Your questions answered: Which fuel-efficient hybrid SUV should I buy?

There’s no shortage of interest and curiosity around EVs, but it’s hybrids doing the heavy lifting when it comes to new-car interest, as our reader questions demonstrate this week.

From compact fuel-efficient models to something a little more luxurious, there’s a diverse mix chasing some electrified relief at the bowser.

And it’s not all about reducing fuel bills, with one shopper keen to ensure her new set of wheels also tickles the driving senses to keep pace with what she’s stepping out of.

And which is the best way to sell a 10-year-old Holden?

We tackle it all – and more – this week.

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

Question: My husband and I are heading into retirement and looking to buy our retirement vehicle. We’re considering one of the following and would really appreciate your advice on which one you think is best:

Our budget is $40,000 and fuel economy is especially on our radar. – Deborah

Answer: There are some great choices there and the standouts are the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona. Each is spacious, practical and drives well.

The Corolla Cross has a slightly better hybrid system but the Kona should give you better bang for your buck in terms of price and equipment. The cabin on the Kona is a bit snazzier too.

As for the others, the MG ZS is decent value and a huge step up on the previous model in terms of presentation and driving dynamics.

However, its hybrid system lacks polish. It appears the battery management isn’t done too well, so often you can be driving along and have the engine start revving at 3000 to 4000rpm. It’s the car doing what it needs to do to ensure there’s enough charge in the battery, but it can be a tad dramatic and off-putting.

The Subaru has an underwhelming hybrid system that makes it an easy one to cross off the list. As well as not being particularly cheap, it’s not very fuel efficient compared with rivals.

Subaru is unleashing a new hybrid system late this year and it’s expected to be a huge step forward.

Which hybrid or electric luxury SUV should I buy?

Question: My criteria for a new vehicle is:

I don’t need a family car, as it’s just me mainly, though I want the size/space so I don’t want a small car/SUV.

So, I think that means a mid-size hybrid SUV? Though I’m open to alternative thoughts.

Based on all this I think my benchmark is the Audi Q5 e-tron. I understand a new update is due in Australia in 2025?

I am trying to understand what the difference will be, but it seems basically a makeover?

I think, unless there is a strong reason, I will be okay with the current version (which seems to be on sale at the moment).

Price is important but I am seeking the best car (without paying for features I will never use) before talking price.

So, given all that, if not the Audi Q5, what might the next best be? – Robert

Answer: You certainly know what you want (and what you don’t want!).

The Q5 due in around six months is a new-generation car riding on a new architecture. So, yes, the concept is similar to the outgoing model, but the execution, tech and design is a big step forward.

That said, the plug-in hybrid models won’t arrive at launch, so expect to be waiting longer for that.

As for what it’s like, I haven’t driven it yet so can’t comment.

Keep in mind plug-in hybrids tend to be compromised. When in EV mode a lot aren’t very powerful and have a relatively short EV driving range.

And often they’re not cheap, although we don’t have those details yet for the Q5.

As for alternatives, the Volvo XC60 is a good place to start. It’s available with a good hybrid system and is generally a good car.

The Lexus NX is also good buying. There are regular and plug-in hybrid versions available.

If you’re open to electric, check out the BMW iX3 or at a stretch the iX1 (front seat space is good, but the back seat is tight). The iX3 is near the end of its life but is still solid value.

And as a real left fielder the Polestar 4 is worth considering. It’s an EV but has a really long range and great interior space.

Regarding robustness, most SUVs will be no different to hatches and wagons. That’s because they often ride on the same platforms and share many components.

It’s a bit different with hard-core off-road vehicles but they bring other compromises, particularly with roadholding.

And a quick one on Tesla residuals. They’ve typically been quite strong. The exception is people who paid top dollar (before price drops) in 2020 and 2021. With prices dropping since then there are plenty who have been hit on the depreciation front. But generally a Tesla stacks up reasonably well on resale values.

What will happen moving forward is anyone’s guess. Clearly some won’t consider a Tesla, but plenty still do. Ultimately used car values come down to supply and demand.

Question: I am wanting to sell our 2014 Holden Caprice V. Could you give me a realistic figure of what it may be worth? I imagine selling it second hand, I would get more than a trade-in. – Debbie

Answer: There are pros and cons to selling privately versus trading in. When selling to a dealer there are rarely any hassles. You can drive your car in and leave with the money. There’s a huge convenience factor.

Yes, you’ll typically get more privately, but it can also be painful dealing with lowball offers and tyre kickers.

For that reason it’s important to price the car sensibly if you are planning to sell it privately. Don’t just look at vehicle listings and think that’s the price you’ll get. Particularly with some Australian-made cars, you often have some who are unrealistic in their expectations.

What many people advertise a car for is rarely what it sells for. In some instances, people will have to seriously adjust their asking price.

The best place to get an idea is Redbook.com.au.

It’ll give you an estimate of how much you can expect when selling privately and trading in.

There are a range of prices depending on kilometres and condition, two of the most important factors with older cars.

I don’t know if you have the V6-engined Caprice V or the V8-engined Caprice V, so I’ve listed the redbook estimates for both.

Question: I’ve been thinking of changing my car for a while. I am currently driving a Hyundai Veloster Turbo and prior to that a Mini Cooper.

My next car was to have been an EV. All seemed straightforward except how much I could afford, which has now dropped.

I am looking to buy a new or second-hand vehicle that has me sitting higher than the Veloster, has four doors and reasonable back passenger access (I now have a grandchild). Plus it needs a good safety profile.

I am not brand-centric. I understand the brands that I once would not have considered – eg Chinese – are on their way.

Of the known, a Mazda or its competitors is possible.

I'm not looking for luxury. However, I do want/need a car that is safe but also has a little fun about it so that for as long as I am in front of my challenges, I am enjoying my drive.

I have always been a car person. – Jane

Answer: It certainly sounds like you enjoy your cars.

A compact SUV would be a good place to start. Before you get worried about them being too small, there are plenty of compact SUVs these days that aren’t too small.

Check out the Toyota Corolla Cross as a start. It’s a sensible size and has an excellent hybrid system that delivers on performance and minimising fuel bills.

The entry-level GX is sparsely equipped but once you work your way through the model range there’s more going on.

Also look at the Honda ZR-V, which is more of a compact mid-sized SUV.

It’s also a surprise packet in that more affordable end of the SUV market. In some ways it’s a bit of a return to form for Honda, which has strayed over the past decade.

The Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos are also worth a look. The Seltos is solid buying while the newer Hyundai also gives the choice of a great hybrid system.

If you still want some luxury in your life – albeit at a price – test drive a Volvo XC40. It’s been around a while but still presents well and is fun to drive. The Volvo’s cabin also has a terrific Scandinavian flavour.

Also, if it’s only cost keeping you out of the EV you wanted, check out the used market for some of the more affordable new EVs.

The MG4 is a great option or you could look at a used BYD Atto 3.

Question: I would appreciate your opinion. My grandchild has just obtained his license, is in year 12 and is living in Mount Gambier, SA. He’s going to uni next year, possibly Adelaide (or Melbourne), six hours at least by road one way from home, and is keen to get a car.

I will help him money wise probably up to $25K (he will contribute about $8K, which I think is important).

I feel he would be wise to buy in the next little while and get used to his car. Fortunately he is a mature, sensible and responsible young man.

I feel a lower-mileage second-hand vehicle would be good first up as university parking is limited and squeezy with dings happening, I am told.

Your thoughts on makes and/or models suitable would be appreciated please.

Needless to say, he has been looking and likes a Mazda3 but is open to all suggestions. – Nancie

Answer: He definitely is sensible if the first car on his shortlist is a Mazda3! Glad to hear it’s not a ute or something high performance.

The Mazda is a great place to start. He could also pop the Kia Cerato on the shortlist. It’s a nameplate being phased out and was always great value, especially with the back-up of a seven-year warranty.

Its sister car, the Hyundai i30, also stacks up well.

Also look at a Skoda Octavia. It doesn’t have the reputation for trouble-free motoring as some others but would be a great option for country touring. Plus, it’s a sensible size and fuel efficient.

The Subaru Impreza and its SUV offshoot, the XV (it’s since been rebranded Crosstrek), could also work nicely for the type of driving he’s doing.

While the engine is underwhelming and needs some encouragement, the rest of the package is solid in either, the XV riding slightly higher courtesy of its SUV stance.

You could also look at small SUVs, although the lower stance of a hatch will in some ways make it a nicer car to drive.

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

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au