Best Family SUV 2021: Driving performance

The eight contenders have been thoroughly assessed by our road test team, which found variations in driving performance as big as the nature of today’s market is diverse.

These might all be seven-seat family SUVs, but they’re not carbon copies of each other when it comes to how they drive. Some lean as distinctly towards dynamism as others do towards comfort.

Fuel efficiency is important for a large SUV that can clock up big distances as the sole family vehicle.

It wasn’t so long ago that a thirsty petrol V6 was the mainstay of large car-based SUVs. But that combination is becoming less popular as more frugal turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines, turbo-diesels and petrol-electric hybrids take hold.

Of the models on test, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Wolfsburg Edition AWD is the thirstiest with a 9.0L/100km combined average, while the Toyota Kluger Hybrid Grande AWD is most efficient at 5.6L/100km.

The most responsive, dynamic and yet still smooth-riding SUV here is the Skoda Kodiaq RS. The Racing Sport (RS) designation should tell you that the Skoda has a performance bent, and it’s a well-rounded one in the Kodiaq to boot.

Although a sporty diesel family SUV may seem like a contradiction, Luke Youlden explained how it all comes together.

“Diesel power units may not be exactly synonymous with high performance, but the Kodiaq RS may just be the one that converts you,” the Bathurst 1000 champion said.

“But that’s what the Kodiaq RS does – it makes you feel like you’re in a sports car.

“The engine feels like a much bigger-capacity unit and is its strong point. Maximum torque operates in a window from 1750-2500rpm, with peak power remaining flat from 4000rpm, so it offers decent shove down low and in the mid-range. The DSG gearbox operates seamlessly.”

While performance testing the Kodiaq cemented its powertrain and chassis as the best performer of this group, it doesn’t mean the Skoda is also fidgety and rough-riding on the road.

Said Youlden: “Let’s face it, not too many will hit the track in a Kodiaq, so it’s nice to see its road manners are spot on and the ride quality for a performance car hits the mark.

“It stops well, turns well and with all four paws clawing at the ground, it definitely puts its power down well.”

Close to the Skoda for its enjoyable and refined road manners is the second-placed (and closely related) Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Wolfsburg Edition 2.0T AWD.

While nothing about its name shouts ‘sporty’, the Tiguan actually has plenty of performance DNA.

“When you reach twisting, turning roads, it exhibits a tenacity and potency which isn’t too surprising when you consider its genetics are shared with the iconic VW Golf GTI hot hatch,” said Feann Torr.

“The brakes are seriously potent – at least compared to most SUVs – while the chassis is impressively balanced and acceleration is punchy.

“A savvy seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends drive to all four wheels, which together with excellent throttle response conspires to provide the Tiguan with a wicked turn of speed.”

The Kia Sorento GT-Line 2.2D AWD might not have the sports intent or DNA found in the first pair here, but is a well-resolved SUV and a deserved podium finisher.

Youlden also had this to say about the new Korean entrant and carsales’ 2020 Car of the Year winner: “The diesel engine in combination with the silky-smooth dual-clutch transmission is more than enough for Aussie families – and our speed limits.

“It still has that unmistakeable diesel noise, but it is less intrusive than before thanks to improvements that ensures peaceful long-distance cruising.

“Any performance shortcomings are well compensated by the way the Sorento drives. It is comfortable and handles well due to the bespoke Australian-tuned suspension and I couldn’t fault it over any of the tests I threw at it.”

While it’s a close call, the Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander 2.2D AWD slots in just behind the Sorento. The Hyundai shares much of the Sorento’s DNA, but Hyundai’s interpretation has resulted in a slightly different driving experience.

“The Santa Fe makes incremental improvements in the ride and handling department, offering up a package that ably juggles comfort and performance,” said Sam Charlwood.

“The steering feels light enough at low speeds but takes on more weighting and feedback when desired, while the body is nicely controlled during changes in direction.

“Ride comfort is another strength, our Highlander test car isolating bumps in the road admirably given the fitment of 20-inch wheels and tyres.”

Charlwood observed that the 2.2-litre diesel might be a bit slow off the mark but it scores well for refinement.

“There is a slight tardiness upon setting away from a standstill as the engine builds adequate revs, but beyond that point the 2.2-litre diesel is quiet and refined, reaching peak power from a lowly 1750rpm,” he said.

The Mazda CX-9 Azami 2.5TAWD has been a long-time favourite for its driver appeal, but has been overtaken by fresher rivals, pushing it to the middle of the pack.

Yet, as Torr described, this is still an engaging and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

“The second-generation Mazda CX-9 has been in circulation since 2016 and still stands as a well-tuned family cruiser, blending comfort and control to impressive effect,” he said.

“The suspension rides over rough country roads with ease, and deals with messy urban surfaces well.

“The 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder suits the vehicle well and doesn’t lack for much. The torque is very accessible, arriving at just 2000rpm which is more like a diesel, and it ensures excellent driveability.

“Family buyers may not have dynamic performance at the top of their list of priorities, but there’s a level of driver engagement here that few other SUVs in the class can match.”

The CX-9 was closely followed by another Mazda – the Mazda CX-9 Azami 2.5T AWD. While the CX-8 benefits from one of the better diesel engines around, its suspension is not particularly cohesive, as Ken Gratton explained.

“To a large degree, the CX-8’s trump card is its powertrain. It’s stunning how refined the 2.2-litre diesel four-cylinder is in the CX-8,” he said.

“The diesel in the CX-8 is strong from idle speed, yet it’s capable of producing a wide power band up to 5500rpm or beyond. We’ve seen petrol engines run out of puff before then.

“At lower speeds and over speed humps the Mazda CX-8 soaked up both the big stuff and the niggly imperfections in the road surface. But middling bumps render the ride fidgety at speeds either side of 60km/h. On rippled surfaces at open-road speeds the CX-8 feels more composed and the body control compensates for any underlying firmness.”

The just-launched fourth-generation Toyota Kluger Hybrid Grande AWD is the freshest product here, and while the new model rides better than before, it still has a way to go to challenge this company with engine refinement.

“The 2021 Toyota Kluger has made the biggest improvement on the road. The at-times heaving, pitching tendencies of the third-generation predecessor have been replaced by a much more controlled ride, accurate steering and a general level of poise and refinement,” said Charlwood.

“However, being such a small engine, the hybrid combination is prone to making a lot of noise if you bury the right foot – a symptom of the CVT transmission and peak power and torque arriving at 6000 and 4400rpm respectively.”

The Hyundai Palisade Highlander 2.2D AWD might have been at the tail end of this group but it doesn’t mean it is an ordinary drive – far from it.

“Low-speed ride feels compliant, while the Palisade’s body feels comfortably suspended over broken bitumen and in stop-start traffic, avoiding the temptation of other like-minded rivals to heave or pitch,” said Charlwood.

“We were pleasantly surprised at the Palisade’s dynamic ability on a long, winding road, too. For a seven/eight-seat SUV weighing 2.1 tonnes, it acquits itself relatively well in terms of roadholding and balance.”

However the large, heavy SUV doesn’t have quite the performance afforded other SUVs here, as Charlwood noted.

“The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine can feel languid during spirited overtaking manoeuvres and exiting corners with any urgency,” he said.

“At highway speeds and on open country roads, the diesel happily wafts along, which is arguably a bigger strength.”