25 best family SUVs

Honda CR-V SUV

With a downsized range of petrol and hybrid powertrains, and no diesel option, the newest version of the hugely successful Honda CR-V is on-message for the times we live in. A hybrid version, featuring a 2.0-litre engine and a pair of electric motors, doesn’t arrive until 2019, but meanwhile the 1.5-litre petrol does a good job of cementing the latest CR-V’s appeal. You can have it with 171bhp and manual gears, or 190bhp with a CVT automatic; we think the latter suits the car better. It’s punchy, with a top speed of 131mph and 0-62mph taking 9.3 seconds. Fuel economy of 39.8mpg isn’t stupendous, but the less powerful manual car manages almost 45mpg. Honda has also sharpened up the CR-V's steering and improved the suspension’s ability to soak up potholes, but one of the biggest changes is inside – the interior has a stylish, premium feel and up-to-date infotainment. For the first time, the CR-V is also available with seven seats, albeit with the third row really only suitable for kids.