-seaters. To help our clients who are looking for a new SUV we’ve rounded up our top picks of those that are currently available on the market.

Best SUVs of 2023

1. Audi Q5

In the top spot, we’ve gone for the Audi Q5 which is a large luxury SUV that’s been a popular choice for drivers who want the practicality of an SUV with Audi’s signature styling.

You’ll get a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has a built-in sat nav and smartphone connection as standard, and Audi’s virtual cockpit helps create an uncluttered dash that’s easy to use.

Audi is offering drivers the choice of petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. For company car drivers we recommend the PHEV, as not only does it offer you a 39-mile range powered purely by the electric system but will also come with lower BIK rates thanks to this electric-only range.

There is a Sportback version as well for drivers who want something that looks and feels a bit sportier or for those who want something with a more powerful performance there is the SQ5.

2. Lexus NX

The next pick to make it onto our list is the Lexus NX. It’s an award-winning SUV that is Lexus’ most popular model at the minute and it’s easy to see why. With a stylish exterior, comfortable interior and plenty of tech that enhances the driving experience.

Lexus is a premium brand that is a favourite of company car drivers as it pairs luxury finish with high performance to create exciting and comfortable cars. The NX is their first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, it pairs a 2.5 litre with an 18.1 kWh battery to offer a range of 40 miles powered purely by electric. For drivers who have charging concerns then it is also available as a self-charging hybrid, but the range on this is much less.

There’s a premium finish inside and out, with a dashboard that is designed with the digital instrument display and touchscreen infotainment centre slightly curved to wrap around the driver position and ensure everything is as convenient as possible for you. Lexus has also raised the centre console height so that it is all within your eye line, and unlike some manufacturers who are trying to be as minimalist as possible, they have kept some buttons and temperature dials so that you can easily adjust necessary controls.

3. Kia EV6

Our third pick is a fully electric model, the Kia EV6. It was voted What Car?’s Car of the Year in 2022 and plenty of others agree, with it having many accolades to its name.

The EV6 is a stylish and unique model that offers drivers a reliable large car, plenty of safety features and low tax as its an electric vehicle (EV). It’s an excellent choice for drivers looking for their next family car as it’s spacious and comfortable for all passengers, has great handling and suspension that helps reduce bumpiness and there’s a large boot for all the cargo needs. And for drivers who are in a company car, the EV6 makes an excellent choice as it has one of the lowest BIK rates on the market due to it being an electric car.

On the regular EV6, you’ll get a range of around 328 miles between charges. This is the advertised WLTP range so your real world range will be slightly less as things like the terrain, the weather and your driving style will have an impact on the actual range. If you upgrade to the GT-Line then your range will reduce to 314 miles, and if you opt for the GT-Line S it will drop further to around 300 miles.

4. Land Rover Defender

It’s impossible to create a list of the best SUVs and not include one from the iconic British brand Land Rover. Established in 1948 Land Rover was a manufacturer designed to create capable SUVs that could handle anything the road, and off-roading, could throw at it. To this day Land Rover remains one of the most reliable SUV brands on the market, and they have evolved to be recognised for their premium interiors as well.

We’ve opted for the Land Rover Defender, as it’s a versatile and capable SUV that’s got a luxury feel thanks to the high-quality interior and premium technology. It’s a great choice for those with older children as it’s got lots of space, handy storage cubies throughout the cabin and plenty of tech to keep you all safe.

If you’re looking for something to take green laning, then the Defender is the car you want. With ClearSight Ground View which gives you a virtual view of the ground beneath and just in front of the vehicle to help keep you informed and safe while off-roading.

There are three sizes of the Defender available; the short-wheelbase Defender 90, which only has three doors, the regular-wheelbase Defender 110 and the long-wheelbase Defender 130. The Defender 110 comes with the choice of five, six and seven seats while the larger Defender 130 has eight seats so you can choose the best sized SUV for your needs.

5. Skoda Enyaq iV

The final entry in our top five is the Skoda Enyaq iV. It’s the second electric car on the list and was the first EV from the brand, setting the standard for its future EVs.

It shares a number of features and parts with the VW ID.4, including the batteries and motors, but is still very much a Skoda from its body shape through to its spacious comfy interior and large boot, which offers 585 litres of storage.

You’ll get a Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, rear parking sensors and LED headlights as standard across all models. You’ll be able to personalise your interior with a choice of four design selections, which have different materials and finishes to create a different feel in your car.

There are currently two variants of the Enyaq iV available the iV 60 which has a 58 kWh battery and the iV 80 which has a larger 77 kWh battery. The iV 60 has a WLTP range of 256 miles between charges while the iV 80 can achieve up to 339 miles depending on the spec you choose.

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Top Five SUVs for 2023

The best SUVs of the year.