Best Used Family SUVs for Under £20,000 That Will Suit YOU

Whether you’re after big, small, family, electric or plug-in hybrid, such a diverse selection of models on the market means it is very possible to find that perfect SUV to suit you and your needs.

And with so much choice out there, if it’s a used SUV you’re after, then you’re bound to find it at Vertu.

To help you narrow down your options, we’re putting the spotlight on the models that best suit all manner of lifestyles to ensure you’re driving home with the car that’s especially right for you.

And better yet, we’re doing it within a £20,000 budget, so whatever you choose, you’ll do so knowing you got a brilliant deal from Vertu.

There has never been a better time to buy a used electric car from Vertu. Between 6 – 16 November, Vertu’s Used Car & Van Event assures £500 off every Vertu used car and van, and £500 more for your part-exchange on top of the vehicle valuation you receive from us.

Kia Sportage

The Great All-Rounder SUV

There is a very good reason to explain why the Kia Sportage has been pinned towards the very top of the UK sales charts month-in, month-out in recent years – it is genuinely a great all-round SUV that asks very few compromises but has myriad plus points.

Better yet, while a steady stream of regular updates have kept the Sportage looking and feeling fresh on the new showroom floor, the ideals of what made it so popular in the first place – handsome looks, excellent value, well-equipped, impeccably built – have not changed as time has progressed.

Moreover, while a £20k budget opens you up to the most recent design refresh with the more angular ‘Opposites Attract’ signature, the 2022-2025 generation remains an excellent, value-oriented buy.

Highlights of a used Kia Sportage include its comfortable, spacious interior – complete with 591-litre boot – that will suit a family of five, the generous specifications and the refined driving experience.

And you don’t just have to take our word for it either because What Car? has just named the Sportage as its ‘Used Car of the Year’ for 2026.

Reasons to Buy a Used Kia Sportage

Fantastic all-rounder, timeless handsome styling, generous kit levels, a refined drive, spacious interior for family of five (and the dog!)

Dacia Duster

The Unbeatable Value SUV

For that no-nonsense, workhorse-ready SUV that will stand up to the rigours of daily life, the Dacia Duster is – and will always remain – very hard to beat.

The popular Romanian SUV has found a loyal following among those who appreciate its honest and functional approach through and through.

This is best evidenced by interiors that are deliberately hard-wearing, rather than plush, and mechanicals that are sturdy and durable, rather than luxurious.

That’s not to say the Duster lacks finesse, especially if you’re looking closely at the latest generation model, which has retained all the above traits but added a dash of rugged, utilitarian flair in the process.

As well as being one of the few SUVs on the market to offer four-wheel drive for genuine off-road ability, the Duster is spacious (478-litres in second generation guide, up to 594-litres in third generation), while more recent editions have particularly generous kit levels.

Reasons to Buy a Used Dacia Duster

Rugged, practical and no-nonsense workhorse, great value when new makes used Duster a bargain

Honda HR-V

The Urban Self-Charging Hybrid SUV

While there is a growing number of plug-in hybrid and electric SUVs filtering onto the used car market, for those without regular access to full recharging facilities, a self-charging hybrid makes the most logical choice.

And when it comes to full hybrid cars, it’s hard to look past either Toyota and Honda, the original pioneers of the technology, who have been refining and improving FHEVs for years now.

With this in mind, if you’re after a frugal, urban-ready self-charging SUV, the smart and stylish Honda HR-V makes for an excellent choice.

It’s clever automatic petrol/electric toggle system is such that it can return an official 52.3mpg on a combined cycle, rising to upwards of 70mpg in low speed, stop-start urban based environments by running on the small battery alone.

Beyond that, the HR-V lives up to Honda’s excellent reputation for reliability, while the interior is both well-built and well-kitted out.

Reasons to Buy a Used Honda HR-V

Efficient, easy-to-live-with self-charging hybrid powertrain, up to 70mpg in urban environments, Honda reliability and build quality reputation intact

Ford Kuga

The Flexible Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) SUV

Much like the Kia Sportage, there is very little to outwardly fault the Ford Kuga, as demonstrated by it too registering impressive sales figures in the UK – after all, the UK buying public know a good car when they drive one.

Ford’s primary SUV is arguably at its best as a plug-in hybrid, however, with the Kuga PHEV in plentiful supply and able to return over 40-miles of electric-only driving amid almost 500-miles of total range.

It means the Kuga PHEV offers the opportunity to complete ordinary urban journeys on electric power alone, while retaining the flexibility that comes with having a 240bhp 2.5-litre petrol engine on standby.

Better yet, being a Ford Kuga, it offers keener handling than other SUVs, the interior is resplendent with high-end materials and it is packed with clever little features – such as flexible rear seats and SYNC 4 infotainment - that make day-to-day driving so much more convenient.

Reasons to Buy a Used Ford Kuga PHEV

Practical and useable SUV for families (and dogs), complete short journeys on electric power alone, generously kitted out, spacious

Volkswagen ID. 4

The Penny-Pinching Electric SUV

While the manufacturer moved quickly to expand on its ‘ID’ badged range of electric models in the wake of high-demand for the ID.3 hatchback, it is the larger ID.4 that is broadly considered to be the best zero-emission Volkswagen.

It’s a view that extends to its used offerings, with the Volkswagen ID.4 – and its more rakish coupe-inspired sister, the ID.5 – proving a popular choice for those who want the practicality of a high-riding SUV with the greatly reduced running costs of an all-electric vehicle.

Compared to other SUVs, the ID.4 takes on a more premium appearance, a feeling that is extended upon sliding into the driver’s seat, where the high-end fabrics and upholstery offer a high-quality first impression.

While the ID.4 is one of the longer-serving electric SUVs on the market, it does offer impressive range with up to 322-miles on a single charge possible depending on the version.

Reasons to Buy a Used Volkswagen ID.4

Refined and premium-feeling SUV, practical interior with a 543-litre boot, over 300-miles of range on certain models, easy-to-live-with

Peugeot 5008

The Handy 7-Seater SUV

While the number of seven-seater SUVs on the market have dwindled in recent years, the Peugeot 5008 – which comes with an extra two chairs as standard – has carved itself a niche over the years.

It means there are many excellent used examples now on the market, with many publications ranking the 5008 as one of the best value and most practical SUVs you can buy – even before you factor the clear benefits of having those extra two seats.

Indeed, there is a lot to like about the 5008 from a driver’s point of view, namely its futuristic-looking interior, complete with a fascia and dashboard that wraps around you and is designed to be ergonomic and comfortable.

For those who have a need to carry more passengers, the 5008 offers excellent flexibility with two well-sized chairs on the third row being perfect for small children.

Better yet, if you don’t have the need for seven chairs the entire time, they rearmost row will fold to offer up a vast 952-litre boot.

Reasons to Buy a Used Peugeot 5008

Seven-seat flexibility with two rearmost chairs that are ideal for children, huge 952-litre boot in five-seat guide, stylish and well-built interior

Mazda CX-5

The Plush, Luxurious SUV

Of all the Japanese brands present in the UK, it’s fair to say Mazda has been most convincing at breaking out of the mainstream to measure up to premium manufacturers like BMW and Audi.

As such, it stands to reason that the Mazda CX-5 be considered one of the most luxurious options in the family SUV class, even if it does so without the associated price tag.

It serves to make the CX-5 quite the bargain, more so when you factor in its beautifully appointed interior, which is lavished in high-end upholstery and has a cossetting, driver-focused feel from behind the wheel.

Better yet, the CX-5 is one of the most engaging SUVs to drive, but can also settle into refined cruiser duty when necessary, all while providing plenty of space for the family and their luggage.

Reasons to Buy a Used Mazda CX-5

Feels like a premium SUV, luxurious yet functional interior, punchy engines, family-friendly practicality

Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Rough’em Tough’em Off-Roading SUV

While the refined, on-road SUVs of today have broadly succeeded the tougher, more rugged off-roaders of yore, there are still a selection of fine buys that can take the rough with the smooth when necessary.

And if you’re seeking off-road ability without losing the essence of luxury, you’re going to look no further than Land Rover.

Indeed, the British manufacturer has been blending unstoppable off-roading might with lavish refinement for years, no matter whether you’re in the market for a high-end Range Rover or a trendier Evoque.

Here, we’re highlighting the Land Rover Discovery Sport, which still appeals with its timeless styling and sumptuous, impeccably built interior, while it remains very practical day-to-day too.

Better yet, if you’re partial to heading off the beaten track now and again, there really is no better accessory to use for when you need to cross those muddy trails.

Reasons to Buy Used Land Rover Discovery Sport

Hugely capable off-road yet refined on it, spacious for a family of five, plush interior, torquey engines