When it comes to picking the perfect car, you can't go wrong with a medium SUV.
They're spacious without being too bulky, stylish yet practical, and packed full of handy features and great technology. They also come with a range of engine options, from petrol to diesel to electric.
To help guide you in the right direction, this blog takes you through the best medium SUVs on the market and why you should consider leasing one.
We discuss:
The Citroen C5 Aircross is a family SUV that stands out from the crowd. While many other mid SUVs conform to the norm, the C5 Aircross has a unique exterior that shows a bit of character.
Although the design can be down to personal preference, the interior isn't. There's loads of tech on the dashboard, such as a 12-inch infotainment system, and enough space for five people to get comfortable.
The Nissan Ariya is an electric crossover that's one of the more futuristic mid SUVs on the market. Introduced in 2022, it has sleek styling, a refined interior, and up to 329 miles of range.
Let's talk about that sleek styling. The Ariya follows the design principles of a coupe SUV, with an aerodynamic front end and declining rear roofline. The front lights are seriously impressive, with four-pronged headlights complemented by narrow fog lights.
Inside, the Ariya isn't the most spacious medium SUV around, but it comes packed full of tech. There's a pair of screens on the dashboard, and the infotainment system features voice control, NissanConnect, and smartphone connectivity.
If you're willing to increase your budget, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is an excellent choice for a medium SUV. With a plush interior and all the tech you could possibly want, it will definitely keep your kids happy.
As well as having a spacious interior, it arguably has the most luxurious interior on this list. The seats come in high-quality leather, there's soft-touch plastics and an eye-catching red interior trim.
The Skoda Enyaq was the Czech manufacturer's first all-electric car back in 2020, and since then, it's continued to impress. With impressive safety features, a robust build quality, and a good electric range, the Enyaq is an excellent option in the medium SUV market.
Skoda has always had a great reputation for reliability, but the Enyaq really delivers on practicality. There's plenty of space for the whole family to get comfortable, and even at the Enyaq's relatively low price point, interior quality is still up to standard.
Lexus has been developing a very good reputation in recent years, and one reason for this is because of the NX. It's been one of the most popular SUVs in the UK since its introduction in 2021 thanks to its efficient powertrain, luxurious interior, and loads of tech.
You can choose between two hybrid powertrains: a plug-in and a self-charging version. Both feature a very good 2.5-litre petrol engine. The plug-in can travel for up to 40 miles on pure electric power.
Another reason to consider the NX is because of its boot, 525 litres to be exact, which is very good for a mid SUV.
The Ford Kuga is a strong contender in the medium SUV segment with its sporty looks and engaging drive. We'd recommend the Kuga for those who spend their week commuting to work and weekends in the countryside.
Why's this? The Kuga comes with either an EcoBoost or plug-in hybrid engine, the latter of which is great to drive and returns up to 42 miles of pure electric range.
It's also very practical, coming with a spacious interior, a 536-litre boot, and a towing capacity of up to 2,100kg. There's also loads of tech to help with towing, including smart navigation, extended blind spot monitoring, and a trailer checklist.
Drive in a British suburb, and I'll give you five minutes before you spot a Range Rover Evoque. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Evoque has a luxurious interior and superb practicality.
Let's start inside. The minimalist design looks good on the eye and features glossy chrome trim. It also has loads of tech, like an 11.4-inch infotainment system.
Remaining true to Land Rover heritage, the Evoque is also great off-road thanks to its four-wheel drive system and Terrain Response 2 technology.
Hyundai has really stepped up its game in recent years, and one reason for this is the Tucson. It's a stylish family SUV that's packed full of features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 558-litre boot, and a range of powertrains.
You can choose from petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines, with the latter offering up to 33 miles of all-electric range.
The reason the Tucson stands out is because it's a car that ticks so many boxes. It's affordable, fuel-efficient, looks great, and features superb tech.
You cannot go wrong with a Kia Sportage. Like the Tucson, it's an affordable family SUV that offers everything you need.
A central part of Kia's upmarket trajectory, the Sportage features a smart new design, a roomy and versatile cabin, and a great infotainment system. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are also available.
If that doesn't convince you, maybe Kia's seven-year warranty will.
The Nissan Qashqai is the undisputed GOAT of the medium SUV market. Offering a great blend of style, practicality, and tech, it's no surprise that the Qashqai continuously tops car sales here in the UK.
Refreshed for 2024, it features many more upmarket features than its predecessor, including a Google-powered infotainment system, Alcantara upholstery on the dashboard, and ambient multi-coloured lighting.
Under the bonnet, you can choose between a mild-hybrid petrol and a full hybrid that uses Nissan's e-Power, a system that uses a petrol engine to act as a generator for the electric motors. Clever!
Medium SUVs are the perfect blend of style, space, and practicality. Models such as the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, and Range Rover Evoque will more than meet the demands of family life.
So, whether you're ferrying the kids around or heading out on a weekend adventure, there's a mid-size SUV for you.
Looking for more family motoring advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces a range of guides, such as The Safest Cars for Young Families and Top Tips for Keeping Your Child Safe in the Car.
We are also the UK's largest leasing broker, offering a whole range of leasing services to suit your every need. For more information, check out our latest deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.
