As a result, they’ve become by far Australia’s favourite type of car, with buyers gravitating toward these benefits far more than any other type of car. This popularity, though, means that there’s more choice than ever before, but also a more crowded lineup of options that can be difficult to discern if you’re not sure what to look for.
To help you out a little bit with your search, we’ve put together this list of the 9 best value SUVs on sale here in Australia. Let’s take a closer look at your options, and what you’re getting for your money.
Need help narrowing down your choices?
Get in touch with one of our Car Buying Specialists today
Request a quote1. MG HS
If value is a top priority, look no further than the MG HS. It’s a five-seat midsize SUV that wears a drive-away price tag under $30,000, which is pretty much impossible for any of its competitors to replicate, and leads the Australian market in terms of sheer value for money.
For the price of $29,990, the entry-level MG HS receives a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 124kW of power and 250Nm of torque, with power sent to the wheels via a fancy seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The five-seat interior offers a heap of space and practicality, with the added bonus of a family-friendly 463L of boot space. Standard equipment on the base model includes a set of 17-inch alloys, LED lights, a reversing camera and sensors, as well as a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, rounding-out the huge value for money proposition on offer in the HS.
There’s even a hybrid EV option within the HS lineup, however, that comes at a cost of $47,990.
2. Mitsubishi Outlander
Not too long ago, Mitsubishi gave its Outlander a brand new platform offering far more space than before, as well as a styling refresh and more equipment as standard on the base model.
Priced at just $34,490, the entry-level Outlander ES comes in a five-seat layout, while a seven-seat configuration brings the price tag up to $35,490 which is still impressive for a seven-seater.
Up front, the cabin is restyled and features a number of practical, family-friendly elements, while rear legroom is outstanding thanks to the new platform. Power is supplied by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder across the range, meaning the base model receives the same engine as the flagship, producing 135kW of power and 245Nm of torque.
Perhaps best of all, the Outlander comes with Mitsubishi’s class-leading ten-year warranty coverage, which is an important consideration for Australian families looking to save money in the long term.
3. Toyota RAV4
Priced at $34,400, the Toyota RAV4 has long been a best-seller for Australian families.
Better still, the range has been updated with hybrid options across each trim level, meaning you can step into a hybrid GX variant for just $36,900, making for one of the most affordable hybrid SUVs on the road.
The RAV4 is a pleasure to drive around town and on long-distance journeys and features a spacious cabin in the first and second rows of the cabin which is perfect for family duties. Power is supplied by a 2.0-litre petrol producing 127kW of power and 203Nm of torque, with power put to the road with a smooth CVT automatic that makes town driving a simple task.
The RAV4 hybrid increases the power figure up to an impressive 160kW of power, giving buyers a heap of acceleration at their disposal, in one of the most family-friendly packages on the Australian market.
4. Mazda CX-5
One of the RAV4’s fiercest rivals, the Mazda CX-5, is another hit when it comes to value in the midsize SUV segment, with prices undercutting the Toyota, kicking off from $32,190 for the entry-level CX-5 Maxx.
For your money, you receive a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 115kW of power and 200Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual, while the automatic is priced at $34,190.
Standard equipment for the entry-level CX-5 Maxx includes a set of 17-inch alloys, as well as LED lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and a heap of active safety technologies.
All this value, combined with one of the sleekest interior designs you’ll find on the market and Mazda’s five-year warranty coverage make for one seriously impressive value proposition within the midsize SUV market.
5. Hyundai Tucson
Recently, Hyundai introduced a brand new Tucson replacement that brought in a significant size increase for the company’s midsize SUV, as well as a heap of entertainment and active safety technologies.
The Tucson range kicks off from $34,500 for the entry-level 2.0 model, which is powered by a four-cylinder petrol producing 115kW of power and 192Nm of torque, with power sent to the wheels via a smooth torque-converter automatic.
With more space for longer legs in the second row of the cabin, the Tucson is much more capable when it comes to family duties, and offers a large 539L boot to prove it.
For your money, the entry-level Tucson comes riding on 17-inch alloys, and receives LED daytime running lamps, cloth upholstery, a reversing camera with parking sensors and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, making for a well-equipped, capable and undeniably well-priced midsize SUV.
6. Kia Sportage
Twin-under-the-skin to the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage offers buyers an identical value proposition that benefits from more interior space and practicality as standard, as well as added entertainment and safety features.
Priced at $32,445, Kia’s entry-level Sportage S comes packaged with the same engine as the Tucson, while offering turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel options as you move further up the range.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear-view camera with parking sensors and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, paired with a six-speaker sound system.
The Sportage also receives adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, and autonomous emergency braking. Better still, the all-new Sportage is backed by the company’s seven-year warranty for added peace of mind in the long run.
7. Skoda Karoq
The Skoda Karoq is one of the hidden gems in the Australian marketplace, especially when you consider it’s effectively a Volkswagen wearing a Skoda badge.
It competes in the midsize SUV segment, and with prices standing at just $32,990 for the entry-level 110TSI, it’s also extremely good value for the segment, and packs a clever removable seat design that adds a heap of flexibility for Australian families.
Power is supplied by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission which returns a fuel economy score of 6.6L/100km.
For the money, the Karoq comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry, a digital dashboard and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
8. Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is one of the better driving vehicles on this list, and surprisingly comes with an affordable price tag when you consider just how much quality and equipment is on offer in the base model.
Priced from $36,490, the Ford Escape features a turbocharged engine producing an impressive 183kW of power and 387Nm of torque, making it the fastest car on our list, but also one of the smoothest thanks to the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment for the base model includes 18-inch alloys, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, LED headlights, keyless entry, rear cross-traffic alerts and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For those looking for a hybrid, Ford also offers the Escape as a plug-in hybrid EV, but this raises the price tag to $53,440.
9. Honda CR-V
We’ll wrap up our list with one of the heavy-hitters in the world of affordable SUVs, the Honda CR-V.
Honda’s base model, the CR-V Vi is priced at $35,500, and is an incredibly impressive vehicle that welcomes families and their belongings for short trips around town or long distance road trips in comfort and style.
The base model receives a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 113kW of power and 189Nm of torque, paired with a CVT automatic that makes town driving exceptionally smooth. The suspension package is perfect for Australia, remaining smooth on city streets while offering support on rough country road surfaces, adding to the overall flexibility of the package.
Standard equipment for the CR-V Vi includes 17-inch alloys, cruise control, a reversing camera, dual-zone climate control and a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Get a Free Quote
If our list has got your imagination running wild, click here to get a free quote, or to get in touch with one of our car buying experts.
