Best used large SUV for 2019

When it comes to towing anything that's bigger and heavier than a box trailer, large SUVs are the ideal choice. A dual-cab ute will tow also, but the SUV does so in comfort. They're more refined than the commercial-vehicle alternatives also, and they're safer with it.

In 2013, large SUVs were the most popular vehicle type in the SUV class. They've since been overtaken by medium SUVs, but they remain a popular choice for buyers who want to transport the whole family without complaint – whether it's out for a night on the town or out of radio range, back of Bourke.

And in 2019, the carsales best used large SUV is the 2013...

Few vehicles can deliver the blend of off-road capability and on-road competence that the Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 does. It remains widely admired and has proved a hard act for Land Rover to follow with the fifth generation of Discovery, despite the new model being a very good vehicle in its own right. Combining 40 points from RedBook with 37 points from the judges resulted in a total score of 77 points out of 100 for the Disco 4 to take out the win in the large SUV segment.

RedBook values a 2013 Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 at $36,900, based on average retail condition and private sale. The new price was $68,545 in 2013.

"With its advanced twin-turbo V6 diesel, the Discovery 4 remains the segment benchmark among used off-roaders," says Ken Gratton, Technical Editor at carsales.

"Efficient, strong and immensely capable off-road, the Discovery is also an outstanding tow vehicle," says carsales Road Test Editor, Matt Brogan.

"Great looking, spacious vehicle with 4WD credentials. Get a good one and you are on a winner," says Director of Data Services at RedBook, Ross Booth.

Honourable mentions:

Last year's winner in the category, the Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL has been relegated to an honourable mention for 2019. If the Land Rover Discovery 4 is the large SUV that the heart wants, then the Prado is the cerebral choice of large SUV. While the Toyota lacks the ultimate all-round competence of the Discovery (including towing capacity), it compensates with a name for reliability in the bush, a large dealer network to support it, significantly better resale value and slightly better fuel economy on the open road.

The Prado scored 41.2 points out of 50 from RedBook and 35 points from the judges for a combined score of 76.2.
Red Book value: $37,800

"The LandCruiser is hard to top where dependability is concerned. King off the road for a reason" – Road Test Editor at carsales, Matt Brogan

Like the Prado, the Kia Sorento SLi was pushed down one spot by the Land Rover Discovery's win in the large SUV segment this year. But the comfy, seven-seat Kia remains a worthy contender, although it won't travel as far off-road as either the Land Rover or the Toyota. That may not matter as much to buyers seeking a spacious vehicle that will also tow up to two tonnes, even with petrol engine and front-wheel drive only.

RedBook's score for the Kia Sorento SLi was 41.1 points, but the judges offered just 31 points, adding up to a total of 72.1 points out of 100.
Red Book value: $20,100

"Functional and family friendly vehicle with acknowledged Korean reliability" – Ross Booth, Director of Data Services at RedBook

What makes a car eligible for carsales Best Used Cars Awards?
• Less than six years old,
• Standard side-curtain airbags,
• Standard Bluetooth,
• Standard stability control,
• 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 2019 here.