There’s a huge range of popular SUVs on the Australian market today. With additional seating configuration options, large cargo areas and impressive spacious interiors, SUVs are a crowd-favourite for busy families.
With so many great SUV options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which is going to be the best fit for you and your family. Here’s some of the top SUVs and a few points to consider to help you decide which is going to be right for you and your family.
Mazda CX-3
The new Mazda CX-3 boasts a long list of safety features, and unlike many other cars in its class, most of the safety features come as standard from the base model. Each additional grade offers more technology, comfort and luxury depending on your budget.
The whole family will love voting on the external colour of your new Mazda CX-3, which offers five metallic tones as standard.
The six-speed auto shifts swiftly, and you’ll appreciate the power that’s enjoyed for a car of its size. The CX-3 is technically the smallest SUV in Mazda’s lineup, making it a great option for those that want the convenience of an SUV, but don’t want to compromise on nimble handling and easy manoeuvrability.
Pros:
- Small size for easy handling
- Great included safety features
- Impressive infotainment system
Kia Sorento
The 2021 Kia Sorento scores well for performance and technology, offering a comfortable and convenient driver and passenger experience.
You’ll appreciate an intuitive drive with an extensive driver assist suite. It lacks third-row curtain airbags, but otherwise stands up well for safety with a 5-star ANCAP rating.
This seven seater SUV boasts refreshed design features and entertainment system. Even the base model enjoys exceptional safety features and technology, offering great value for money.
Pros:
- Attractive exterior styling
- Great value for money in base model
- Advanced safety features
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen are well-known for their sophistication and luxury finishes, and the Tiguan is no different. However, many of the luxury features are only awarded for the higher grades – such as electric glass panoramic sunroof and extra safety features.
The Tiguan also boasts a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking offering peace of mind from the base model.
You’ll appreciate athletic handling, making this midsize SUV a pleasure to drive. The driving experience is smooth and quiet.
Pros:
- Spacious interior
- Luxury options in higher grades
- Quiet driving experience
Mazda CX-9
Mazda has a truly impressive line-up of SUVs available on the market today. A larger alternative than the CX-3, the Mazda CX-9 is a luxury and family vehicle in one.
You’ll be impressed with the excellent handling despite the size of the car. Choose from a six or seven seat configuration to suit the needs of your family. This SUV can effortlessly take you from school pick up to weekend road trips.
All the safety features we’ve come to expect from Mazda are on offer, with many coming as standard in the base model of the CX-9.
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable rear seats
- Great safety features as standard
- Impressive fuel economy
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai knows what they’re doing with interior design, comfort and convenience – and the Santa Fe is no exception.
There are advanced safety features on offer with the Santa Fe, but not all come standard in the base model. Still, it enjoys the badge of 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers great fuel economy and solid handling – though it can sometimes feel like a firm ride.
Pros:
- Agile handling
- Impressive interior and comfort
- Strong petrol and diesel engine options
Toyota Kluger
The new Toyota Kluger is one of the most popular large SUVs in Toyota’s lineup. The new economical petrol and hybrid engine options are innovative and attractive depending on your budget.
You’ll enjoy the latest in entertainment and safety technology, and the refreshed styling of this latest generation of Kluger. The interior is spacious and the passengers will appreciate a smooth drive.
The Kluger encourages versatile family living, with plenty of room for passengers, car seats, and luggage – without feeling tight on space.
Pros:
- Spacious interior and cargo
- Impressive entertainment
- Advanced safety features
Hyundai Palisade
Available in either a seven seater or eight seater configuration, the Hyundai Palisade is an attractive option for large families. You’ll be impressed by the clean interior and huge infotainment system, and each grade offers more luxurious features.
A few expected safety features are absent from the Palisade, including traffic sign recognition. The Palisade is as yet unrated by ANCAP.
Pros:
- Roomy seven or eight seater configurations
- Available high-tech features
- Powerful engine
Find the right fit for your family
Ultimately, the best way to get a feel for an SUV is to get out and take it for a test drive. Pay close attention to performance, how the car feels when you drive, included features for safety and entertainment, additional extras that may blow your budget, and how much room the kids will have in the back seats. All of these SUVs have something special to offer and varying price points – it all depends on what’s important to you and your family in a new car.
