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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 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.
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.
Tech-wise, the Countryman is equipped with the new digital display, acting as a central hub for navigation, media and vehicle settings. It's intuitive and customisable, helping keep everyone entertained and informed on the go. One standout feature is the AirConsole gaming platform, available only 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 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.
In short, the MINI Countryman is a smart, stylish and surprisingly spacious option for families who want practicality with personality - and a few clever extras to make life on the road a little more fun.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
For families who love a bit of adventure, the Evoque's all-wheel drive and descent control mean it's more than capable of handeling 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.