No longer the class leader, but still one of our favourite premium family SUVs On sale Now Price from £35,895
NOTHING LASTS FOREVER. But while the XC40’s four-year reign as our Family SUV of the Year was ended this January by the Kia Sportage, Volvo’s smallest model (at least until the EX30 goes on sale) remains an excellent choice if you’re after something with a well and truly premium feel.
Pretty much everything you touch inside the car feels ready to stand the test of time, yet it’s also elegant and plush. Meanwhile, the front seats are among the best around in terms of the comfort and support they offer.
In fact, comfort is superb full stop; most versions of the XC40 breeze over imperfections in the road surface – even on big, 20in alloy wheels.
True, the heavier Recharge T4 plug-in hybrid model isn’t quite as forgiving, but it still betters most direct rivals, particularly if you go for Plus trim, which brings sports suspension for a more controlled ride.
Add in the T4’s ability to travel for more than 20 miles purely on electric power in real-world conditions and it’s our pick of the range.
The XC40 lost its crown due to the sheer value the Sportage offers. But when compared with its premium rivals, including the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, it continues to set the standard.
Our pick Recharge T4 Plus List price £44,455 Target Price £40,967 Target PCP na MPG 134.5 CO2 47g/km For Stylish and high-quality interior; comfy ride; comprehensive safety kit Against Fiddly infotainment system; road noise on the motorway WHAT CAR? SAYS
Volkswagen Tiguan
Our pick 1.5 TSI 150 Life List price £31,635 Target Price £30,026 Target PCP £336 MPG 43.5 CO2 147g/km For Fine driving manners; quiet cruiser; rear seats split in three pieces and slide Agains
