Top 5 Large SUVs of 2024

As the year draws to a close, we take a look back at the cars that have left people in awe car expert 2024 Test Team.

This time we focus on large SUVs, which are the primary vehicle for Australian families.

The new-for-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-80 both made a splash upon arrival, earning rave reviews from our team. At the same time, the familiar nameplate also makes a strong impression.

We’ve had the chance to drive a lot of cars this year, and these are the top five cars on our all-time score list.

Some of these models have been reviewed multiple times this year – in this case, we’ve highlighted the variants that received the highest ratings.

According to VFACTS sales statistics released by the Federal Chamber of Automobile Industries (FCAI), these models all fall into the large SUV category under $80,000.

Prices are based on each manufacturer’s Victorian postcode configurator, which should give you a representative estimate of what the average buyer will end up paying.

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modern palisade

We couldn’t decide on the top three large SUVs in this year’s ratings, so the Hyundai Palisade takes the top spot in alphabetical order.

It’s a huge unit, and the price is hefty, but if you ignore annoying safety tech, the Hyundai Palisade is a solid choice.

With an overall score of 8.4/10, the Palisade performed best in the value for money, safety and fitness for purpose categories, while falling just short of an 8 in performance.

In terms of interior, this modern SUV flagship model has a luxurious interior with reasonable layout, which is both comfortable and pleasing to the eye.

Aside from the intrusive safety systems, the Palisade offers everything you’d expect when driving around town or in the city. You’ll be fine with the cheaper version, but if you’re into makeup, it’s hard to ignore the invisible Black Ink.

Our tester was powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine producing 147kW of power and 440Nm of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. The quoted fuel consumption is 7.3L/100km.

You can read our full review here Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD Diesel Is Here

Interested in purchasing a Hyundai Palisade? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: Everything about the Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Santa Fe

Two Hyundais topped our ratings, with the Santa Fe also scoring an 8.4/10.

Every member of the new Santa Fe range introduced this year left a positive impression on our team, but the base front-wheel-drive version proved to be the choice for the lineup.

The Santa Fe Hybrid offers a suite of seven-seat features and technology for $55,000 before on-road costs and scores highly for value for money (9), technology infotainment (9) and fitness for purpose (9).

In fact, the Santa Fe Hybrid is very well-rounded. It’s spacious, versatile, relatively efficient (average fuel consumption is 5.4L/100km) and offers good on-road performance via a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 172kW and 367Nm of torque, via The six-cylinder engine is sent to the front wheels. – Speed ​​automatic transmission.

Hyundai’s aftersales program is also on par with its competitors, so there’s a lot to like.

The main drawback we noticed is the polarizing appearance, as the boxy new design won’t suit everyone.

You can read our full review of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Front-Wheel Drive here

Interested in buying a Hyundai Santa Fe? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: Everything about Hyundai Santa Fe

Kia Sorento

The updated Kia Sorento finished first in a tie for first place in the trio, with a score of 8.4/10 when the car was launched in January.

The Sorento excels in infotainment technology (9), practicality (9) and handling dynamics (9) without displaying any real weaknesses.

With plenty of space, sharp looks and a high-end list of luxury features, we’re pleased to recommend variants across the entire lineup, from base models to the flagship GT-Line.

The mid-cycle upgrade addresses a key area of ​​improvement in the old model, namely infotainment technology, and adds some more desirable features previously reserved for the GT-Line; while retuned steering and chassis deliver a more engaging driving experience.

While a variety of powertrains are available, the diesel is the best choice for all-round drivability and efficiency, producing 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque.

You can read our full review of the Kia Sorento here

Interested in buying a Kia Sorento? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: Everything about Kia Sorento

Ford Everest

The Ford Everest trails only the best in the segment in this year’s ratings, but it offers a very different set of attributes than its aforementioned rivals.

Among sporty 4×4 V6 models, the Everest excels in safety (9) and practicality (9), while also delivering strong performance and ride comfort.

It combines impressive road manners with idiot-proof off-road technology and good towing capabilities.

The almost range-topping Sport version is a smart spec, with a choice of two engines. Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine producing 184kW and 600Nm, mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and full-time all-wheel drive.

While it’s not the most efficient engine, the engine has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, making the Everest Sport a capable weekend hauler.

The Sport trim’s trim also helps justify its higher sticker price compared to the rest of the range.

You can read our full review of the Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 here

Interested in buying a Ford Everest? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: Everything about the Ford Everest

Mazda CX-80

Mazda’s new seven-seater SUV returned in November. It received a high score of 8.3/10 upon launch and became an instant hit.

The CX-80 immediately stands out as a practical vehicle with plenty of interior space, and it also looks great on the outside.

A wide range of configurations are available through a variety of trim levels and powertrain options, meaning the CX-80 is likely to suit your needs well.

It’s also attractively priced, as it costs less than the smaller but related CX-60 and adds standard seven-seat capacity.

For some buyers, the only potential flaw may be ride comfort, but the CX-80’s relatively sporty power, upscale interior and strong performance tend to make up for that – especially in six-cylinder petrol and diesel models middle.

You can read our full review of the Mazda CX-80 here

Interested in buying a Mazda CX-80? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: Everything about the Mazda CX-80