In the old days, SUVs usually came with a ride-quality penalty.
That was down to being heavier than equivalent hatchbacks or saloons, and having a taller centre of gravity. However, these 10 SUVs prove these practical cars can still cruise with the best.
Here are the comfiest SUVs you can buy – including both budget-friendly options and premium brands. Most are available as great-value nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
Skoda Karoq
The Skoda Karoq isn't just one of the comfiest SUVs – it's one of the very best. It's impressively affordable, undercutting the Volkswagen Tiguan on which it's based, making it a great-value buy as a nearly new or used car. Practicality is excellent with surplus space for tall passengers in the rear seats, and a wardrobe-sized squared-off cargo area out back. Those features alone would be plenty to sell the Karoq but perhaps its greatest asset is its soft and pillowy ride quality, reminiscent of luxury SUVs that cost several times the price. Make sure you get one on smaller alloys for the most cushioned experience.
Search used Skoda Karoq cars or read our Skoda Karoq review
Renault Austral
Renault's SUV range is a little confusing. Traditional nameplates like Scenic and Megane are now pure-electric cars. Meanwhile its fuel-powered SUVs all have new-fangled names like Symbioz and this, the Austral. Ignore the complicated lineup, however, because the Austral is quite simple – there's just one excellent full-hybrid engine to choose from. All versions have the same modern, spacious cabin that's trimmed in tasteful materials, with a sensible layout. Most importantly, the Austral rides with grace over cracked UK roads, softening bumps and isolating you from nearly all the vibrations from scruffy surfaces.
View used Renault Austral cars or read our Renault Austral review
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is the brand's mid-size SUV and the largest five-seater in the lineup. Despite lacking the XC90's gargantuan dimensions, the XC60 has acres of passenger space, with loads of room for those in the back to stretch out, and a cargo area that's just the right size for a large pushchair or your four-legged friend. It's not a car that rewards enthusiastic driving but, if you leave it in automatic mode, the Volvo wafts from corner to corner with the kind of calm composure that can soothe even the longest of office days.
Take a look at used Volvo XC60 cars or read our Volvo XC60 review
Kia EV6
The quirky Kia EV6 sits in a grey area between SUV and hatchback – but it earns its spot on this list thanks to a super spacious cabin and a slightly raised ride height. On top of those qualities, EV6 Air and GT-Line models with the 'smaller' 19-inch wheels glide over craggy road surfaces with a wonderfully light touch. And, since the EV6 isn't as tall as more traditionally shaped SUVs, its relatively low centre of gravity means handling is excellent too. What's more, you'll be able to enjoy the EV6's driving experience for a long time – 84kWh versions can cover comfortably more than 300 miles on a full charge, with a 10-80% charge taking as little as 18 minutes.
Search used Kia EV6 cars or read our Kia EV6 review
Range Rover Evoque
You might look at the Range Rover Evoque's taut bodywork and planted stance, and think this is an SUV that's mainly going to focus on the 'sports' part of the brief. However, take the smallest Range Rover out for a spin and you'll find that it's much more than a one-trick pony. There's a maturity to the Evoque's ride quality that works wonders over the UK's broken road surfaces, all without softening the handling so much that it rolls uncontrollably through corners. Decent practicality and a plush cabin complete this tempting package.
Browse used Range Rover Evoque cars or read our Range Rover Evoque review
Volkswagen T-Roc
Where the Golf was once the main family car in the brand's lineup, the Volkswagen T-Roc is now among its most important models. This compact SUV fits easily through tight city streets while also having enough space to fit adults in every position. It's not so soft that it wobbles through corners but there's enough compliance in the setup to absorb most impacts before they make it to the base of your seat. The rest of the car is classic 'Volkswagen', with a sensible, intuitive dashboard and a sense of solidity to the build quality. The brand's recently announced a new VW T-Roc with overhauled styling and tech.
Shop used Volkswagen T-Roc cars or read our Volkswagen T-Roc review
Peugeot 2008
The Peugeot 2008 is one of the more affordable options on this list if you're shopping used cars. You wouldn't know it from behind the wheel, however, as the 2008's ride quality is very well judged. There's enough compliance to cope with nasty potholes and enough composure that it doesn't feel like a lumbering old-school 4x4. The upmarket atmosphere continues as you appreciate the interior design, which has attractive materials with an avant-garde edge, plus a fully featured dashboard with all the infotainment tech modern buyers expect.
Check out used Peugeot 2008 cars or read our Peugeot 2008 review
Nissan Qashqai
There are many reasons the Nissan Qashqai has become so enduringly popular in the UK, but one that only becomes obvious when you drive one is the car's suspension. You can tell it was developed in this country as it has the perfect setup to cope with Britain's shabby roads – stifling bumps without being so soft that it wobbles around like a plate of jelly. The most recent model gets a selection of surprisingly plush materials in the cabin, helping it feel like a posher, pricer car. Don't discount the previous-generation Qashqai, however, as these are just as comfy as the current model but with big discounts on the used market.
Check out used Nissan Qashqai cars or read our Nissan Qashqai review
MG HS
No, this isn't your grandparents' MG. The new MG HS is the company's large five-seat family SUV and it offers nearly unbeatable value for money. It undercuts nearly all its main rivals – often by several thousand pounds – and there's virtually no penalty in terms of build or material quality, with the HS also boasting a standard equipment list as long as your arm. The ride quality is particularly well judged, with lots of genuine compliance over nasty stretches of road, while not suffering the roly-poly feeling other soft SUVs sometimes exhibit. There are also acres of interior space, so your passengers won't feel hemmed in on long drives.
See used MG HS cars or read our MG HS review
Citroen C5 Aircross
Under the skin, the Citroen C5 Aircross borrows mechanical parts from the Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland. Unlike those cars, however, the Citroen's focus is mostly on family-friendly practicality. You'll spot this immediately once you sit in the second row, where you'll find three individually sliding and foldable seats, making it easier to travel with all five seats occupied. On the move, the C5 Aircross draws inspiration from old Citroens with wafty suspension that's set up for comfort rather than performance.
Find used Citroen C5 Aircross cars or read our Citroen C5 Aircross review
Big comfort, small prices
View an enormous choice of nearly new and used cars at Motorpoint. We have used SUVs for sale from all major automakers.
