Your questions answered: Which circa-$30K hybrid SUV should I buy?

There’s still plenty of interest in hybrids and EVs but there’s also a tinge of cost containment in this week’s reader questions.

Compact and medium SUVs are front and centre, which is perhaps no surprise given the growth they’ve experienced for years now.

And with more hybrid options available, it’s also no surprise that buyers are increasingly looking to lower running costs.

We’re also touching on EV incentives this week, with one reader getting some less-than-stellar news regarding a recently purchased hybrid.

After all that, there’s still room for some luxury, with one reader looking to splash out on a German electric SUV.

And another is tossing up whether to upgrade to a newer SUV or hold on to a trusty Mazda.

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au

Question: Could you suggest a used hybrid (2023 or 2024) small/medium SUV? Maybe something like a Toyota Yaris Cross, but not necessarily. I am senior lady willing to spend about $30,000. Any suggestions, please let me know. – Norma

Answer: The Yaris Cross is a great place to start for an entry-level hybrid. But it also drives like a basic machine. The three-cylinder hybrid system has thoroughly respectable performance but there are elements elsewhere where it feels built to a price (cabin ambience is one example).

If you can stretch the budget to the Corolla Cross you’ll be getting a much better car (and more space, although it doesn’t sound as though that’s a priority).

Also check out the Hyundai Kona hybrid. If you can get the latest model with its more futuristic design, it’s a terrific option.

Second-hand Kia Niros are also worth a look. The Niro was offered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV. The hybrid would be a good option, unless you’re open to an EV.

Which would you recommend for a family of four? – Matt

Answer: BMW has the upper hand on EVs over Mercedes-Benz right now, and it shows in the sales figures.

About one-third of all BMWs sold in Australia these days is a pure battery-electric vehicle, whereas Mercedes-Benz is hovering around 14 per cent of its overall sales.

A lot of BMW’s EV success has come from the lower end of the luxury market, because the company managed to slide a bunch of models beneath the government’s FBT exemption threshold, thereby allowing owners taking out a novated lease to save thousands annually.

But even at the more expensive end of the market you’re looking at we still reckon BMW has an edge.

The iX is a nicely put together large SUV with a modern cabin and it’s also great to drive. Even the lesser-powered xDrive 40 has decent thrust.

The EQE SUV (we’re assuming you’re looking at the SUV rather than the sedan) is expensive for what you get and doesn’t have the driving polish of the BMW.

If we can lob a third option onto your shortlist check out the new Porsche Macan EV. It’s a terrific car, albeit one that comes with an equally decent price tag.

That said, it’s certainly in the mix price-wise with what you’re looking at now, although you’ll find the temptation is to tick some option boxes, which can step up the price appreciably.

Still, it’s the best of the trio in terms of driving dynamics and it also stacks up beautifully on luxury.

Question: I have purchased a hybrid for $40,000. It arrives tomorrow. I am a disability pensioner so I don't reach the threshold by any means.

In reading this, does this mean I can get some cash back from the Queensland Government? If so, how does one go about it? –Troy.

Answer: There are various incentives around the country from both federal and state governments.

The Queensland Government’s zero-emissions rebate is among the most generous, with up to $6000 on offer for those eligible (there are various conditions).

But that only applies to zero-emissions vehicles, not hybrids. So unfortunately, yours won’t be eligible.

From the Federal Government is a fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption on EVs, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

When you salary sacrifice to take out a novated lease it allows you to use any of those vehicles wholly for private use and not pay the FBT that would ordinarily apply.

However, that is also not available for regular hybrids (those that can’t be charged externally).

And the FBT exemption on plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) ends at the end of March, so there’s only a few weeks remaining.

We don’t like being the bearer of bad news, but in this instance it doesn’t look like there is an option for you to claim any benefits.

Hopefully you’re happy with the car and will at the very least enjoy its lower fuel bills!

Question: My daughter and son-in-law are selling their Toyota Prado and were looking at the Isuzu MU-X, but after inspection feel it doesn’t have the same amount of space as the Prado which they need for their camping equipment.

Can you suggest something comparable they can look at, please? – Janet

Answer: The main rival to both of those is the Ford Everest, which is an excellent option.

While it’s obviously imported, the Everest was designed and engineered in Australia, so it’s particularly well set up for our conditions.

As well as comfortable on-road touring it’s an excellent off-roader. And the nicely controlled suspension deals well with rough roads, too.

The Everest comes with a decent 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo engine but the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel is smoother and punchier.

The Everest also has some of the best tech in its segment and a well laid out cabin.

There’s also a broad model range covering everything from basic variants to the luxury Platinum and more off-road focussed Tremor. The Sport treads a nice middle ground.

And as it sounds like they get out and about they may also like some of the accessories that Ford developed for the Everest. There’s a vast array and all come with the same five-year warranty as the rest of the car.

And, obviously, the new Prado is now out – and is a very different vehicle to the one they would be selling.

It’s slightly bigger than the previous model but has a major compromise in its load area. Toyota has added a cover for a very small battery as part of the 48V assist (mild hybrid) system. It’s bigger than it needs to be and has sparked plenty of discussion about how such a compromise could make it to production.

There are some Australian aftermarket companies currently offering solutions to reduce that compromise, with prices starting around $1000.

Question: I currently have a Mazda CX-5 which I’ve had since new in 2013, and it has 136,000km (only ever driven by one lady, fully serviced, etc). I’m wondering if now is the time to change it over, before anything starts going wrong?

But I’ve had an initial look at replacements and, for what I’m after, I think I’ll be spending a bit.

I’m tall, so I want a car with room inside but also with a higher clearance, as I can’t get down into a car and out again without getting a hand! So that means an SUV again, but they’re all pretty big – bigger than what I need, I think.

It’ll just be me in the car, mainly city driving, so don’t really mind about space in the back, boot, etc. Any suggestions? – Jude

Answer: New car prices have certainly edged up substantially over the past decade.

And to get a decent mid-sized SUV you’re paying more than $40K, ideally closer to $50K.

That said, you could get away with some of the smaller SUVs, those classified as compact models. Some of them aren’t too compact and should certainly accommodate your height.

They tend to compromise more in the back seat and load area rather than up front.

Check out the Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross and Honda ZR-V as a start.

All are available with a hybrid system and all have their pros and cons. Forced to choose, I’d stick the Honda a nose ahead, but all three are very good.

If you want something bigger look at the Kia Sportage or even Nissan X-Trail.

Don’t go rushing out of your Mazda, though.

Yes, a car of that age can start having problems but, equally, there should still be many years of motoring ahead for it.

It sounds like you’ve looked after it, so with any luck it’ll hopefully have at least a few more mostly trouble-free years ahead.

In which case you could let the market settle down over the next year or two. There’s a lot of activity, including new or soon-to-arrive models from China.

It could be advantageous to see what materialises over the coming months.

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au

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