It’s easy to see why they have become such a favourite, with their spacious interiors, taller ride height, rugged looks and practicality. Parents often find it easier to strap their little ones into them, while elderly or less mobile customers, find it easier to get in and out of a SUV.

Some of the key reasons for the increase in popularity of SUVs include:

1.  SAFETY

While SUVs aren’t necessarily more safer than other types of vehicles, many drivers and passengers tend to feel safer in them, due to the raised seat position that provides better views of the traffic and road ahead.

Also, the vast majority of SUVs are now fitted with the latest collision-avoidance and driver-assist safety systems that have improved their safety credentials and contributed to a lot of models being granted the maximum Euro NCAP award.

2.  FAMILY-FRIENDLY

The majority of the SUVs have been designed with families in mind, and this is especially the case when it comes to the amount of space provided. Most SUVs provide ample room for all family members and their belongings, and are more spacious than alternative hatchback models.

3.  PRACTICALITY

It’s not just families that can benefit from driving a SUV, as it’s a practical option for people that regularly holiday in the UK or drive across to Europe for breaks, and they need plenty of space for luggage, belongings or even items that might even be part of their job. Because SUVs are spacious at the front and the rear, it makes them more comfortable on long journeys.

4.  WINTER DRIVING

Due to their technology, height and four-wheel drive option (on some models), SUVs are good for tackling the wet and slippery conditions that the UK winters bring, as well as also being good at navigating the roads in slow and sleet.

5.  PRACTICAL FOR DOG OWNERS

Due to their spacious interiors, SUVs are an ideal vehicle type for people who own dogs of any size. Crates and carriers are simple to install in the rear, while dogs kept behind a guard will have lots of room to stand up, stretch and lie down.

Another one of the main factors behind the rise of SUVs being seen on UK roads is the availability of competitive finance deals. Whether it’s personal or business contract hire, hire purchase or personal contract purchase, Fleet UK offers a variety of finance options that allows people to benefit from driving a new vehicle that is fitted with the latest safety and infotainment technology. 

Want to browse our full range of personal or business car leasing deals? Visit our special offers to see the best deals we currently have for leading manufacturers and models of all bodytypes.

We have picked out five excellent SUVs that you can lease in 2021.

BMW X2

The X2 provides potential buyers with a choice of four 2.0-litre engines. The two petrol options include the sDrive18i or sDrive20i, which provide 138bph and 189bhp respectively. Both have front-wheel drive and a very responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard with the more powerful engine. Whereas, the sDrive18i has a six-speed manual gearbox, or the automatic which comes at extra cost.

There are two diesel engines – the most powerful being the 187bhp that is only available with four-wheel drive (xDrive20d), or you can opt for the xDrive18d which produces 148bhp.

Trim levels

You can choose between four different trim levels: SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X.

All X2 variants get an excellent infotainment system that has a 6.5-inch interface with built-in sat-nav, DAB radio, CD player, USB socket and Bluetooth. If you upgrade to the ‘Navigation Plus’ package you receive a larger 8.8-inch display and useful wireless charging for compatible devices.

There is also a touch-sensitive pad on top of the rotary dial controller that allows you to key in addresses using handwriting. This optional package also provides a full-colour head-up display that projects important information such as your speed and navigation directions so that you can safely keep your eyes on the road.

Although you had to originally pay extra for Apple CarPlay connectivity through a subscription, as of 2019, BMW provides CarPlay as standard, without any additional costs on all cars equipped with navigation.

Safety

The BMW X2 shares the same safety technology as the X1 model and as a result, it also has the same five-star Euro NCAP rating. It received scores of 90% and 87% for adult and child occupant protection respectively, so you’ll be in safe hands with this SUV.

Some of the safety kit provided as standard with the X2 include Forward vehicle collision warning, autonomous city brake up to 30mph, BMW Emergency call, attentiveness assistant and a misfuelling system. If you upgrade to the ‘Driver Pack’ you get front and rear parking sensors, park assist, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, city collision mitigation and preventive pedestrian protection.

BMW’s standard UK warranty lasts for three years with unlimited mileage.

Volkswagen T-Roc

It’s fair to say that the T-Roc is popular with customers, and it’s one of VW’s biggest selling vehicles in Europe, even outgunning the Golf in some countries.

There’s a T-Roc model for most customers looking to lease thanks to a wide variety of VW T-Roc engines. The models with smaller petrol engines will probably appeal to those with lower annual mileage, while the larger diesel engines will suit those covering a higher mileage.

The cheapest and most fuel-efficient T-Roc petrol model is the three-cylinder, 1.0-litre TSI, which produces 109bhp and gets from 0-62mph in a decent 10.8 seconds. The 1.5-litre TSI EVO is worth considering as it boasts some clever technology that cannot be found in rivals. Economy sits just below that of the 1.0-litre TSI, but there’s a useful boost in performance thanks to its 148bhp, cutting the 0-62mph time to a respectable 8.6 seconds with a DSG automatic gearbox fitted. The quickest petrol model in the range (besides the near-300bhp T-Roc R) is the 187bhp 2.0-litre TSI model that goes from standstill to 62mph in just over seven seconds.

There are two versions of the 2.0-litre diesel engine. The 113bhp version takes 10.4 seconds to get from 0 to 62mph, but the 148bhp version might suit you better if your journeys involve lots of motorway driving and/or carrying passengers.

Trim levels

The T-Roc is available in seven different trim levels. Beginning at S, the trim level moves through SE, to United and Black Edition (both joined the range in 2020), and Design, SEL, R-Line and the flagship R.

The basic trim level S includes essential features like Bluetooth, digital radio and all-round electric windows, plus dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights. Standard SE equipment is fairly generous, with the eight-inch infotainment system gaining Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Additional standard features include a rear central armrest and ski hatch, all-round parking sensors, power-folding and heated door mirrors, roof rails and adaptive cruise control. A leather gearknob and steering wheel are also standard.

The United variant provides rear privacy glass, ’UNITED’ badging, 17-inch alloy wheels and a matching welcome light.

The Black Edition model adds black styling pieces, including a darkened finish to the wheels, front grille, window surrounds, side skirts and door mirror surrounds. This trim also comes with black exhaust tailpipes, LED headlights, daytime running lights and grey contrast stitching throughout the interior.

If you opt for the SEL model, you will get 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, an uprated infotainment system with sat nav and the 10.3-inch Active Info Display screen that replaces traditional dials. Also included is three years' access to the Car-Net ‘Guide and Inform’ service that provides information on traffic, fuel prices, weather and more via the internet.

Car-Net ‘Security & Service’ is also included, which among other features includes an emergency call system that can automatically alert the emergency services after a crash and connect to a dedicated app on your smartphone to control some car functions.

The R-Line brings an, even more, sportier look, with lowered suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, unique badging and a body kit. There’s also heated front sports seats and heated washer jets.

Safety 

The maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating should provide you with plenty of reassurance that the T-Roc is a safe SUV to travel in should the worst ever happen.

All T-Roc trims come with ‘front assist’ which is VW’s version of autonomous emergency braking. Also provided as standard is adaptive cruise control that helps maintain a set distance from the car in front, while city emergency brake assist will bring the vehicle to a safe standstill in urban traffic when necessary. Lane assist is another feature that helps to ease a driver's workload, especially when in fast-moving traffic.

Key features such as anti-lock brakes and traction control are fitted, as is a warning sound if any doors are left ajar when you start your journey or any passengers aren't wearing a seat belt.

Lexus UX 250h

For Business or Personal Contract prices: Call us on 02392 245570.

The UX 250h ticks a lot of the right boxes for customers looking for an excellent compact SUV that has an efficient petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and also carries a premium badge. The UX is based on the extremely successful Toyota Prius as well as its sibling, the Toyota C-HR.

Only one engine is provided for the UX – the 250h, which is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 144bhp and its twin electric motors put in 108bph, which enables you to go from 0-62mph in a speedy 8.5 seconds. It's pretty efficient around urban areas when it runs in pure electric mode regularly and the economy can sneak over 50mpg. However, head out onto faster roads and that figure quickly dives to more like 40mpg.

Because the UX is a hybrid model as opposed to a plug-in hybrid – you don’t need to connect the Lexus UX 250h to a power socket.

Trim levels

The UX comes in three different trim levels. The basic level entry model is just simply the UX, followed by the F Sport and the top-of-the range Takumi.

Over the years Lexus has developed an enviable reputation for providing luxurious interior designs that have the utmost quality, and the UX is no different here. The materials used are a class above most of its rivals.

The standard UX trim includes features such as sat nav, dual-zone air-conditioning and 17-inch alloy wheels, along with compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Anyone looking for a racier model should consider the mid-tier F Sport model, which gives you sporty styling extras to give it a more powerful appearance. In addition, the F Sport has 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, pedals and steering wheel. This trim level also includes heating for the seats and steering wheel and you also get tinted rear windows.

These cars can also be ordered with the Premium Pro Pack option that features blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, LED headlights with adaptive high-beams, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system and wireless phone charging.

The premium and top-end Takumi trim boast features such as leather upholstery, ventilated seats, a Mark Levinson 13-speaker sound system, a 10-inch multimedia display, 360-degree camera, driver’s head-up display, sunroof, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

Safety

Back in 2019, the UX model received the full Euro NCAP five-star rating and achieved excellent 96% and 85% scores for adult and child occupant protection respectively. 

All UX models come equipped with eight airbags and the Lexus Safety System+, that comprises of autonomous emergency braking, dynamic cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure alert, steering assist and road sign assist. The UX also provides a semi-autonomous mode in stop-go traffic at speeds of up to 18mph. You can also set the cruise control to obey the speed limits posted on road signs.

Hybrid Lexus UX models are covered by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which is the same as you’ll find on rivals from Volkswagen and Audi.

Call us on 02392 245570 for more information on leasing the Lexus UX 250h.

Peugeot 5008

Although there is an abundance of desirable seven-seater SUVs to choose from these days, such as the Audi Q7 or Volvo’s XC90, the 5008 proves you can bag a fantastic SUV and get more bang for your buck with a stylish interior and top-notch safety equipment.

You can get the new 5008 with the same range of petrol and diesel engines as its predecessor. To start with, there’s a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 130hp that comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic. You might think this engine is too small to power a seven-seat SUV, however, it still packs a punch and it will get you from standstill to 62mpg in 9.9 seconds.

There’s also a more powerful 180hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that gets this eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, and this model is capable of 0-62mph in a brisk 8.3 seconds.

If you prefer a diesel model, there’s a pair of four-cylinder diesel engines for you to choose from. First up is the 130hp 1.5-litre engine that comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic. Or you can choose the beefier 2.0-litre engine with 180hp that’s only available with an automatic gearbox. At present, you can’t get the 5008 as a plug-in hybrid.

Trim levels

Peugeot offers the 5008 in four trim levels: Active, Allure, GT Line and GT.

The entry-level version of the 5008 gets an 8-inch screen as standard, though any variants above it get a 10.0-inch display. In addition, you also get Peugeot’s latest 'i-Cockpit' display, with a 12.3-inch digital screen behind the steering wheel. Similar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, it allows you to change the layout of the dials, choose what you want to be displayed or show the sat-nav instructions in front of you.

All versions come with dusk-sensing lights, rain-sensing wipers, LED dipped headlights and an automatically dimming rear-view mirror. The entry-level trim comes with a DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. Those last two let you display and use selected apps from your phone via the 8.0in touchscreen, including Waze or Google Maps. The Allure trim replaces this with a larger and sharper 10.0-inch touchscreen with built-in sat-nav and live TomTom traffic updates, local search and weather forecasts.

The Allure trim also adds tinted rear windows, all-round parking sensors, power-fold wing mirrors, a reversing camera, tray tables on the back of the front seats, sat nav, voice recognition, 18-inch alloys and part synthetic leather, part cloth seats.

The GT Line trim includes full LED headlights with a ‘Fog Mode’, which reduces their intensity and glare when you activate the rear fog lights. In addition, there’s a subtle bodykit, wireless phone charging and a wide-ranging series of interior trim improvements, including upgraded seat upholstery.

The top-spec GT model features adaptive cruise control, 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and go, a foot-operated powered tailgate, a panoramic sunroof and Nappa leather seats, with a massaging function for the driver.

Safety

The 5008 has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP.

All trims come with plenty of active safety tech to hopefully prevent you from having an accident, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, e-Call emergency assistance and speed limit recognition. The Allure trim adds auto-dipping headlights, a blind-spot warning system and lane-keeping assistance, meaning the 5008 will take corrective action if it detects you straying from your lane without indicating.

The 5008 has the same three-year warranty as is available on all new Peugeots in the UK– with the first two years covered by Peugeot and the last year covered by the company's dealers. It’s an industry-standard package and is only really beaten by Hyundai and Toyota’s five-year warranties and Kia’s seven-year one.

Kia XCeed

For Personal or Business Contract prices: Please call 02392 245570.

Power is provided by two petrol engines and two diesels; 118bhp 1.0-litre and 138bhp 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrols are joined by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel with 114bhp or 134bhp. For those looking to help the environment, there is also a plug-in petrol hybrid version that delivers up to 36 miles of electric range. The Kia XCeed PHEV is operated by a 1.6-litre petrol engine, with an 8.9kWh battery and a 59bhp electric motor. The system produces a total output of 139bhp and 265Nm of torque.

Trim levels

As with all Kia models, the range is simple and easy to understand. If you opt for a petrol or diesel model there are five trim levels – 2, Edition, 3, 4 and First Edition. The petrol hybrid has two of its own individual trim levels, 3 PHEV and First Edition PHEV.

Whichever trim you choose, you can be guaranteed that the XCeed comes with an excellent bundle of standard equipment. The basic level Xceed 2 gets 16-inch Alloy Wheels, LED Bi-Functional Headlights, 8inch Colour Touchscreen (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), Silver Roof Rails, Reversing Camera System, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED Rear Lights & Rear Fog Lights, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Front Projection Fog Lights, Cruise Control & Speed Limiter.

The Edition trim gets all the same tech features as the 2, but also provides 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, premium paint colours, faux leather upholstery and an electronic parking brake as standard.

The Xceed 3 models get 18-inch Alloy Wheels, a bigger 10.25-inch Navigation With Telematics, Privacy Glass (Rear Windows & Tailgate), Black Cloth with Faux Leather Upholstery, Dual Zone Climate Control, Heated Front Seats, Heated Steering wheel, Electric Folding, Adjustable & Heated Door Mirrors with Integrated LED Indicator Lights, Smart Key with Engine Start/Stop Button and an Electric Park Brake (EPB).

The 4 model has stylish black leather upholstery, an eight-speaker JBL audio system, an electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory, smart cruise control (albeit only if the car has a DCT automatic gearbox fitted), heated rear seats and a wireless phone charging pad.

By opting for the top-of-the-range and First Edition model, you will benefit from Premium Paint, a 10.2-inch Navigation system With Telematics, 12.3-inch TFT Supervision Cluster Display, Panoramic Sunroof with Tilting / Sliding Function & Automatic Electric Roll Blind, 8-Speaker JBL Premium Sound System, Smart Power Tailgate, Wireless Phone Charger, Aluminium Pedals, Heated Outer Rear Seats and Smart Park Assist.

Safety

Kia has a stellar reputation for reliability and safety, and that means you can choose any of its models with confidence. The XCeed is packed with lots of standard active safety kit that include lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, traffic-sign recognition and cruise control.

The top-spec First Edition variants get the full complement of systems, including active stop/go cruise control (on automatic cars) and blind-spot collision warning.

The Kia XCeed shares its safety rating results with the rest of the Kia Ceed family, as they all share a similar structure.

The XCeed has two different Euro NCAP safety ratings. The lower-spec models don’t as much safety equipment as standard and they get a four-star Euro NCAP rating. Whereas, the higher-spec versions get the additional Advanced Driving Assistance Pack (available on most lower-spec models at additional cost), which earns them a five-star rating.

Kia has remained the benchmark for UK car warranties since 2007 when it launched the original Cee’d with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty. That warranty applies to all new Kia models, including the new Ceed.

Call us on 02392 245570 for more information on leasing the Kia XCeed.

Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, please call one of our account managers on 02392 245570.