Seven of the most stylish SUVs
There are few cars in the world that evoke a spirit of fun and adventure as much as the SUV: kings of the road both on and off the beaten track.
And while they may be known for riding rugged terrain and overcoming testing elements, the stoic SUV can also paint a pretty picture if you choose the right make and model.
With that in mind, we’ve handpicked seven of the most stylish SUVs out there. From the reliably classic to the cool contemporary: whatever your style, there’s an SUV to suit it. Read on to find out more.
Range Rover Velar
The Range Rover Velar comes in a smaller package than its brawnier cousin, the Range Rover Sport, but arguably looks that bit cooler when hitting the road thanks to a super-sleek interior and modern exterior. It handles as handsomely as it looks too, with its precision steering up there with the best of the rest on this list. There will be others that handle rougher terrain better out there, but the Range Rover Velar takes to tarmac as good as any challenger.
Mercedes Benz GLE
This Mercedes Benz GLE adopts the muscular demeanour typical of all great SUVs, making it a dominant presence on the road. The beauty of this Mercedes SUV is that it doesn’t try too hard and won’t stray from its genre by trying to be too sporty-by-nature, but will give you everything you’d expect from a classic SUV: power, robustness, and plenty of space inside. It also comes with the added bonus of being relatively quiet for an SUV of this size.
Volvo XC90
If you want a solid family SUV that still cuts the mustard in the looks department, the Volvo XC90 may be just the one for you. It doesn’t attempt too much when it comes to design – there are no signs of sleek cuts or soft edges – but it does come in a fuss-free and undeniably handsome package, which is matched by a modern and comfortable interior. All-in-all the Volvo XC90 is a calm, stoic and reliable presence, which is just the ticket when embarking on new adventures with the family in tow.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is a bit of a maverick in the world of SUVs, being one of the first to try and fuse the thrills of a sports car with the ruggedness of an SUV. Many argue it succeeded, and if you’re after something that can handle the wilds by day before cruising through city lights by night, the BMW X5 will deliver. For the energy-conscious out there, the plug-in hybrid models works to produce low CO2 emissions and there’s also an electric-only model to further reduce your carbon footprint.
Volkswagen T-Cross
While the BMW X5 is unashamedly luxurious in both looks and price tag, the compact VW T-Cross comes lighter on the road and softer on the wallet. Reliable rather than jaw-dropping, the VW T Cross SUV puts safety first with a range of features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. It comes in a subtly stylish package that won’t break the mould but does the job with no complaints.
Peugeot 5008
Another entry on the list that shows that you don’t need deep pockets to land yourself a quality SUV, the Peugeot 5008 comes with a more digestible price than most of its seven-seater rivals but still serves-up a stellar drive. Its muscular definition is complemented by a lofty seating position and a super-comfortable interior. And while its engine may weigh in at just 1.2 litres, it’ll only take a touch under 10 seconds to hit 60mph, which isn’t too shabby for most drivers cruising in a vehicle of this size.
Audi E-tron
The electric-charged Audi E-tron comes with a distinct and futuristic design, including a rear-light bar that stretches across the full width of the car, a feature replicated across the Audi A6, A7, and Q8. The E-tron is seen as a flagship vehicle of Audi’s green revolution and will notch just shy of 250 miles from a full charge. There are electric cars that will go further but given the weight and size of the E-tron, that’s not bad going. It won’t make light-work of choppy grounds in a way you’d typically associate with SUVs, but it will deliver a blissful and tranquil drive when you’re hitting the road. Just make sure you have a few quid to spare as the price-tag for this bad boy certainly sits in the ‘luxury’ category.