Best used medium SUV 2018

What packs the most space in the smallest footprint for a growing family?

Buyers are voting in a big way for Medium SUVs – the type of vehicle that is roomy enough and practical for conveying the kids and their junk to school, without needing an endorsed licence to navigate suburban streets. In commuter traffic it provides a higher seating position to see the snarls up ahead as well.

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 medium SUV is the 2012...

The Mazda scored 41.9 points out of 50 from RedBook and 41 points from the five judges for a total of 82.9 points. RedBook research indicates the 2012 Mazda CX-5 Maxx should sell privately for between $12,300 and $14,300.

Used-car expert Cliff Chambers says of the CX-5 that it: "Does almost everything just perfectly."

You can read more about the Mazda CX-5 in our launch review. At the time, reviewer Matt Brogan wrote: "With its clever combination of intelligent packaging, outstanding dynamics and impressive fuel economy, the CX-5 is sure to provide other manufacturers a bit of a wakeup call"

Find a used Mazda CX-5 now on carsales

Honourable mentions:

Subaru Forester 2.5i wagon 

Scored 39.2 points from RedBook and 36.5 points from the judges for a total of 75.7
Red Book value: $13,600 to $15,600

"Good off road, dated looks" – Cliff Chambers

Kia Sportage SLI wagon

Scored 41.5 points from RedBook and 33.5 points from the judges for a total of 75.0
Red Book value: $13,100 - $15,100

"The Sportage is already a decent drive in terms of on-road dynamics with good handling and steering – making it one of the standouts in the crowded compact SUV class." – Melissa McCormick, journalist

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.