These are some of the best SUV alternatives available today

The SUV market is booming at the moment. Buyers are flocking to these high-riding models, and, as a result, you’ll find that most manufacturers offer at least one SUV within their range. However, sometimes an SUV isn’t fit for purpose – but what if you want the same level of practicality and spaciousness?

In this feature, we’re going to be exploring some of the key alternatives to an SUV if you’re in the market for something a little different.

There was a serious amount of backlash when Volvo announced that it would no longer be bringing its famous estate cars to the UK. So much so, in fact, that the Swedish brand made a U-turn and announced that it would, in fact, continue to sell its load-luggers here for the foreseeable.

The V60 is Volvo’s smallest estate car but it delivers a high level of space alongside a well-made interior. You’ll find it equipped with a range of efficient mild- and plug-in hybrid engines, too.

There are few cars which have such a multi-tasking ability as the Volkswagen Golf. Newly revised, the Golf continues to provide a great level of space and practicality, while a broad spectrum of engines usually means there’s a configuration to suit most drivers.

With its large boot, the Golf has more than enough luggage room to rival most SUVs, too.

The Corolla Touring Sports is one of Toyota’s more practical models but, being a car within this firm’s range, is also equipped with a clean-running hybrid engine which can drive down costs. It’s also got loads of standard equipment, including a broad range of safety assistance systems which help to keep this car as secure as possible.

You could also take a look at the Suzuki Swace – it’s practically identical to the Toyota and is even built in the same factory.

You may think of sports cars and executive saloons when you imagine BMW, but the 2 Series Active Tourer bucks that trend. It’s a comfortable and spacious MPV, but one which gets all the premium features that you’d associate with this brand.

It’s quiet when you’re on the move, too, while good on-road manners make the 2 Series Active Tourer more fun to drive than you might originally think.

If you’re after a stylish alternative to the SUV, then look no further than the Volkswagen ID.Buzz. It’s an electric ‘van’ styled in the image of the original ‘bus’ and, with a spacious interior and handy sliding doors, it’s a very practical option too. There’s even a long-wheelbase model for drivers who need even more practicality.

It’s got an electric range of up to 293 miles, too, which is more than enough for most adventures.

In a similar vein to the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the B-Class is a premium take on the traditional MPV bodystyle from Mercedes. With it, you’re getting upmarket features and a clever widescreen interior display alongside a spacious cabin. Plus, because of the relatively boxy design of the B-Class, headroom levels are impressive.

The B-Class is available with a good range of engines, including a new plug-in hybrid which can deliver up to 42 miles of electric-only range.

At the smaller end of the scale is the Skoda Fabia. It’s a great all-rounder, offering more interior space than you’d expect from a compact car alongside grown-up driving characteristics which make the Fabia accomplished at longer journeys.

You can also get the Fabia in sporty Monte Carlo trim which adds in larger alloy wheels and a variety of gloss black elements for a more dynamic feel.