The ONLY SUVs you should buy! (at every budget)

Overview

The presenters select two nominees and a winner for each price bracket, based on advertised Australian used-car prices and vehicles they found for sale. They exclude large 4x4s and very small SUVs, and do not repeat a model across brackets.

They caution that cars often sell for 10–20% below their advertised price. No numerical ratings or scores are given.

Picks by budget

$5,000–$10,000

• Subaru XV (first generation): A good option with a manual transmission and solid service history. The CVT is considered troublesome; the car is somewhat underpowered and can ride harshly. Watch for oil leaks from the FB-series engine. Prices start around $6,000, though some examples cost considerably more.
• Mitsubishi Outlander (third generation): Its four-cylinder petrol engine is reliable, and the oil-consumption issue in the earlier generation was reportedly resolved. The 2.2-litre diesel is economical but noisy and slow. It is practical and well-equipped for the money, but dull to drive.
• Also mentioned — Subaru Forester: The same-generation Forester is an option, but its 2.0-litre engine is very slow.
• Winner — Honda CR-V (third generation): The K24 engine is exceptionally durable, though some engines burn or leak oil. Low running costs, great practicality and pleasant driving manners make it the best value in this group. It is somewhat boring and lacks the picnic table found in earlier CR-Vs. The presenters also regard the second generation as a good choice.

$10,000–$20,000

• Toyota RAV4 (fourth generation, XA40): Offers strong reliability, plentiful parts and support, and good road manners. The presenters recommend the 2.5-litre petrol engine; the 2.0-litre is slow, and the diesel should be avoided because repairs can be costly. High mileage is acceptable with a good service history, while poor servicing can lead to oil consumption.
• Mazda CX-3 (2.0-litre): Fun to drive—one presenter likens it to a small-SUV version of the Mazda MX-5—and available with AWD. Downsides include limited rear-seat and boot space, road noise, and slightly worse economy and feel with AWD. Front-wheel drive is recommended unless AWD is genuinely needed.
• Winner — Lexus RX (third generation, AL10): The RX 350’s 2GR-FE engine is described as highly reliable, with excellent build quality, usability and durability. A high-mileage example can still be worthwhile. The RX 450h hybrid costs more, so fuel savings may not offset its higher purchase price. The four-cylinder RX 270 is considered too slow and dull. The Toyota Kluger/Highlander is a related alternative. Both Lexus and Toyota versions are criticised for their dated, awkward infotainment and trackpad systems.

$20,000–$40,000

• Suzuki Vitara (1.4-litre turbo): An underrated, lively choice. Front-wheel drive is considered sufficient for most buyers. The cabin can feel small, cheap or basic, though the presenters see that as part of its character. They recommend it over a new, inexpensive Chinese SUV.
• Mazda CX-5: A popular, widely available and generally reliable option. Choose the 2.5-litre petrol over the 2.0-litre, since the fuel-economy difference is small and the larger engine is nicer to live with. Avoid the diesel because of serious, costly turbo problems. Several generations and trims fit this price range; the presenters favour a well-equipped petrol model.
• Winner — Lexus NX (first generation): Praised as exceptionally reliable and more luxurious and refined to own than a RAV4, without the typical running-cost headaches of premium European SUVs. Its Toyota-derived engines and hybrids are considered robust. The hybrid’s engine is mechanically simpler, but hybrids command a higher used price. Whether a hybrid is worthwhile depends on driving habits, ownership duration and fuel savings.

$40,000–$80,000

• Kia Sportage (fifth generation, NQ5): A polished, safe-feeling and refined SUV. The petrol, diesel and hybrid options are all viewed favourably, though the turbo-petrol hybrid setup is more complex. The presenters consider spending up to about $65,000 sufficient. It is closely related to the Hyundai Tucson, but the Sportage’s Australia-specific suspension tuning is said to give it a nicer ride.
• Tie for winner:
  • Toyota Kluger/Highlander (XU70): Durable and comfortable, though the V6 is thirsty and the overall experience is a little boring. The hybrid is also praised for its reliability. The presenters suggest around $60,000 for a well-equipped hybrid with moderate mileage; spending the full $80,000 is unnecessary.
  • Genesis GV70: One presenter’s preferred winner. It offers strong value, premium-SUV features and a more reliable, less costly ownership proposition than comparable European SUVs. The 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 is especially recommended, even at higher mileage. Potential drawbacks include higher mileage for the money and a weaker support network in regional areas.

$80,000+

• Genesis GV80: A less expensive alternative to high-end Range Rover, Bentley or Rolls-Royce SUVs, with the presenters arguing it offers comparable appeal for far less money. Used examples can provide strong value. Parts availability and the dealer and support network are weaker than those of mainstream brands, and some people may dismiss it as “just a Hyundai.”
• Also mentioned — Hyundai Santa Fe: Considered an excellent vehicle, but its bold, unusual styling is divisive.
• Also mentioned — Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 is praised as special and more reliable than its reputation suggests. Battery-related electrical issues may be fixed by fitting a good-quality battery. The major drawback is severe depreciation: the presenters describe potentially losing $50,000–$80,000 in value within a few years when buying new. Used prices are much more appealing.
• Winner — Porsche Macan GTS: Highly enjoyable and distinctive to drive, despite sharing much with the Audi Q5. A refreshed GTS can fit the budget, but its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 requires careful maintenance and can be expensive to repair. The presenters recommend frequent servicing—at least every 10,000 km—and warn against examples with long service gaps. The Macan T, with a later version of the Volkswagen Golf R’s 2.0-litre turbo engine, is presented as a more affordable-to-run alternative. The GTS’s performance can also tempt drivers to speed.
• Also mentioned — Porsche Cayenne: A more spacious, luxurious and comfortable choice. A third-generation example may be available for under $80,000 and with less than 100,000 km. The presenters suggest the Cayenne S is enough for most buyers, but warn that powerful versions share engines with performance models and should be treated carefully.

Overall verdict

The presenters favour reliable, well-maintained petrol or hybrid SUVs and repeatedly stress the importance of checking service history. Their tier winners are the Honda CR-V, Lexus RX, Lexus NX, a tie between the Toyota Kluger and Genesis GV70, and the Porsche Macan GTS.

The Macan is the most engaging choice, but also among the riskiest and costliest to maintain. Buyers prioritising dependability and running costs should consider the mainstream and Lexus picks.

Different presenter views

• The clearest disagreement is in the $40,000–$80,000 bracket: one presenter selects the Toyota Kluger, while the other chooses the Genesis GV70.
• Both presenters generally praise the Genesis GV70, but one is especially enthusiastic about its performance and value.
• The presenters also differ in their opinions of the Hyundai Santa Fe’s styling: one likes it, while another finds it highly controversial.