Australian 4WD & SUV Buyer's Guide

Our piggybank indicates a vehicle that we think represents good value for money against the others in its class. It may not necessarily be the cheapest, but taking into account factors such as standard equipment, safety, the way it drives, resale val

Holden is now in its death throes, with dealers clearing the last of their stock prior to closing the doors and taking their Holden signs to the tip. We’ve left Holden in this issue, as some dealers still have a few vehicles left. You’ll pick one up

EDITOR Bill McKinnon DESIGNER Katharine McKinnon CONTRIBUTORS John Carey, Joshua Dowling, Phil King, Byron Mathioudakis, Brendan Batty, Andrew Chesterton, Dave Morley ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES (02) 9887 0642 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Martin White CHAIRMAN/CEO

The star rating for safety is from Australian ANCAP or European NCAP crash tests and the Green Vehicle Guide stars are as per the vehicle’s rating in the Green Vehicle Guide itself. Other star ratings, including the overall star rating, reflect how t

• Prices are supplied by manufacturers and do not include on-road charges, which vary from state to state. Note that advertised prices must now include all on-road costs. • The best way to get a good deal on a new car is to do your research, test dri

Remember when there was no such thing as a beautiful SUV? SUVs were spacious, sure. And capable. Even occasionally sporty. But they were never, ever beautiful. But clearly something has changed, because we defy anyone to gaze upon Alfa Romeo’s new St

Today’s Audi Q5 might seem barely changed since the original in 2009, but there’s exciting new stuff underneath its almost the same skin. Kicking off from $65,900 for the 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre 40 TDI diesel quattro and $66,900 for the 185kW/370Nm 2.0

Audi’s second-generation Q7 is a huge improvement over the first. That model’s whale-like scale made it a daunting vehicle to drive in the city and its high weight meant it had the handling agility of a humpback. Audi’s engineers found ways to shed a

If you need proof the world has gone mad for SUVs, look no further. Bentley's Bentayga is one of the most extreme and expensive of the breed. The Bentayga is based on the Audi Q7, with Bentley acquired by Germany’s Volkswagen-Audi Group in 1998. The

The second-generation BMW X1 shares much of its core technology, including its basic structure, with the latest versions of the Mini (a brand that is owned by BMW) as well as BMW’s 2 Series Active Tourer. The range opens with the sDrive 18i, at $44,5

BMW’s first X5, launched in 2000, immediately became the benchmark against which all other SUVs have since been judged. This fourth generation opens with the 170kW/450Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel/eight-speed automatic/all-wheel drive xDrive

Ford’s Ranger Raptor is priced at $76,290. Inspired by US desert racers, this is the little brother to the F-150 Raptor sold in North America. Compared with the standard top-spec Ranger Wildtrak, it gets a bold new grille, tucked front and rear bumpe

Double-cab 4x4 Ford Ranger pickups start at $47,840 for the 118kW/385Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel/six-speed manual XL. The 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder/six-speed manuals kick off at $48,390 for XL. XLS is $49,690, XLT is $56,640, FX4 is $59,140 an

The Ford Everest is basically a reskinned workhorse one-tonner ute, in this case the Ford Ranger. The Ranger is a good thing in the one-tonner context, but it’s difficult to disguise the primitive chassis engineering and workhorse origins of any one-

Fiat’s 500X is a long-wheelbase, five-door version of its cute-as, retro-look 500 small car. Prices start at $24,990 for the 103kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol/six-speed manual front-wheel-drive Pop. A six-speed dual-clutch automated manual adds $2000; in P

The Dodge Ram local right-hand drive conversion is done by American Special Vehicles, the same outfit that does the Chevy Silverado. The Ram lineup opens with the 291kW/556Nm 5.7-litre petrol Hemi V8/eight-speed auto/dual range 4x4 1500 Express Quad

This bold box-shaped seven-seater is Holden’s first fair-dinkum attempt at a family freighter that’s car-like to drive. As you may have guessed from the design, it comes from the USA, where it is sold as a GMC and competes with the Toyota Kluger, Maz

Ford Australia would prefer we didn’t call its new five-seater Endura SUV a Territory replacement. Endura, says Ford Australia, is a much more upmarket SUV, a “premium offering” for those who want something “special and opulent”. Endura is well equip

Ford’s Escape range opens with the 110kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol/six-speed manual/front-wheel-drive Ambiente, priced at $28,990. The six-speed auto is $30,490. All-wheel-drive models begin with the 134kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol Ambiente, with a six-speed

Haval, the biggest car company you probably know nothing about, is China’s leading SUV manufacturer. Its flagship model is the H9, a seven-seater 4WD best summed up as a cut-price Toyota Landcruiser Prado clone. Prices start at $40,990 for the LUX. T

Holden’s five-seater midsize Equinox SUV starts at $31,990 for the 127kW, 1.5-litre turbopetrol, six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive LT. The Black Edition is $34,990. A 188kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, with a nine-speed automatic and front-wheel drive

Holden’s 4x4 Colorado range opens with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel/six-speed manual LS single cab chassis, priced at $37,490. Six speed autos start with the LS Space cab chassis at $43,190. Crew cab chassis is $43,490 and Crew cab pickup

Holden’s Trax is a small SUV based on the now defunct Barina hatchback. It’s only available as a front-wheel drive, so think of it as an interesting take on the compact hatch with an SUV’s easy access and high, comfortable seating position. The base

Holden’s Trailblazer is a seven-seater wagon built on the Colorado one-tonner chassis. It also shares its frame, body and chassis with the Isuzu MU-X. The Trailblazer LT costs $47,990. The LT-Z, tested here, with the same mechanicals and more equipme

Honda’s HRV, a compact five-door SUV, combines extraordinary interior flexibility with a punchy drivetrain and handsome styling inside and out. The base 1.8-litre petrol/continuously variable automatic (CVT) VTi model costs $24,990. Then it’s the sam

Hyundai’s Venue, a small SUV, starts at $19,990 (plus on road costs) for the six-speed manual Go; a six-speed automatic adds $2000. Powered by a 90kW 1.6-litre petrol four, driving the front wheels, Go’s no frills standard equipment list includes 15-

Kona electric is Hyundai’s first battery-powered SUV. Prices start at $58,500 for the Launch Edition. Elite is $59,990 and Highlander, which we’re testing here, is $64,490. The 2.0-litre petrol-powered Kona Elite starts at $29,500. Highlander is $35,

Jaguar aimed ambitiously high with its new I-Pace mid-size luxury SUV. “The target was to create the best electric vehicle on the planet,” says Jaguar technical design director, Wolfgang Ziebart. And that is exactly what’s been done. I-Pace matches t

The Hyundai Santa Fe features seven seats in all models. The lineup opens with the 206kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed automatic/front-wheel-drive Active, at $43,000. Elite is $51,000 and Highlander is $57,500. The 147kW 2.2-litre turbodiesel/eight

Released in June 2012, Isuzu’s D-Max is now one of the oldest utes in the class. D-Max 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel 4x4 pricing starts at $38,200 for the single-cab chassis SX six-speed manual. Double-cab chassis SX is $43,400 and the Space ca

Performance SUVs have been with us almost as long as the SUV itself, but we’re in the midst of an unprecedented roll-out of go-fast versions. Unquestionably the bargain of the crowd is Jeep’s Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, which runs a 522kW supercharged

Isuzu’s MU-X seven-seater wagon uses the same body-on-ladder chassis construction as the D-Max ute but the wheelbase is shortened by 250mm, the ute’s rear leaf springs are replaced by coils, and discs replace drums at the rear. It’s also a twin under

The 2020Jeep Cherokee is the first major update of the KL model, launched in 2014. Trailhawk, which we’re testing here, sits at the top of the lineup and costs $48,450. It’s powered by a 3.2-litre V6, matched with a nine-speed automatic. While more b

The Grand Cherokee Limited 3.6-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed automatic is $63,950. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel models open with the Limited at $69,950. S Limited is $72,950, Trailhawk is $75,950, Overland is $79,450 and Summit is $85,950. S-Limited 5.

The base Discovery Sport P200 S, tested here, with a 147kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/nine-speed automatic/all-wheel drivetrain costs $60,500. That’s a notable value for money advantage over its Audi Q5/BMW X3/Mercedes GLC rivals in several key areas. It’

Kia’s Sorento is comparable in size with Toyota’s Kluger and the Nissan Pathfinder, with vast interior space for seven. Petrol-powered models are front-wheel drive. The range opens with the 206kW 3.5-litre V6/eight-speed automatic Si at $43,490; Spor

Kia’s Sportage SUV, which shares architecture with Hyundai’s Tucson and, size-wise, bridges the gap between compact and medium wagons, starts at $28,190 for the S front-wheel drive six-speed manual. This model is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine

Mazda’s CX-9 range starts at $45,920 for the 170kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol/six-speed automatic/front-wheel-drive Sport. CX9 Touring, with the same drivetrain, is $53,310, GT is $61,720 and Azami is $64,893. All-wheel-drive adds $4000 to e

Evolution is the name of the game for Australia’s most popular SUV. Starting from $30,880, the front-wheel drive Mazda CX-5 Maxx vies with Subaru’s Forester for safety honours in this class, with autonomous emergency braking front and rear as standar

Mazda’s BT-50 is the same truck as the Ford Ranger, but at it misses out on some of the Ford’s high-tech infotainment and safety features, plus the Ford’s drivetrain upgrades. Big price hikes in mid 2019 all but wiped out its value advantage it over

The shape of things to come from Mercedes-Benz has a familiar form. The German car maker’s first pure EV, the EQC 400 is, surprise, surprise, a family sized SUV, priced at $137,900. While SUVs are hugely popular, there are other reasons car makers fa

Mercedes-Benz fourth generation GLE range opens with the 300d at $99,900. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder, with a healthy 180kW of power and 500Nm of torque. The GLE 450 at $111,341 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbopetrol in-line

The base Pathfinder ST frontwheel drive is $44,240, ST+ is $45,340, N-Trek is $46,840, ST-L is $55,640 and Ti is $63,640. All-wheel drive variants add $2500. A 3.5-litre V6 petrol/CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) drivetrain is stand

The base Nissan X-Trail ST, at $29,890, is front-wheel drive (dubbed 2WD) and uses a 106kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed manual. The $31,890 ST gains the gutsy 126kW 2.5-litre unit that has served the series since its 2001 in

The 4WD dual-cab pickup Navara range opens with the 120kW/403Nm 2.3-litre turbodiesel/seven-speed automatic RX at $43,850. The SL manual, which runs the same engine with two turbochargers and 140kW/450Nm, is $45,050; the auto is $47,550. The ST is $4

Most car reviewers head for the driver’s seat when a new model arrives. With the seven-seat Peugeot 5008, however, you’re best to start your test drive at the tailgate. You might be wowed by the dealer opening the rear hatch with a deft swing of thei

The Warrior starts life as a top-of-the-range Navara N-Trek and then Australian-engineered tough bits are fitted locally. The engineering firm behind the Navara’s transformation into a Warrior is Premcar, the same outfit previously responsible for Fo

Porsche’s Macan range opens with the 185kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol base model at $82,200. The 260kW/480Nm 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbopetrol Macan S is $98,600. The 280kW/520Nm 2.9-litre twinturbo GTS is $109,700 and the 324kW/550Nm 2.9-litre twinturb

The 2020 Suzuki Jimny is simple, tough and cheap, keeping faith with its predecessors in a model line that stretches back almost 50 years. Priced from $25,990, the Jimny looks too cute and toylike to take seriously, but it’s the real 4WD deal. It run

LandCruiser Prado wagons with the 2.8-litre turbodiesel start with the GX six-speed manual at $54,090. GXL manual is $60,690, the VX auto is $73,990 and the Kakadu auto is $84,590. The six-speed auto is a $3000 option on GX and GXL. Two extra rear se

The Toyota Kluger dominates its sevenseater SUV segment with a combination of pricing, packaging, performance, ease of operation and long-term peace of mind. It isn’t difficult to imagine the Series II version continuing to do so. It’s more of the sa

The LandCruiser 200 Series 4.5-litre twin-turbodiesel V8 fiveseater GX is $77,832, eight-seater GXL is $89,222, seven-seater VX is $99,632 and seven-seater Sahara is $119,972. • The 200 Series LandCruiser is made in Japan. • The 4.5-litre direct-inje

The base LC79 cab-chassis Workmate costs $66,590, the GX is $68,590 and the GXL is $70,690. The double-cab-chassis Workmate is $69,090; GXL is $73,190. The four-door, fiveseater Workmate LC76 wagon is $64,9900 and the GXL, tested here, is $69,090. Th

Toyota came late to the compact SUV party, a growing and eclectic class where many contenders are basically just high-riding hatchbacks. You could say that about the C-HR, an allnew design from Toyota which is designed to get the brand noticed by sty

The Amarok 4x4 dual cab ute lineup, 4MOTION in VWspeak, opens with the 2.0-litre turbodiesel six-speed manual TDi400 (as in 400Nm of torque) Core ute, at $44,590. The TDi420 engine, matched exclusively with the eight-speed automatic and high-range-on

Aquick glance around any Australian carpark should be more than enough to prove to you that we’re well past the days of talking about how the popularity of SUVs will one day overtake that of hatchbacks, sedans and wagons. The tide isn’t so much turni

The CX-3 gives Mazda an offering in the hotly contested compact SUV segment. Powered by a 110kW/195Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, the CX-3 is up against more than 20 contenders including Honda’s HRV, Nissan’s Qashqai and the Renault

Mazda’s CX-8 SUV slots between the mid-size CX-5 five-seater and family-sized CX-9 seven-seater. There are four model grades: base Sport front-wheel drive from $30,910, Touring from $46,590, GT from $57,900 and the flagship Asaki from $61,440. Standa

Mahindra Pik-Up drive away prices start at an astonishingly low $21,990 for the S6 4x2 (with rear-wheel drive) single-cab chassis, or $23,990 drive away with an aluminium tray. Single cab 4x4s start at $26,990. Dual-cab 4x4s can be had from as low as

The Lexus RX range opens with the 2.0-litre turbopetrol four-cylinder/six-speed automatic/front-wheel-drive RX300 Luxury priced at $71,920. F Sport is $86,800 and Sports Luxury is $92,700. The RX350, with a 221kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed auto

In its sophistication, comfort, refinement, efficiency and dynamics, the fifth Discovery has moved closer to luxury German SUVs such as the X5 and Audi’s Q7. Yet it also extends the unique Land Rover off-road envelope, with optional Terrain Response

Skoda’s Kodiaq SUV is named after the largest carnivorous mammal on earth, the Kodiak bear, but as far as seven seaters go it’s light, manoeuvrable and compact. More like a koala. The 132 (as in kilowatts of power) TSi 2.0-litre turbopetrol, tested h

The base ASX 110kW 2.0-litre petrol/five-speed manual front-wheel-drive ES is $23,990. With a continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission it’s $25,990, while in LS specification, with CVT as standard, it’s $28,690. A 123kW 2.4-litre petrol eng