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Best 4x4s & SUVs to buy in 2017, Auto Express

Best 4x4s and SUVs 2017

There are so many fine SUVs and 4x4s on sale, it’s effortless to be confused if you don’t know esactly what you’re looking for. However, you can rely on Auto Express to give you the lowdown on the best models on sale. Our top ten are the fluid of the crop, whether you’re looking for something that can produce family friendly space, everyday convenience or even entertaining treating.

There are so many different choices when it comes to picking an SUV to lease or buy, because enhancing numbers of drivers realise the benefits of a commanding driving position, a roomy cabin and fountain area, and the confidence-inspiring extra grip that 4×4 models produce. The popularity if SUVs and 4x4s means that car makers have worked enormously hard to improveme the rail, refinement and convenience of these models that they are a viable alternative to ‘conventional’ cars. What’s even more exceptional is that a notable few go above and beyond, with driving dynamics and spectacle that is genuinely sporty.

No matter what you’re looking for, there’s tied to be something that fits your requirements flawlessly. Whether it’s the best SUV for snow or muddy conditions, or just the attraction of a prestige badge on the front of a Range Rover , Audi or Bentley . There’s also a contingent of smaller ‘urban-focused’ SUVs like the Renault Kadjar or Citroen C4 Cactus to consider – you can see our top ten in that category here.

Some will have concerns about the ethics of driving a big and potentially inefficient SUV of course, but even those concerns can often be put to rest as many of the models on suggest are not much thirstier or more polluting than similarly-sized cars. So, while in the past choosing an SUV most likely meant you needed an off-road capable workhorse or desired to go trail bashing for joy, the picture is very different now.

When you look at the benefits in detail, there are a number of reasons why a 4×4 holds so much appeal. The raised rail height gives a better view of the road ahead, and the high driving position inspires confidence. The large assets of a 4×4 means there’s potential for good practicality, so much so that some SUVs can rival MPVs for family-friendly space and versatility.With request for vehicles in the SUV sector thriving, and car makers releasing fresh and more competitive models all the time, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best SUVs and 4x4s on sale in the UK to help you find the cars that are worth investigating further.

Four-wheel drive boosts their capability when the weather turns, too, albeit models with 2WD will produce the kind of running costs you’d get with a conventional car if you’re looking at the financial bottom line – and there are a number of hybrid and plug-in models available to cut your costs even further. At the other end of the spectrum, the latest range of powerful spectacle models mean you can get an SUV that can put a smile on your face on twisty roads.

Style is an significant factor with many fresh SUVs and 4x4s, and slew of models are available with a range of personalisation options to make the car you choose stand out. And at the top end of the SUV spectrum, the most luxurious SUVs have the quality and refinement to match the best limousines for convenience.

And with the security of four-wheel drive designed to provide extra security in humid and greasy conditions, it’s clear that the best 4x4s and SUVs have the range of talents to justify their popularity. But which ones are the best models on sale today? You’ve come to the right place to find out.

Which 4×4 or SUV is right for me?

There are all kinds of SUVs on the market – from cheap and cheerful cars to luxury models boasting limousine convenience. All shapes and sizes are catered for, with petite cars like the Nissan Juke vying for position alongside the large Kia Sorento or Volvo XC90. Efficient hybrid models are becoming popular too, with fine mpg figures from their high-tech drivetrains. Yet despite being known as 4x4s, many of these cars are only two-wheel-drive.

Some models – like the excellent Range Rover Sport – are still fantastic off-roaders, however. Something like a Land Rover Discovery is a good choice if you truly need to go off-road, but poor fuel economy and a high price mean it’s not the best idea if you’re planning to stick to tarmac. For most people, tho’, an SUV will remain stiffly on tarmac – so it’s good news that most of the latest cars are just as good to drive as their hatchback and saloon cousins.

The Dacia Duster is one of the UK’s cheapest fresh cars – and it happens to be an SUV, so it’s fine for anyone who can’t afford a Land Rover model. The 4×4 version isn’t too bad off-road, however it’s suited more to rough tracks than anything too challenging.

If you’re looking for a 7-seater car then a large 4×4 might be something you’ll be interested in: they tend to be more desirable than MPVs and can suggest a good deal of practicality. With their phat boot space, roof racks and towing capacity they make superb cars for going on holiday, too.

Towing a caravan or trailer is a common use for these cars as well – and if that’s your plan, the high torque of a large diesel engine is the best choice for load-lugging. Check out our review of the best tow cars in Britain to find out more.

Having a car with four-wheel drive is useful when you need to get going on a lubricious surface – you have twice as much grip, after all. However, winter tyres are must in poor weather, tho’ – you might be able to speed up swifter, but only winter tyres can help you stop swifter (thanks to the enhanced traction they provide). And if you’re dedicated to off-road driving, then a set of knobbly of-road tyres should be on your shopping list, albeit these will spoil the rail of any 4×4 you put them on.

In the models that like going off-road the most, there is often a computer-controlled driving mode that improves grip on certain surfaces, and sets up the suspension to work better in adverse conditions. This can be turned off when you get back on the road.

To help you choose which 4×4 is right for you, we’ve rounded up ten of the best. Click the links on the left or the next page link below to find out more.

Best SUVs and 4x4s 2017

1. 1. Land Rover Discovery
2. Two. Volvo XC60
3. Trio. Skoda Kodiaq
4. Four. Jaguar F-Pace
5. Five. Volvo XC90
6. 6. Kia Sorento
7. 7. Mercedes GLC
8. 8. Porsche Macan
9. 9. Land Rover Discovery Sport
10. Ten. Tesla Model X

Read more of our best car recommendations.

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