Car recommendations - SUV/4X4

[Photosofplanets]

I am hoping to change my car in the next few months and would love to hear any recommendations. Currently have a Hyundai ix35 4wd, have 2 primary school aged DC and dog. Car also used for towing.

We live (very) rurally and my commute to work is a 60 mile round trip, on rural roads which aren't great and in the winter can be treacherous. I also have to drive for work so could be expected to drive anywhere. For that reason alone I want to keep 4wd or AWD.

I was thinking of:
Volvo xc60
VW Tiguan
Mitsubishi Outlander

Any suggestions? Pros and cons of the above? Something exciting I haven't thought of yet? fuel economy on my car isn't brilliant (but not completely awful either) so would love something that is efficient.

Any ideas or suggestions appreciated.

I test drive the Tiguan and hated it, it feels very old fashioned inside, really poor visibility and feels very heavy. Weirdly small steering wheel too.

Tried all the vehicles in that class and one that felt lovely was the qashqai (albeit not 4wd)

Range rovers too unreliable

We are going to go with a Volvo in the end, handles beautifully and very very safe

We just got the Hyundai Tucson, which is basically the ix35 but re-named the Tucson. It's been the upgraded since the ix35, ours is the top spec model so lots of gadgets, ours is also the 4WD version. I think it's great - so depends how much of a change you want

Subaru Outback really good in snow, love it

We just got a Mercedes GLC and it's great

We have the Range Rover Velar and I love it. Not too thirsty (similar fuel consumption to my Kia Sportage I had a couple of years ago) , a dream to drive and never had any reliability problems. Has been great in the local flooding recently.

Outlander is horrible.
Disco sport or x4 an option?
I’ve got a Nissan Navara but need a proper 4x4 as work on a mountain.

I’m now waiting for the tree huggers to pile in an tell you to get an electric bike 😂

Velar is also beautiful

I love my xc60. Roomy, comfortable, handles well, and so so safe!

I had a Tiguan for 3 years, only changed it as I wanted something a bit bigger but absolutely loved it.

I've just got an XC60 after having had XC90s.
It's lovely, feels very safe and is quite nippy.

Towing what? What weight? That is a v important factor

Have had an xc60 and now have an outlander phev. Xc60 is more comfortable and is a nicer car all round than the phev but the phev is a great cat and obv we drive around mainly on electric and oat £0 road tax!

Friends have Tiguans and love them and tow with them. But the boot is much smaller and wouldn't fit my 2 large dogs

BMW X3 , the 68 plate onwards. Takes me & 2 large dogs round the highlands of Scotland in all weathers. Fairly decent mileage.
Previously had a Tiguan but it was too small for the dogs, and mid range acceleration was non-existent ( very necessary if I get stuck behind a bus)
Loved the Volvo but our local dealer is dreadful.

If you want something reliable and big, FFS dont buy a Range Rover of any sort or any VW.

Both are shite.

Toyota RAV4, Subura Outback, Mazda CX5, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tuscon, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Subaru XV, Suzuki Vitara - all well worthy candidates and far superior to the crap made by German/French/US car makers.

DH has had an Outlander for a couple of years, we love it. I’m about to get the Volvo, I tested the VW but I found it quite uncomfortable and it was quite dated and the interior seemed plasticy

Lots of food for thought thanks! Love the Velar but assumed it might be out of my price range, will look again.

Lots of love for the Xc60 as well (tbh that's where my heart lies) going to look at the Mercedes and Subaru suggestions first though

@Redtartanshoes - I've been waiting for the bike (or sturdy walking boots) comments too!

@PrayingandHoping - we have a touring caravan (not sure of exact weight off-hand) but tbh DH usually tows with his vehicle. Like the option though

We have an Outlander, which works well as a family car. We run it as a 'station commute' car on just electric in the UK. We drive in The Alps ( although never off road, apart from a very steep driveway) winter and summer and it's not yet let us down. It's large and comfy and I've never been bothered by luxuries beyond those two criteria. We considered the XC60 PHEV, but it's just so expensive, compared to its dirty diesel counterpart and other PHEVs. We just couldn't justify buying a diesel.

However, we are driving off-road in Namibia this summer and, without a doubt, we will hire a Hilux. That ( or a smaller toyota off-roarer) is what we've previously gone for off-road in Africa. God knows what they make them from but they are invincible. If I was seriously in need of an off-roader ( that can deal with a dry riverbed, small flood or dirt road on a huge gradient), and I was richer than I am, that'd be what I'd go for!

Well weight is the most important must know factor. Most vehicles of that size tow around the 2 tonne mark, some slightly more. The outlander phev though is a lot less as it's a hybrid

Toyota RAV4, Subura Outback, Mazda CX5, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tuscon, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Subaru XV, Suzuki Vitara - all well worthy candidates and far superior to the crap made by German/French/US car makers.

We've just tested several of those when looking for a car for my kids - before everyone shouts at me, we're in Maine, my kids are new drivers, and I'd like them to have something that helps them survive the snow.

Loved the RAV4
Quite liked the Tucson and will probably get one secondhand
Mazda - boot was too small for our dog
CR-V - drives like a huge yawn, overpriced
Sportage - really should try this again but last time we drove it (3 years ago) it was fine
Subaru Outback - finest car in the world, but I'm not quite willing to spend that much on my children's car.

For towing I'd guess most of these would be too small.

I am on my second Rav4. When I traded in the first one I looked at all sorts and couldn't find one I liked as much so got another!
Not all of them are 4WD though but worth a look. Toyota are, apparently, leaders in hybrid technology so quite fuel efficient

My in laws have a Rav4.... it is a lot smaller than a Tiguan/xc60/outlander. My dogs wouldn't fit in the boot

The showroom guys also told them they didn't recommend them for towing or off-roading (they just wanted to be higher up so didn't bother them)

Don't rule out a Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter, or Vauxhall Combo Life (which are really all the same car). They'll give you all the space you'll need, a high driving position for those country roads to see over the hedges, and much, much better fuel economy than an SUV.

If you need better traction in really bad weather, then specify Advanced Grip Control which uses the traction control system to give you offroad capability, and comes with all season tyres which will make more of a difference anyway.

Towing capacity is up to about 1500kg depending on the engine/transmission combination.

We have an xc60 it Is tiny not a 4x4 or suv

We have an xc60 it Is tiny not a 4x4 or suv

It is literally an SUV!!

Autotrader can't keep up with my frantic searches this evening