Best new car deals 2022 - SUVs

Best SUV deals

Ford Puma - £280 per month

• Model: Puma 1.0 EcoBoost 125 mHEV ST-Line
• Per month: £280
• List price: £25,770
• Deposit: £5,386
• APR: 0%
• Deposit contribution: nil
• Number of payments: 36
• Final payment: £12,742

The Puma has been a smash hit for Ford, its entry-level crossover taking a top-10 placing in the 2021 sales charts. It combines the engaging driving dynamics and low running costs of the Fiesta, with a bit more space and trendy SUV styling. 

It’s also backed by frugal and responsive mild-hybrid petrol engines, while there’s the option of the hard-charging 197bhp ST. All Pumas get the novel Megabox storage under the boot floor, while the SYNC 3 infotainment is a doddle to use. Throw in some attractive PCP deals with low interest rates and the Blue Oval’s baby crossover is hard to resist.

MG ZS EV - £339 per month

• Model: ZS EV SE Long Range
• Per month: £339
• List price: £31,995
• Deposit: £5,482
• APR: 5.9%
• Deposit contribution: £1,000
• Number of payments: 48
• Final payment: £13,909

MG is on a roll at the moment. After years in the wilderness, the Chinese firm has been making great gains in the sales charts, and this is largely down to the increasing electrification of its line-up. 

Leading the charge is the ZS compact SUV, which is now available with a larger 72.6kWh battery for a claimed range of 273 miles. It’s packed with cutting-edge safety kit and infotainment. With smooth and silent acceleration, predictable handling and decent comfort, plus an affordable starting price and a seven-year warranty, it’s not hard to see the sensible MG’s appeal.

Renault Captur - £199 per month

• Model: Captur Evolution Mild Hybrid 140
• Per month: £199
• List price: £23,695
• Deposit: £5,704
• APR: 0%
• Deposit contribution: £250
• Number of payments: 24
• Final payment: £12,965

Anyone doubting Renault’s recent renaissance just needs to take a look at the capable Captur. A multiple winner in our annual New Car Awards, the stylish small crossover is very practical, with a roomy interior, as well as a useful sliding rear bench and a big boot. 

It’s comfortable as well, with low noise levels and a supple ride, plus loads of technology as standard, including the latest driver-assistance aids and slick connectivity, as well as both hybrid and plug-in powertrain options. 

We’ve chosen the mild-hybrid engine for this deal, but the entry-level three-cylinder petrol is also a good bet with its lower upfront deposit, while Renault’s interest-free finance deal makes the generously equipped Limited model look like cracking value.

Hyundai Tucson - £323 per month

• Model: Tucson 1.6 T-GDi N Line
• Per month: £323
• List price: £31,540
• Deposit: £7,000
• APR: 5.9%
• Deposit contribution: £1,000
• Number of payments: 24
• Final payment: £18,283

Featuring head-turning looks, a classy interior and cutting-edge tech, the Tucson comfortably bagged the Mid-Size SUV prize at our 2021 and 2022 New Car Awards. This is an SUV that delivers style and substance, and it saw off established rivals. 

For starters, it drives as sharply as it looks, with composed handling, a compliant ride and excellent refinement. There’s space for the family and a vast boot, while advanced driver aids and a five-year warranty add peace of mind. The icing on the cake is the vast array of electrified engines, with the standard 48v mild hybrid joined by full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Nissan Qashqai - £354 per month

• Model: Qashqai 1.3 DiG-T 140 N-Connecta (Glass Roof pack)
• Per month: £354
• List price: £31,465
• Deposit: £5,395
• APR: 5.99%
• Deposit contribution: £1,000
• Number of payments: 36
• Final payment: £16,037

The car that started the crossover revolution is in its third generation – and better than ever. Launched last year, the latest Qashqai looks sharper, is brimming with the latest tech and matches more expensive machines for premium appeal. 

At the heart of the car’s allure is its roomy interior, which has clearly been designed for family life; there’s loads of storage, a clever boot divider and wide-opening rear doors. Some rivals are more fun to drive, but the Qashqai is comfortable, capable and quiet, while the mild-hybrid 1.3-litre petrol is punchy and frugal. 

SEAT Ateca - £339 per month

• Model: Ateca SE Technology 1.5 TSI Evo 150PS
• Per month: £339
• List price: £28,825
• Deposit: £4,458
• APR: 4.9%
• Deposit contribution: £1,250
• Number of payments: 47
• Final payment: £10,401

The SEAT Ateca is at risk of looking like just another family SUV compared to more boldly styled rivals. But choose the Spanish brand’s crossover and you’ll appreciate the level of standard equipment that’s thrown in, including metallic paint and advanced driver aids, and although the touchscreen infotainment is a little fiddly, it offers good connectivity. 

There’s a wide range of engines, while an emphasis on comfort and handling makes the SEAT a top choice. We’d pick the 1.5-litre petrol, which features cylinder deactivation to save some fuel when you’re not asking for fast acceleration. SEAT is also offering the first two services for £199.

SEAT Tarraco - £409 per month

• Model: Tarraco 1.5 TSI EVO 150 FR
• Per month: £409
• List price: £35,875
• Deposit: £5,559
• APR: 4.9%
• Deposit contribution: £1,500
• Number of payments: 47
• Final payment: £13,667

If you thought seven-seat SUVs were dull, then think again. Combining a spacious and versatile interior with head-turning design and sporty driving dynamics, the Tarraco is proof that having a growing family doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style or driver satisfaction. 

Our large SUV champ for the past three years at the annual Auto Express New Car Awards, the SEAT is very roomy and packed with family-friendly features, while all models get LED headlights, a digital dash and slick infotainment that offers seamless connectivity. There’s also a four-wheel-drive option, plus a wide range of engines, although the smooth and responsive 1.5-litre TSI EVO is our pick.

Skoda Kodiaq - £475 per month

• Model: Kodiaq SE L Executive 2.0 TSI DSG
• Per month: £475
• List price: £39,530
• Deposit: £5,116
• APR: 6.9%
• Deposit contribution: £2,500
• Number of payments: 47
• Final payment: £16,063

While the Kodiaq’s limelight has been stolen by newer rivals, the big SUV is fighting back with a subtle mid-life refresh. Tweaked looks mean its angular lines are as appealing as ever, while inside it gets the firm’s latest tech and high-quality materials. 

Yet in all other respects it’s the same as before, which means it beats most rivals for space and versatility, especially if you opt for a seven-seat version. On the road it feels far more nimble and engaging than its large dimensions would suggest, plus it’s comfy and refined. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is hard to beat for its blend of pace and efficiency.

Like SEAT, Skoda is also offering two services for £199 as this article is published.

Volvo XC90 - £659 per month

• Model: XC90 B5 Core
• Per month: £659
• List price: £62,705
• Deposit: £6,722
• APR: 6.9%
• Deposit contribution: £6,000 plus £4,181 retailer contribution
• Number of payments: 48
• Final payment: £23,790

The commanding Volvo XC90 is still one of the top choices in the premium large SUV field, in spite of its advancing years. Comfort and safety, two strong areas for Volvo, are both top-notch, as is the quality of the interior. It manages to feel luxurious in the cabin, too.

Size matters in a car like this. Even with all seven seats in position, the XC90 has a decent 302-litre boot. Those third-row seats aren’t just for show, either, as adults should be happy enough back there as long as you’re not planning on spanning a whole country. Running costs are likely to be high, but those are offset by Volvo’s generous deposit contributions.

How does PCP finance work?

More than 90 per cent of the new cars sold in the UK are purchased using some kind of finance, so while list prices are often referred to, monthly figures and deposits are arguably more relevant. Most car makers have their own version of a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and they all work in the same way.

PCPs are best thought of in three parts: the deposit, the monthly repayments, and the optional final payment. The deposit is the cash you’ll put down up front. This can either be a straightforward lump sum, the value of your part-exchange, a deposit contribution from the manufacturer, or a combination of all three.

The size of the deposit will affect the size of your monthly repayments. These are typically made over a 24, 36 or 48-month period, but can be scaled up or down to suit your circumstances. The final part is the optional final payment, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘balloon payment’. Your deposit and monthly payments only go part of the way to paying off the car; in fact, they’re actually paying off its depreciation over the time you’ll have it. To own the car you’ll need to pay the full amount off, but not every buyer does.

Many drivers use the car’s ‘equity’ as the deposit on their next one. This ‘equity’ is made up of overpayments you may have made, since makers often overestimate how much a new car will depreciate to play it safe. This quirk of PCPs means you might not necessarily have to find a big deposit each time you take out a new deal.

If you don’t want to own the car outright or roll any ‘equity’ into a new deal, your third option is to hand the car back with no additional payments, and walk away.

Other ways to finance

Few buyers have the means or motivation to spend tens of thousands of pounds in one go. So while PCP deals are the most popular finance option, retailers also have an alternative, called Personal Contract Hire (PCH).

PCH

Also known as personal leasing, PCH deals require less capital up front. After an ‘initial rental’ or up-front payment, you make a series of regular payments until the agreement ends, after which you hand back the car and walk away.

While there’s no large deposit, unlike a PCP, which offers a reasonable degree of flexibility, a PCH will tie you in for the duration, with no option of handing the car back early without a financial penalty.

Hire purchase

Not many people choose hire purchase now, but it’s still possible to take out an old-fashioned HP agreement on a new car.

Put down a deposit then make monthly repayments that, unlike with a PCH or PCP deal, pay off the value of the car. At the end of the term you own the car outright.

HP agreements are secured against the vehicle, so tend to offer more attractive interest rates than those offered with unsecured bank loans, for example.

Cash, cards & loans

The days of cash being king are long gone in the new-car market and you may find the deals offered via this purchase method are less attractive than those available were you to take out a PCH or PCP deal.

Credit cards offer a level of consumer protection but have heavy interest rates. A bank loan with an attractive interest rate is another route. You’ll pay cash for the car, so dealer discounts are harder to come by.

Choosing the right car for you

The cars listed above are our considered recommendations, but they won’t suit everyone. You should spend time ensuring that the model you choose has the space, style, economy, and performance you need.

Once you’ve drawn up your shortlist, call round dealers to book test drives, and put the car to good use. Make sure you, and anyone else who will be driving it, is satisfied and can find a suitable driving position behind the wheel.

Take the kids along to ensure they can get comfortable, too, and that it’s easy to get child seats in and out. And if you have hobbies with specific requirements, make sure the car is up to the job.