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The market is awash with enticing new, near-new and used SUVs. Yet, with many family budgets continuing to be squeezed by cost-of-living pressures, splashing out for a new or even used vehicle needs to be carefully considered.
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For families who rely on the utility and versatility of an SUV, getting the best car on a tight budget is more important than ever.
For this list, we’re considering all the essential factors to help make motoring as trouble-free as possible, from (four-star minimum) safety, fuel efficiency, reliability, durability (favouring timing chains over belts) and driving ease, to servicing access and good resale value.
Known troublesome technologies, like dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearboxes, as found in some out-of-warranty Nissans, Mitsubishis, Subarus, Toyotas, Hondas and others, are not included in our list in most cases. Conventional torque-converter automatics have generally proven more reliable.
And the same goes for many turbo-charged models, since that can result in extra mechanical wear and tear.
We’re excluding six-cylinder engines because of heavy fuel consumption, as well as most Japanese diesel and older Korean petrol engines, due to reported long-term durability concerns.
And, finally, at the time of publishing, all the listed models are widely available within a 120,000km mileage cap.
Mazda CX-5 (2012-2020)
The CX-5 is a firm favourite for many sound reasons.
Engineered to beat Europe’s best, the medium-sized SUV excels in many areas, including design, interior presentation, comfort, driving dynamics and safety.
Just check rear-seat legroom first, as the CX-5 isn’t as generous as many alternatives.
Mazda’s decision to avoid costly technologies like turbos, DCTs and CVTs also makes this SUV a standout.
Instead, the CX-5 is a straight-forward, comparatively uncomplicated yet advanced SUV that can be depended upon. The gutsy 2.5-litre petrol is the sweet spot, as the 2.0-litre unit can feel slow unless it’s revved hard (though the manual is a joy to use).
Avoid the problematic diesel, and – as with all the SUVs here – do not buy without a complete service history. Otherwise, a regularly-maintained example should deliver years of faithful motoring.
The second-gen KF from 2017 onwards is also a leader in the SUV under $30,000 bracket.
Toyota RAV4 (2013-2019)
The RAV4 kicked off the SUV era some 33 years ago, and is considered the class standard.
Neither as comfortable nor as enjoyable as the CX-5, the fourth-generation model instead earns a spot here for its robust engineering, hardy interior, family-friendly practicality and reassuring reliability – for the most part.
Though both are reliable, choose the 2.5-litre AWD with its conventional auto over the cheaper 2.0-litre 2WD’s CVT gearbox, although it can be thirsty when pushed. If you don’t mind changing gears the manual is both more fun and lighter on fuel, while the rare diesel has a spotty reliability record so best avoided.
Earlier lower grade versions are a bit skint on equipment, and six-monthly service intervals can be a chore, but otherwise the RAV4 is remarkably easy to live with. A safe choice.
Suzuki LY Vitara 1.6 (2015-2024)
Despite renowned for off-road capability, the Vitara for its fourth-generation turned into a total city slicker, and a surprisingly sporty one at that.
Larger than its small SUV status suggests, this offers compact yet spacious transport for smaller families, within a lightweight and efficient package.
The standard 1.6-litre engine delivers good fuel economy on one hand, and sprightly performance on the other, if you’re willing to rev it out a bit. The manual is especially sweet, but the conventional auto also performs well.
The optional 1.4-litre turbo brings a higher level of sophistication and response, but can be costly to maintain with age. Neither luxurious nor quiet at speed, the Vitara is here because of its undeniable value, reliability and simplicity. And the shape remains current so it looks modern to boot.
Hyundai DM Santa Fe diesel (2012-2018)/Kia UM Sorento diesel (2014-2020)
Hyundai owns Kia, and their respective Santa Fe and Sorento seven-seater SUVs are fraternal twins underneath very different styling themes, which is why they are grouped together.
Vast and user-friendly inside, their respective cabins are thoughtfully laid out, offering loads of space, comfort, storage and utility. These were designed for family needs.
What sets these South Korean twins apart even further from their contemporaries is their diesel engine application.
Muscular, efficient, robust and refined, it sits within a strongly-engineered platform architecture, providing easy operation, decent road manners and an isolated ride.
With these third-generation Santa Fe and Sorento models, both brands really came of age, revealing a new-found maturity that went beyond mere value pricing.
Cared-for examples with detailed maintenance history should give many more years of dependable service.
Subaru S5 Forester (2018-2025)
Back in 2018, the Forester adopted a strong new architecture for its fifth generation, improving on-road ride comfort and handling control.
Yet the series retained permanent AWD and class-leading 220mm ground clearances for superior off-road capabilities than most SUV rivals.
Though nearly identical stylistically, this Forester also has a larger footprint, meaning more interior and cargo space than before.
With lofty seats, sound ergonomics, shapely seats and expansive vision afforded by the big boxy shape, it’s like the car was designed from the inside out.
But beware. The unique horizontally-opposed boxer engine and AWD system are durable, but complex, so it’s more expensive to maintain than a Toyota. A full, brand-specialist service history is a must.
That’s especially important since the auto is a CVT – though it is one of the more-resilient types, with smooth responses and useful fuel-saving tech. After all, Subaru’s been making these gearboxes since 1989.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV (2021-2025)
Mitsubishi pioneered the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) back in 2013 with the previous-shape Outlander, and the Eclipse Cross PHEV is a newer, smaller alternative.
The big deal here is low fuel consumption, thanks to two electric motors, a battery and special 2.4-litre petrol engine, providing three operating modes: EV-only (with circa-45km range), hybrid and petrol-only. Intuitive in operation, expect between 3.5 and 5.0L/100km combined.
The interior is stylish, offering sufficient space and practicality, though the boot is smaller than in the non-PHEV turbo models because of the hybrid tech within. Note there’s no spare wheel.
Except when in EV mode, the Eclipse Cross is a bit dull to drive, and bumpy over rough roads, but it is also frugal, reliable, safe and well made.
Remember too that examples serviced at authorised Mitsubishi dealers will still have years of the original 10-year warranty left to run. A smart used buy.
Mazda CX-8 (2020-2024)
Designed expressly for Japan initially, the CX-8 was based in the second-gen CX-5, boasting a stretched body and wheelbase, to house a pair of (kids-only) third-row seating.
First sold as a smaller and cheaper, diesel-only alternative to the petrol-turbo-only CX-9 seven-seater flagship SUV, Mazda’s fine 2.5-litre petrol engine was added in 2020.
Available in either front-drive or AWD configurations, this CX-8 version is a spirited yet efficient performer, backed by a responsive chassis and finely-tuned suspension.
Perhaps a bit ungainly because of its long and narrow proportions compared to the sleek CX-9, the CX-8 makes a cracking urban family carryall for people occasional requiring seven seats, or exceptional luggage capacity in five-seat mode.
And, as long as the servicing is up to date, it’s also utterly dependable. A quiet, quality, compact three-row SUV choice.
Honourable mention
Mitsubishi ZM Outlander (2022-2025): Yes, it has a CVT, so you’ll need to find one with a 10-year for several more years of factory-backed coverage. The Nissan X-Trail-derived petrol powertrain is also efficient, while a seven-seater version is also available.
Toyota RAV4 hybrid (2019-2025)
Already a modern classic, the outgoing RAV4 introduced Australia’s first-ever hybrid option in a mainstream mid-sized SUV. And, boy, didn’t Toyota read the market just right.
Everything fell into place. The handsome body clothes a stylish yet functional interior that remains one of the class benchmarks for quality, space and ease all these years later. Everything works as it should, providing a safe, enjoyable and comfortable cabin experience.
Underneath lays a bang-up-to-date electrified architecture that catapulted the series to class leadership for refinement, control and – of course – fuel efficiency. That the hybrid, offered in single-motor 2WD or twin-motor AWD, is also fun yet relaxed from behind the wheel is remarkable. No wonder there have been long waiting lists since day one.
Breathtakingly high consistency makes the 2019-2025 RAV4 peak Toyota. Make sure there’s a full maintenance history and you’re good to go. The new redesign has massive shoes to fill.
Nissan X-Trail e-Power (2022-2025)
One of today’s most underrated SUVs is the Nissan X-Trail e-Power.
Beneath the conventionally smart styling is a range-extender EV, with a motor on each axle for AWD and a battery pack. The job of the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine is to only generate electricity.
Under light throttle it drives much like an EV, until the battery needs topping up and the engine fires up, resulting in frugal real-world fuel consumption of under 6.0L/100km.
On the other hand, the e-Power is unexpectedly rapid, with very strong acceleration underpinned by a sophisticated chassis offering keen steering and precise handling control.
Back to being a family car, and the Nissan’s interior combines great seats, a lovely dash and all the usual amenities expected from a practical mid-sized SUV – except for a missing spare wheel.
Still, find one bought new with Nissan’s 10-year warranty, and you’ll have years of exciting, economical family motoring.
Subaru S6 Outback (2022-2025)
Technically more of a high-riding crossover wagon than an SUV (right up until the seventh-generation version arrived last month), the Outback has been an Australian family favourite for over 30 years.
The last one, released in 2020, is essentially just like Subaru’s Forester, but in a longer package and with a more-modish interior presentation.
There’s decent ground clearance and AWD for family camping trips, aided by a huge cargo area, as well as the brand’s trademark 2.5-litre boxer engine tied to a better-than-normal CVT. Acceleration is lively and fuel economy decent while, for the Outback’s size and bulk, it corners securely and in total control.
Note that, also as with the Forester, a proper, Subaru-specialist service history is essential, to keep this complex tech running reliably for many holiday camping seasons to come. A difficult family car to fault.
Honourable mention
Mazda TC CX-9 (2016-2024): providing BMW X7-rivalling levels of athleticism in a beautiful and sophisticated package, the CX-9 showed premium Euros how to do it properly. But that smooth turbo engine must have full Mazda dealer service history for long-lasting reliability.
