The sale of new SUV vehicles has continued to rapidly rise in Australia with SUV vehicles outselling the total number of passenger vehicles in 2017.
The Japanese manufacturers have a stronghold in the Australian market, as they represent four out of the five top-selling vehicles brand new.
SUVs come in all shapes and sizes and there are various classifications for the different products manufacturers are producing. Based on the results from 2017, medium-sized SUVs are the most popular choice amongst consumers with four out of the five vehicles listed in the top 5 fitting into that vehicle class.
Mazda CX-5
There were 25,381 Mazda CX-5 vehicles sold new in 2017. The strong results produced by Mazda were influenced by the release of the second-generation of CX-5 in 2017. The latest model of CX-5 offers key benefits over its predecessor such as more space in the boot, more space in the cabin and a quieter ride experience.
In 2017, Motoring.com.au stated that the CX-5 is the best SUV vehicle under $50,000.
Fast facts:
Warranty: Currently 5 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $31,790 – $51,290 (price will differ based on location)
Models: Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT and Akera. All models listed are available in the all-wheel-drive (AWD) drive train. The Maxx and Maxx Sport are the only vehicles available in a 2WD variant.
Transmission: Automatic and manual. The manual transmission is only available in some models.
Fuel efficiency: 5.7 – 7.4 litres per 100km. Fuel efficiency depends on the engine and drive-train.
Fuel types: Diesel and petrol. Diesel is only available in AWD Maxx Sport, Touring, GT and Akera.
Standard features across the range: Reverse camera, rear parking sensors, LED headlights and tail lights, Bluetooth, auto braking and blind spot monitoring.
Production of vehicle: Japan
ANCAP safety rating: 5-star
Hyundai Tucson:
There were 23,828 Hyundai Tucson vehicles sold new in 2017. The Tucson is the only non-Japanese model of SUV in the top 5 best-selling SUVs. The third-generation of Tucson hit the Australian market in the middle of 2015, replacing the well-known IX35. Since its reintroduction into the local market, Hyundai has continued to improve its popular SUV product and provide consumers with more engine choices and functionality.
In August 2018, the Tucson received a facelift, which will be part of its 2019 launch.
Fast facts:
Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kilometres
Price: $28,150 – $48,800 (price will differ based on location)
Models: Go, Active X, Elite, Highlander. 2WD is available in Go, Active X and Elite only. AWD is available in all diesel models and some petrol.
Transmission: Automatic and manual. The manual transmission is available in the Go and Active X models only.
Fuel efficiency: 6.4 – 7.9 litres per 100km. Fuel efficiency depends on the engine and drive-train.
Fuel types: Diesel and petrol. All models of the Tucson have diesel and petrol variants.
Standard features across the range: Reverse camera, rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, full-size spare wheel and daytime running lights.
Production of vehicle: South Korea
ANCAP safety rating: 5-star
Toyota Rav4:
There were 21,077 Toyota Rav4 vehicles sold new in 2017. Introduced in 1994, the Rav4 continuously evolves and currently stands as the best-selling SUV Toyota has in the Australian market. Out of its competitors in the top 5, the Rav4 is credited with having the biggest boot space. Bolstered by the strong reputation of the Toyota brand, the Rav4 is one of the best SUV’s for holding value on the market.
In 2019, the Rav4 is due for a significant redesign with a focus on hybrid technology.
Fast facts:
Warranty: 3 years/100,000 kilometres
Price: $33,163 – $49,742 (price will differ based on location)
Models: GX, GXL and Cruiser. AWD is available in all models. 2WD is not available in Cruiser.
Transmission: Auto CVT gearbox and manual. Manual is only available in the GX model.
Fuel efficiency: 5.7 – 8.5 litres per 100km. Fuel efficiency depends on the engine and drive-train.
Fuel types: Diesel and petrol options across the range.
Standard features: Active cruise control, reverse camera, reverse sensors, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, automatic emergency braking and lane departure alert.
Production of vehicle: Japan
ANCAP safety rating: 5-star
Mitsubishi ASX
There were 19,403 Mitsubishi ASX vehicles sold new in 2017. The ASX is the only vehicle in the top 5 that fits into the small class SUV category. In comparison to its competitors, the ASX has been around for a short period of time. Despite this, the product has asserted itself strongly in the market due to its affordable pricing, impressive space inside the cabin and longer than average warranty since its inception.
In 2017, Mitsubishi gave the ASX a significant facelift. In September 2018, the first diesel model was launched, and in 2019, AWD will be an option.
Fast facts:
Warranty: 5 years/100,000 kilometres
Price: $23,990 – $32,990 (price will differ based on location)
Models: ES, Black Edition, ES Adas, LS and Exceed. 2WD only
Transmission: Auto CVT and manual. Manual is only available in the ES version.
Fuel efficiency: 7.6 litres per 100km
Fuel types: Petrol
Standard features: Digital radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, daytime running LEDs and Bluetooth.
Production of vehicle: Japan
ANCAP safety rating: 5-star
Nissan X-Trail
There were 18,955 Nissan X-Trail vehicles sold in 2017. Despite finishing 5th for new SUV vehicles sold in Australia, the X-Trail was the best-selling SUV in 2017 worldwide. Out of the five vehicles listed, the X-Trail is the only SUV that offers 7-seat models.
The X-Trail underwent a face-lift in May 2017. A new model is expected to be introduced in 2019.
Fast facts:
Warranty: 3 years/100,000 kilometres
Price: $31,687 – $53,129 (price will differ based on location)
Models: ST 2WD, ST 2WD with 7 seats, ST 4WD, ST-L, ST-L with 7 seats, ST-L 4WD, N-Sport 2WD, N-Sport 4WD, Ti 4WD, TS 4WD diesel and TL 4WD diesel.
Transmission: Automatic CVT and manual. Manual available only in 2WD ST only.
Fuel efficiency: 6.0 – 8.3 litres per 100km. Fuel efficiency depends on engine and drive-train.
Fuel types: petrol and diesel. Diesel available in TS and TL models only. Petrol is available in all other models.
Standard features: autonomous emergency braking, automatic headlamps, Bluetooth, reverse camera, smart key entry and daytime running lights.
Production of vehicle: Japan
ANCAP safety rating: 5-star
We stock a large range of SUV’s at Westside Auto Wholesale. Click here to view our range.
