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White Kia Sportage

Used SUV cars for sale at Arnold Clark

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White Kia Sportage
White Kia Sportage
Introduction

Finding the right SUV car for you.

Are you interested in SUV cars for sale?

Arnold Clark stocks a wide range of new, nearly new and used SUV cars from your favourite manufacturers. We also have a range of different trims, fuel types and transmissions for you to choose from. Whether it's luxury, affordability, practicality or performance you are looking for in your new SUV, Arnold Clark has something for you!

Overview

An overview of SUV cars

SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) cars have become increasingly popular in the UK since appearing on the roads in the early 90s. SUVs are a firm favourite for family cars, largely due to their practicality, space and style. SUVs have higher ground clearance, with some models having the capacity to go off-road. They provide a sense of adventure that makes the SUV a popular choice with thrill seekers.

Jeep Avenger SUV 2024
Jeep Avenger SUV 2024

What is an SUV?

An SUV is a Sports Utility Vehicle. An SUV has similar features to a hatchback but has higher ground clearance. They were originally built to handle off-road terrain and heavier towing. Modern SUVs are no longer built solely for these purposes. Some SUVs are now available in two-wheel drive configurations. We also have a wide range of SUV electric cars and SUV hybrid cars available for eco-conscious car buyers.

Hyundai Kona SUV Crossover 2024
Hyundai Kona SUV Crossover 2024

What is a Crossover SUV?

A Crossover is sometimes referred to as a Crossover SUV or CUV. Some examples of popular Crossovers include the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento. The main difference between an SUV and a Crossover is the way their body-on-frame is built. In an SUV, the suspension and wheels are attached to the frame. The steel bodywork is an entirely separate unit which is then mounted to this frame. This is similar to how platforms are constructed for vans and trucks.

In a Crossover, the body is built using a 'unibody' architecture. This is when the body and frame are built as one single unit. This is similar to the construction of cars. This means that Crossovers are typically lighter and more economical than traditional SUVs.

SUVs have also been on the market for longer than Crossovers. Some examples of popular SUV cars include the Honda CR-V and the Volvo XC90.

Advantages and disadvantages of an SUV

The Advantages of an SUV

SUV cars offer drivers many advantages on and off-road. These include:

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Practicality & Versatility

SUV cars are known for their versatility and practically due to their larger frame. An SUV provides both the driver and passengers with ample cabin and cargo space. This type of vehicle can also carry and tow heavier load weights than traditional cars. This is beneficial for those who tend to carry larger or heavier cargo regularly. SUV interiors also offer passengers great head and legroom. SUV cars can be an attractive option to those with a growing family. Individuals with a need for additional space may consider an SUV.

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Off-road capabilities

Many SUV cars are built for off-roading as they come available with four-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. This allows for superior traction when off-road compared to traditional cars. They also offer better handling in poor conditions due to their heavier weight. Their elevated ride height provides better ground clearance. This ensures that you avoid damaging the underside of the vehicle. This can be beneficial or those who live in rural areas and deal with uneven surfaces on a daily basis.

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Towing Capacity

SUVs are larger, heavier and have more powerful engines than traditional cars. This translates to pulling power when it comes to towing. This means that SUVs are the perfect car to choose if you tow regularly. An SUV could be an ideal choice whether you tow; trailers, horseboxes, caravans or all of the above! Towing capacity will vary depending on which SUV you choose. You should always check the maximum towing weight of your model beforehand.

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Safety

SUV cars are larger and more robust than smaller, traditional cars. As such, they typically offer the passengers and driver a safer ride. An SUV will be able to withstand the force of a collision more so than smaller cars. This type of vehicle tends to score higher on the Euro NCAP crash tests. SUV cars for sale also tend to offer a whole range of driver safety assistance technologies. Equipment can vary depending on the model and trim you choose. These can include parking cameras and sensors, blind spot assist and lane-keep assist.

Potential disadvantages of an SUV

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Less economical

SUVs will typically consume more fuel than other smaller vehicles due to their weight.

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Manoeuvrability

Due to an SUVs size, ease of manoeuvrability can be impacted. SUVs tend to be larger than a traditional car.

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Emissions

SUVs tend to emit more emissions than other cars on the road due to their weight and size.

Potential disadvantages associated with SUVs are influenced by the make and model you choose.

Volvo EX30 SUV 2024
Volvo EX30 SUV 2024

Is an SUV car right for me?

As listed above, there are many advantages to owning an SUV. There are also some disadvantages. For individuals who need extra space, growing families or those who venture off-road, an SUV can be an attractive option. There are many stylish SUVs on the market which you can browse below. Whether an SUV is right for you is down to your lifestyle, preferences and budget.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What does SUV stand for?

SUV stands for Sports Utility Vehicle. The automotive industry regards SUV as a classification of car type. Larger than hatchbacks, saloons or estates. An SUV refers to a large vehicle with higher ground clearance and greater off-road capabilities.

What is the best SUV to buy?

There are many fantastic SUV options here at Arnold Clark. Your individual needs and preferences will determine what is the best SUV to buy. Those looking for luxury SUV cars will be impressed with the sleek, stylish and sustainable Mercedes-Benz EQE or the BMW iX.

Those in the market for sporty SUV cars should take note of the VW Touareg R 3.0 V6 delivering 462 bhp and 450Nm of instant torque. The Audi RS Q8 is another attractive option, offering 600bhp and 800Nm of torque. Both are sporty SUV cars which prioritise performance.

There are also plenty of affordable SUV cars to choose from. A used Škoda Karoq is a great choice for families, offering the practicality, versatility and style of an SUV at an affordable price. A used Kia Sportage is another affordable option. With used prices starting at under £8,000, it's one of our most affordable SUVs in stock!

What is the best small SUV?

Small SUV cars and crossovers have become increasingly popular over the last decade in the UK. One of the best small SUVs available at Arnold Clark is the Dacia Duster. The Duster has a rugged personality, practical cabin and budget-friendly price.

Another extremely popular small SUV is the Ford Puma which was relaunched in 2019. The Puma has won WhatCar?'s Sports SUV of the Year award for each consecutive year since the relaunch. The model is a compact 5-door Crossover SUV built on the same chassis as the ever-popular Ford Fiesta hatchback.

What is the best small SUV automatic?

We have a range of automatic SUV cars for sale to choose from. If you are looking for luxury, look no further than the BMW X1. It is the smallest SUV in the BMW range and one of the manufacturer's best sellers. This model comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Volvo XC40 is the ultimate Swedish family car. It's a reliable small SUV which has an automatic gearbox. The XC40 is available with either seven or eight gears.

What is the best hybrid SUV?

At Arnold Clark, we offer a wide range of new, nearly new and second hand SUV hybrid cars for sale. There are three main types of hybrids on the market in the UK, full hybrid, plug-in hybrid or mild hybrid. Which one you choose will determine the best for that type of hybrid SUV. Some of the best SUV hybrid cars include the Audi Q5 PHEV, the Volvo XC60 PHEV, the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Hyundai Tucson MHEV.

What is the best luxury SUV?

There are a range of luxury SUV cars on the market. If you're looking for a smaller luxury SUV car, opt for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The GLA has petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains. The GLA comes equipped with Mercedes' industry-leading infotainment system. It provides crisp, clear graphics and intuitive menus. The electric version of this model is the Mercedes-Benz EQA.

Needing something a little larger? A mid-sized luxury SUV could be a better fit. An example would be the BMW X3. The X3 features an extremely upmarket and luxurious interior. By adding The Comfort Plus Pack to the model, you can benefit from a heated steering wheel, electric memory seats with lumbar support and more! Choose the X3 M for additional power and performance.

For those who need even more room still, choose a larger luxury SUV. The Audi Q7 shares a platform with the VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga. So, you can rest assured the Q7 is built like the best. The interior, technology and equipment are what make this SUV so luxurious. With everything from four-zone climate control to massaging seats, the Q7 offers drivers premium comfort on every drive.

What is the fastest SUV?

The fastest SUV in the world at the moment is the Tesla Model X Plaid. It established this record This SUV reaches a top speed of 163mph and can go from 0-62mph in an eye-watering 2.5 seconds. The Aston Martin DBX 707, Lamborghini Urus Performante, Ferrari Purosangue and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT come in joint second place. These sport SUVs all take 3.3 seconds to go from 0-62mph.

What is the biggest SUV?

One of the biggest SUVs currently available in the UK market is the 2024 BMW X7. The maximum capacity of this model is 2559.8 litres.

What is the cheapest SUV?

The cheapest SUV will depend on whether you are in the market for new, nearly new or used SUV cars. In terms of new cars, the cheapest SUV on the market is the Dacia Duster. The Duster offers an extremely spacious and practical cabin with exceptional value for money. New Dacia Duster prices start around £15,000. One of the cheapest used SUV cars for sale we have in stock is a Peugeot 2008. Prices for this model start around £8,000.

What is a Compact SUV?

A Compact SUV is a small SUV which is larger than subcompact or mini-SUVs but smaller than mid-sized SUVs. Compact SUVs as a market segment do not have official sizes or dimensions.

Which SUV is the most reliable?

One of the most reliable SUVs on the market is the diesel Kia Sportage. WhatCar? awarded this model a reliability rating of 98.1%. This is largely thanks to their 7-year warranties when purchased from new.

Which SUV has the biggest boot space?

The Land Rover Discovery is one SUV with an extremely big boot. In five seat configuration, the Land Rover Discovery offers 1,137-11,231 litres of boot space. With these seats folded down, an impressive 2,391-2,458 litres are available. As the Discovery is a 7-seater SUV, if you have all 7 seats out, the space reduces to 258 litres.

Which SUV has the best mpg?

The MPG of SUVs varies depending on which size you go for. There are small SUV cars, medium SUV cars or large SUV cars. A small SUV with fantastic MPG is the plug-in hybrid Mazda MX-30, achieving 282.5mpg. The Škoda Karoq diesel, mid-sized SUV also offers great fuel efficiency, achieving 59.4mpg. An example of a large SUV with great mpg is the petrol Peugeot 5008. This model gets 46.4mpg

Which SUV holds its value?

SUVs that are best at retaining their value tend to be made by Land Rover, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. According to WhatCar? the Porsche Macan's retained value was 61.8%. The much-loved Land Rover Defender bested this with a retained value of 65.3%.