Australia’s most popular SUVs

Following last week’s report on the most popular 4x4 Utes in Australia, today we will be looking at some of the most popular SUV’s in Australia.

But first, let’s rewind a little bit. Put yourself back 15 years, it’s the early 2000’s and the go to car for Australians were Sedans. Fast forward to now, we have seen the SUV range explode with all major manufacturers releasing their own version. When you’re on the road you can’t drive 100 metres without seeing an SUV. We all know that Australian’s love their 4x4 Utes but they also love their SUVs.

Talking about an explosion in popularity in 2020 SUV’S took 4 of the 10 spots! Nobody would be shocked in a few years SUVs could take even more positions.

Like 4x4 Utes, there is an overabundance of choice for Australian car buyers. From the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Rav4 to the prestige Mercedes and Audi Range there is no shortage of choice.

With such an amazing amount of choice on offer, how do you know what SUV is right for you? Like anything there is a few factors you need to consider first, namely being the amount you want to spend and the age of the vehicle.

Shop for Cars has put together a guide of the most popular SUVs in the Australia and some of the features that come along with them.

What are the most popular SUV’S in Australia?

SUV sales across Australia continue to go from strength to strength each year. From where we were a few years ago to the sheer dominance now, it’s been remarkable how much a vehicle type can grow in such a short space of time.

In 2020, SUV’s claimed 46.9% of market sales which was an increase from 45.5% in 2019. In 2020 there were a total of 454,701 SUVs sold.

Here’s how they ranked:

1. Toyota Rav4: 38,357
2. Mazda CX-5: 21,979
3. Toyota Prado: 18,034
4. Hyundai Tucson: 15,789
5. Toyota LandCruiser: 15,078
6. Nissan X-Trail: 14,291
7. Mitsubishi ASX: 14,056

All statistics referenced from CarsGuide statistics*

It’s a bit of the same story different chapter seeing a Toyota model dominate the sales figures. In the case of the SUVs there were an unprecedented 3 Toyota models making up the top 7 which is just breath-taking.

Such is the dominance of the ever-reliable Rav4 there is quite a gap to the second place, fast-growing Mazda CX-5. Even though there is quite a gap between position 1 and 2 it looks like the CX-5 could take the number 1 place in 2021.

Toyota Rav4

What can you say? The Rav4 is certainly the go to choice for many Australian SUV motorists. Toyota has long been known as a high quality and reliable manufacturer. Even though it has a battle on its hands to stay the most popular SUV manufacturer in 2021, the Toyota Rav4 is sure to be a popular choice for many years to come.

The Toyota Rav4 comes with a 2.5l engine and a hybrid option. The RAV4 also offers the option of front or all wheel drives. Packed with 8.0-inch touchscreen, full safety standards and LED lights, it’s no surprise why it’s a go to choice for Australian motorists.

If you are looking for a RAV4 expect to pay anywhere from $25,000 to $53,000 for a top-of-the-line brand new unit.

Mazda CX-5

One of Mazda’s cornerstones, the CX-5 is a great choice for any Australian looking for an SUV. Even though in the 2020 figures the CX-5 trails the RAV4 by a significant margin that all looks set to change in 2021 with many pundits predicting the CX-5 to become Australia’s most popular SUV.

The CX-5 comes with a high tech 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine and is available in two or all-wheel drive. With spacious seating, new 10-inch touch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto it’s hard to go past the CX-5.

Mazda CX-5 start from $30,000 going up to $53,000 for a brand-new top-class model.

Toyota Prado

It’s like everywhere you go these days you see some form of Toyota SUV. Only slightly trailing the CX-5 in sales, the Toyota Prado has proven to be a popular choice for Australians and has helped Toyota cement 2 out of the top 3 places for most popular SUV.

The Prado is slightly larger than the RAV4 and as expected has a greater fuel consumption. In saying that there’s not too many other SUV’s that have as much torque as the Prado. Like the CX-5 and the RAV4, the Toyota Prado now boasts a much larger multimedia screen along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

With a large 2.8 Litre diesel engine and the same pulling power as many 4x4 Utes the Prado is a great choice for motorists looking for a bigger and more powerful SUV alternative.

Due to the sheer size the Toyota Prado isn't cheap. If you are looking for a Prado expect to pay anywhere between $57,000 and $90,000.

Hyundai Tucson

Following the Prado is the Hyundai Tucson. Even though the Hyundai Tucson has been in the news as of late, the car is a good option for Australian motorists. This fourth-generation model offers Australians front or all-wheel drive, spacious comfort and has received great reviews from Car pundits around Australia.

The Tucson comes with a 2.0 Litre engine in either diesel or petrol with the petrol option being spoken about for a stronger performance.

Prices for a Hyundai Tucson start at $30,00 and go all the way up to $53,000 for the top-of-the-line version.

Toyota LandCruiser

Toyota’s third car in this listing is the premium Toyota LandCrusier. Like all Toyota vehicles, motorists can be sure that the LandCruiser offers a safe, comfortable, and reliable drive. The LandCruiser comes with single cab or dual cab options as well as a wagon option. The Toyota LandCruiser comes with a 4.5L engine, ultimate pulling power and a 5-star safety rating.

If you are looking for a LandCrusier expect to pay anywhere between $80,000 and $135,000.

Nissan X-Trail

Trailing the Toyota and Mazda’s SUV range is the Nissan X-Trail. The Nissan X-Trail is a mid-sized SUV slightly smaller than the Toyota versions listed above. The X-Trail gives motorists the choice of two- or all-wheel drives and the option of diesel or petrol engines. First introduced to the market in 2001 the X-Trail will continue to be a popular choice for Australians due to its range of features and reliability.

Prices for Nissan X-Trails range between $30,000 and $48,000.

Mitsubishi ASX

Only slightly trailing the X-Trail is the Mitsubishi ASX. Similar to the X-Trail in many ways the ASX is a medium sized option for Australian motorists. The ASX comes with a 2.2 Litre diesel or petrol engine, and is packed with active stability control intuitive technology.

In terms of price, if you are looking for an ASX expect to pay between $23,000 and $35,000.

Final Word,

SUVs are fast becoming the go-to choice for many Australian motorists. It wouldn’t be a shock to see either the Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4 become Australia’s most popular car in the coming years. Offering motorists size, comfortability, and multiple uses, the dominance of SUVs in the Australian market looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.

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DISCLAIMER:This is all based on opinion please research and consult with all relevant parties to make the best buying decision.