THE BEST SUV FOR FAMILIES: REAL-LIFE COMFORT, SPACE AND VERSATILITY

Let's be honest - choosing the right SUV for your family isn't just about horsepower and badges. It's about finding a car that fits your life. Whether you're juggling school runs, weekend football matches, or spontaneous trips to the coast, the right SUV can make everything feel a little easier (and a lot more enjoyable). At Barretts Kent, we've pulled together a list of our favourite family-friendly SUVs across MINI, BMW, Land Rover, Honda and Jaguar. These are the cars we think genuinely make a difference for families.



THE MINI COUNTRYMAN - AVAILABLE IN ALL-ELECTRIC AND PETROL VARIANTS

All-Electric MINI Countryman Barretts MINI

The MINI Countryman has evolved into a genuinely practical SUV - without losing the charm that makes MINI so distinctive. It's larger than ever, offering plenty of space for families who need room to move but still want something stylish and fun to drive.

INTERIOR

Inside, you'll find comfortable seating for five, with generous legroom and clever rear seats that slide and fold to adapt to whatever the day throws at you - whether that's a buggy, a football kit or a weekend's worth of luggage. The boot is impressively spacious, with 450 - 1,530 litres of space, making it easy to pack full for family adventures.

TECHNOLOGY

Tech-wise, the Countryman is equipped with a customisable digital display, equipped with sat-nav, media, and vehicle settings. One standout feature is the AirConsole gaming platform, available with the MINI Connected package. This lets you play games on the screen while the car is parked or charging. Your smartphone becomes the controller, making it a fun way to keep the kids (or adults) entertained on the go. There's also video streaming available through the MINI Connected Store, so you can watch films or shows directly on the screen, perfect for long journeys or waiting at after-school clubs.

SAFETY FEATURES

Safety hasn't been overlooked either. Features like lane departure warning, blind spot detection and parking assist come as standard, offering peace of mind for busy parents. If you're thinking about going electric, the Countryman SE ALL4 delivers up to 440 km of range and fast charging - ideal for weekend getaways or zipping around Kent without worrying about fuel.

SUMMARY

In short, the MINI Countryman is a smart, stylish, and spacious option for families who want practicality with personality - and a few clever extras to make life on the road a little more fun.


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THE HONDA CR-V - AVAILABLE IN PLUG-IN HYBRID AND FULL HYBRID VARIANTS

The Honda CR-V has long been a favourite among families, and the latest generation takes things up a notch. Whether you go for the full hybrid or the plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV), the CR-V is built to handle the chaos of everyday life with calm, comfort and clever features.

INTERIOR

Let's talk space first. The CR-V offers 617 litres of boot space, expanding to 1,710 litres with rear seats folded - plenty of room for pushchairs, sports kits or a full weekly shop. The rear seats slide and recline, giving passengers more legroom and flexibility, and the cabin feels light and airy thanks to its wide stance and panoramic roof.

Inside, it's all about comfort and convenience. You'll find heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, and even ventilated front seats in higher trims - ideal for keeping everyone happy on longer journeys. The hands-free power tailgate is a lifesaver when your hands are full, and roof rails add extra practicality for family holidays or outdoor adventures.

The CR-V is well-equipped with tech.

TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY

There's a 10.2-inch digital driver display, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and even a head-up display for key driving info. You also get Google built-in, Bose premium sound, and the My Honda+ app for remote access and vehicle management.

Safety is a major strength. The CR-V includes Honda's latest multi-view camera system, Parking Pilot, and a suite of driver-assist features that help eliminate blind spots and make manoeuvring easier. It's designed to keep your family protected, whether you're navigating city traffic or cruising on the motorway.

The hybrid model offers up to 40 mpg and comes with Real Time AWD™, making it great for mixed driving conditions. The plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) adds up to 50 miles of pure electric range, ideal for school runs and short commutes, and charges fully in around 2.5 hours on a home charger.

SUMMARY

The Honda CR-V is a well-rounded SUV that blends space, comfort and efficiency with thoughtful features that make family life easier. Combine this with it's brilliant Honda reputation - you can't go wrong.

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THE BMW X3 - AVAILABLE IN PLUG-IN HYBRID AND PETROL VARIANTS

New BMW X3

The BMW X3 is one of those SUVs that just fits into family life effortlessly. Whether you're navigating the school run, heading off for a weekend in the countryside, or simply trying to keep everyone comfortable and entertained, the X3 delivers.

INTERIOR

Starting with the space, the X3 offers generous room for five, with extended legroom in the back making longer journeys more bearable (especially for growing teens). The boot is flexible too, with up to 1,600 litres of space in the plug-in hybrid model - plenty for sports kits, shopping bags or even a couple of suitcases. Comfort is a big win here. The front sport seats are supportive and adjustable, and the cabin is finished with premium materials that feel both luxurious and durable. The panoramic glass roof adds a sense of openness, and ambient lighting in 15 colours lets you set the mood - whether it's calming after a long day, or energising for a road trip.

TECHNOLOGY

Tech-wise, the X3 is packed with features that make life easier and more fun. The 14.9" BMW Curved Display is your hub for navigation, media and vehicle settings. With the BMW Digital Premium Package, you can stream films and TV shows directly to the screen when parked - perfect for keeping kids entertained during breaks. There's also AirConsole gaming, which turns your smartphone into a controller for in-car games - ideal for passong time on longer journeys or while charging the plug-in hybrid.

SAFETY

Safety is well covered too. Features like Driving Assistant Proffesional help keep you in lane and at a safe distance, even in stop-and-go traffic. And with Parking Assistant Professional, you can park the car remotely - handy for tight spots and car seats. The plug-in hybrid variant (X3 30e xDrive) adds another layer of flexibility. It offers up to 91 km of all-electric range, making it ideal for short commutes or school runs with zero emissions. And when you need more power for long trips, the petrol engine steps in seamlessly.

SUMMARY

Whether you're drawn to the classic petrol model, the efficient plug-in hybrid, or just want a well balanced SUV that handles family life with ease, the BMW X3 is a solid all-rounder. It's comfortable, capable, and packed with thoughtful features that make everyday journeys feel a little more effortless.


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THE RANGE ROVER EVOQUE - AVAILABLE IN PLUG-IN HYBRID, PETROL AND DIESEL VARIANTS

The Range Rover Evoque might be the most stylish SUV on the school run - but it's not just about looks. Behind its sleek design is a surprisingly practical and family-friendly setup that makes everyday life smoother.

INTERIOR

The Evoque's compact size makes it easy to manoeuver through tight streets and busy car parks, but it still offers a spacious interior with seating for five. There are 34 inches of rear legroom, which means even taller kids won't feel cramped in the back, and the split-folding rear seats give you flexibility when you need to juggle passengers and cargo.

Boot space is generous for a compact SUV, with up to 50.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded - plenty of room for a pushchair, weekly shop or suitcases for a weekend away.

Inside, the cabin is finished with high-quality materials.

TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY

Features like multi-level heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual zone climate control help keep everyone comfortable, no matter the season. There's even an optional Cold Climate Pack for those frosty winter mornings.

It's well-equipped for modern family life. The 11.4" infotainment display comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, so you can easily sync your phone for music, maps and messages. There's also wireless charging, USB ports and a Meridian sound system with 12 speakers - perfect for keeping everyone entertained on longer drives.

Safety is a strong point in this vehicle. The Evoque includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control as standard. There's also a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors, which make tight manoeuvres much less stressful.

SUMMARY

For families who love a bit of adventure, the Evoque's all-wheel drive and descent control mean it's more than capable of handling muddy fields, gravel tracks or spontaneous detours to the coast.

While the Evoque might turn heads, it's what's underneath that counts. From clever tech and comfort-focused features to its ability to handle both city streets and countryside escapes. It's a compact SUV that fits neatly into the rhythm of family life - without feeling ordinary.


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THE JAGUAR F-PACE - AVAILABLE IN PETROL, DIESEL AND HYBRID VARIANTS

The Jaguar F-Pace might be known for its sleek design and sporty performance, but it's also surprisingly well-suited to family life. It's the kind of SUV that feels just as at home on the school run as it does on a weekend escape - and it does both with style.

INTERIOR

One of the first things families will appreciate is the spacious interior. With 37.2 inches of rear legroom and 70.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, there's plenty of room for growing kids, bulky sports bags or even a full set of camping gear. The split-folding rear seats and folding centre armrest make it easy to adapt the space to whatever the day demands.

Comfort is a priority. The F-Pace comes with multi-level heated front seats, power-adjustable lumbar support, and premium leather upholstery as standard. Whether it's a frosty morning or a long drive to visit family, everyone stays cosy and relaxed.

TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY

The F-Pace doesn't hold back when it comes to tech. The Pivi Pro infotainment system includes an 11.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity, so syncing devices and keeping everyone entertained is a breeze. There's also a Wi-Fi hotspot and multiple USB ports, which means no more arguments over charging cables on long journeys.

Safety is another strong suit. The F-Pace includes blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control - all designed to make driving safer and less stressful, especially when you've got precious cargo on board.

If you're weekends involve towing bikes, trailers or even a small caravan, the F-Pace has a maximum towing capacity of 5,291 lbs, making it more capable than many expect from a luxury SUV.

SUMMARY

The Jaguar F-Pace is a great option for families who want a bit of refinement without giving up practicality. It's stylish, spacious, and packed with features that make everyday driving feel special.


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