Because the yr involves a detailed, we’re trying again on the vehicles that wowed the CarExpert take a look at crew in 2024.
This time round we’re specializing in massive SUVs, the staple automobile of households throughout Australia.
New for 2024, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-80 each made a splash on arrival, incomes the reward of our crew. In the meantime, acquainted nameplates additionally impressed.
We’ve had the prospect to drive loads this yr, and these are the 5 that topped our rating charts over the calendar yr.
A few of these fashions have been reviewed on a number of events this yr – in that situation, we’ve featured the variant that achieved the best score.
These fashions all compete within the massive SUV underneath $80,000 class, as outlined by VFACTS gross sales statistics revealed by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
Costs are primarily based on every producer’s configurators for a Victorian postcode, which ought to offer you a consultant estimate of what the typical purchaser will find yourself paying.
100s of latest automobile offers can be found by CarExpert proper now. Get the specialists in your facet and rating an incredible deal. Browse now.
-
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid -
Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel
| Mannequin | CarExpert Ranking | Victorian drive-away worth |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel | 8.4 | $84,647 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD | 8.4 | $60,689 |
| Kia Sorento | 8.4 | $54,090 – $80,189 |
| Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 | 8.3 | $81,904 |
| Mazda CX-80 | 8.3 | $60,182 – $80,189 |
Hyundai Palisade
We couldn’t break up the highest three massive SUVs on this yr’s scores, so the Hyundai Palisade options first alphabetically.
It’s a hefty unit with a hefty price ticket, however the Hyundai Palisade is a strong alternative should you look previous the annoying security tech.
Scoring an 8.4/10 general, the Palisade faired greatest within the worth for cash, security and match for goal classes, and solely dropped beneath eight for efficiency.
Inside, Hyundai’s SUV flagship is luxuriously appointed and well-laid out, which implies it’s each comfy and pleasing to the attention.
And intrusive security techniques apart, the Palisade does every thing you’d count on it to whenever you’re driving round city or within the metropolis. The cheaper variations will get you by simply nice, but when cosmetics are your factor it’s exhausting to look previous the stealthy Black Ink.
Our tester was powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 147kW of energy and 440Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed computerized transmission and all-wheel drive. Gas consumption is quoted at 7.3L/100km.
You may learn our full evaluation of the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel right here
| Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert score | 8.4 |
| Victorian drive-away worth | $84,647 |
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Imply blacked-out exterior | Annoying driver help tech |
| Powerful diesel powertrain | No wi-fi Apple CarPlay |
| Loads of area inside | A bit expensive |
Eager about shopping for a Hyundai Palisade? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
MORE: The whole lot Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Santa Fe
A pair of Hyundais prime our scores, with the Santa Fe additionally scoring 8.4/10.
Launched this yr, every member of the brand new Santa Fe vary made a optimistic impression on our crew, however the base front-wheel drive variant proved to be the choose of the lineup.
Providing a collection of options and tech with seven seats for $55,000 earlier than on-road prices, the Santa Fe Hybrid scored extremely for worth for cash (9), expertise infotainment (9), and match for goal (9).
Certainly, the Santa Fe Hybrid could be very nicely rounded. It’s spacious, well-featured, comparatively environment friendly (5.4L/100km common gas consumption) and presents good on-road efficiency from a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that makes 172kW and 367Nm, despatched to the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed computerized transmission.
Hyundai’s aftersales program stacks up with rivals too, so there’s loads to like.
The principle downside we famous was polarising seems, because the boxy new design gained’t be for everybody.
You may learn our full evaluation of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD right here
| Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid FWD | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert score | 8.4 |
| Victorian drive-away worth | $60,689 |
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharp pricing, worth | Quick 10,000km service intervals |
| Refined, environment friendly hybrid drivetrain | Appears to be like will little doubt polarise |
| A lot improved inside area | Wants an additional gear |
Eager about shopping for a Hyundai Santa Fe? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
MORE: The whole lot Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sorento
Rounding out the tied trio for first place is the up to date Kia Sorento, which scored 8.4/10 at launch again in January.
The Sorento excelled within the expertise infotainment (9), match for goal (9), and dealing with dynamics (9) classes, with out displaying any actual weaknesses.
With heaps of area, sharp seems, and an opulent characteristic checklist greater up the vary, we have been joyful to advocate variants proper throughout the lineup, from the bottom mannequin as much as the flagship GT-Line.
Mid-life upgrades handle key areas for enchancment on the outdated mannequin, particularly the infotainment tech and including among the extra fascinating options beforehand reserved for the GT-Line additional down; whereas the retuned steering and chassis makes for an much more participating drive.
Though a number of powertrains are supplied, the diesel is the choose for all-round drivability and effectivity, producing 148kW of energy and 440Nm of torque.
You may learn our full evaluation of the Kia Sorento right here
| Kia Sorento | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert score | 8.4 |
| Victorian drive-away worth | $54,090 – $80,189 |
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| New infotainment tech is top-notch | Annoying ‘Pace Restrict Help’ |
| Retuned chassis makes a very good factor nice | No developments to drivetrains |
| Versatile cabin is additional plush in GT-Line spec | HEV and PHEV nonetheless a couple of months away |
Eager about shopping for a Kia Sorento? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
MORE: The whole lot Kia Sorento
Ford Everest
The ute-based Ford Everest fell simply wanting besting the sector on this yr’s scores, nevertheless it presents a really totally different set of attributes to aforementioned rivals.
In Sport 4×4 V6 trim, the Everest stands out from each a security (9) and match for goal (9) standpoint, whereas additionally providing sturdy efficiency and trip consolation.
It blends spectacular street manners with idiot-proof off-road expertise, and a wholesome dose of towing capacity as well.
The just about-range-topping Sport is a brilliant spec, with the choose of the 2 engine choices. Below 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.
Whereas it’s not probably the most environment friendly lump, the engine is nice for 3500kg braked towing capability, positioning the Everest Sport as a succesful weekend hauler.
The tarted up inside within the Sport additionally helps to justify its steeper sticker worth when in comparison with different variants within the vary.
You may learn our full evaluation of the Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 right here
| Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert score | 8.3 |
| Victorian drive-away worth | $81,904 |
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Refined drive regardless of off-road focus | Service pricing is up |
| Torquey V6 stays a phase standout | Feels ute-based inside, regardless of the value |
| Improved inside expertise since launch | Lacking tools that must be customary |
Eager about shopping for a Ford Everest? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
MORE: The whole lot Ford Everest
Mazda CX-80
Mazda’s all-new seven-seat SUV arrived again in November, and it was an on the spot hit with a rating of 8.3/10.
The CX-80 instantly stood out as a sensible automobile with loads of inside area, and it presents nicely too.
There are a great deal of configurations accessible by way of numerous trim grades and powertrain choices, which implies there’s prone to be a CX-80 that can fit your wants nicely.
Its worth is compelling too, given it undercuts the smaller but associated CX-60 and provides seven-seat capability as customary.
The one potential flaw for some consumers could possibly be trip consolation, however the CX-80’s comparatively sporty dynamics, upmarket inside and strong efficiency are inclined to make up for that – particularly in six-cylinder petrol and diesel guises.
You may learn our full evaluation of the Mazda CX-80 right here
| Mazda CX-80 | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert score | 8.3 |
| Victorian drive-away worth | $60,182 – $80,189 |
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Aggressive pricing | Questionable trip high quality |
| Genuinely upmarket inside | Extremely strung PHEV powertrain |
| Beefy petrol and diesel engines | Low-cost-ish lower-grade instrument clusters |
Eager about shopping for a Mazda CX-80? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
