The votes are in, and SUVs continue to reign supreme when it comes to sales figures here in Australia, making them a go-to option for family buyers.
With so much competition within the SUV world, the end benefit for buyers is a world of options at attractive prices, so long as you know where to look.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at your best SUV options priced under $50,000 here in Australia to help you out with your next purchase.
Toyota RAV4
It’s been a sales-topping hero here in Australia for decades now, and there’s a good reason for it - the latest RAV4 range offers buyers undeniable value in the midsize SUV range for under $50,000.
For under the price cut-off, you can get your hands on pretty much every RAV4 variant on sale, except for the range-topping Edge variants, including hybrid engine options that cut fuel economy figures down to just 4.7L/100km.
Inside the RAV4’s cabin is extremely family-friendly, with more than enough space for five people and boot space up to a very generous 580L.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is another great SUV option for buyers looking for a cost-effective, practical and stylish SUV package from Europe.
While your options under $50,000 are cut down to just two variants, the Tiguan 110Life and the 132Life, both offer a nice slice of the premium SUV segment without breaking the bank.
Features for the 110 & 132Life variants include 18-inch alloys, LED head & tail lights, adaptive cruise control, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Mazda CX-8
If interior space and a stylish cabin is a top priority for your next SUV, the latest-generation Mazda CX-8 has you very much covered.
Mazda offers the CX-8 in a choice of a six and seven-seater layout inside the cabin, with the company remaining one of the leaders when it comes to stylish, premium-feeling and practical interior designs.
Engine options for the CX-8 include a 2.5-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel with fuel economy figures of 8.1L and 6.0L/100km, respectively, with 1800kg braked towing figures for the petrol and 2000kg for the turbo-diesel adding to the versatility of the package.
Check out our list of the 10 Most Comfortable and practical SUVs on Sale in Australia
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai is no stranger to the world of midsize SUVs, and offers the majority of its latest Tucson variants under the $50,000 mark.
For the money, you’ve got the choice of three engine options including a turbo-diesel unit, with fuel economy figures ranging from 6.3 - 8.1L/100km, depending on the variant, with the Tucson’s suspension system feeling at home here in Australia thanks to some local testing.
The Tucson’s boot measures in at 539L with the second-row standing, with braked towing power increasing from 1650kg in petrol variants up to 1900kg in the turbo-diesel Tucson.
Mazda CX-5
One of Australia’s favourite midsize SUV packages, the Mazda CX-5, continues to impress in its latest form thanks to its attractive design, practical interior and its impressive driving dynamics for a family-friendly package.
For under $50,000, you’ve got the choice of the CX-5 in five trim levels offering different levels of sporting and premium upgrades and four engine options, including a turbo-diesel that lifts towing figures up from 1800kg to 2000kg.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi’s hugely significant update for the Outlander has resulted in one of the most impressive value packages in the seven-seat SUV segment.
For under $50,000, Mitsubishi has three variants on offer for buyers, including the entry-level ES, mid-spec LS and upper-middle Aspire, each of which can be optioned in a five- or seven-seat configuration.
Standard equipment lists for the Outlander are generous, as is Mitsubishi’s segment-leading ten-year warranty for long-term peace of mind.
Isuzu MU-X
If you’re looking for an SUV package under $50,000 that isn’t afraid to get its toes dirty beating its way up an off-road track, or a long-distance holiday tour with a caravan in tow, the Isuzu MU-X is one of the most versatile packages on the market.
With the entry-level LX-M 4x2 sitting beneath our price cut-off, the MU-X is one of the most capable family-friendly workhorses on our list thanks to the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 140kW/450Nm and its D-Max underpinnings that offers 3500kg of towing power across the range.
Want to get a great deal on your new car?
Get in touch with one of our Car Buying Specialists today.
Request a quoteKia Sportage
Kia’s most dominant entrant to the world of SUVs, the Sportage, is a great midsize SUV package for growing Australian families, with almost every variant priced at less than $50,000.
That gives buyers three engine options, including a turbo-diesel variant, a jam-packed active safety equipment list and premium touches like leather upholstery, Bi-LED headlights, LED ambient lighting and two large 12.3-inch displays at the pointy end of the lineup.
Hyundai Santa Fe
For buyers looking for a seven-seat SUV priced under $50,000, the Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most accessible large SUVs here in Australia.
With two variants sneaking under our price cut-off, the entry-level Santa Fe 3.5-litre petrol FWD and the 2.2-litre diesel AWD give buyers a healthy choice of powertrains, and in the case of the latter, the added benefit of an all-wheel drive layout.
Inside, the Santa Fe’s cabin is extremely spacious and well-equipped, even in the base model which picks up a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, wireless phone charging and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Subaru Forester
Another famous name in the world of accessible family motoring is the Subaru Forester, which in its latest model year, has picked up a couple of hybrid engine options for the entire range that remains priced under $50,000.
The Forester’s adventurous nature makes it a super versatile SUV option here in Australia, and it feels at home on anything from off-road trails, rough country roads and smooth city streets alike.
The cabin’s design is utilitarian and easy to keep clean, with tonnes of headroom inside the spacious cabin layout and a decent 498L of boot space for sports equipment, surfboards and bulky cargo making it family-friendly and versatile.
Suzuki Vitara
While the Suzuki Vitara range is beginning to show some signs of age, it remains one of the most impressive value packages within Australia’s SUV range.
For under $50,000, you can get your hands on every single Vitara variant, including the range-topping 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and an all-wheel drive system, which returns fuel economy figures of 6.0L/100km.
Higher-spec members of the Vitara range pick up premium touches like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control and a heap of active safety gear.
Honda CR-V
Our list closes with another heavy-hitter in the midsize SUV world, the Honda CR-V.
Honda offers the CR-V in a five- and seven-seat layout for growing Aussie families, with power supplied by your choice of a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine or a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit offering more power and torque at 140kW/240Nm in total.
Power is thrown to the ground via a CVT automatic, with Honda offering front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive layouts for the platform, which boasts 522L of boot space in five-seat form, dropping to 150L in the seven-seat CR-V.
