Prime 5 massive SUVs of 2024

Because the 12 months involves an in depth, we’re wanting again on the automobiles that wowed the CarExpert check group in 2024.

This time round we’re specializing in massive SUVs, the staple car of households throughout Australia.

New for 2024, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-80 each made a splash on arrival, incomes the reward of our group. In the meantime, acquainted nameplates additionally impressed.

We’ve had the possibility to drive lots this 12 months, and these are the 5 that topped our rating charts over the calendar 12 months.

A few of these fashions have been reviewed on a number of events this 12 months – in that state of affairs, we’ve featured the variant that achieved the best score.

These fashions all compete within the massive SUV underneath $80,000 class, as outlined by VFACTS gross sales statistics revealed by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Costs are primarily based on every producer’s configurators for a Victorian postcode, which ought to offer you a consultant estimate of what the typical purchaser will find yourself paying.

100s of recent automotive offers can be found via CarExpert proper now. Get the consultants in your aspect and rating an important deal. Browse now.

Hyundai Palisade

We couldn’t break up the highest three massive SUVs on this 12 months’s rankings, so the Hyundai Palisade options first alphabetically.

It’s a hefty unit with a hefty price ticket, however the Hyundai Palisade is a stable selection in the event you look previous the annoying security tech.

Scoring an 8.4/10 total, the Palisade faired finest within the worth for cash, security and match for function classes, and solely dropped beneath eight for efficiency.

Inside, Hyundai’s SUV flagship is luxuriously appointed and well-laid out, which implies it’s each comfy and pleasing to the attention.

And intrusive security methods apart, the Palisade does every part you’d anticipate it to if you’re driving round city or within the metropolis. The cheaper variations will get you by simply superb, but when cosmetics are your factor it’s arduous to look previous the stealthy Black Ink.

Our tester was powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 147kW of energy and 440Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive. Gas consumption is quoted at 7.3L/100km.

You possibly can learn our full assessment of the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel right here

	Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel
CarExpert score	8.4
Victorian drive-away worth	$84,647

Execs	Cons
Imply blacked-out exterior	Annoying driver help tech
Powerful diesel powertrain	No wi-fi Apple CarPlay
Loads of house inside	A bit dear

Taken with shopping for a Hyundai Palisade? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

MORE: All the things Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Santa Fe

A pair of Hyundais high our rankings, with the Santa Fe additionally scoring 8.4/10.

Launched this 12 months, every member of the brand new Santa Fe vary made a optimistic impression on our group, however the base front-wheel drive variant proved to be the choose of the lineup.

Providing a collection of options and tech with seven seats for $55,000 earlier than on-road prices, the Santa Fe Hybrid scored extremely for worth for cash (9), know-how infotainment (9), and match for function (9).

Certainly, the Santa Fe Hybrid may be very effectively rounded. It’s spacious, well-featured, comparatively environment friendly (5.4L/100km common gasoline consumption) and gives good on-road efficiency from a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that makes 172kW and 367Nm, despatched to the entrance wheels through a six-speed automated transmission.

Hyundai’s aftersales program stacks up with rivals too, so there’s lots to like.

The principle disadvantage we famous was polarising seems, because the boxy new design received’t be for everybody.

You possibly can learn our full assessment of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD right here

	Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid FWD
CarExpert score	8.4
Victorian drive-away worth	$60,689

Execs	Cons
Sharp pricing, worth	Brief 10,000km service intervals
Refined, environment friendly hybrid drivetrain	Seems to be will little question polarise
A lot improved inside house	Wants an additional gear

Taken with shopping for a Hyundai Santa Fe? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

MORE: All the things Hyundai Santa Fe

Kia Sorento

Rounding out the tied trio for first place is the up to date Kia Sorento, which scored 8.4/10 at launch again in January.

The Sorento excelled within the know-how infotainment (9), match for function (9), and dealing with dynamics (9) classes, with out displaying any actual weaknesses.

With heaps of house, sharp seems, and an expensive function record increased up the vary, we had been completely satisfied to suggest variants proper throughout the lineup, from the bottom mannequin as much as the flagship GT-Line.

Mid-life upgrades deal with key areas for enchancment on the previous mannequin, specifically the infotainment tech and including a number of the extra fascinating options beforehand reserved for the GT-Line additional down; whereas the retuned steering and chassis makes for an much more participating drive.

Though a number of powertrains are provided, the diesel is the choose for all-round drivability and effectivity, producing 148kW of energy and 440Nm of torque.

You possibly can learn our full assessment of the Kia Sorento right here

Taken with shopping for a Kia Sorento? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

MORE: All the things Kia Sorento

Ford Everest

The ute-based Ford Everest fell simply wanting besting the sector on this 12 months’s rankings, nevertheless it gives a really completely different set of attributes to aforementioned rivals.

In Sport 4×4 V6 trim, the Everest stands out from each a security (9) and match for function (9) standpoint, whereas additionally providing sturdy efficiency and experience consolation.

It blends spectacular street manners with idiot-proof off-road know-how, and a wholesome dose of towing potential besides.

The virtually-range-topping Sport is a great spec, with the choose of the 2 engine choices. Underneath the bonnet lies a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 producing 184kW and 600Nm, mated to a 10-speed auto and full-time four-wheel drive.

Whereas it’s not probably the most environment friendly lump, the engine is sweet for 3500kg braked towing capability, positioning the Everest Sport as a succesful weekend hauler.

The tarted up inside within the Sport additionally helps to justify its steeper sticker worth when in comparison with different variants within the vary.

You possibly can learn our full assessment of the Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 right here

Taken with shopping for a Ford Everest? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

MORE: All the things Ford Everest

Mazda CX-80

Mazda’s all-new seven-seat SUV arrived again in November, and it was an prompt hit with a rating of 8.3/10.

The CX-80 instantly stood out as a sensible car with loads of inside house, and it presents effectively too.

There are a great deal of configurations obtainable through varied trim grades and powertrain choices, which implies there’s more likely to be a CX-80 that may fit your wants effectively.

Its worth is compelling too, given it undercuts the smaller but associated CX-60 and provides seven-seat capability as commonplace.

The one potential flaw for some patrons might be experience consolation, however the CX-80’s comparatively sporty dynamics, upmarket inside and sturdy efficiency are likely to make up for that – particularly in six-cylinder petrol and diesel guises.

You possibly can learn our full assessment of the Mazda CX-80 right here

Taken with shopping for a Mazda CX-80? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

MORE: All the things Mazda CX-80