Compare the best automatic SUVs
High-quality automatic SUVs from rated and reviewed dealers
Last updated April 26, 2024 by
Neil Briscoe
Best automatic SUV cars of 2024
It always used to be that an automatic gearbox was the comfort choice — the choice for something easy-going and laid back, but now things have changed a little. Manual gearboxes are becoming more rare, and automatics have now taken over.
Better yet, fast-changing autos can actually be entertaining and sporty to drive, and many will have the option of changing gears yourself with racing-car-style paddles behind the wheel. Meanwhile, electric models — which only need one gear — are easy and relaxing to drive around town.
An auto is now the default option, but there are still choices to be made, so Carwow’s expert reviews team has put together this list of the best automatic SUVs out there.
The XC40, which is still on sale as a mild-hybrid with petrol power, 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 it gets an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard which makes it even more desirable. If you want the all-electric version, the EX40 (which used to be called the XC40 Recharge) only needs one gear, but has as much as 408hp to play with and a lengthy 331 mile range on one charge.
2025
Adventurer's Choice Award
Highly Commended
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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. The new model gets a major tech upgrade, which brings it into line with the competition, but while it’s not as handsome as the old Kodiaq, the Skoda is still a good choice, especially with the standard-fit seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Coming soon is the new plug-in hybrid Kodiaq, which will offer more than 62 miles of electric driving on a full charge and which will, of course, be only available with an automatic gearbox.
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This sharp-looking electric car 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 is a bit uncomfortable over bumps and the boot isn’t huge, but aside from that this is a great, family-friendly EV.
Battery range up to 342 miles
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EV’s are quiet and offer seamless acceleration, and 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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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.
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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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. The petrol-powered Macan now sits alongside a fully-electric version, which looks similar on the outside, but which is entirely new under the skin and which has some truly impressive electric range, as well as seriously quick performance.
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The 2008 may be a small SUV but it has plenty of cool features and a sharp looking exterior design. The optional eight-speed automatic available on the petrol models makes it even better. Adults might feel a bit squeezed in the back but the boot space is generous. The all-electric (and automatic, naturally) e-2008 electric version has just been given a new, bigger battery which stretches its range to as much as 250 miles on one charge. The whole lineup has been updated with sharper styling and an improved infotainment screen too.
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The BMW X1 looks really stylish and has avoided the worst of BMW’s ‘Big Grille’ designs. It’s even better inside, with that large, broad screen stretching across the dashboard, and some seriously high-quality touches in the cabin. All X1 models are fully-automatic now, and you select your gears with a neat little toggle switch on the centre console, which frees up more space for storage. Speaking of space, the X1 is quite roomy, with comfy back seats too. You can have petrol or diesel engines, or you can choose from two plug-in hybrid models (one more powerful than the other) which both offer more than 50 miles of electric range (there’s a separate, all-electric iX1 lineup too).
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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 busy traffic, but things can get a bit noisy on the motorway.
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