RAC reviews: Three SUVs to consider on the Motability Scheme

Looking for your next Motability Scheme car? The RAC has reviewed three popular SUVs: the spacious Skoda Kodiaq, the family-friendly Nissan Qashqai, and the stylish Peugeot 2008. 


Whether you need seven seats, a hybrid powertrain, or zero Advance Payment, there’s something here to suit a wide range of mobility and lifestyle needs. 

This article has been written by RAC to help you compare features, comfort, and value across some of the SUV models available to lease through the Motability Scheme*. 

Skoda Kodiaq

  • Category: Large SUV
  • Seats: 5 or 7
  • Petrol or Petrol-electric plug-in hybrid
  • Advance Payment: From £3,199

A black Škoda Kodiaq SUV displayed on a transparent background. The vehicle features a bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and a sculpted body design with chrome accents. It’s a modern, spacious family car designed for comfort, safety, and versatility on the road.

The Skoda Kodiaq is an excellent choice for growing families or those looking for the maximum amount of space an SUV can offer. This new version has received some key upgrades, offering even more space and technology than before. For the first time, there is an option of a plug-in hybrid model with a generous electric range. 

Skoda has extended the Kodiaq’s biggest selling point for this new version: space. On the petrol model you get the option of seven seats, while the hybrid has five. 

The Kodiaq also offers lots of storage within the cabin combined with one of the biggest boots of any SUV: up to 910 litres with five seats in place – great for swallowing large wheelchairs or family holiday luggage.  

The Kodiaq’s solid, high quality interior balances clever technology with simple-to-use controls. All versions feature a central touchscreen and a natural speech voice control system called Laura. You’ll also find two wireless phone charging pads, along with heating for front seats, and air controls for the front and middle rows. 

Despite its size and versatility, the Kodiaq is an easy car to manoeuvre thanks to its high and widely adjustable driving position. This not only gives you easy access in and out of the car but also enables a great view. All-round parking sensors and a rear-view camera come as standard, too, while you get large door mirrors and a standard blind-spot warning system to help when changing lanes.  

On the road the Kodiaq is comfortable, quiet and capable, blending a smooth ride with tidy handling and terrific cruising ability. Engine options include the efficient hybrid option, or the powerful petrol version with 4×4 ability. 

Whichever version you choose, the new Kodiaq is a superb all-rounder that ticks a lot of boxes.  

Nissan Qashqai

  • Category: Medium SUV
  • Seats: 5
  • Petrol or Petrol-electric hybrid
  • Advance Payment: From £499 

A red Nissan Qashqai compact SUV displayed on a transparent background. The vehicle features a bold front grille, sharp LED headlights, and a sporty, aerodynamic design. Known for its blend of practicality and style, the Qashqai is a popular choice for urban and family driving.

The Nissan Qashqai helped make family SUVs popular. This new version is better than ever, with a smart look and lots of useful features. 

The latest Qashqai maintains relatively compact dimensions, making it easy to drive and park, but still offers plenty of space. With up to 504 litres of boot space depending on version, pushchairs or holiday luggage are swallowed up without a struggle. 

Nissan has also added some real sophistication and tech into the latest Qashqai. Its premium interior design is very appealing, while you get plenty of standard equipment across the range and an impressive five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.  

Among the comprehensive level of safety features, Tekna models come with a driver assistance system that can steer itself within lanes on the motorway and adjust your speed to suit. What’s more, most versions of the Qashqai come with a 360-degree camera system to make manoeuvring out of tight spaces easier, as well as all-round parking sensors and adaptive high beam LED headlights for great night-time visibility.   

When you’re the one doing the steering, the Qashqai is comfortable and quiet to drive. That’s helped by a high driving position, with excellent levels of adjustment and adjustable lumbar support on most versions, while the Tekna model adds electrically adjustable seats.  

You can get the Qashqai with a petrol engine or as a hybrid. Both are smooth and offer strong enough acceleration, but we reckon the ePower hybrid version is the one to go for. Its clever range offers brisk performance combined with electric car-like smoothness and over 54 miles-per-gallon combined. 

We reckon the latest Qashqai is the right-sized car for most people’s needs, offering flexibility and an easy driving experience.  

Peugeot 2008

  • Category: Small SUV
  • Seats: 5
  • Petrol or Electric
  • Advance Payment: From £0 

A red Peugeot 2008 compact SUV shown on a transparent background. The vehicle features a bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and a sculpted body with sporty lines and black wheel arch accents. It combines modern design with everyday practicality, ideal for urban and suburban driving.

Affordable small SUVs don’t get much more stylish and classier than the Peugeot 2008 and e-2008. But behind its funky design lies plenty of substance.  

Despite its compact dimensions you get a comfortable interior with space for four, along with a 434-litre boot aided by an adjustable floor that’s ideal for a small holiday or a weekly shop. 

You also get a surprisingly premium interior with a sharp design, high quality finishes and lots of kit – particularly in higher spec versions. Every model comes with a touchscreen, climate control and cruise control. The range-topping GT brings posh upholstery, keyless entry and a reversing camera.  

Peugeot’s sporty ‘iCockpit’ driving position gives you a small steering wheel and high-set dials that you look at over the wheel rather than through it. This gives it a feel of agility, although the driver’s seat is still mounted higher than a conventional hatchback to give easy entry and a great view of the road.  

This blend of comfort and performance extends to the driving experience, with sharp steering yet high levels of cruising comfort and quietness for a small SUV. You can choose from two petrol engines, with the more powerful GT option coming with an automatic gearbox. 

The Peugeot 2008 also has an ace up its sleeve: the all-electric e-2008. Promising a range of up to 212 miles on a charge. It’s great for town driving with occasional longer trips, while a 10-80% charge can be done in around half an hour. The e-2008 also offers effortless performance for its size and is available for no Advance Payment.

Interested in joining the Scheme?  

You can enjoy a brand-new, reliable vehicle on the Motability Scheme. Simply exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair and our all-inclusive package. 

Find out more information about the Scheme. 

*Prices and features of car models shown are correct at the time of writing and may be subject to adjustments or withdrawal in the event of any changes taking place which affect the cost of provision of the lease agreement. Prices shown are valid for recipients of the HRMC of the DLA, and ERMC of PIP making an application between 01/04/2025 and 30/06/2025, but may be subject to change. Customers are advised to check any specifically required vehicle features with their dealer at the point of application.  

Related articles

Expert picks available on the Motability Scheme this quarter

Latest Motability Scheme Price List 2025

What the changing car market means for you

From the Motability Scheme


Categories


Popular articles

Top