Final yr, the massive SUV section in Australia was the fourth largest by gross sales quantity.
Ask an individual on the road for an instance of a big SUV, and the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol may be two names that pop up.
However in its month-to-month VFACTS gross sales report, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) lists these as ‘higher massive SUVs’, a time period you’re unlikely to listen to in informal dialog.
The massive SUV section as a substitute covers all the pieces from crossovers just like the Subaru Outback and Kia Sorento by to extra rugged, body-on-frame off-roaders just like the Jeep Wrangler and Isuzu MU-X.
It additionally contains petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrical fashions.
The broader massive SUV section is break up in two in VFACTS reporting: there are SUVs with a base worth underneath $80,000, and people with a base worth over that cap.
Meaning the definition covers all the pieces from the circa-$43,000 LDV D90 all the best way as much as the $364,700 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.
With all of these autos to select from, what do the members of the CarExpert group suggest? Given the sheer variety, many of the group has provided two suggestions: a standard body-on-frame SUV, and a unibody crossover.
Paul Maric
Positively the Lexus GX.
Whereas the fad of hybridisation and electrification is there for the time being, you’ll be able to’t beat the GX for efficiency punch, glorious off-road means and by no means having to consider discovering a charger whereas touring or towing.
It’s the final word massive luxurious SUV that received’t break the financial institution and comes with all of the perks of proudly owning a Lexus. Overtrail could be my decide!
MORE: Purchase a Lexus GX
Josh Nevett
Ford Everest
The gross sales charts don’t lie.
The Ford Everest makes a variety of sense as a family-hauling, bush-bashing SUV, and in Platinum trim the inside is definitely an honest place to spend a while. Even with out the luxuries, the Everest remains to be a protected wager.
Skoda Kodiaq
For an city runabout, give me a Skoda Kodiaq RS. Skoda’s ‘merely intelligent’ mantra is clear proper throughout the vary, however particularly in its SUVs, and the Kodiaq is not any exception.
The Kodiaq RS has simply the correct amount of efficiency for on a regular basis driving, a great deal of practicality within the cabin and all of the room a household ought to actually need.
MORE: Purchase a Ford Everest
MORE: Purchase a Skoda Kodiaq
Jack Fast
Subaru Outback
If I needed to decide a big SUV I might truly purchase in 2024, I do know I’d undoubtedly go for the Subaru Outback. I’ve nominated this automobile earlier than in earlier op-eds and I proceed to essentially need to personal one.
Whereas the common atmo 2.5-litre flat-four is an ample engine that does attain its limits at freeway speeds, I feel I’d be glad to pay that little bit additional for the extra highly effective (however thirstier) 2.4-litre turbo flat-four engine within the Outback XT.
Though I perceive many massive SUV patrons are wanting the flexibleness of seven seats, the Subaru Outback has one of the spacious five-seat cabins out of any new automobile at the moment in the marketplace. It genuinely seems like a sofa on wheels.
GWM Tank 300
I’m but to drive the bigger seven-seat Tank 500 however within the interim the massive body-on-frame SUV I’d purchase in 2024 is the GWM Tank 300.
I do know it’s a little bit of a provocative reply once I may’ve chosen a extra established massive SUV just like the Ford Everest or Toyota Prado, for instance, however I used to be actually shocked with how a lot I appreciated the Tank 300 once I first sampled the common petrol model final yr.
The two.0-litre turbo-petrol engine actually will get the automobile transferring when requested. It’s additionally bought all of the bells and whistles to be a very succesful off-road beast.
The premium-pushing inside presentation within the Tank 300 is one other key level of choosing this car. It’s loopy to me that you could get a model new automobile that appears this luxury inside for a bit over $45k drive-away.
MORE: Purchase a Subaru Outback
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James Wong
Audi Q7
I don’t usually lust for SUVs however the thought of someday selecting up my youngsters in a Q7 is fairly candy.
The understated class, easy efficiency and opulent consolation that comes with the Audi Q7 on commonplace air suspension could be very a lot in step with my tastes.
You get greater than sufficient luxuries within the entry-level 45 TDI, although it’s nowhere close to as inexpensive because it as soon as was – again once I began at CarExpert you possibly can have a Q7 45 TDI from slightly below $100,000 plus on-road prices, and now it’s blown out to $116,400.
Additionally understand that whereas the Q7 is a six-figure household chariot, it shares its bones and a variety of tech with some very boutique steel just like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.
Particular mentions to the Volkswagen Touareg, Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq which might even be on my road-biased massive SUV procuring listing.
Ford Everest
If I wanted one thing a bit extra rugged that I’d be prepared to tow with usually or head off the overwhelmed observe, I feel the Ford Everest could be my high decide.
Whereas there’s a brand new LandCruiser Prado on the best way – and I’m obsessive about the design – it’s nonetheless not priced for our market nor have I seen one in particular person. I’ll reserve my judgement for now then.
Within the meantime, the present Ford Everest, notably in Platinum V6 type, places a variety of different body-on-frame 4WD SUVs to disgrace when it comes to know-how and refinement. It blurs the traces between monocoque and ladder-frame SUVs very properly.
With the no-cost all-terrain tyre choice and Premium Towing Pack, you’ll be able to have a decked-out Everest for about $94,000 in your driveway and may be capable of deal with something and all the pieces you and your loved ones may throw at it. In any other case, a Sport V6 with the identical choices is about $10,000 cheaper.
My second decide would in all probability be the Isuzu MU-X which is kind of a bit extra attainable even in top-spec LS-T trim, although there’s no choice for a extra highly effective six-cylinder engine if that’s what you’re after.
MORE: Purchase an Audi Q7
MORE: Purchase a Ford Everest
Jordan Mulach
Subaru Outback
I’ve bought to observe my colleague Jack on this one, although primarily as a result of the Outback is the least SUV-like SUV. If we’re being trustworthy, it’s a wagon with a bit extra floor clearance, which isn’t precisely a nasty factor.
Lately I’ve needed to shake my preconceived notions of the Outback being an uncool automobile, which had been strengthened by my mum proudly owning 4 of them again to again (all with the two.5-litre and an computerized transmission).
Now that there’s a correct, grunty turbocharged 2.4 on provide within the XT, the Outback turns into a really entertaining proposition which may simply full the soccer run.
Lexus GX
Now I’m not available in the market for a ladder-frame SUV, but when I had received lotto then I’d be arduous pressed to not put the brand new Lexus GX in my driveway.
It appears mega, has loads of package and a twin-turbo V6 which received’t be out there in its Prado twin. It additionally helps that the GX is cheaper than the LX, however appears considerably higher (at the very least to my eye) and has extra bang to your buck.
MORE: Purchase a Subaru Outback
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William Stopford
Ford Everest
Of all of the body-on-frame SUVs on this section, the Everest could be my decide… although I’m very eager to get behind the wheel of a Lexus GX when it arrives right here.
It’s not excellent. The inside is much too near the Ranger which implies that, whereas the infotainment and cameras are top-notch, it’s quite low-cost and plasticky.
However the Everest rides exceptionally properly for a body-on-frame SUV, and its turbo-diesel V6 is a delight and one thing rivals just like the MU-X and Prado can’t match.
Mazda CX-90
I’ve spoken fondly earlier than of Hyundai’s Palisade and Santa Fe earlier than, notably the latter in hybrid guise. And if the hypothetical funds extends greater, the BMW X5 is my decide of the massive luxurious SUVs.
I’m going to separate the distinction, although, and go along with one thing that has a rear/all-wheel drive platform and inline six-cylinder engines just like the BMW, however a worth nearer to the Hyundais.
Just like the Everest, the CX-90 isn’t excellent. The experience is a bit agency, and the powertrain wants a bit smoothing out, although Mazda has proven it’s listening to clients and critics with its latest CX-60 replace.
The inside additionally isn’t fairly as good because the likes of an X5 or Genesis GV80, however it’s cheaper than both. General, its mixture of poised dynamics, a spacious cabin and good gasoline financial system is compelling.
MORE: Purchase a Ford Everest
MORE: Purchase a Mazda CX-90
