Mid-size SUVs for £25k

We name three premium family cars for reader in need

THE GO-ANYWHERE CHOICE LR Discovery Sport

FOR: Off-road ability, seven seats, handsome looks AGAINST: Confusing trim levels, weak infotainment

IT doesn’t have the cachet of a Range Rover, but the Land Rover Discovery Sport has found favour, particularly with family buyers, thanks to the breadth of its abilities and the fact that most models have seven seats.

It’s also talented off-road because of its sophisticated Terrain Response system, and all versions of the Discovery Sport have a four-wheel-drive powertrain. It’s pretty sophisticated on the road, too. A high-spec 2016 HSE Luxury auto with a 178bhp diesel engine is within budget.

THE COMFORTABLE CHOICE Volvo XC60

FOR: Effortlessly relaxing, comfortable seats, classy AGAINST: Not a driver’s car, ride is stiff on big alloys

VOLVO has long been synonymous with safety, and its latest cars have seen it become more desirable than ever, too. The Mk2 XC60 offers understated, handsome looks, together with an effortlessly cool interior and a relaxed driving experience, all backed up by the sophisticated and plentiful safety tech buyers expect from the firm.

Your budget, the need for 4WD and the Mk2 XC60’s youth mainly limit you to the 187bhp D4 diesel, but we did find a 251bhp T5 petrol within reach, too.

THE DRIVER’S CHOICE Mazda CX-5

FOR: True left-field appeal, drop-dead gorgeous looks AGAINST: Diesel-only 4x4, lacks premium appeal

ONE look at a CX-5 in the metal will leave you knowing whether or not you want one; its pin-sharp styling has won over many a buyer, with others convinced as soon as they get behind the wheel and realise it’s great to drive.

Your need for AWD rules out a petrol CX-5, but £25,000 gets you the 181bhp version of Mazda’s 2.2-litre diesel engine, rather than the 148bhp model. We found no shortage of high-spec Sport Nav+ cars for sale within your budget, many with less than 10,000 miles on the clock.

LAND Rover’s engineers did a good job of configuring the Discovery Sport to be competent off the road, yet refined on it. Wind noise is well suppressed, the diesel engine strong, and the nine-speed automatic gearbox makes progress seamless. Owner reports indicate reliability could be better, though.

THERE is no shortage of SUVs aimed at keen drivers, but the XC60 does things differently by getting you to your destination in as unruffled a fashion as possible, instead of delivering a thrill-a-minute experience. The D4 takes nine seconds to go from 0-62mph, which is competitive rather than class-leading.

WE found an even split between manual and automatic CX-5 models for sale, but while there’s nothing wrong with the latter, Mazda’s impeccable six-speed manual is worth tracking down. The CX-5 is also one of the more driver-focused SUVs out there, with direct steering, good grip and genuine agility.

THERE’S nothing hugely original about the design of the CX-5’s cabin, but it’s quite a pleasant surprise. The soft-touch leather (or leather-effect) surfaces add appeal, as do the user-friendly controls. The infotainment system is simple, but effective.

SLEEK, minimalist and different from the German crowd, the XC60’s interior seals the deal for many customers. The Sensus infotainment system isn’t quite as good to use as it is to look at, but there’s no denying the sense of calm the cabin imbues.

IT’S something of a game of two halves inside. Smartphone connectivity and screen user-friendliness trail rivals’, while some dash plastics could be nicer. But the design is pleasing, the boot is huge, and the Disco Sport’s seats are comfortable.