Last yr, the big SUV segment in Australia was the fourth largest by sales volume.
Ask an individual on the road for an example of a big SUV, and the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol is likely to be two names that pop up.
But in its monthly VFACTS sales report, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) lists those as ‘upper large SUVs’, a term you’re unlikely to listen to in casual conversation.
The big SUV segment as an alternative covers all the things from crossovers just like the Subaru Outback and Kia Sorento through to more rugged, body-on-frame off-roaders just like the Jeep Wrangler and Isuzu MU-X.
It also includes petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models.
The broader large SUV segment is split in two in VFACTS reporting: there are SUVs with a base price under $80,000, and people with a base price over that cap.
Meaning the definition covers all the things from the circa-$43,000 LDV D90 all the best way as much as the $364,700 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.
With all of those vehicles to pick from, what do the members of the CarExpert team recommend? Given the sheer diversity, many of the team has offered two recommendations: a conventional body-on-frame SUV, and a unibody crossover.
Paul Maric
Definitely the Lexus GX.
While the fad of hybridisation and electrification is there in the meanwhile, you’ll be able to’t beat the GX for performance punch, excellent off-road ability and never having to take into consideration finding a charger while touring or towing.
It’s the final word large luxury SUV that won’t break the bank and comes with all of the perks of owning a Lexus. Overtrail could be my pick!
MORE: Buy a Lexus GX
Josh Nevett
Ford Everest
The sales charts don’t lie.
The Ford Everest makes lots of sense as a family-hauling, bush-bashing SUV, and in Platinum trim the inside is definitely a good place to spend a while. Even without the luxuries, the Everest continues to be a secure bet.
Skoda Kodiaq
For an urban runabout, give me a Skoda Kodiaq RS. Skoda’s ‘simply clever’ mantra is obvious right across the range, but especially in its SUVs, and the Kodiaq is not any exception.
The Kodiaq RS has just the correct amount of performance for on a regular basis driving, a great deal of practicality within the cabin and all of the room a family should actually need.
MORE: Buy a Ford Everest
MORE: Buy a Skoda Kodiaq
Jack Quick
Subaru Outback
If I had to choose a big SUV I might actually buy in 2024, I do know I’d definitely go for the Subaru Outback. I’ve nominated this automobile before in previous op-eds and I proceed to actually need to own one.
While the regular atmo 2.5-litre flat-four is an adequate engine that does reach its limits at highway speeds, I feel I’d be completely happy to pay that little bit extra for the more powerful (but thirstier) 2.4-litre turbo flat-four engine within the Outback XT.
Although I understand many large SUV buyers are wanting the flexibleness of seven seats, the Subaru Outback has one of the spacious five-seat cabins out of any latest automobile currently available on the market. It genuinely looks like a couch on wheels.
GWM Tank 300
I’m yet to drive the larger seven-seat Tank 500 but within the interim the big body-on-frame SUV I’d buy in 2024 is the GWM Tank 300.
I comprehend it’s a little bit of a provocative answer once I could’ve chosen a more established large SUV just like the Ford Everest or Toyota Prado, for instance, but I used to be really surprised with how much I liked the Tank 300 once I first sampled the regular petrol version last yr.
The two.0-litre turbo-petrol engine really gets the automobile moving when asked. It’s also got all of the bells and whistles to be a very capable off-road beast.
The premium-pushing interior presentation within the Tank 300 is one other key point of choosing this vehicle. It’s crazy to me that you may get a brand latest automobile that appears this luxury inside for just a little over $45k drive-away.
MORE: Buy a Subaru Outback
MORE: Buy a GWM Tank 300
James Wong
Audi Q7
I don’t normally lust for SUVs but the concept of sooner or later picking up my kids in a Q7 is pretty sweet.
The understated class, effortless performance and opulent comfort that comes with the Audi Q7 on standard air suspension may be very much in keeping with my tastes.
You get good enough luxuries within the entry-level 45 TDI, though it’s nowhere near as inexpensive because it once was – back once I began at CarExpert you possibly can have a Q7 45 TDI from slightly below $100,000 plus on-road costs, and now it’s blown out to $116,400.
Also take note that while the Q7 is a six-figure family chariot, it shares its bones and lots of tech with some very boutique metal just like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.
Special mentions to the Volkswagen Touareg, Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq which might even be on my road-biased large SUV shopping list.
Ford Everest
If I needed something a bit more rugged that I’d be willing to tow with repeatedly or head off the beaten track, I feel the Ford Everest could be my top pick.
While there’s a brand new LandCruiser Prado on the best way – and I’m obsessive about the design – it’s still not priced for our market nor have I seen one in person. I’ll reserve my judgement for now then.
Within the meantime, the prevailing Ford Everest, particularly in Platinum V6 form, puts lots of other body-on-frame 4WD SUVs to shame by way of technology and refinement. It blurs the lines between monocoque and ladder-frame SUVs thoroughly.
With the no-cost all-terrain tyre option and Premium Towing Pack, you’ll be able to have a decked-out Everest for about $94,000 in your driveway and will give you the chance to handle anything and all the things you and your loved ones might throw at it. Otherwise, a Sport V6 with the identical options is about $10,000 cheaper.
My second pick would probably be the Isuzu MU-X which is sort of a bit more attainable even in top-spec LS-T trim, though there’s no option for a more powerful six-cylinder engine if that’s what you’re after.
MORE: Buy an Audi Q7
MORE: Buy a Ford Everest
Jordan Mulach
Subaru Outback
I’ve got to follow my colleague Jack on this one, though mainly since the Outback is the least SUV-like SUV. If we’re being honest, it’s a wagon with a bit more ground clearance, which isn’t exactly a nasty thing.
In recent times I’ve needed to shake my preconceived notions of the Outback being an uncool automobile, which had been reinforced by my mum owning 4 of them back to back (all with the two.5-litre and an automatic transmission).
Now that there’s a correct, grunty turbocharged 2.4 on offer within the XT, the Outback becomes a really entertaining proposition which may easily complete the soccer run.
Lexus GX
Now I’m not out there for a ladder-frame SUV, but when I had won lotto then I’d be hard pressed to not put the brand new Lexus GX in my driveway.
It looks mega, has loads of kit and a twin-turbo V6 which won’t be available in its Prado twin. It also helps that the GX is cheaper than the LX, but looks significantly higher (not less than to my eye) and has more bang in your buck.
MORE: Buy a Subaru Outback
MORE: Buy a Lexus GX
William Stopford
Ford Everest
Of all of the body-on-frame SUVs on this segment, the Everest could be my pick… though I’m very keen to get behind the wheel of a Lexus GX when it arrives here.
It’s not perfect. The inside is much too near the Ranger which implies that, while the infotainment and cameras are top-notch, it’s quite low cost and plasticky.
However the Everest rides exceptionally well for a body-on-frame SUV, and its turbo-diesel V6 is a delight and something rivals just like the MU-X and Prado can’t match.
Mazda CX-90
I’ve spoken fondly before of Hyundai’s Palisade and Santa Fe before, particularly the latter in hybrid guise. And if the hypothetical budget extends higher, the BMW X5 is my pick of the big luxury SUVs.
I’m going to separate the difference, though, and go along with something that has a rear/all-wheel drive platform and inline six-cylinder engines just like the BMW, but a price closer to the Hyundais.
Just like the Everest, the CX-90 isn’t perfect. The ride is a bit firm, and the powertrain needs just a little smoothing out, though Mazda has shown it’s listening to customers and critics with its recent CX-60 update.
The inside also isn’t quite as nice because the likes of an X5 or Genesis GV80, nevertheless it’s cheaper than either. Overall, its combination of poised dynamics, a spacious cabin and good fuel economy is compelling.
MORE: Buy a Ford Everest
MORE: Buy a Mazda CX-90
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
