What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Can you recommend a family friendly SUV?

I am searching for a family friendly SUV. I drive about 12,000 miles a year and intend to keep the car for five years. Ideally, I want all-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, I am not fussed about petrol or diesel.

I like the Volvo XC60 but am not sure which engine to opt for. The latest 2.0-litre doesn't come in four-wheel drive and the D5 doesn't receive a good review on the HJ site. I have also considered the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan but am unconvinced by either. What do you recommend?

Asked on 17 June 2014 by andyw712uk

Answered by Honest John
CX-5 better than the XC60. Drives and handles better, just not as luxuriously trimmed. F25 X3 top of the tree in the £30k-£40k bracket, just been revamped. Porsche Macan beats all comers in the £40k-£60k bracket. The first two have to be diesel to get AWD. Macan petrol or diesel. CX-5 Skyactiv diesel no trouble.
Similar questions
I need to replace my 2008 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion with something bigger to carry my grandchildren and the occasional set of golf clubs. I am considering the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Suzuki SX4...
At present I am a 72-year-old Motability customer and am shortly due to hand back my Volvo XC90 after three years. I am now considering buying my own vehicle as I only do 5000 miles a year. The two vehicles...
After many years with Skoda (and 4+ with Yeti), I'm thinking of changing this week for a Mazda CX-5. I have narrowed the choice to two cars locally (both from franchised dealers). Both are SE-L Nav spec....
Related models
Decent SUV with diesel automatic option. Comfortable seats. Escape version capable off-road. Optional Park Assist works well. Much better from September 2011 facelift.
Comfortable and refined. Good long-distance car. Stylish cabin and R Design models look sporty.
Economical and efficient. Comfortable ride and nimble handling. Well equipped as standard.