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Compare the best automatic SUVs

High-quality automatic SUVs from rated and reviewed dealers

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Best automatic SUV cars of 2022

SUVs are generally big and comfortable, so it makes sense to pick one with a smooth automatic gearbox to take the strain out of everyday driving. Here is our list of some of the best automatic SUVs you can buy.

volvo Volvo XC40

1. Volvo XC40

9/10
carwow price from
£320* / month (£26,012)
The XC40 is all sorts of cool, from its sharp exterior styling to the funky interior design, it really stands out from the crowd. The infotainment system is a bit fiddly, but all models are now fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission which makes it even more desirable.
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skoda Kodiaq

2. Skoda Kodiaq

9/10
carwow price from
£299* / month (£31,189)
If you need a spacious SUV with seating for up to seven occupants and a big boot, then the Skoda Kodiaq is worth a serious look. Some rivals have more tech, but the Skoda is still a good choice, especially with the optional seven-speed DSG transmission
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kia Kia EV6

3. Kia EV6

9/10
Battery range up to 328 miles
carwow price from
£398* / month (£41,080)
This sharp new EV from Kia is packed with tech and is enjoyable to drive. The lack of traditional gears allows for a smooth burst of acceleration whenever you need it. It has a slightly firm ride and the boot isn’t huge, but aside from that this is a great family-friendly EV.
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peugeot 2008

4. Peugeot 2008

9/10
carwow price from
£244* / month (£20,995)
The 2008 may be a small SUV but it has plenty of cool features and sharp looking exterior design. The optional eight-speed automatic available on the petrol models makes it even better. Adults might feel a bit tight in the back but the boot space is generous.
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bmw X1

5. BMW X1

9/10
Battery range up to 35 miles
carwow price from
£378* / month
This posh little SUV offers a high-quality interior and a good driving experience. Depending on the model, you can opt for either a seven-speed dual-clutch or 8-speed automatic transmission, both suit the nature of the X1 well. It is a bit short on boot space compared to some rivals, though.
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audi Q4 e-tron

6. Audi Q4 e-tron

9/10
Battery range up to 314 miles
carwow price from
£499* / month
EV’s are quiet and offer seamless acceleration, the Audi Q4 e-tron adds cutting-edge tech and a stunning interior to the equation. It may not be the most exciting to drive, but the Q4 e-tron is spacious and comfortable, making it a superb SUV for the daily grind.
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volkswagen Volkswagen T-Cross

7. Volkswagen T-Cross

9/10
carwow price from
£192* / month (£21,280)
The T-Cross is a small SUV that feels big, with plenty of passenger space and lots of standard kit. The optional seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox makes it a doddle to drive in the traffic, but things can get a bit noisy on the motorway.
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skoda Skoda Karoq

8. Skoda Karoq

9/10
carwow price from
£270* / month (£24,606)
The Karoq is a no-nonsense family-friendly SUV that majors on interior space and comfort. It’s not the most stylish and the base models are a bit slow, so the pick of the range is a mid-level trim with the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox.
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audi Q7

9. Audi Q7

9/10
Battery range up to 34 miles
carwow price from
£577* / month (£56,935)
The Q7 is a large seven-seater SUVs that is very well built and comes packed with features. All models are fitted with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, which pairs well with the Q7’s laid-back driving experience. Aside from a slightly fiddly infotainment setup, this is one impressive big SUV.
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porsche Macan

10. Porsche Macan

9/10
carwow price from
£543* / month
The Macan has long been the dynamic benchmark in its class, and it remains very enjoyable to drive. All models are fitted with a super sharp seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission, with the top V6 models proving particularly sporty and pricey. Options are expensive too, so avoid ticking too many boxes.
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Advice about automatic SUV cars

Automatic SUVs FAQs

The answer to this depends on your commute. For short trips around town the most economical automatic SUVs tend to be powered by plug-in hybrid engines, which allow you to travel for short distances on electric power alone. These include anything from the Ford Kuga to the Volvo XC40 T4 and BMW X3 xDrive 30e. Fuel economy figures range from 130mpg to almost 300mpg, although this drops sharply if you regularly call upon the petrol engine during your trip. 

Electric SUVs can also deliver superb economy figures in terms of cost-per-mile, but they tend to cost far more upfront than their ICE counterparts, so realising a saving could take a long time. Some of the most economical electric SUVs include the Kia EV6 and Audi Q4 e-tron, with more affordable variants being the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric.

While diesel engines have fallen out of favour, small capacity diesels are still your best bet for the most impressive fuel economy in general use. Some of the most frugal diesel SUVs include the Peugeot 2008 BlueHDI 110 and the Volkwagen Tiguan 2.0TDI 150. Capable of between 57 to 52mpg in combined driving.

Another answer that will vary depending on your specific needs. If you are looking for the most opulent and luxurious SUV around then it must be the Rolls Royce Cullinan. Its 6.75-litre V12 gives it effortless performance and it can be specced with extras other manufacturers haven’t even heard of yet.

For the fastest petrol-powered automatic SUV, the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus are both strong contenders. Both can dash to 60mph in around 3.0-seconds and have top speeds close to 200mph.

Slightly more attainable luxury SUVs include the BMW X5, Land Rover Defender and Mercedes GLS, all available with six- or eight-cylinder petrol engines packing plenty of punch. All have a claim to the ‘best petrol-powered SUV’ title at this price point.

Back down to earth we have some very capable petrol-powered SUVs for far more reasonable sums such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Peugeot 3008. If comfort, space, value for money and a decent turn of speed are your definitions of the best petrol SUV, then these two are strong candidates for your cash.

There are a number of very desirable small automatic SUVs currently on sale. At the budget end of the market, the Volkswagen T-Cross and Mazda CX-30 have received some very positive reviews from both the motoring press and owners.

The Volvo XC40 is considered to be one of the most desirable premium small SUVs available, thanks to its cool design and smooth driving experience.

An automatic transmission generally works best when paired with a larger engine, especially in a heavier SUV body style. Dual-clutch transmissions tend to have super quick gearshifts but can feel a tad jerky at crawling speeds, traditional torque converter automatics have slightly slower shifts but are smoother at slow speeds. CVT gearboxes are very smooth, but the engine can sound like it is droning under hard acceleration.

It's best to drive the SUV you are interested in to see whether these various transmission traits suit your driving style or not.

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