Top five: Mid-size SUVs
When it comes to picking a versatile new car, mid-size SUVs are hard to beat – but which one? We’ve selected our top five to make your choice even easierLike many Aussies, you probably have a mid-size SUV on your new car wishlist.
With 18 manufacturers represented, around one in five new cars sold Down Under fit into this medium SUV segment. And the 19 models within this category are diverse in terms of road versus off-road bias, performance, economy and safety credentials.
So, carsales is making your choice a little easier.
We’ve driven all of the makes and models that fit into this vehicle segment. And we’ve compared and scored them head-to-head across a range of criteria including technology, driving dynamics, safety and, of course, cost of ownership.
You can read the full 2021 Best Mid-Size SUV article set at the links below.
Meantime, avoid paralysis by analysis thanks to us and start, at least, with carsales’ Top Five Mid-Size SUVs.
Hyundai Tucson
The new Hyundai Tucson not only drives well, it delivers across all the key attributes a mid-size SUV buyer is looking for. The Tucson has more technology and safety features than anything else in the segment and is persuasive as far as cost of ownership goes to boot. In fact, as good as the recent crop of Hyundai models has been, we reckon the Tucson could be the best car from the Korean brand yet.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is the surprise package of the mid-size SUV segment, delivering comprehensive convenience, safety and technology features as well as being one of the most affordable and well-rounded on cost-of-ownership factors. Its powertrain is responsive and smooth and it has a dynamic chassis. Our only real criticism: a sometimes jittery ride.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan benefits from an excellent powertrain and chassis and has safety well covered, as it also does with convenience thanks to a host of clever features. There are some anomalies in the technology features list (such as no digital radio) and we note it’s among the most expensive mid-size SUVs to buy and service. But none of that is enough to take it from our top five.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 isn’t one of Australia’s best-sellers without good reason. Impressive safety equipment, lower ownership costs and good technology scores add up to position the Toyota as a solid purchasing choice.
Mazda CX-5
Once a benchmark in the medium SUV segment, the Mazda CX-5 has been overtaken by newer arrivals. Yet it still impresses with its safety, technology and ownership costs, and although its powertrain lacks sizzle (turbo version aside), it’s still a dynamically rewarding vehicle to drive.
Mazda CX-5 in the new car showroom
Search used Mazda CX-5 on carsales
Read more on the Best Mid-size SUV for 2021
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