Each year we compile a comprehensive buyers guide to all the 4WD/AWD SUV's and utilites currently available, excluding just a few in the very rarefied price category.
In the SUV section you might feel that there are some popular models missing, especially amongst the small SUV section. This is due to the fact that the manufacturers have moved to primarily supply 2WD/FWD models to this market. Some retain one AWD specification, but a lot like Mazda with the CX3 only have FWD models. As we are proudly a 4WD magazine they don't fit into this guide, they are however covered in our NZSUV 2022 guide which was published a few months ago.
SUV's continue to grow in popularity – to the end of October 2022 over 75 per cent of passenger vehicles sold new were SUV's (up around one percentage point from 2021). Interestingly the medium SUV's have had a surge overtaking by some margin the small SUV's that had the highest volume last year.
There are a number of new and updated models this year. New to the guide is the Toyota Corolla Cross, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 and BMW 1x. There were significant model updates to amongst others the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Suzuki SCross.
There are a lot more hybrid, PHEV and EV options than a year ago, as the popularity of these variants grows with their economy and green credentials.
There was less change in the utes, with the only major upgrade being the new Ford Ranger, Mazda added their top end Takami model to the BT-50 range. There are still no hybrid, PHEV or EV utes – maybe 2023 will see a few additions here although we suspect it is sometime before we see significant electrification activity in the ute segment.
Audi Q2 AWD
Relaunched in 2020 as the first of over 25 model updates, the Audi Q2 AWD versions includes the SQ2 super model. The Q2 has possibly the most dramatic Audi ‘face’ with the octagonal single frame grille being the centre piece of the chiselled look of Audi's smallest SUV.
Audi Q3
Audi's Q3 takes Audi's concept of a small SUV and intensifies it, making dramatic performance enhancements at the same time. The Q3 offers improved on-road handling with sharper chassis dynamics.
BMW X1
BMW's X1 has really come into its own as an aspirational SUV which started its life as a rear wheel drive and later transitioned into a front wheel drive. Based on the 1 Series hatch platform, the X1 SUV makes no compromises in terms of driving dynamics.
BMW IX
The start of a new era for BMW, the iX sports innovative eDrive technology mated to a fully electric all-wheel-drive system. Powerful acceleration and significant range adds to BMW's experience in driving excellence to carry the brand into tomorrow.
BMW X2
BMW's X2 – like the X1 – is based on the 1-Series hatchback platform. The X2 has been designed as a literal SUV, geared for Sporty performance then Utilitarianism in that order. X2 has an extensive range of adventuring accessories to compensate.
Haval Jolion
The most affordable SUV from the Haval stable, the Jolion has the most strikingly different exterior of all the Haval products but shows its Chinese design cues on the inside. Specification-wise, the Jolion offers significant surprise and delight features and, while technically a small SUV, is remarkably generous in terms of cabin space. The introduction of a hybrid model ensures Haval's future as a significant market player.
Hyundai Kona Series II
Hyundai's Kona started off well and the second generation just took it ahead in leaps and bounds in terms of the ride quality and the desirability of its electric only offerings. Kona retains a contemporary appearance, while its sleek lines go a long way to its economic and environmental footprint.
Jaguar E-Pace
The first compact marque from the ‘true gentleman's’ marque, the Jaguar E-Pace offers two models of comparable spec level, the difference lying in the heart and soul of the two, nine-speed, four pawed big Cats.
Jeep Compass
All new for 2022, the Jeep Compass range has been reduced to two, with the toplevel spec wanting for little. A solid performer in the 4WD stakes, the all-new Compass is formidably equipped, impressively capable both on-road and off and surprisingly affordable, given its heritage and comprehensive features list.
Kia Seltos
The Kia which changed a brand's direction, the Seltos soared to stardom before it even arrived, introduced as it was, with a pre-arrival, place-a-deposit campaign which other
