Discover the Best Large SUVs for Australian Families

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Overview

Big is best for many Australians when it comes to their SUVs. We love the space, the high ride height, the lifestyle opportunities, and – with capable 4×4 versions – the potential for off-road adventures.

The Large SUV segment is rammed with options from budget to high-end luxury, and with a choice of diesel, petrol, hybrid and electric powering them. 

Here’s the Chasing Cars guide to the best large SUV options to consider depending on your priorities.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Large SUV

1. Price range – How much can you afford to pay upfront or in monthly repayments? There are large SUVs to suit varying budgets.

2. Passenger and cargo space – Some large SUVs have seven seats, but do you really need a third row? And how important is a giant boot to meet your everyday lifestyle needs?

3. Interior styling and technology – What are the key cabin convenience and technology features you need?  Many large SUVs can be had with basic cabins, but higher grades are often tech-filled flagship models.

4. 4×4 and towing capability – Will you be embarking on serious off-roading expeditions and need low-range 4×4 and clever mechanicals, or will simpler all-wheel-drive or even just two-wheel drive suffice? And do you plan to tow a caravan or trailer with your large SUV? If so, factors such as braked towing capacities are crucial.

5. Safety features and ratings – Many large SUVs are used as family transport or for towing, so how they prevent accidents and perform in crash tests is vital.

Our Top Picks for Large SUVs in Australia

Hyundai Santa Fe

• Price range: $55,500 to $75,000 (before on-road costs)
• Engine: 1.6L petrol hybrid
• Cargo space: 628L (five seats up) 
• Fuel economy: 5.6L/100km 

Long an Australian family favourite, the Santa Fe has been given an extreme makeover for 2024 with bold new design direction. Its boxy shape is loved by some, loathed by others, but it retains key qualities: space, drivability, safety and value.

No longer available as a V6 petrol nor diesel, for now the only engine option is a very economical – 5.6L/100km – 1.6-litre petrol hybrid. Its 172kW and 367Nm offer fair performance, and allows the Santa Fe to drive at low speeds, such as in traffic, on battery power alone.

A 2.5-litre turbo petrol will soon follow, and will be cheaper than the $55,500 currently needed to buy the base hybrid model. But no matter the Santa Fe, specification and safety impress.

All feature roomy cabins with a smart layout and strong material quality. It’s dominated by a pair of 12.3-inch screens covering infotainment and driver display, which look superb in a wraparound curved panoramic panel.

The entry-level Hybrid has 20-inch alloys,  smart tailgate, dual zone climate control, power driver’s seat and remote start. An extra $3000 buys all-wheel-drive, plus drive modes for snow, mud and sand.  However, the Santa Fe is suited only to mild off-roading.

An Elite grade adds Bose audio, wireless charging for two phones and leather seats; while Flagship Calligraphy – for $75,000 – adds a sunroof, head-up display, Nappa leather, massage function, and choice of six or seven seats. 

Positively, all have a full-size spare wheel, but the hybrid’s towing capacity is a lowly 1650kg.

It’s quiet and efficient in town, and mightily economical in urban areas due to its clever, almost seamless hybrid system. It’s whisper quiet without the petrol engine running, and can reach up to 50km/h using just its electric motor.

It handles country roads with composure, cruises neatly on the highway and the classy interiors give an upmarket feel to the whole experience. But it lacks any sort of meaningful performance that some desire in a large SUV.

Middle row seats slide on runners for great versatility, affording vast space. With them forward, the two third-row seats have reasonable room, with large windows and the boxy rear meaning it’s not too claustrophobic. Choose the six-seat Calligraphy and middle seats are captain’s chairs and limo-like spacious.

While safety is strong, over-officious safety systems spoil the serenity. Warranty’s five-years/unlimited kilometres, while servicing is around $2500 for five years.

Learn more about the Hyundai Santa Fe by reading our in-depth launch review, including the hybrid and 2.5-litre models.

Ford Everest

• Price range: $54,240 to $81,200 (before on-road costs)
• Engines: 2.0L bi-turbo-diesel; 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel
• Cargo space: 898L (five seats up); 259L (seven seats in place)
• Fuel economy: 7.2L -8.5L/100km

If go-anywhere off-road ability, 3500kg towing and seating for seven’s your target, Ford’s Everest is the pick from ute-based large SUVs. Much of the Everest’s engineering happened in Australia, so it’s well tailored to our conditions.

Sharing its underpinnings, engine, gearbox and talents with Ford’s best-selling Ranger, the Everest rivals the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner as options for adventurers requiring three rows of seats to go with bush and beach abilities.

Everests aren’t to be confused with ‘monocoque’ large SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and VW Touareg. These Fords are body-on-frame vehicles, helping on the rough stuff and when towing, but as everyday cars they don’t ride as comfortably nor offer as much body control. 

All Everests have some of the best on-road manners of any ute-based large SUVs; they cruise well and corner without too much body roll, but low speed ride is jittery.

They’re at their most relevant and impressive as 4x4s, complete with low-range transfer case and locking rear differential.

All use a 10-speed automatic transmission and have 3500kg braked towing capacity, while the entry-level Ambiente is the only Everest to feature only five and not seven seats.

Cabins are spacious, safety equipment is bang up to date, there’s a 5 Star ANCAP rating and standard are 10.1-inch infotainment, digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, dual zone climate control and active cruise control.

Spend more and superb 12-inch infotainment with off-road screen arrives, as do an electric tailgate and heated, ventilated leather power seats. Range topping Platinum – for over $80k – blends impressive luxury with off-road ability.

A sliding middle row makes third row seat space just about tolerable for adults, while the boot’s 259L with seven seats up, and mighty 898L with five.

There’s ample grunt from the 154kW/500Nm bi-turbo diesel, but a brawnier 184kW/600Nm V6 diesel is the pick for those planning to tow. A Touring Pack and Pro Towing Pack’s available if so. 

Warranty is five years/unlimited kilometres and service costs are reasonable for such a big rig.

Learn more about the Ford Everest by reading our in-depth reviews, covering the Wildtrak V6, off-road focused Tremor V6 and the four-cylinder models. 

Kia EV9

• Price range: $97,000 to $121,000 (before on-road costs)
• Engines: Single rear electric motor; dual electric motors
• Cargo space: 573L (seven seats up) – 1233L (five seats up)
• Range: 443km-512km

Looking like no other seven-seat SUV, the futuristic Kia EV9 is a huge and gloriously spacious electric car, rich with technology and with cabin quality to rival premium brands. Costing over $100,000 to drive-away, it’s also the most expensive ever Kia by some margin.

The Korean brand’s flagship SUV has pure electric range of 443km in entry-level Air; 512km in mid-spec Earth, and 505km in tree-topping GT-Line. It accepts public charging faster than almost every other EV, meaning the battery can charge from 10-80 percent in 20-25 minutes in ideal conditions.

While the single-motor and smaller battery Air has some cheaper-feeling plastic bits inside, it boasts artificial leather power, heated and cooled seats, power tailgate, two 12.3-inch screens, wireless phone charging, tri-zone climate control and strong safety.

The Earth is dual motor, all-wheel-drive and with a huge battery, then adds extras like a 360-degree camera, more driver assist, fancier leather seating, ambient lighting and a terrain mode selection. 

The GT-Line has a huge price jump to $121,000 and is a tech-lovers delight with digital side mirrors (an acquired taste), Matrix LED headlights, augmented reality head-up display, massage front seats, heated and cooled rear seats plus it’ll park itself.

There’s a polished drive offered, with occupants enjoying business class-like space and luxury to cruise in near-silence. Some drive assist systems are too nannying, it uses a lot of energy on the highway and its hugeness makes parking a problem.

The Air is the nicest to drive thanks to its lighter weight and sensible tyres, but all show decent control despite their bulk, although the turning circle’s comically large. The GT-Line somehow hits 100km/h in 5.3 seconds despite weighing more than a Toyota LandCruiser.

Kia’s seven-year warranty’s bests most, and service packages are good value at $1351 for five years/75,000km.

Learn more about the Kia EV9 by reading our in-depth review, covering the Air, Earth and GT-Line grades.

Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series

• Price range: $96,991 to $144,791 (before on-road costs)
• Engine: 3.3L V6 turbo-diesel
• Cargo space: 1131L (five seat); 1004L (seven seat); 175L (seven seats in place)
• Fuel economy: 8.9L/100km

The icon, the Australian hero vehicle, the 4×4 sales champion – Toyota’s LandCruiser is, for many, peak large SUV. It’s no longer possible to drive one away for under $100,000, but their capability and dependability make them the popular choice for off-roading, towing, touring and rural work.

Be under no illusions. The LandCruiser’s a massive vehicle, so urban driving and parking can be nightmarishly difficult. But the 300 Series, which arrived in 2021, is more refined, economical and easier to drive than ‘Cruisers of old.

No longer available with a V8, all LC300s use a 227kW/700Nm 3.3L V6 turbo-diesel, drinking at a rate of 8.9L/100km. Its 10-speed auto gearbox is a smooth operator, and combined with the chunky torque figure, makes it a brilliant tow vehicle.

There are six grades offered: GX, GXL, VX, Sahara, Sahara ZX and sporty (if that’s possible for a 2630kg 4×4) GR Sport. 

In lower grades you’re paying for ability, not luxury. All have a low-range transfer case, lockable centre differential, drive mode selector and 110L long-range fuel tank for excellent off-road talents and long-distance touring.

The GX gets fabric seats, steel wheels, vinyl floor, 8.0-inch screen and only five seats, but the GXL improves with alloys, third row seating, carpeted floor and wireless phone charging. Only from the VX do fake leather power and climate seats arrive, and a 12.3-inch screen.

Sahara models start from a hefty $138,191, and only then do you get a power tailgate, while the ZX brings adaptive suspension, then the GR Sport lockable front and rear differentials as well as sporty body styling – it’s the LC300 to be seen in.

It’s a 5 Star ANCAP vehicle with solid driver assist systems on all, but only GXLs and above have blind spot monitoring, though a recent update for 2025 has made more safety features standard across the range.

Interiors are cavernous, but third row seating’s not as roomy as you’d expect, although the boot’s massive. Cabins are workmanlike and plain until you spend big, but build quality and common sense design with ample storage are praiseworthy.

Ride quality’s generally plush and quiet, handling’s okay for something this huge, while the V6 engine has ample shove although gets noisy when pushed.

Servicing is not cheap as they’re demanded every six months/10,000km, so five years means close to $4000 in service bills.

Learn more about the Toyota LandCruiser 300 by reading our in-depth reviews, covering the GXL, VX and more.

Volkswagen Touareg

• Price range: $86,790 to $129,990 (before on-road costs)
• Engines: 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel; 3.0L petrol V6 plug-in hybrid
• Cargo space: 655L-810L 
• Fuel economy: 3.3L-6.8L/100km

Despite being Volkswagen’s largest SUV, the Touareg comes only as a five-seater, so those needing a third row needn’t apply. But it’s a recently facelifted desirable all-rounder, superb for touring, towing and urban family transport, if you can handle its size.

The Touareg has a semi-premium feel, with style and cabins a close match to prestige German brands, with prices (almost) to match. The entry-level 170TDI is reasonably plush, but proper luxury lands with higher grades, which all cost over $100,000 to drive-away.

The 170TDI and 210TDI use a refined and torque-packed 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel, offering 170kW/500Nm and 210kW/600Nm respectively. A new $129,990 plug-in hybrid Touareg R uses a 340kW/700Nm petrol V6 plus electric motor.

Sharing a platform with the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and even the Lamborghini Urus equals superb ride and handling. All bar the entry-level get cossetting air suspension.

Tow rating’s a massive 3500kg and all are all-wheel-drive, but these Touaregs are not hard-core off-roaders. Instead, they make plush city and highway vehicles.

Base models feature heated leather seats, power tailgate, impressive 15-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone mirroring, 360-degree parking camera and an impressive safety suite.

The more powerful 210TDI Elegance adds better leather with colling and massage, and ups wheel size from 19 to 20-inches. A 210TDi R-Line adds an extra wheel inch and active roll stabilisation, plus black styling pack and four-wheel steering.

The R moves to huge 22-inch wheels, then offers a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, soft close doors and limo-like quad zone climate control, while able to travel 51 kilometres on battery only.

The wonderful interiors are matched by confident on-road manners and muscled diesel engine, and fuel economy’s as low as 6.8L/100km, or just 3.3L/100km the plug-in hybrid R.

Negatives include expensive services, no full-size spare wheel and an over-reliance on functions through the screen, plus for the money buyers can consider more prestige German brands.

Learn more about the Volkswagen Touareg by reading our in-depth reviews, covering the 170TDI and more.

Best 7-seater SUV with long warranty

Kia Sorento

Australia’s birth rate may be falling, but for some families, seven usable seats in an SUV remains a priority. Kia’s Sorentov offers three row seating, plus space and versatility that’s hard to beat.

Middle seats slide forward 45mm to create genuine adult-sized room in the rearmost two chairs. Back here are cupholders, smartphone trays, air vents and ventilation control, showing the third row is no afterthought. Kids and adults could travel in comfort for long periods.

The middle row offers excellent head and leg room, and combined with the third row, there are eight cupholders, four bottle holders and five USB ports. If you have younger kids there are four Isofix child seat points and five top-tether strap mounts.

With all seats up there’s a small family shop-sized 187L boot, or 616L with five seats in place. 

All Sorentos have impressive safety inclusions plus a seven year warranty. 

There’s a huge choice of powertrains, from a V6 petrol to a zesty diesel, then a pricier (but more economical) petrol-hybrid and pricey petrol plug-in hybrid.

Sorentos start from $50,680, and top out at $81,080 for the plug-in version, which can travel 60 kilometres on battery alone.

Range-topping GT-Line trims have impressive luxury and features, including an intercom for those in the front to talk to rear passengers without raising their voice. Ideal when the kids are playing up.

Best Fuel-Efficient SUV

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

You can’t beat physics: large SUVs are heavy and will, as a result, need plenty of fuel to shift them.

Crippling petrol or diesel bills can be swerved with hybrids, and the Hyundai Santa Fe is a prime example. In the real world, its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with small electric battery and electric motor will halve the petrol use of the old version’s 3.5-litre V6 petrol.

Gains are best seen in urban areas and traffic, where large SUVs are commonly used – the busy school run in particular. Hyundai’s official claim is 6.2L/100km in urban conditions, while our test returned an excellent 6.0L/100km. The V6 petrol would regularly use 12L/100km.

You never need plug in a Hyundai Sants Fe hybrid – the battery recharges when braking or coasting. If there’s enough battery charge, the SUV can drive at low speeds – up to around 50km/h on a gentle throttle – using zero petrol and just the battery. 

Not only does this save fuel, it means less pollution being spewed out in our urban spaces.

Best Luxury Hybrid Large SUV

Lexus RX

The vastly improved new-generation RX large SUV brings an excellent blend of luxury, commodious space, driver enjoyment and refined ride quality.

There’s no seven-seat option, but it means five occupants are blessed with cavernous cabin room and – no matter the grade – luxury at a price to shade German alternatives.

While 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol versions are available, the smart picks are the cheaper hybrids. Their smooth and calm nature well suit this big cruiser, and return a superb 5.4L/100km. Lexus, like Toyota, are masters of hybrid technology and economy.

Priced from $90,060 for a two-wheel-drive, these RXs are the pick for those demanding unfussy interior design with sink-in comfy seating to go with a refined and always comfortable ride.

Large SUVs: Conclusion and Recommendations

The choice of large SUVs can be overwhelming with the sheer number available in showrooms. Yet it also means there’s something to cover all lifestyles and intended uses – and household budgets.

Brand new seven-seater options are currently available from around $40,000 drive-away – primarily from Chinese brands such as Chery and LDV, though also India’s Mahindra – even if these are not among our ‘Best’ picks.

At the other end of the price spectrum, the Lexus RX is a great option available with hybrid technology and seven seats, with other stand-outs including the fully electric Polestar 3 and Kia EV9, or diesel-powered (plus plug-in hybrid R) Volkswagen Touareg if five seats will suffice.

While electric large SUVs are great for reducing ‘fuel’ costs, more affordable versions – ie less than $100,000 drive-away – are extremely thin on the ground in Australia.

Proper off-road-capable large SUVS are ever-appealing to Australian buyers, with the Toyota LandCruiser the long-standing king for tackling every terrain, and towing demand, while bringing space, reliability and cruising comfort. There’s also the excellent Land Rover Defender, though neither of these options are inexpensive.

The terrific Ford Everest and respectable Isuzu MU-X do similar for notably less money.

Their on-road and urban manners aren’t typically a match for sealed road-focused SUVs, however. 

And in our view it’s difficult to beat the Hyundai Santa Fe for its combination of everyday comfort, practicality, fuel efficiency with the hybrid drivetrain, and general all-round value.