Top five large SUVs of 2024

Because the yr involves an in depth, we’re looking back on the cars that wowed the CarExpert test team in 2024.

This time around we’re specializing in large SUVs, the staple vehicle of families across Australia.

Latest for 2024, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-80 each made a splash on arrival, earning the praise of our team. Meanwhile, familiar nameplates also impressed.

We’ve had the prospect to drive plenty this yr, and these are the five that topped our rating charts over the calendar yr.

A few of these models have been reviewed on multiple occasions this yr – in that scenario, we’ve featured the variant that achieved the very best rating.

These models all compete in the massive SUV under $80,000 category, as defined by VFACTS sales statistics published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Prices are based on each manufacturer’s configurators for a Victorian postcode, which should provide you with a representative estimate of what the common buyer will find yourself paying.

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Hyundai Palisade

We couldn’t split the highest three large SUVs on this yr’s rankings, so the Hyundai Palisade features first alphabetically.

It’s a hefty unit with a hefty price tag, however the Hyundai Palisade is a solid selection in case you look past the annoying safety tech.

Scoring an 8.4/10 overall, the Palisade faired best in the worth for money, safety and fit for purpose categories, and only dropped below eight for performance.

Inside, Hyundai’s SUV flagship is luxuriously appointed and well-laid out, which suggests it’s each comfortable and pleasing to the attention.

And intrusive safety systems aside, the Palisade does all the pieces you’d expect it to while you’re driving around town or in town. The cheaper versions will get you by just superb, but when cosmetics are your thing it’s hard to look past the stealthy Black Ink.

Our tester was powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 147kW of power and 440Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is quoted at 7.3L/100km.

You may read our full review of the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel here

Excited by buying a Hyundai Palisade? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

Hyundai Santa Fe

A pair of Hyundais top our rankings, with the Santa Fe also scoring 8.4/10.

Launched this yr, each member of the brand new Santa Fe range made a positive impression on our team, however the base front-wheel drive variant proved to be the pick of the lineup.

Offering a set of features and tech with seven seats for $55,000 before on-road costs, the Santa Fe Hybrid scored highly for value for money (9), technology infotainment (9), and fit for purpose (9).

Indeed, the Santa Fe Hybrid could be very well rounded. It’s spacious, well-featured, relatively efficient (5.4L/100km average fuel consumption) and offers good on-road performance from a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that makes 172kW and 367Nm, sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai’s aftersales program stacks up with rivals too, so there’s plenty to like.

The foremost drawback we noted was polarising looks, because the boxy recent design won’t be for everybody.

You may read our full review of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD here

Excited by buying a Hyundai Santa Fe? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

Kia Sorento

Rounding out the tied trio for first place is the updated Kia Sorento, which scored 8.4/10 at launch back in January.

The Sorento excelled within the technology infotainment (9), fit for purpose (9), and handling dynamics (9) categories, without displaying any real weaknesses.

With heaps of space, sharp looks, and an opulent feature list higher up the range, we were comfortable to recommend variants right across the lineup, from the bottom model as much as the flagship GT-Line.

Mid-life upgrades address key areas for improvement on the old model, namely the infotainment tech and adding a number of the more desirable features previously reserved for the GT-Line further down; while the retuned steering and chassis makes for an excellent more engaging drive.

Although several powertrains are offered, the diesel is the pick for all-round drivability and efficiency, producing 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque.

You may read our full review of the Kia Sorento here

Excited by buying a Kia Sorento? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

Ford Everest

The ute-based Ford Everest fell just in need of besting the sector on this yr’s rankings, but it surely offers a really different set of attributes to aforementioned rivals.

In Sport 4×4 V6 trim, the Everest stands out from each a security (9) and fit for purpose (9) standpoint, while also offering strong performance and ride comfort.

It blends impressive road manners with idiot-proof off-road technology, and a healthy dose of towing ability as well.

The virtually-range-topping Sport is a brilliant spec, with the pick of the 2 engine options. Under the bonnet lies a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 producing 184kW and 600Nm, mated to a 10-speed auto and full-time four-wheel drive.

While it’s not essentially the most efficient lump, the engine is nice for 3500kg braked towing capability, positioning the Everest Sport as a capable weekend hauler.

The tarted up interior within the Sport also helps to justify its steeper sticker price when put next to other variants within the range.

You may read our full review of the Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 here

Excited by buying a Ford Everest? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

Mazda CX-80

Mazda’s all-new seven-seat SUV arrived back in November, and it was an quick hit with a rating of 8.3/10.

The CX-80 immediately stood out as a practical vehicle with loads of interior space, and it presents well too.

There are a great deal of configurations available via various trim grades and powertrain options, which suggests there’s more likely to be a CX-80 that may fit your needs well.

Its price is compelling too, given it undercuts the smaller yet related CX-60 and adds seven-seat capability as standard.

The one potential flaw for some buyers might be ride comfort, however the CX-80’s relatively sporty dynamics, upmarket interior and robust performance are likely to make up for that – especially in six-cylinder petrol and diesel guises.

You may read our full review of the Mazda CX-80 here

Excited by buying a Mazda CX-80? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here