Best 4x4s and SUVs

4x4s, also know as 'Sports Utility Vehicles' (SUVs) are primarily designed to be used off-road, but thanks to their high driving position and roomy interiors, they are a popular everyday choice for families as well.

Our list includes SUVs and 4x4s of all different shapes and sizes, with some built for rugged outdoor work, and others scoring highly for luxury and comfort. The best car for on-road performance and handling ability is the BMW X5, especially powerful diesel variants like the X5 35d. The best value is the Suzuki Jimny, with prices starting at way below rivals.

Are you looking for a cheaper family car that offers lower running costs? Try CarBuyer's top-ten best new family cars.

BMW X5 SUV

£45,055 - £83,260

4.4 /5

With seven seats, an upmarket interior and great build quality, BMW’s X5 makes a formidable family car. What’s more, BMW has made the latest version practical and luxurious. The pair of optional seats in the boot are useful, and when they’re not in place the car has lots of luggage space. The X5 has some off-road ability, but during its development, engineers concentrated on getting the performance on tarmac spot on.

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BMW X6 SUV

£46,725 - £85,680

4.3 /5

Part coupé, part 4x4, the monstrous BMW X6 has no problems turning heads, thanks to its arcing roofline and distinctive profile. It's a radical looking machine, but is surprisingly comfortable and rewarding to drive. There's impressive technology under the skin too, with an eight speed gearbox offered as standard and a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines.

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Land Rover Discovery 4 SUV

£37,995 - £51,195

4.5 /5

The ‘4’ part of the Discovery’s name refers to the fact it’s the fourth version of a car that has improved in giant leaps since 1998. The latest Discovery looks much like the third edition, but it’s actually in a different league for cabin quality. What's more, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine is a real gem, it's powerful yet quiet and very smooth.

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Audi Q5 SUV

£28,000 - £42,140

4.2 /5

Despite a firm ride and limited off-road ability, the Audi Q5 is still a very desirable car. Aimed at the Land Rover Freelander 2, it has the build quality and refinement of an Audi saloon but the practicality and space of a larger 4x4, so it's an excellent compromise. Thanks to big seats, it's very comfortable too. If it weren't for the slightly stiff ride Audi would have built a clear class leader.

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Toyota RAV4 SUV

£24,295 - £28,295

3.7 /5

Modern crossover vehicles like the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan are family cars first and foremost, but still retain some of the looks and off-road capabilities of a 4x4. The Toyota RAV4 is the other way around; it’s a 4x4 firstly, but Toyota has adapted it to compete with the popular breed of crossovers.

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Audi Q7 SUV

£39,995 - £100,370

4.1 /5

Audi’s enormous Q7 is imposing to look at, while its high driving position offers a commanding view of the road ahead. The seven-seat interior is huge, although the rearmost seats are a little short on legroom. The Q7 wafts along quietly at speed, although the suspension is quite stiff and the ride is firm.

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Nissan Pathfinder SUV

£31,935 - £36,720

4.0 /5

Big, practical and built to last, Nissan's Pathfinder offers seven seats and serious off road ability. It shares its chassis and suspension with the Navara pick-up truck, so isn't exactly what you would call quiet and luxurious. Diesel engines are noisy but economical, though automatic gearboxes are slow to respond.

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Volvo XC90 sports utility vehicle

£35,175 - £43,775

4.1 /5

Volvo's XC90 was launched to great fanfare in 2002. It was the first full sized 4x4 from the Swedish car maker, and immediately impressed with its family friendly, seven-seat interior, chunky bodywork and go-anywhere 4x4 system. It's large boot is extremely practical, and at 4,798mm long, there's plenty of space for passengers thanks to this car's three rows of chairs.

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Volkswagen Touareg SUV

£40,170 - £59,595

4.0 /5

The Touareg SUV was originally launched in 2003 and then significantly updated in 2010. It majors on luxury, although it also has the capability to tackle more extreme conditions than most drivers will ever experience. The latest version is much lighter than the original, despite being bigger. That weight reduction means a notable improvement in fuel economy across the range.

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Mitsubishi ASX SUV

£16,669 - £26,080

4.4 /5

The Mitsubishi ASX is one of a growing number of SUV-inspired family cars that have been introduced to compete against conventional hatchbacks like the VW Golf. Described as a crossover, it blends together the commanding driving position of an off-roader, with fuss-free hatchback-style handling. The Nissan Qashqai kick-started this movement, and the ASX is hoping to cash in on the expanding marketplace.

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