Australians love mid-size SUVs.
Previously, keeping up with the Joneses was about whether the Commodore or Falcon were in the driveway, in 2023 it was about whether you chose the RAV4, CR-V or Outlander.
Manufacturers have taken notice and there are loads of options in Australia in 2022.
We used VFACTS data, compiled by the highest body for car manufacturers in Australia, to compile the following list of options – with a caveat.
The Tesla Model Y is leading the sales charts and we believe it represents a very practical alternative to the cars listed below. With that in mind, it was added to the list.
Many of these stories will come to other categories and prices, so don’t worry if your favorite car isn’t on this list.
Here are our picks.
Anthony Crawford: Honda ZR-V
It’s no surprise that mid-size SUVs have become the best-selling segment in Australia by huge margins – there’s plenty of talent on offer.
At the top of my shopping list are Cupra Formentor and Honda’s ZR-V e:HEV, with pretty similar payouts.
The Cupra is a definitely sporty option with eye-catching styling, great colors and sharp handling, especially given the value-for-money VZ specs.
But it’s the Honda that makes my money, but only in the top-end e:HEV LX trim. The extra power from the hybrid powertrain eliminates any lag at low speeds, so it’s fun to ride around town and offers excellent fuel economy at the same time.
The chassis simply stands out, which translates into excellent handling and handling attributes – and as such, it still ranks highly on the fun ride measure.
I love the styling, but it’s the quality of the materials, the fit and finish inside, and the clever spatial arrangement that make this SUV a complete and desirable package for me.
Scott Collie: Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan will be replaced soon, but it will still be my choice.
The Tiguan Allspace Adventure, with its wide trunk, powerful engine, simple interior and small wheels, would suit me perfectly. The fact that you get the snow necklace for free is a win.
With a longer tailgate, more rear legroom, and a larger trunk than the regular model, it’s plenty if you’re looking for a family car but don’t need seven seats – or if you want to be able to take your friends skiing in comfort.
THAN: New Volkswagen Tiguan car deals
Alborz Fallah: Cupra Formentor
I would buy a Cupra Formentor simply because of its uniqueness.
It has some quirks, such as the A/C controls that don’t light up at night, but other than that, it’s a really nice car (Urus baby?) and drives as good as it looks.
However, you can get sick of people asking you what it is. I had one for a short while and one guy asked me if it was the body kit on a Urus…
THAN: Cupra Formentor new car deals
Jade Credentino: Volkswagen Tiguan
There will be a few cars that I can choose from, but I will get bored of them pretty quickly… while the Volkswagen Tiguan R will satisfy me.
It combines performance with practicality, despite the price jumping into the luxury car segment.
I had the opportunity to test drive one last year and it marked a number of points that other cars in the segment cannot do.
I’m looking forward to the new model coming out in the next 12-24 months to see how Volkswagen can improve on an already perfect SUV.
Jack Quick: Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage still stands out to me as a mid-size SUV that I really want to buy.
So far, I’ve experienced many flavors of the current-generation Sportage and think I’d go for the SX+ or GT-Line with the turbo-diesel engine.
The powerful and incredibly quiet 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine complements the Sportage’s high-tech interior. It’s worth mentioning that there’s more space than ever before, thanks in part to the longer wheelbase on the new model.
Paul Maric: Tesla Model Y
I will buy a Tesla Model Y.
It’s arguably one of the most boring cars of the bunch listed, but it’s an absolute bargain when you consider what you get for the entry-level money.
Best-in-class storage, best-in-class tech, and you get electric vehicle tech, which currently requires a substantial premium. The other end result is the level of subsidies available in most states (with the exception of Victoria, which has phased out the EV subsidy and is now turning the tide to help pay its bills).
Some will argue that the entry-level model doesn’t have the range they need compared to an internal combustion engine, but for most Australians that’s okay.
However, we are at a crossroads. Despite record-high levels of renewables in the system, electricity prices are skyrocketing – so it may not be the right time to buy an EV if you’re on a grid without solar and just buying to save money on fuel.
James Wong: Nissan X-Trail
While the Cupra Formentor will likely be a favorite for my single lifestyle, I feel that many buyers in this segment have a child or two to consider.
My parents switched from a Mitsubishi Galant to a 2000 Honda CR-V when my brother was born, which eventually became my first car.
I don’t think the latest CR-V will do it for the JWo family man in 2023, but the Nissan X-Trail e-Power with e-4orce will – as long as I don’t have to constantly say its full name.
While not as efficient as the equivalent RAV4 Hybrid, the X-Trail e-Power, with its two powerful, refined e-motors and impressively luxurious Ti-L trim for an entry-level vehicle.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a seven-seat option in Australia yet, but the X-Trail has plenty of space for a growing family, with enough luxuries to boot.
Perhaps when the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid launch in Australia, it might be a little harder for me to choose…
William Stopford: Cupra Formentor
The mid-size SUV segment is often thought of as boring, but there are a few options that appeal to me: the Nissan X-Trail e-Power is economical and refined, while the smaller Mazda CX-5 G35 is powerful and fun to drive.
However, since I don’t have kids yet, space isn’t as important as driving dynamics at all. As a result, I feel compelled to pick the mid-size SUV that feels the least like a mid-size SUV: the Cupra Formentor.
I really forgot this is even classed as mid-size by VFACTS because although it’s not cramped, it doesn’t have a Haval H6 inside. But its biggest draw is in its dynamics and styling, more like the Cupra Leon than any other SUV at this end of the market. The interior is also stylish, if not devoid of annoyances.
I’ve only driven the VZx so far but I love every minute of it. However, I may be tempted by other variations.
