Best used large SUV 2018

What will tow the caravan and accommodate kids for the daily school run as well?

Heading bush or towing a ski boat has been the preserve of the traditional four-wheel drive wagon. These big, bluff all-terrain wagons are now lumped in together with softer-riding vehicles, but informed buyers know that there's just no comparison for a bit of recreational fun at weekends. The latest examples are comfortable and refined on the road, as a bonus.

For our inaugural running of the carsales.com.au Best Used Car Awards we've combined the collective grey matter of our expert vehicle reviewers and concrete market intelligence from RedBook to announce the winner in each of 10 categories.

And in 2018, the carsales best used large SUV is the...

The Prado scored 40.1 points out of 50 from RedBook and 38.5 points from the five judges for a total of 78.6 points. According to RedBook analysis, the 2012 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL should sell privately for between $29,900 and $33,100. Used-car expert Cliff Chambers succinctly notes of the Prado: "Good engine, exemplary off-roader".

You can read more about the Toyota Prado in our launch review. At the time, reviewer Ken Gratton wrote: "To find a more capable mid-sized SUV off-road, you have to start making serious concessions in the comfort stakes"

Find a used Toyota LandCruiser Prado now on carsales

Honourable mentions:

Kia Sorento SLi wagon

Scored 39.9 points from RedBook and 37.5 points from the judges for a total of 77.4
Red Book value: $18,400 to $20,700
"Gutsy petrol V6, smart looks" – Cliff Chambers

Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium wagon 

Scored 41.4 points from RedBook and 29 points from the judges for a total of 70.4
Red Book value: $17,000 to $19,200

"Putting it plainly, the Outback is an exceptional family car from a packaging standpoint. It's not too big on the outside and its turning circle is tight for its wheelbase measurement." – Ken Gratton, Technical Editor

What makes a car eligible for carsales Best Used Cars Awards?
• Less than six years old,
• Standard side-curtain airbags,
• Standard Bluetooth,
• Standard reversing camera for SUVs,

How did RedBook weight the categories for scoring?
• 10 per cent for resale,
• 10 per cent for ANCAP rating,
• 20 per cent for cost of ownership,
• Five per cent for service intervals,
• Five per cent for number of days for vehicle to sell

Read all about carsales Best Used Cars for 2018 here.