Not so long ago, if you wanted an SUV your options would be limited to large and luxurious cars commanding high list prices.
However, as sales of these type of vehicles continue to increase, more manufacturers are offering them, making them far more accessible.
If you look now, a £25,000 budget will buy plenty of models from all sorts of manufacturers – from premium to budget. Here are our five favourite SUVs in that price range.
Ford Kuga
Ford is about to replace the Kuga, but the existing model remains popular.
The Kuga is decent to drive, practical for its size and also comes with plenty of standard equipment for the money.
A £25,000 budget will limit you to the entry-level Zetec model, although this still comes as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, cruise control and a heated windscreen. Happily, the 148bhp 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is a perfect match for this mid-size crossover.
Skoda Karoq
The Skoda Karoq is a hugely appealing SUV, offering much of the practicality of the larger Kodiaq without the price tag. The Karoq is very well equipped, and also benefits from a stylish and upmarket cabin.
Prices for the Karoq start from £21,945, but a £25,000 budget will pay for a mid-spec SE L model. This brings a lengthy list of kit, with highlights including LED headlights, heated front seats, a reversing camera and an eight-inch touchscreen. For this budget, the Karoq is a seriously well-rounded model.
Vauxhall Grandland X
The Grandland X start from £23,915 and for the amount of kit and space on offer, it is a great option for a practical family SUV for those with a budget of under the £25,000 mark.
For this price, you'll be getting a great amount of kit including an electric parking brake, parking sensors, cruise control, a 7-inch touch screen to name a few of the mass amount of equipment on offer as standard.
Dacia Duster
Where value is concerned, the Dacia Duster is a clear winner in the SUV world. This Renault-owned budget brand is having lots of success in the UK, thanks to its incredibly low starting prices.
The Duster range kicks off at £10,995, which makes it the cheapest new SUV on sale. This budget allows for the range-topping Prestige version, which features an around-view camera, keyless entry, climate control and blind-spot warning. Yet, even with all this equipment, this Duster still costs under £15,000.
Seat Ateca
The Ateca is much the same car as the Skoda Karoq, although it has a greater emphasis on sportiness - highlighted through the more dynamic driving experience.
Given this was Seat’s first SUV, it’s remarkable just how competent the Spanish crossover is. A £25,000 budget will allow for either an SE or SE technology car – the latter coming with an eight-inch touchscreen featuring satellite navigation, plus LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and 18-inch alloy wheels.