Lexus RX (2009-2015) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Full hybrid
verdict: Comfortable and luxurious used SUV
Even though the RX450h can’t quite pull off its green claims, it’s still reasonably efficient, and the fact it’s a hybrid might spare you some of the disapproving looks that can go with 4×4 ownership. The only reason it’s not a Best Buy is because this generation of RX did not go through Euro NCAP tests. We no longer award Best Buys to cars that have been available for more than four years but not tested by Euro NCAP.
- Comfortable and luxurious
- Hybrid technology
- Not as green as expected
- Uninvolving drive
- Some annoying quirks
Lexus RX (2015-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Available new
- Full hybrid
verdict: Impressive Which? Best Buy
It’s got a touch of Darth Vader about it, but the Lexus RX is a very impressive luxury 4×4. It’s extremely well made and has lots of impressive technology, and is spacious and comfortable. Just don’t expect it to match a Range Rover off road.
- Very well made
- Comfortable
- Very safe
- Lots of equipment
- No combustion only or PHEV option
- No seven-seat version
Skoda Enyaq iV (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: Our top-scoring electric SUV
Skoda’s debut electric SUV comes in as our highest-scoring large battery-powered SUV yet. It doesn’t stray far from the familiar brand recipe of good value, high quality and decent standard specification, but its appeal is further bolstered by a serene driving experience, spacious cabin and a useful driving range. If you want an electric car that’s right for any situation, look no further.
- Spacious and practical interior
- Comfortable and easy to drive
- Decent standard specification
- Model with greatest range not eligible for plug-in car grant
- Leisurely performance compared with some rivals
Suzuki Across (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Available new
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
verdict: Spacious family hybrid with a performance edge
The Suzuki Across is a welcome addition to the large SUV class. Its plug-in hybrid setup delivers the best of both worlds, with strong performance and the potential for very low running costs. There’s plenty of room inside and it’s backed up by Suzuki’s excellent brand reliability rating. It’s a deserved Best Buy.
- Strong performance
- Spacious and practical
- Good fuel economy
- Weak braking
- Poor performance in hazard-avoidance test
- No built-in sat nav
BMW X5 (2013-2018) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Mighty full-size 4×4
The X5 grips the road well, provides a good level of ride comfort and has a range of powerful engines. It’s extremely spacious for five occupants, and has a seven-seat option.
- Plenty of space
- Seven-seat option
- Safe
- Affordable two-wheel drive
- Poor all-round visibility
- Very high boot sill
- Expensive
Lexus NX (2014-2021) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Available new
- Full hybrid
verdict: Worrying emission levels
Best Buy award removed. In addition to poor mpg figures, we found the Lexus NX emits so much CO (carbon monoxide) in our tests, we cannot possibly recommend it.
- Great for city driving
- Spacious interior
- High level of safety
- Reliable
- Disappointing fuel economy and emissions
- Limited rear visibility
- Stiff ride
Audi Q7 e-tron (2016-2019) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
verdict: Mighty all-round performer
This is a tremendously refined and high-performing luxury SUV. Whether the e-tron hybrid version of the Q7 suits you depends on the use the car will get. The extra expense of the electric motor system is only worth it if you do a lot of short-distance journeys, when the plug-in rechargeable batteries pay dividends; otherwise the diesel version makes more sense.
- Strong performance
- Refined
- Spacious interior
- Very well equipped
- Limited visibility
- Bulk makes it difficult to park
- Expensive
BMW X5 (2007-2013) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Gigantic 4×4 for keen drivers
The X5 is a Which? Best Buy and one of the best on-road 4x4s, with very sure-footed handling, although the ride can get a bit jittery on bad road surfaces. The diesel engines are sweet, refined and powerful, and the six-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly. However, even diesel versions are still expensive to run.
- Surprisingly good fun to drive
- Smooth transmission
- Excellent comfort
- High fuel consumption
- Very high carbon dioxide emissions
BMW iX3 (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: Deeply impressive electric SUV
The iX3 feels a lot like the X3 on which it’s based – and that’s no bad thing. It’s impressively comfortable and spacious, loaded with kit and satisfying to drive. It offers a decent driving range, largely thanks to being relatively energy efficient, while not compromising on performance. It’s a great SUV and a Which? Best Buy.
- Comprehensive standard equipment
- Very comfortable
- Moderate energy consumption
- Low maximum towing capability
- Only average braking performance
BMW X6 (2008-2014) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Gigantic 4×4 for keen drivers
The X6 is a big but typically good-to-drive BMW. It’s got plenty of power and a comfortable ride, yet it’s also quite sporty. The X6’s coupé-like rear end detracts from both comfort and practicality, although generally the car is good on both fronts. There’s a wealth of clever technology, too.
- Surprisingly good fun to drive
- Smooth transmission
- Excellent comfort
- High fuel consumption
- Very high carbon dioxide emissions
Honda CR-V (2007-2012) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Proper 4×4 among crossovers
Honda’s 4×4 is well suited to family life, and it’s pretty frugal, too, though it’s not an all-out off-roader. One of the CR-V’s main attractions is the sheer space inside, and it’s one of the easiest 4x4s to drive, with clear controls and an excellent driving position. However, rear visibility and parking can be awkward. It’s a Which? Best Buy.
- High-quality build
- Well equipped
- Standard 4×4
- Spacious cabin and boot
- Poor rear visibility
- Poor pedestrian protection
- Large turning circle
Honda CR-V (2012-2018) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Cavernous and comfy SUV
Offering a comfortable ride and large amounts of space for passengers and their luggage, the Honda CR-V is a good choice for a practical SUV. Its role as a family hold-all is made better by the wide range of safety equipment available, although those wanting an involving driving experience may be disappointed.
- Comfortable ride
- Large boot
- New diesel engine
- Opinion-dividing styling
- Fiddly media system
- No seven-seat option
Audi Q5 (2008-2016) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: High-quality, grown-up SUV
Mature, refined, spacious and capable, the Q5 has many strengths. Its standard 4×4 system makes it great in poor weather conditions.
- Excellent workmanship
- Great handling
- Safe
- Good value retention
- Expensive to buy and run
- Firm suspension
- Cluttered dashboard
Toyota RAV4 (2016-2018) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Full hybrid
verdict: Has a dirty secret
It was so close to being a Best Buy. It’s spacious, comfortable and wonderfully frugal on fuel when driving around town. But let it escape urban confines and fuel consumption goes through the roof, it gets noisy and worse – it produces so many harmful emissions that we’ve had to withhold Best Buy status. Incredibly, the diesel Toyota RAV4 is cleaner and more efficient than this petrol-hybrid.
- Efficient around town
- Quiet and easy to drive
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Noisy at higher speeds
- motorway fuel economy is poor
- High carbon monoxide emissions.
Toyota RAV4 (2019-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Available new
- Full hybrid
verdict: Sure-footed and well-equipped hybrid SUV
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a likeable new mid-size SUV. It’s well-made, comfortable and easy to live with. With decent practicality and the potential for high fuel economy around town with its hybrid drivetrain, there are few downsides – bar its frustrating infotainment system. It’s a deserved Which? Best Buy.
- Low CO2 emissions
- Hybrid drivetrain boosts efficiency in town
- Comfortable and easy to drive
- Not the most fun SUV to drive
- Clunky infotainment system
- Relatively high list prices.
Volkswagen Touareg (2010-2018) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Big, bold, comfortable 4×4
Plenty of space inside and solid build quality mark the Touareg out as a true premium player. Clean design and lots of technology further boost appeal. The comfortable interior means long journeys are never a chore. For a big SUV, the Touareg is very good to drive, if a little dull, and the engines are very capable.
- Refined
- Comfortable
- Optional air suspension
- Decent fuel economy
- High quality
- Dull to drive
- Not as capable off-road as some 4x4s
Mercedes-Benz GLE Plug-in hybrid (2020-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Available new
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
verdict: High-class hybrid
Just as with the regular model, the GLE 350 de plug-in hybrid qualifies as a Which? Best Buy. It combines all the benefits of a luxury SUV – including huge space and masses of comfort – with lower potential fuel costs than a conventional diesel, even if its overall energy consumption is still quite high.
- Huge boot
- Lots of safety kit
- Comfortable
- Powerful and refined
- Low official CO2 figure
- Feels unwieldy
- Poor rear visibility
- Thirsty
Volkswagen ID.4 (2021-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Available new
- Electric
verdict: Impressively complete electric SUV
VW has created a truly appealing family car in the ID.4. Over and above its electric vehicle appeal (such as low running costs, ease of driving and zero tailpipe emissions), it offers an impressive range of abilities, including great space inside, strong performance and a very comfortable ride. This capable SUV is a well deserved Which? Best Buy.
- Comfortable ride
- Generous range
- Well-equipped
- Safe
- Pricey
- Complex infotainment system
- Disappointing cabin materials
Porsche Cayenne (2010-2018) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Used only
- Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
verdict: Sports SUV of choice
The Cayenne is the sharpest 4×4 to drive and very luxurious with it: it really is a high performance sports car in a family-sized SUV body. But it certainly isn’t cheap to buy or run, and some competitors have a more comprehensive tally of safety equipment.
- Great handling and dynamics
- Powerful diesels
- Huge boot
- Luxury cabin
- Immensely expensive to buy and run
- Poor visibility
- Expensive options
Peugeot 3008 Plug-in hybrid (2020-) review
Test scoreShow Context
Key features
- Medium/Large SUV
- Available new
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
verdict: Highly competent all-rounder
In hybrid form, Peugeot’s 3008 offers a wide spread of attributes. It’s very lively in a straight line, easy to drive and very spacious inside. Equipment levels are generous, and the well-built cabin is comfortable and stylish. If your journeys are mostly short, running costs should be low, too. Despite its high purchase price, it’s a great choice.
- Great performance
- Excellent cabin
- Generous passenger space
- Safe
- Thirsty once battery is depleted
- Smaller boot than regular 3008
