No car segment has grown in popularity in Australia quite like the Sport Utility Vehicle, or SUV. In fact, 49.6% of all
new cars sold in Australia during 2020 were SUVs – up from 45.5% in 2019. And it’s not hard to see why. From their elevated ride height to their versatile interiors and suite of cutting-edge technologies, SUVs appeal to a broad range of drivers.
So, if an SUV has been on your mind, now could be the ideal time to make your move. However, with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin your search. Our guide will outline some key considerations to guide you on your way to finding an SUV that suits your needs.
Begin with a budgetNaturally, your budget is the starting point that will determine your search parameters. Our
novated leasing calculator can help you estimate your weekly repayments for different car prices. Key variables influencing the price of SUVs include size and drive type.
Remember: size matters
SUVs come in three sizes: small (or compact), mid-size and large. With an SUV, it’s a matter of finding one that’s ‘just right’, rather than thinking bigger equals better. To avoid spending more than you need to, be realistic about the type of driving your lifestyle requires.
Almost all SUVs carry at least five people. Some mid-size and full-size models include a third-row seat that increases passenger capacity to six, seven or eight. Most SUVs boast versatile seating configurations, which means that all the space behind the front seats is available for cargo with the second- and third-row seats folded down.
Hot tip: Look for seats that fold flat to get the most out of the space.
Consider one of these popular SUVs
Mazda CX-3
A stylish and practical small SUV
Ford Everest
A 5- to 7-seater large SUV with impressive towing capacity
Subaru Forester
Seven variants to choose from with this medium SUV
Consider yourself a city slicker?
If you’re likely to be zipping around city streets, consider a compact SUV. With small engines and proportions, these entry-level SUVs have decent fuel economy and are easy to manoeuvre.
Want the best of both worlds?
Mid-size SUVs are popular with families. They build on the compact SUV concept, offering even more comfort and cargo capacity. Often there’s an option for an engine that packs a little more punch (such as a V6 as opposed to a 4cyl) and moderate off-road capability.
Gearing up for bigger adventures?
If you’re planning to take regular road trips or have lots of passengers and large cargo to carry, then a larger SUV could be an option to consider. There is plenty of power, interior space and towing capacity with large SUVs, which makes them a popular choice for off-road adventurers.
Hot tip: To check the comfort and roominess of the back seats, you may wish to enlist some passengers for your test drive.
Don’t compromise on safety
You’ll want to find an SUV that ticks all the boxes when it comes to safety – and thankfully most come with a suite of comprehensive features as standard. These include crash avoidance technologies like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind spot warning.
Hot tip: Be sure to research and list the safety features that are important to you and check what comes standard to help you select your preferred brand or vehicle variant.
Consider one of these popular SUVs
Mazda CX-5
The technology found in this mid-sized SUV is on a new level
BMW X1
Its eye-catching design may be the first thing you notice about this small SUV
Nissan X-TRAIL
A spacious mid-sized SUV that gets you from here to there, and everywhere in between
Which wheel drive?
It’s also important to decide whether you need two-wheel drive (2WD), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). With 2WD, the engine’s power is commonly channelled to the front wheels. This is best suited to motoring around urban areas. With 4WD and AWD, torque is supplied to all four wheels. AWD vehicles have a four-wheel drive system designed to maximise road traction. 4WD is typically found in large SUV vehicles that are more suitable for off-road situations.
Hot tip: The drive type does influence vehicle price, so it pays to consider your needs.
While there are differences between manufacturers, 4WD tends to signify a more ‘heavy duty’ system, while AWD is less rugged and more suited for everyday driving with occasional dirt or mild off-road use.
Thinking of going green?There's no stopping the electric SUV revolution. More and more hybrid and all-electric models are becoming available, appealing to the environmentally conscious drivers of Australia. To get an idea of how economical (or otherwise) your vehicle will be to run and to discover the top environmental performers, take a look at the Australian Government’s
Green Vehicle Guide.
Tech it out
As with safety equipment, most SUVs now come with the latest in driving assistance and multimedia technologies. Smartphone integration has become a popular feature for drivers in recent years, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard on many models. Other exciting features that are common on a lot of models today include 9- and 10-inch touchscreens, power-operated hands-free tailgates and voice assistance technology that allows you to control certain settings with simple spoken commands.
Weigh up the warranty
If you’re still having trouble deciding on your ideal vehicle, factoring in the value offered by the manufacturer warranty may help. A quick online search will help you compare warranty periods and inclusions at a glance.
Consider one of these popular SUVs
Hyundai Tucson
The stylish and practical mid-sized Hyundai Tucson serves many purposes
Mitsubishi ASX
A compact small SUV that’s packed with the latest tech to keep you safe, connected and entertained
Audi Q5
A mid-sized SUV that’s the perfect combination of styling, safety, technology and connectivity