Final 12 months, the big SUV phase in Australia was the fourth largest by gross sales quantity.
Ask an individual on the road for an instance of a giant SUV, and the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol is likely to 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 phase as an alternative covers every part from crossovers just like the Subaru Outback and Kia Sorento via 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 phase is cut up in two in VFACTS reporting: there are SUVs with a base worth beneath $80,000, and people with a base worth over that cap.
Meaning the definition covers every part from the circa-$43,000 LDV D90 all the way in which 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 crew suggest? Given the sheer range, a lot of the crew has provided two suggestions: a conventional body-on-frame SUV, and a unibody crossover.
Paul Maric
Undoubtedly the Lexus GX.
Whereas the fad of hybridisation and electrification is there in the intervening time, you possibly can’t beat the GX for efficiency punch, glorious off-road capacity and by no means having to consider discovering a charger whereas touring or towing.
It’s the last word massive luxurious SUV that received’t break the financial institution and comes with all of the perks of proudly owning a Lexus. Overtrail can be my choose!
MORE: Purchase a Lexus GX
Josh Nevett
Ford Everest
The gross sales charts don’t lie.
The Ford Everest makes loads 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 secure guess.
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 isn’t 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 EverestMORE: Purchase a Skoda Kodiaq
Jack Fast
Subaru Outback
If I needed to choose a big SUV I’d really purchase in 2024, I do know I’d positively go for the Subaru Outback. I’ve nominated this automotive earlier than in earlier op-eds and I proceed to actually need to personal one.
Whereas the common atmo 2.5-litre flat-four is an enough engine that does attain its limits at freeway speeds, I feel I’d be joyful 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 vital spacious five-seat cabins out of any new automotive presently in the marketplace. It genuinely looks like a sofa on wheels.
GWM Tank 300
I’m but to drive the bigger seven-seat Tank 500 however within the interim the big 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 favored the Tank 300 once I first sampled the common petrol model final 12 months.
The two.0-litre turbo-petrol engine actually will get the automotive transferring when requested. It’s additionally bought all of the bells and whistles to be a extremely succesful off-road beast.
The premium-pushing inside presentation within the Tank 300 is one other key level of choosing this automobile. It’s loopy to me you could get a model new automotive that appears this luxury inside for just a little over $45k drive-away.
MORE: Purchase a Subaru OutbackMORE: Purchase a GWM Tank 300
James Wong
Audi Q7
I don’t usually lust for SUVs however the concept of someday selecting up my children 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 consistent 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 might have a Q7 45 TDI from slightly below $100,000 plus on-road prices, and now it’s blown out to $116,400.
Additionally needless to say whereas the Q7 is a six-figure household chariot, it shares its bones and loads 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 purchasing record.
Ford Everest
If I wanted one thing a bit extra rugged that I’d be keen to tow with commonly or head off the overwhelmed monitor, I feel the Ford Everest can be my high choose.
Whereas there’s a brand new LandCruiser Prado on the way in which – and I’m obsessive about the design – it’s nonetheless not priced for our market nor have I seen one in individual. I’ll reserve my judgement for now then.
Within the meantime, the present Ford Everest, notably in Platinum V6 kind, places loads 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 effectively.
With the no-cost all-terrain tyre possibility and Premium Towing Pack, you possibly can have a decked-out Everest for about $94,000 in your driveway and will have the ability to deal with something and every part you and your loved ones would possibly throw at it. In any other case, a Sport V6 with the identical choices is about $10,000 cheaper.
My second choose would most likely be the Isuzu MU-X which is kind of a bit extra attainable even in top-spec LS-T trim, although there’s no possibility for a extra highly effective six-cylinder engine if that’s what you’re after.
MORE: Purchase an Audi Q7MORE: Purchase a Ford Everest
Jordan Mulach
Subaru Outback
I’ve bought to comply with 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 foul factor.
Lately I’ve needed to shake my preconceived notions of the Outback being an uncool automotive, which had been strengthened by my mum proudly owning 4 of them again to again (all with the two.5-litre and an automated transmission).
Now that there’s a correct, grunty turbocharged 2.4 on supply within the XT, the Outback turns into a really entertaining proposition which may simply full the soccer run.
Lexus GX
Now I’m not out there for a ladder-frame SUV, but when I had received lotto then I’d be onerous pressed to not put the brand new Lexus GX in my driveway.
It seems to be 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 seems to be considerably higher (a minimum of to my eye) and has extra bang on your buck.
MORE: Purchase a Subaru OutbackMORE: Purchase a Lexus GX
William Stopford
Ford Everest
Of all of the body-on-frame SUVs on this phase, the Everest can be my choose… 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 way too near the Ranger which implies that, whereas the infotainment and cameras are top-notch, it’s relatively low-cost and plasticky.
However the Everest rides exceptionally effectively 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 price range extends larger, the BMW X5 is my choose of the big 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 just a little smoothing out, although Mazda has proven it’s listening to clients and critics with its current CX-60 replace.
The inside additionally isn’t fairly as good because the likes of an X5 or Genesis GV80, but it surely’s cheaper than both. General, its mixture of poised dynamics, a spacious cabin and good gasoline economic system is compelling.
MORE: Purchase a Ford EverestMORE: Purchase a Mazda CX-90