PROS Seriously sorted chassis Determined three-cylinder engine Excellent interior technology
CONS Cramped rear seats Getting expensive for a small SUV We don't get the ST
PROS Fast, terrific dynamics, extremely well-engineered.
CONS Ride can be a little uncompromising, sub-optimal fuel consumption if you use the performance.
Not only is the Ford Puma ST one of the most exciting SUVs we’ve ever driven, it’s also immensely practical, comes packed with equipment and undercuts all of its main rivals on price. In other words, the Puma ST is a classic performance car from Ford: fast, fun and fantastic value, making it our favourite Sports SUV.
PROS Immensely enjoyable to drive Surprisingly big boot Great driving position
CONS Occasionally bouncy low-speed ride Infotainment could be slicker A VW T-Roc is bigger in the back
A solid workhorse, with seven seats and a very comfortable ride.
Pros Excellent ride comfort Minimal NVH Half-decent looker Solid build quality Plenty of internal storage Great family car for the money Standard safety features
Cons Exceptionally poor infotainment system Outdated switchgear and cabin Poor bluetooth telephony Tough competition
The seven-seater Nissan X-Trail is currently the biggest SUV the firm builds. It’s a good-looking family car that rivals the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and the Skoda Kodiaq. The X-Trail’s interior has a similar design to the one found in the Nissan Qashqai, so it’s simple to use if a little uninspiring to look at, and the car’s standard five-inch touchscreen display means there isn’t a sea buttons to contend with. While there is plenty or room for five adults inside, the two seats that fold out from the boot are best reserved for children. Even with them in place, though, the X-Trail has enough boot space for a few suitcases.
Pros Comfortable Well-equipped Decent off-road
Cons Third row seats are a bit cramped Not exactly head-turning looks CVT automatic is not as good as rivals with DSG
The X-TRAIL TL is clearly not a 4WD as our beach run proved – and the diesel could be both more responsive at low rpm and more economical. However, this is a comfortable, quiet, smooth and sure-footed medium SUV with plenty of room for holiday gear in the back.
Pros Supple ride Comfortable, versatile interior LED headlights
Cons Lack of low-rpm grunt Fuel consumption higher than claimed Foot-operated parking brake
