Top 10 second-hand SUVs: From the Volvo XC90 to the Land Rover Discovery

What to know the best big 4x4s on the used market? Here are our top recommendations

There are plenty of examples of this highly competent Volvo XC90 on the used marke

There’s more to a big 4x4 than all-wheel drive and off-road ability.

In this price bracket, customers expect cabin space, versatility and practicality – and a bit of luxury won’t go amiss, either.

The choice on the market is daunting, but here are our top 10:

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10. Mercedes-Benz M-Class

More than worthy of its place in the top 10, this Mercedes-Benz is a whopper. That translates into excellent rear passenger space; more so than in even the Volvo XC90 or BMW X5. As you’d expect of the manufacturer, the M-Class is also sophisticated and good to drive. All specs are well equipped, and there’s a wide selection on the market.

Best buy: ML 320 CDI

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9. Lexus RX

This classy Lexus is the sole petrol-fed example in our countdown. In fact, thanks to its hybrid powertrain, it goes one better than many of its rivals in the efficiency stakes by reducing fuel consumption and emissions – and hence taxation costs – to most un-SUV-like levels. The RX is dependable, well kitted out and a real customer pleaser. The fact that it’s not an especially brilliant off-roader doesn’t seem to put anyone off…

Best buy: RX450 SE

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8. Audi Q5

Sitting snugly between the Q3 and Q7, this mid-market Audi boasts plenty of space for luggage – and people too. Well, at least it does for the passengers in the front. Those in the rear fare better with their seats pushed backwards… Certain electrical issues aside, the Q5 is well built and reliable, and offers a broad suite of efficient diesels, too.

Best buy: 2.0 TDI SE

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7. BMW X5

With accomplished off-road ability and fine on-road agility, the X5 is a great all-rounder. The cabin majors on space and ergonomics, and the styling and price point scream prestige as well. Unfortunately, the BMW’s cabin quality hasn’t always lived up to the dream, and running costs can add up.

Best buy: xDrive30d SE

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6. Nissan X-Trail

Practicality and reliability win out over glamour with the second-generation X-Trail, which gives the car great appeal in a certain sector of the market. Further attractions include value pricing, strong build quality and good equipment levels across the board. The Nissan’s electrics can cause some issues, and in common with most diesels the particulate filter will benefit from regular long runs rather than purely short hops.

Best buy: 2.0dCi 148 Sport

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5. Land Rover Discovery

High costs for all variants reflect the multi-skilled Discovery’s talents. Standout features include a roomy and classy seven-seat cabin, and excellent off-road skills. Air-suspension problems are known on this Land Rover, so check any potential purchase carefully.

Best buy: Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 GS

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4. Honda CR-V

Typical Honda reliability is still evident on these later-generation CR-Vs, although the on-road experience trumps off-road progress. The presence of 4x4 helps out when the going gets rough though. A roomy cabin means there’s space for everyone and everything inside.

Best buy: 2.2 i-DTEC SE

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3. Hyundai Santa Fe

Most of the current used examples of this Santa Fe still have plenty of their five-year warranty left. Even better, the Hyundai has a big interior with seven seats. Luggage capacity can be boosted by folding the rear chairs flat into the floor, too.

Best buy: 2.2 CRDi Premium

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2. Toyota RAV 4

Now in its third generation, the RAV 4 has been around for years, and it definitely lives up to the reliable reputation its predecessors have forged. The Toyota comes as a 4x4, but on-road focus means excellent dynamics. Just watch out for notchy gearboxes, as repairs can be costly.

Best buy: 2.2 D-4D XT-R

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1. Volvo XC90

There are plenty of examples of this highly competent Volvo XC90 on the used marke

A 12-year production run until replacement by the second-generation model means the XC90 won over plenty of fans, giving the Discovery a run for its money. There are plenty of examples of this highly competent Volvo on the used market, and with four-wheel drive, seven seats, 2250kg towing ability and copious Isofix child seat attachments, you’d do well to choose one. Iffy fuel injectors on older cars and can prove expensive to fix. Vet carefully.