Top 10 best mid-size SUVs to buy 2023
The sheer variety of mid-size SUVs on sale means buyers are spoiled for choice. These are our favourites
The mid-size SUV has become a staple of British roads, with a huge number of drivers being enticed by the abundance of space, high driving position and attractive styling that these models offer. In fact, SUVs are now so popular that they have replaced hatchbacks, estate cars, and even MPVs as the default family car of choice for many people.
Carmakers are well aware of the popularity of this sector, too, and a wide range of brands are seeking to take their share of what is an increasingly profitable market. This means that the best mid-size SUVs have got to be good to fend-off all that competition.
We’re talking about mid-size models here. That’s the medium SUV models similar in length and width to C-segment family hatchbacks and often a little larger. They’re a good size for a growing family but if you need less space there’s no shortage of supermini-size small SUVs and those who really want to go big and opt for a large SUV which may well have seven seats.
The best mid-size SUVs
So, which mid-size model should you buy? To help you decide we’ve picked out the top 10 best mid-size SUVs on sale right now, based on our extensive road testing of every model on the UK market. Several of the selections which we’ve listed in reverse order below are Auto Express award winners - so keep reading to find out more…
10. Citroen C5 Aircross
While most manufacturers seem intent on giving their SUVs a sporting flavour, Citroen has taken a different path and has instead placed comfort at the top of its priorities list. As part of these efforts, the C5 Aircross is fitted with 'Progressive Hydraulic Cushion' suspension and ‘Advanced Comfort Seats’.
Both certainly live up to their names and work towards making this SUV one of the most comfortable cars in its class, but this does come at the cost of driver enjoyment. If you aren’t too fussed by the fun-factor, though, then a generous level of standard equipment and an efficient range of engines go a long way towards making this spacious Citroen a genuinely tempting purchase - particularly for family use.
9. Nissan Qashqai
If there’s one car that can be credited with the sheer number of SUVs on sale now, it’s the Nissan Qashqai. Now in its third generation, the SUV’s blend of style, technology and practicality makes it one of the most desirable family cars on sale, if no longer one of the most ground-breaking.
The latest Qashqai looks a lot sharper than its predecessors, and its well designed interior features plenty of soft-touch materials. There’s also a decent amount of space and a generous 504-litre boot, while all but the cheapest cars get an eight-inch touchscreen, plus a reversing camera and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
It’s not as entertaining to drive as a SEAT Ateca, but the Qashqai is composed and comfortable. There are two engines to choose from: a mildly electrified 1.3-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre e-Power hybrid. The latter uses the petrol engine to charge the on-board batteries, while drive is provided purely by an electric motor.
8. Jaguar F-Pace
It’s been with us for some time now, but the Jaguar F-Pace continues to be one of the best mid-size SUVs you can buy. Following a refresh in 2020, the F-Pace received smarter exterior styling and JLR’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system in order to keep it competitive.
There are plenty of powertrains to choose from, ranging from a reasonably efficient 163bhp diesel to a 542bhp V8 petrol. There’s also the plug-in hybrid P400e that offers lower running costs combined with decent performance.
Whichever F-Pace you pick, you’ll enjoy a great driving experience as the Jaguar handles better than nearly all its main rivals. It shares a platform with the XE and XF, so feels very car-like to drive while remaining composed over bumpy surfaces.
7. BMW X3
If driving satisfaction is at the top of your shopping list, then look no further than the X3. Despite its high stance, it handles with as much engagement and accuracy as some sports saloons, with meaty steering, tenacious grip and good body control. Yet it also soaks up bumps and is refined on a long run.
The X3’s most recent facelift enhanced the already spacious and upmarket interior, along with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance for the engines. There’s a choice of four and six-cylinder motors, plus a 503bhp X3 M that’ll do 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. Alternatively, you could opt for the all-electric iX3 which claims up to 285 miles of range on the WLTP combined cycle.
6. Skoda Enyaq iV
If you need proof that less can sometimes be more, then check out the Enyaq iV. Skoda’s first bespoke electric vehicle is built on the same MEB platform as the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volkswagen ID.4, but despite costing thousands less to buy, the Skoda is actually the best model of the lot.
As you’d probably expect from Skoda, the Enyaq iV offers more space and versatility than its siblings. More surprising, though, is the fact it feels more upmarket, while also being more comfortable and engaging to drive. There’s a choice of 58kWh or 77kWh battery packs, with the latter offering up to 339 miles of range. There’s a twin-motor four-wheel-drive option and a sleek vRS Coupe, too.
5. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Just like its sister-brand Kia, Hyundai has big ambitions to rise up from the budget end of the market and into the premium leagues. While the majority of its range has already seen a notable improvement in terms of quality and desirability, the all-electric Ioniq 5 is arguably the best current example of the Korean carmaker’s goals.
Many will look at the Ioniq 5 as more of a large hatchback than an SUV. With its quirky retro-modern styling, pixel-style LED lighting and significant road presence, it certainly stands out from just about any other modern car on the road today. What’s more is that it backs up its looks with plenty of interior space, a high level of overall refinement and plenty of impressive standard tech.
4. Nissan Ariya
Nissan was a successful EV pioneer with the big-selling Leaf, so it was surprising that the Japanese brand took so long to deliver a follow-up.
The Ariya EV was worth the wait, though, and we were so impressed with the finished result that we declared it our Car of the Year in 2022. The sleek styling looks great, combining fashionable SUV kerb appeal with a dash of coupe sophistication, and it’s beautifully finished inside with clever Japanese-inspired detailing.
Range anxiety isn’t a problem, either, with the option of a 63kWh or 87kWh battery pack claiming up to 250 or 329 miles of range respectively.
3. Kia Sportage
Reflecting Kia’s upmarket aims, the latest Sportage is a much bolder and more distinctive car than its conventional predecessor. While this new direction was initially a bit of a gamble, it has undoubtedly paid off as the current model is one of the UK’s best-selling cars.
Under all the angular and quirky styling, the Sportage’s roots remain intact. There’s a roomy and versatile interior, lots of standard kit and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Rivals such as the Ford Kuga are more fun to drive, but the Korean machine has a strong range of engines, including mild and plug-in hybrid models. Then there’s that seven-year warranty.
2. Lexus NX
With its efficient hybrid powertrain, luxurious interior and up-to-date tech, it’s not very difficult to see why the Lexus NX is a top-seller for the Japanese luxury brand. It’s popular with us, too, as we named it our Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year in 2022.
This upmarket Lexus boasts rather strong credentials as a family car, too. A high-standard of overall build quality should mean the interior can withstand most of what the youngest passengers can throw at it. There’s also plenty of space in the cabin, along with a 521-litre boot. A plethora of safety kit is also included as standard, which helped the NX to score a full five-star Euro NCAP rating.
1. Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson scored back-to-back wins in our 2021 and 2022 New Car Awards, proving that its initial success was no flash in the pan. Our favourite mid-size SUV is still one of the most distinctive on the road, thanks to its eye-catching lines and bold details. It also boasts an interior that combines class-leading space and a cavernous 620-litre boot with a list of standard equipment that would shame an upmarket executive saloon.
Robust build quality and cutting-edge tech only add to this car’s considerable appeal. On the move, the Hyundai feels composed and comfortable, while the range of engines runs from a punchy turbo petrol to a refined plug-in hybrid that can manage 38 miles of electric running. Factor in an excellent five-year warranty and the availability of confidence-inspiring four-wheel drive, and the Tucson has all the family SUV bases covered.
Top 10 best mid-size SUVs
- Hyundai Tucson
- Lexus NX
- Kia Sportage
- Nissan Ariya
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Skoda Enyaq iV
- BMW X3
- Jaguar F-Pace
- Nissan Qashqai
- Citroen C5 Aircross
How to find the best mid-size SUVs for your family
If you’re buying any car that will most likely be used as family transport, such as with one of these mid-size SUVs, the obvious thing is to take your family along when you have a test drive.
Check they’ll fit, and find out if you can easily install any child seats you might be using at the time. This is often made easier with SUVs because they sit higher up from the road, so you don’t have to bend down as far to install them, and the doors tend to open wide for better access. Every car in our list features ISOfix mountings, and it’s also worth checking that any items you might need on a family day out will fit in the boot.
Whether you buy with cash or on finance, if you’re committing to spending a significant chunk of money on your new family SUV then you’re well within your rights to test it out. Any dealership that wants your business should oblige by giving you some time to do exactly this. Check that you and your family like the comfort on offer, too, and that everyone feels comfortable sitting it.
One more thing worth doing, as with any new-car purchase, is to check the spec and options fitted to the car that you test, and make a note of any features or extras that you like and feel might be a help in everyday life.
Looking for something smaller? Check out our list of the best small SUVs and crossovers...
