10 Best SUV Cars in Singapore for City Driving | Best of Lifestyle 2023

Practicality. When you have a growing family, you can’t expect to move around Singapore with taxis or your old sedan. Thus, it is best to invest in a car that would fit everyone, and allow your family to explore places that are not easily accessible by public transportation. With their 7-seating capacity and extra luggage space, you can never go wrong with Sport Utility Vehicles or SUVs. You can also enjoy a higher driving position when you’re behind an SUV’s wheel, providing better visibility on the road. With an extensive variety of SUV cars available in the market, which then is the best SUV car in Singapore? In our Best of Lifestyle series, we have curated the latest 10 Best SUV Cars in Singapore, providing quality recommendations to suit your lifestyle needs and budget.

This post was last updated on 6 January 2023.

Best SUV Cars in Singapore

1. BMW X5

Powerful on the road

Upright, powerful, and elegant are just three of the many amazing things that we can expect from the BMW X5. Already in its fourth generation, this SUV has undergone many modifications to finally become its most promising version today. The exterior alone is enough to wow everyone – distinctive X-design headlights, the large hexagonal grille on the front, light-alloy wheels, Panorama glass roof, and the handsome overall form. There’s no doubt that it is a luxury car. Even the interior boasts of high-quality materials that will only provide maximum comfort to the passengers. 

Fewer emissions

With the BMW EfficientDynamics, you can have more driving pleasure with less carbon emission. It’s fuel-efficient, too. Thanks to various engine efficiency measures, electrification, and optimised aerodynamics. In the recent 2021 model, there’s a new plug-in hybrid (xDrive45) with a turbocharged 3L inline-six and an electric motor for a total output of 389 hp. This means that the torque in the four wheels of your car is consistent whether you’re driving with purely electricity, gas, or the combination of both. Furthermore, the new xDrive45 comes with a 24.0 kWh battery pack that is enough for driving a distance of approximately 48km on electricity alone.

Innovative driving assistance

BMW is all about innovation. Featuring state-of-the-art sensors (i.e. radar ultrasound and cameras), you won’t have a single problem with safety while driving. At crossroads, the vehicle will automatically slow down since traffic lights can also be detected. And if ever there’s a collision that’s inevitable, the system helps by reducing impact speed. The intelligent driving assistant can also aid you in parking and manoeuvring as it already displays suitable parking spaces as you drive by. Honestly, it feels like we’re one step closer to completely autonomous driving with the BMW X5.

Highlights:

• Luxurious exterior and interior designs
• Mild hybrid technology – supports fuel and electric power
• Less fuel needed
• With Panora glass roof for fresh air
• Outstanding driving dynamics on any surface
• Next-level driving assistance and connectivity

2. Mercedes GLC 200

Modern luxury

A symbol of modern luxury, the Mercedes GLC 200 is another high-end SUV car that is worth your time and money. It introduces a whole new way of operating a vehicle. Yes, this car is equipped with Mercedes’ very own artificial intelligence system – the MBUX. Not only can it detect your voice, but also your gestures! May it be on the new touchpad, Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, or on the touchscreen. 

Mercedes knows how it is often difficult to look away from the road while driving, so the new GLC also features a Head-up Display. This means that all the necessary details are within your sight reach as the windscreen is transformed into an intelligent digital display. Smartphones can be integrated, too! 

Alternate drive system

Like the BMW X5, this car is also made better with plug-in hybrid technology. Hence, the dynamics and efficiency of an electric motor are combined with a combustion engine to achieve an output of up to 320 hp. Furthermore, the electric motor can power the vehicle on its own with a long driving range of up to 46km. In that way, you’ll be able to access your usual destinations around the city without contributing to the ever-increasing carbon emissions from traditional cars.

Highlights:

• Plug-in hybrid technology
• New touch control concept 
• Equipped with MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience)
• Heads-up display
• Smartphone integration – can be even used to unlock the car doors!
• Drive safer with the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive

3. Volvo XC40

Designed for urban life

The Volvo XC40 is an SUV that is built for urban life. Imagine yourself cruising around Singapore with this compact SUV and its bold and expressive design that will truly stand out from the rest. Driving with this car will be relatively easier – thanks to its intelligent driving assist technology. Breeze through the traffic knowing that your car will alert you when there are approaching vehicles. Furthermore, this SUV is equipped with 4 high-definition cameras, so you can secure any cramped parking space without the hassle. 

Featuring advanced filtration technology, the air that you breathe inside the car will be clean. This is such a nice touch, especially when you live in heavily polluted areas. Truly it is designed for living in a busy city. When you get caught in traffic, you can keep your family happy with plenty of integrated entertainment options from Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

Highlights:

• Stylish exterior 
• With flexible storage options – bag hooks, large door bins, and hidden compartments
• Also a plug-in hybrid SUV
• Intelligent driver assist technology for smoother driving
• Excellent entertainment and connectivity 

4. Honda Vezel

Best for long road trips

One of the most popular SUV cars in Singapore, the Honda Vezel definitely deserves a spot on our list. This car is famous for its sporty and rugged look that any stylish bachelor or family man will love. Coupled with the very responsive 1.5-litre Earth Dreams™ Technology i-VTEC® engine, this SUV is the perfect one to take on long road trip adventures. It also boasts of other off-road features such as the Vehicle Stability Assist™ and Anti-Lock Braking System, which are really helpful when you’re driving on slippery surfaces.  

Honda also prioritises your safety with a body structure that’s made from the highest grade of steel yet. With this, any frontal crash will be less strong. Additionally, there are front, side, and side curtain airbags to ensure that all passengers are well-protected.

Hopefully, you didn’t get confused. The Honda Vezel is the same as the Honda HR-V. The name varies depending on where the SUV car is sold.

Highlights: 

• Maximum safety and comfort
• Robust and sporty exterior
• Anti-Lock Braking System – prevents wheel lock-up during emergencies
• Outstanding steel body structure
• With multiple rear-view cameras
• Electronic parking brake

5. Toyota Harrier

Premium SUV car on a budget

With its sleek, elegant exterior, the Toyota Harrier will give you a luxurious driving experience wherever you go. And at a budget price, too! Well, it’s still expensive, but a whole lot cheaper than other luxury SUV cars. The same elegance can be seen in its interior – for instance, the soft supple leather upholstery of the door, panels, armrest, and dashboard. Displays are crisp and easy to use, while seats are finished with premium leather for utmost comfort and aesthetic. To complete the lavish look of the entire SUV, there’s a dimmable panoramic moonroof that will be certainly enjoyed by all passengers.

Like most luxury SUV cars today, the latest Toyota Harrier is a hybrid variant that boasts greater fuel efficiency and instant power. You don’t even have to plug it in, as it captures energy from driving around, and uses it to power the electric motor. Hence, a silent and relaxing drive. 

Another feature that we love is the rearview mirror that can switch into a digital display from being a mirrored surface. The car also has cameras stashed all over, with additional sonar sensors to assist you in a smooth and safe driving experience. Thanks to the Toyota Safety Sense!

Highlights: 

• Quality crafted seats and overall interior
• Available in six elegant colours
• Guaranteed safe travel with the Toyota Safety Sense
• Self-charging hybrid efficiency
• With digital rearview mirror
• Hands-free power backdoor with kick sensor

6. Land Rover Discovery

All-terrain driving

Branded as the best-in-class, all-terrain, towing and wading capability, the Land Rover Discovery is another SUV car to consider. Not only can it drive with class in the city, but it can also do wonders in driving off-road. Combining its optimised geometry with unique Land Rover technologies, and you’re bound to have an SUV with excellent driving capabilities in all-terrains. Equipped with the V6 Supercharged 340PS Petrol engine, power delivery is completely maximised.

You will also love the full seven seats that can fit your entire family and group of friends. There is plenty of storage and leg-space, so even large adults can fit comfortably into this SUV. Intelligent seat fold allows you to adjust the backseats while sitting on the driver’s spot so that you can make the most of this car’s 2,500 litres of luggage space.

Highlights:

• Clever use of space for extreme comfort
• Powerful engine and unique technology for driving in all-terrains
• Equipped with the latest vehicle and infotainment technologies
• With driving aids 

7. Mitsubishi Outlander

Feature-filled family SUV

Next on our list is the Mitsubishi Outlander. With its spacious and flexible interior, there’s no doubt that your entire family will fit inside this SUV. The Smartphone Link Display Audio feature is especially popular with kids since it can keep them entertained during long drives. The interior also features luxurious black and chrome highlights for a more contemporary feel. When it comes to extreme comfortability, the quality of this car is also topnotch. Seats at the back can be easily reclined to create capacious luggage space and there’s plenty of room for stretching legs.

The latest model of the Mitsubishi Outlander is also a plug-in hybrid type. Amazingly, it can run up to 48 km with electric power alone! The added sunroof will make you enjoy your ride more as you can easily get a breath of fresh air with a single button push. 

Highlights:

• Spacious SUV that’s best for families
• Drive comfortably with the power driver lumbar support
• Eco-driving mode
• Mitsubishi Advanced Safety features
• Available in seven colours

8. Porsche Cayenne

The sports car of the future

Combining everyday comfort and the ultimate sports car experience, the Porsche Cayenne is another SUV for you to check out. Inside and out, it’s all unmistakably Porsche. Thanks to the heavily emphasized front wings, bonnet with power domes, and the enlarged three-part air intakes. Just press a button to prime the engine and transmission and you’re ready to go in approximately 20 seconds. 

Equipped with the Burmester® 3D High-End Surround Sound System and BOSE® Surround Sound System, the Porsche Cayenne boasts outstanding audio quality. It even feels like you’re in one of the best concert halls in the world. 

Another feature that we love about this SUV is its excellent driving assistance systems (parking, collision and brake assist). This car also supports a freely configurable, full-colour Heads-up display so all important information on your driving journey is within your field of vision. There’s no need to keep your eye off the road, hence preventing accidents. Plus, Lane assistance features will immensely help you as you drive on Singapore’s highways. 

Highlights:

• Excellent infotainment systems
• With Heads up display and other driving assistance systems
• Also available in E-hybrid variant
• Four driving modes, including ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport plus’
• Super start-up acceleration

9. Skoda Kodiac

Family-friendly features

Everything about the Skoda Kodiaq screams family comfort. Hands-free tailgate (perfect if you’re carrying a baby or shopping bags), door edge protection, and chilled compartment are just some of the many family-friendly features of this car. It also has a total of 2500 litres of cargo capacity so there’s plenty of space for restless kids, grocery bags, and other stuff that you might need. 

City traffic can leave kids restless. But not anymore since this SUV has a good infotainment system that will turn every journey into a happy experience. If you avail the large, optional panoramic sunroof, there’s more to see during trips. Not to mention the fresh air that you can get! 

Highlights:

• Robust exterior
• Various safety features – 9 airbags, door edge protection, park assist, etc.
• Dynamic chassis and adaptive cruise controls for comfortable driving
• Extremely spacious 
• Smartlink+ Infotainment – connects car and smartphone using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link

10. Audi Q7

Versatile luxury SUV car

Last but definitely not least is the Audi Q7. This SUV car effortlessly masters all surfaces, loads, and speed, while providing a dynamic driving experience. Moreover, the standard Quattro all-wheel drive and intelligent suspension solutions guarantee sporty handling so you can drive in style. At the same time, fit up to seven adults in your car. 

Suitable for everyday use, the Audi Q7’s offers extreme comfortability and functionality. The maximum storage capacity is around 2,050 litres so you can carry plenty of luggage on your trips, as long as you fold the rear seats. Plus, a sensor-controlled luggage compartment system! We also like how this car can be easily cleaned – thanks to the All-Weather Floor Mats.

Highlights:

• Powerful and sporty exterior design 
• Captivating Matrix LED headlights
• Innovative Infotainment technology
• Sporty driving 
• Mild hybrid technology for efficient driving with less fuel consumption

FAQs

Which is the best brand for SUV cars in Singapore?

A lovely fusion of luxury and practicality, BMW is definitely one of the best brands for SUV cars in Singapore.

Where to buy an SUV car in Singapore?

You can get your SUV car from the official websites of the car brands that we’ve mentioned. They are also best if you want to learn more about the features of the car you’re eyeing.  However, online car marketplaces are the way to go for ultimate convenience. Not only can you see a larger selection of cars, but also you can score amazing deals, too!

We hope that our guide on the 10 Best SUV Cars in Singapore will help you to buy the best SUV car in Singapore. Do also read our other buying guides too. Please do share this along with your friends if you have found this useful. Do look forward to more buying guides that we will be releasing soon!

This post was brought to you by The Wedding Vow.

Featured photo credits: Riedelmeier via Pixabay