Lexi Webster
Australians are buying more SUVs than ever before, with mid-size SUVs being the most popular new vehicle type. There are many options available, from small to midsize to large, with two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Some of the best SUVs in Australia include the Peugeot 5008 GT Premium Hybrid, the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5, and the Ford Everest. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which SUV is the best fit for your needs and preferences.
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What You'll Learn
Best mid-size SUVs
Australians buy mid-size SUVs more than any other new vehicle type, but the segment is crowded with contenders. The models chosen for Carsales' Best Mid-Size SUV 2024 were priced around the $50,000 mark (before on-road costs).
The Honda CR-V and ZR-V are two mid-size SUVs offered by Honda in the Australian market. While there is significant overlap, these two vehicles are different enough to appeal to different buyers, depending on their priorities. The Honda ZR-V is about half a size smaller than most of the other vehicles in this category, making it around 150mm shorter in length than the Honda CR-V. However, its smaller size does not compromise its practicality.
The Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid is another contender for the best mid-size SUV in Australia. While it may not be the sportiest option, it is one of the nicest to drive. It has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain, a fuel efficiency of 4.7L/100km, and a five-star safety rating from ANCAP in 2019.
Other mid-size SUVs available in the Australian market include the Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera, Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed, Nissan X-TRAIL Ti, Subaru Forester 2.5i-S, Citroen C5 Aircross Sport, Peugeot 3008 GT Sport, and BYD Atto 3, the first electric vehicle to make it to one of the 'regular' best awards.
In addition to these options, Volkswagen is introducing more SUVs to the Australian market, such as the Tayron large SUV, which joins the Tiguan and Touareg SUVs in its local line-up.
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Top-selling small SUVs
Australia's SUV market is crowded, with mid-size SUVs being the most popular vehicle type among Australians. However, small SUVs are also gaining traction. Here are some of the top-selling small SUVs in Australia:
The Suzuki Vitara is a reliable and robust small SUV. Although Suzuki's selection is limited, their cars are great all-rounders that can withstand abuse. However, they have soft paint and paper-thin carpets.
The Subaru Forester is another popular small SUV in Australia. The 2026 model is expected to introduce a hybrid powertrain, joining the growing trend of hybrid and electric vehicles in the country.
Other notable small SUVs in Australia include the Peugeot 3008 GT Sport, Citroen C5 Aircross Sport, and the electric BYD X Small SUV.
When choosing an SUV, consider factors such as safety, technology, comfort, convenience, driving performance, and ownership costs to ensure you select the best vehicle for your needs.
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Best SUVs under $50,000
If you're looking for an SUV under $50,000 in Australia, there are a variety of options to choose from, offering different features and capabilities. Here are some of the best SUVs in this price range:
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a popular choice among Australian buyers. It offers excellent value, with a stylish design, a spacious cabin, and a range of standard features. The 2025 model was awarded the Best Medium SUV under $50,000 by Drive, thanks to its combination of safety, frugal running costs, excellent packaging, and up-to-date technology. The Tucson provides a choice of engines, including a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, a naturally aspirated petrol, and a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The addition of a hybrid powertrain in 2024 enhanced its appeal, offering smooth transitions between petrol and electric power while delivering impressive fuel efficiency.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a great option for those seeking a large SUV under $50,000. It impresses with its build quality, refinement, and overall offering. The CR-V is longer and wider than its previous models, blurring the line between mid-size and large SUVs. It offers efficient fuel consumption, with a combined rating of 7.3L/100km, making it a cost-effective choice.
Mazda CX-8
The Mazda CX-8 is a practical midsize SUV that offers a spacious second row and the option for third-row seating. It has a sleek design and a high-quality interior. While it may not stand out visually, it offers a comfortable driving experience and comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Kia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD
The Kia Sorento is a hybrid SUV that combines fuel economy with practicality. It boasts a stylish design, a comfortable interior, and an impressive infotainment system. The Sorento is packed with standard features, providing a luxurious driving experience.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is another hybrid SUV that is ideal for families. It offers a spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and ample room for passengers and cargo. The Santa Fe has a sleek design and comes with a range of standard features, making it a modern and appealing choice.
When choosing an SUV under $50,000, consider factors such as build quality, standard all-wheel drive, premium features, fuel economy, and value for money to find the best option that suits your specific needs and preferences.
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Best family SUVs
Australia has a crowded market for SUVs, with mid-size SUVs being the most popular new vehicle type purchased by Australians. There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing the best family SUV, including safety, technology, comfort, convenience, driving performance, and ownership costs.
The Honda CR-V and ZR-V are two mid-size SUVs offered by Honda in the Australian market. While there is some overlap between the two models, they cater to different buyers depending on their priorities. The Honda ZR-V, which is about half a size smaller than most other mid-size SUVs, offers a practical option without compromising on practicality. The Honda CR-V VTi L7 is another option in this category.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid is another popular choice for family SUVs in Australia. With a price tag of $48,910 (plus on-road costs), it offers a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain, a five-star safety rating, and impressive fuel efficiency.
Other notable mentions in the mid-size SUV category include the Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera, Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed, Nissan X-TRAIL Ti, Subaru Forester 2.5i-S, Citroen C5 Aircross Sport, Peugeot 3008 GT Sport, and BYD Atto 3, which is China's first electric vehicle entrant in this segment.
For those seeking a more affordable option, websites like Drive.com.au offer expert reviews and rankings of the best SUVs under specific price brackets, such as under $50,000 or $60,000.
Additionally, with the growing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles, it is worth considering the Peugeot 5008 GT Premium Hybrid, which stands out with its hybrid powertrain and premium features.
When making a decision, it is essential to consider factors such as safety ratings, fuel efficiency, and the specific needs of your family to ensure you choose the best family SUV that aligns with your requirements and budget.
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Hybrid and electric SUVs
Another popular option is the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, which offers impressive fuel economy in the small compact SUV category. The Kona Hybrid is claimed to be even more economical than its rival, the Toyota Corolla Cross. The Hyundai Santa Fe is another large SUV option from Hyundai with a new-age, petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. It delivers excellent fuel economy for its size and combines this with a comfortable driving experience and a spacious and well-presented cabin.
The Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid is the only hybrid in the light SUV segment and has been awarded a five-star safety rating by ANCAP. It is well-suited for urban settings with its tight turning circle, making it perfect for navigating narrow inner-city parking. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is also worth considering, offering the benefits of electrification and petrol in a medium-sized sedan.
For those interested in plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), which can be recharged externally and run on electricity alone, options like the BYD Sealion 6 medium SUV and the upcoming Zeekr 7X, a premium electric family SUV rival to the Tesla Model Y, are available in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
The best SUV car in Australia depends on your budget and preferences. Here are some options:
- The 2024 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid is a five-star safety rated mid-size SUV priced at $48,910 (plus on-road costs).
- The Honda CR-V and ZR-V are two mid-size SUVs offered by Honda in the Australian market. The ZR-V is a half-size smaller and around 150mm shorter in length than the CR-V.
- The Peugeot 5008 GT Premium Hybrid is a seven-seat SUV with a hybrid powertrain and premium features.
- The Subaru Forester Hybrid is an anticipated model expected to bring more hybrid and electric options to the Australian market.
- The Suzuki Vitara is a reliable option for off-road adventures, as shared by a user on Reddit.
Here are some popular mid-size SUVs in Australia that were considered for the carsales' Best Mid-Size SUV 2024 award:
- Honda CR-V VTi L7
- Honda ZR-V e:HEV RS
- Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera
- Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed
- Nissan X-TRAIL Ti
- Subaru Forester 2.5i-S
- Toyota RAV4 XSE 2WD Hybrid
- Citroen C5 Aircross Sport
- Peugeot 3008 GT Sport
- BYD Atto 3 (an electric SUV)
When choosing an SUV in Australia, it is important to consider your budget, the size of the SUV (small, mid-size, or large), the number of seats, and your preferred features or amenities. Other factors to consider include safety, technology, comfort, convenience, driving performance, and ownership costs.
Yes, websites such as Drive, carsales.com.au, and whichcar.com.au offer reviews and rankings of SUVs in Australia. These websites provide valuable insights, helping you make an informed decision when purchasing an SUV.
SUVs are increasingly popular in Australia. Australians are buying mid-size SUVs more than any other new vehicle type. Volkswagen, for example, has introduced the Tayron large SUV to its local line-up to meet the growing demand for SUVs in the country.
