Maybe you’ve had another kid and need more room for prams. Or you’ve had a hip replacement and need something easier to step into. Perhaps you’ve even started going camping and want something a little more sure-footed on a trail.
Whatever your reason for buying a mid-sized SUV, you’ll be one of thousands of Australians who do so every year.
The mid-sized SUV segment is the nation’s biggest by volume, and in terms of variety it’s right up there, too.
For this exercise, we’ve limited ourselves to the vehicles classified as mid-sized SUVs in monthly VFACTS industry sales reports – even though sometimes those classifications can be head-scratchers.
That still means a dizzying array of SUVs with petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric power.
Alborz Fallah: Nissan X-Trail e-Power or Genesis GV70
As a mainstream option, I would pick a Nissan X-Trail e-Power which is a surprisingly good car, with great economy and fit and finish and a good price.
On the more luxurious side, without doubt I would buy a Genesis GV70. It’s quite possibly the best mid-sized suv for the money – the GV70 is a Bentley Bentayga for 1/8th the price and comes with all the luxury, performance and safety you’d expect the Germans to deliver, except this does it better and for less money.
MORE: Buy a Nissan X-Trail
MORE: Buy a Genesis GV70
Paul Maric: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Nissan X-Trail e-Power
I’m split between the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Nissan X-Trail e-Power.
They both offer decent fuel efficiency without the compromise of owning a fully electric vehicle. The only thing that sways me more toward the Nissan is the reduced waiting times in comparison to the RAV4.
The Nissan also offers the smoother driving experience. Toyota has a little bit of work left to do on refining the RAV4 experience to get it to match what Nissan has done with the e-Power X-Trail.
MORE: Buy a Nissan X-Trail
MORE: Buy a Toyota RAV4
Scott Collie: Honda CR-V e:HEV RS
For me, it’s the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS.
It’s sharp to look at on the outside, spacious and refined inside, and manages to balance impressive efficiency with the sort of old-school Honda handling that’ll make parents grudgingly making the step to a crossover feel better about themselves.
MORE: Buy a Honda CR-V
Jordan Mulach: Volkswagen Tiguan R
I know someone is eventually going to hand down a Volkswagen Group ban to me, but I find it very hard to go past the Tiguan R.
Australia was the top market globally for the hot SUV last year, and it’s easy to see why. How can you say no to a Golf R with a marginally higher centre of gravity but with enough height to chuck in the kids without hurting your back?
Even though there are other colours available, it’s hard to go past Lapiz Blue, and why not throw in a panoramic sunroof (Queensland life). Now to save up the $80,000-plus required to buy it – ouch.
MORE: Buy a Volkswagen Tiguan
Jack Quick: Honda CR-V e:HEV RS
If I had to pick a mainstream mid-size SUV that I would actually buy in 2024 I’d definitely be considering a Kia Sportage (especially given a hybrid is around the corner) but ultimately I’d go for a Honda CR-V.
I’m such a huge fan of how easy and effortless the CR-V’s hybrid powertrain is to drive, as well how economical it is. The overall package is really well equipped and maintenance is affordable too.
One of the few disappointing elements of this car however is the fantastic hybrid powertrain is currently limited to the top-spec model, which means the drive-away asking price is eerily close to $60k. I wish there was a mid-spec version that was closer to the $50k mark.
MORE: Buy a Honda CR-V
William Stopford: Honda CR-V e:HEV or Nissan X-Trail e-Power
I know enthusiasts typically bemoan SUVs, but there are so many appealing options out there even if you limit yourself just to a mid-sizer.
Want a luxurious crossover that’s great to drive? Genesis GV70. Want something sporty and decidedly un-SUV like for a lower price? Cupra Formentor.
Hell, even the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is classified as a mid-sized SUV – and yet a Kia EV6 isn’t, riddle me that – so I could pick the absolutely terrific N. Or even the standard Ioniq 5, easily one of the most visually appealing EVs out there both inside and out.
I’d venture to say, though, that someone asking me what mid-sized SUV to buy is more than likely after something a little bit more sensible and practical.
I’m torn between the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS and Nissan X-Trail e-Power, which offer a more enjoyable driving experience than a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, similar fuel economy, but a shorter wait time.
I’d also keep an eye out for the upcoming Kia Sportage Hybrid.
MORE: Buy a Honda CR-V
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James Wong: Cupra Formentor
It’s on the smaller side of medium, but the VFACTS don’t lie… right?
The Cupra Formentor really made driving an SUV properly sexy again. Its spicy design and turbocharged performance are compelling attributes, as is the wide range of variants and available electrification.
It’s also fairly attainable, and is an excellent all-rounder in all its forms much like its VW Group brethren. It’s little wonder it has cemented itself as Cupra’s most sought-after product.
Second place, and a more pragmatic solution, would be a tie between the Nissan X-Trail e-Power and Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV. Both offer heaps of space and efficient electrified drivetrains.
MORE: Buy a Cupra Formentor