SUVs reviewed: three affordable models from Skoda, Kia and Mazda

SUVs have taken over from MPVs as the roomy family cars of choice. They’re almost as practical as people carriers and a damn sight more stylish; there’s plenty of choice out there if you insist on seven seats, and most of them are also good to drive.

The one problem can be prices. SUVs are not the most affordable machines out there. But even here, manufacturers are bringing out solutions. Models such as the new Skoda Kodiaq cost from just £21,495, and even a full-fat seven-seater with a powerful diesel engine can be bought for around £30,000.

It’s a stern challenger to the Kia Sorento, formerly the sub-£40,000 family friendly large SUV of choice. And if you don’t need seven seats but do need even greater value for money, the Mazda CX-5 remains a talented option too. So we brought all three together to see which is the best of all.

On the road, clever speccing by Skoda ensured it delivered a fine balance between ride and handling. Optional DCC adaptive dampers soften the suspension for a supple ride, and firm it up at the press of a button for better control in corners. You can’t have both at the same time though, and the spongy suspension of the Sorento actually delivered the best ride overall.

The Mazda was the sharpest in the corners, but the pay-off is the firmest ride of the three here. That’s the price you pay for precision; still, some may prefer it to the vague sway of the big Kia through the bends.

You will surge ahead from the others on straight roads in the Sorento though. Its potent engine accelerates briskly, while the Mazda also performs well (and seems to prefer revving higher than the diesel norm). But although the Kodiaq is more leisurely, it never frustrates, and has just enough grunt for fairly fuss-free seven-up motoring.

You sit higher up inside the Kodiaq and Sorento, which many will like. All have fully adjustable driving positions, with the seats of the Mazda and Skoda holding people in more tightly than the armchairs of the Kia. The Sorento and, in particular, the Kodiaq have premium-feel interiors, in contrast to the cheaper feel of the CX-5. The finely-grained leather of the Skoda could almost be from a luxury model.

The Mazda has a decent infotainment system, that’s both touch-sensitive and has a supplementary dial controller between the front seats. As with all three cars here, it has sat nav and DAB, but doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Neither does the Kia’s larger system, making the ultra-crisp Skoda system the best overall. The £400 Canton speaker upgrade is also worthwhile.

Although the CX-5 lacks a third row of seats, it’s otherwise roomy enough. For maximum seven-up capacity, the Sorento betters the Kodiaq, thanks to its ample leg and shoulder room. Although the Skoda has more luggage space with all seven seats occupied, the Kia’s boot is larger when the third row is folded flat. The Mazda? Its tall and wide boot is ultimately limited by its lack of length.

Costs-wise, the Mazda and Skoda are an attainable £335 and £370 a month on a three-year PCP deal, with £5000 deposit. The Kia is much more expensive – a hefty £450 a month. Similarly for company car drivers, the Mazda is the cheapest and the Kia by far the priciest. It’s worst on fuel as well, with the CX-5 once again being the best.