SUVs are a great family car option. They combine all of the features you could want in a car with the safety and off-road capability of an SUV.
But with so many different models to choose from, it can be challenging to work out which one is the best all-rounder – so we’ve done the hard work for you and put together this guide.
- Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is one of the bestselling SUVs in Australia for a reason – it has plenty of room and the safety features that you would expect from a Japanese manufacturer. It’s also hard to beat when it comes to fuel efficiency and running costs.
The CR-V has the highest fuel efficiency rating on this list and features fuel-efficient engines. The petrol model comes with a 1.5-litre inline-four, while the diesel has a 2.0-litre inline-four. Both return excellent fuel efficiencies.
Who should buy one: If you’re looking for a family car with four-wheel drive, the Honda CR-V should be on your shopping list.
- Nissan Rogue
If you’re looking for an SUV with the practicality and value of a minivan, look no further than this well-equipped model.
It boasts the same space and versatility as the CR-V, but more importantly, it offers a couple of extra features.
The Nissan Rogue comes with many entertainment features like Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation. It comes with an advanced lane departure warning system to help you avoid accidents on the road. It also has a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and a five-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Who should buy one: This is perfect for those who need space and want a vehicle that can handle a variety of terrains.
- Peugeot 5008
This luxury SUV offers you something that other SUVs can’t – a ton of space. The Peugeot 5008 offers 2,460 litres of space and seats seven people.
It also has seven airbags and eight-speed automatic transmission. It offers a lot of space and safety and will suit families with children old enough to travel in the back.
Who should buy one: It will suit families with children and people who need a big, spacious SUV.
- Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser has three rows with ample seating for seven people and also features a DVD entertainment system with speakers throughout the vehicle.
It also comes with an impressive three years unlimited-kilometre warranty. Fuel efficiency is relatively standard with the LandCruiser at 5.5L/100km on both the petrol and diesel models.
It also comes with several features, including GPS navigation and remote central locking.
Who should buy one: Perfect for families who want lots of space and safety but also want to tackle the occasional off-road.
- Audi SQ7
This Audi SUV boasts a huge usable space and features lots of technology, including a GPS navigation system, rear and front parking sensors and active cruise control.
This comes at a cost, though — the SQ7 is the most expensive vehicle on this list and the most costly 4WD vehicle to be sold in Australia.
You’ll get an impressive seven years unlimited-kilometre warranty with this model, but you’ll, unfortunately, have to pay for more than other vehicles in its class.
Who should buy one: If you have the money to spend, the Audi SQ7 is a good investment. It offers lots of space and safety and comes with lots of technology.
- Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe has four rows with seven people and is powered by either a 2.2-litre diesel engine or a 2.4-litre petrol engine.
Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and come with three years unlimited-kilometre warranty. The Santa Fe also comes with many technologies, including satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay integration, and reverse camera.
Who should buy one: The Hyundai Santa Fe is the perfect family SUV.
- Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is the second smallest SUV on this list and also the most affordable.
It has a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine that requires premium unleaded fuel, but it offers an impressive 5.0 litres per 100km on average overall for the front-wheel-drive version and 4.9L/100km for the front-wheel-drive version the all-wheel-drive model.
Who should buy one: If you’re looking for an affordable SUV that offers excellent space and safety, then the Mazda CX-5 is perfect.
- Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is the second-largest SUV that makes it onto this list, and it boasts a 5.4-litre V8 engine.
Yes, you read that correctly – a V8 engine.
The engine delivers up to 176kW of power, which means that you’ll get from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds. It has seats for up to seven people and has a third-row option that expands its capacity from seven to nine.
It also comes standard with a rearview camera and rear parking sensors and features a built-in vacuum cleaner to make cleaning the interior easier. You’ll also get a four-year unlimited-kilometre warranty with this model.
Who should buy one: This is the perfect SUV for families as it offers a variety of seating options and has plenty of safety technology.
- Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 is an SUV with 4,286-litres of space and features a 2.0-litre engine.
It has standard features such as remote central locking, rear parking sensors and blind-spot detection, but you have to pay more for a sunroof when you purchase the model.
You can add satellite navigation to the XC40, but unfortunately, you’re only given three years of complimentary roadside assistance with this model.
Who should buy one: The Volvo XC40 is the perfect SUV for those who want a smaller vehicle with safety technology and seating for five people.
- Chevrolet Equinox
It is a compact SUV with 4,790-litres of space and features a 2.4-litre engine. This SUV also features intelligent key technology and integrated four-wheel drive to provide unbeatable traction on the road.
It only has an eight-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and comes standard with two airbags and three years of complimentary roadside assistance. You’ll have to pay extra for a sunroof.
Who should buy one: The Chevrolet Equinox is a great SUV for those who want to spend less on premium petrol.
The Best All-Rounder SUV
As you can see, there isn’t one car that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Instead, each one excels in different areas, making it more appropriate for your specific needs.
While it is essential to have a vehicle that you feel safe in, it is also vital to have the right size of the vehicle. Many people don’t give this much thought and end up with a vehicle they can’t fit their friends or family into comfortably.
