The family car market has been flooded by SUVs in recent years, with models like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Ford Puma regularly topping the charts when it comes to new car sales.
Given the success of the SUV, it was only a matter of time that premium brands got involved in creating a whole new sector of the market for those people who have a larger budget.
These cars are geared more towards those who are looking for luxury as opposed to maximum miles per gallon, with our selection showcasing five of the best options on the used car market.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 has been part of the premium SUV sector for nearly 20 years having first gone on sale back in 2006, with the second generation model launched in 2015.
Although that means the current car – which is due to be replaced at some point in 2026 - is now something of a veteran compared to its rivals, the Q7 remains popular with family buyers who are looking for a premium product.
The Q7 is offered with a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains and provides levels of performance you probably wouldn’t expect from a car of this size – albeit nowhere near the frankly bonkers V12 diesel that was offered with the first generation model.
Given the sheer size of the Q7, there is plenty of space for families and all the extra bits and pieces that come with having children, whilst you’ll get a car that is well-equipped, reliable and has real presence on the road.
Particularly when purchased used, you’ll be getting a lot of car for your money…
BMW X5
The BMW is another veteran when it comes to premium SUVs having been around even longer than the Q7, with the first models being launched in the late 1990s and the car now in its fourth generation.
As BMW’s first ever SUV, the X5 had a key part to play in a number of more premium brands joining the market which means the current model faces more competition than ever before, but it stands up well to its rivals.
Although not as practical as some other cars in the sector – with slightly less room for rear passengers – the X5 remains hugely popular with family buyers thanks to a decent size boot, a comfortable ride and solid reliability.
A wide range of engines mean strong performance across the board, including a hybrid option.
Land Rover Defender
For many premium SUVs, heading off-road will be little more than bumping up a kerb when parking. However, if you want something that is genuinely capable of heading off the beaten track, then the Land Rover Defender will be hard to beat.
Although the original Defender was very much created to be a workhorse, the reborn car is now a major player when it comes to premium family SUVs. Although the 90 has limited space in the boot, the 110 has plenty of room for families whilst the 130 is quite simply huge.
It’s also capable of carrying up to eight people and how many other cars can manage that?
Despite being a big car, the Defender handles well on the road and benefits from an impressive line-up of diesel options under the bonnet that give a blend of performance and economy – although don’t expect hatchback MPG figures.
With an interior that is functional, practical and stylish in equal measures, the Defender ticks a lot of boxes as a premium family product.
Range Rover Sport
Ask people to make a list of premium car brands and there’s a good chance that Range Rover will be amongst them.
Truth be told, every car in the Range Rover line-up could feature on a list of top premium SUVs that are suitable for a family from the Evoque through to the Range Rover itself, and the Range Rover Sport sits right in the middle.
Based on the same platform as its big brother, the Sport takes everything that is great about the Range Rover and puts it into a slightly more compact package, with luxurious comfort, impressive performance and plenty of space.
It may only come with five seats when some rivals can seat more, but if your family SUV needs to have a luxury touch, the Range Rover Sport should be close to the top of your list.
Volvo XC90
The XC90 is the largest model in Volvo’s SUV line-up and is arguably the most luxurious car that the Swedish manufacturer has produced.
Although it’s had more than one facelift, the current XC90 has been on sale for a decade but continues to sell in large numbers simply because of the fact it’s so well-regarded.
The XC90 is perfect for a family who want to travel in luxury and does a lot of things very well when you compare it to its rivals. It drives well, comes well-equipped, is a comfortable place to be and offers a huge amount of space.
If anything, the XC90 may be a little too big for some people but like the Q7, this is a car that gives you a lot for your money on the used market.
- Used Cars
- BMW
- Land Rover
- Audi
- Volvo
- Range Rover