Best Mid-Size SUV 2024

Mid-size SUVs are Australia’s most popular new vehicle type and every mainstream car-maker has one to offer.

But which one is best? To find out, we shortlisted the 14 best sub-$60,000 mid-size SUVs from Japan, Korea, China, France, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Then, as with all carsales Best awards, we assessed them against five main criteria – safety, technology, comfort and convenience, driving performance and ownership costs – to name just one winner.

Fast Forward
00:00 Intro
01:02 Judging criteria
01:30 Pricing & specs
02:43 CR-V Interior
03:33 ZR-V Interior
04:16 Sportage Interior
05:26 X-TRAIL Interior
06:22 RAV4 Interior
07:26 Second row space
10:04 Safety
10:10 Luggage space
11:38 Running costs
12:10 CR-V road test
13:02 ZR-V road test
13:40 Sportage road test
14:28 X-TRAIL road test
15:26 RAV4 road test
16:22 Final score
18:27 Winner

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[ellab]

This was a great video - although would love more explanation on why the Tucson had to “drop out at the last minute”… couldn’t find it in the linked article either.

[VelvetLogan]

I am so satisfied with my RAV 4 hybrid (2023). It is currently giving me 5.4 L/100 KM, which is just fantastic. Keen to see if Toyota brings in the RAV 4 PHEV with a 200 km range on just electric power. 😀

[ralfludwig]

4 weeks ago I’ve got my KIA Sportage PHEV SX (in Europe GT-Line), fully loaded version, just the metallic colour was extra. It’s not really a bargain but the equivalent is a premium like SUV that gives you the premium feeling from A to Z. I think I did the right thing buying this one.

[Briguy]

I really like my Sportage Hybrid SX prestige, and it does have a heated steering wheel. But I guess different markets get different versions. The US doesn't get the diesel.

[bradleythompson]

I received my sportage in same spec last week and it is so good to drive and packed full of features and tech! The diesel engine is fantastic too!

[holykarmaaus]

A very good comparison and review ❤ Helps a lot 👍 Thank you 🎉

[Joseph-cipu]

Review incorrectly states that the Honda CR-V VTi L7 has a 360 degree camera though no current Honda CRV models come with a 360 degree camera, it’s not even an option! Reversing camera only. Lack of a 360 degree camera, especially on an all new CR-V model range, could be a deal breaker for some people.

[mvnorsel]

This is the test I have no interest in but I'm here.

[chellebunderla]

Does the Rav 4 edge hybrid have heads up display? Im curious about the baby forerunner coming out as well..
Reliability and parts is a go for Toyota for me.. Kia does have the nicer dash however. I wish Toyota made a diesel hybrid mid suv…

[nobullshit]

Can I please know, what suburb u been driving around. It looks so stunning 😊

[bazinga]

Good summary. I think you have picked well for the most part, although I would not buy a diesel

[contemporaryprimitiveman]

I’m very happy with our 2024 Kia Sportage SX Prestige Hybrid. Lots of room, great ride and handling, fantastic tech features.

[muneshnaidu]

@carsales where is subaru forester...I would choose that over these....

[vinayshsureshram]

Let's be honest. Beyond all the gimmicks and fancy stuff thrown in to lure buyers- what matters most in a car is the engine, transmission, ride/handling and reliability- that's where Japanese cars shine compared to Korean Cars and Toyota is the leader followed by Mazda and Honda which are equally good after it. Proud owner of a RAV4 Edge Hybrid here - love it! Only gripe is the CVT being loud when you accelerate uphill.

[Clim]

Can't wait for my Toyota rav 4 xse awd hybrid in a few weeks

[letsseeif]

In Australia, cooled seat are more imported than heated seats. And heated steering is stupid.

[BluePandaa]

While everyone says diesel should be banned, what does it mean that diesel engines are champions in all car comparison videos? I think Australia is quite confused about diesel cars.

[fuadrahimov]

Without CX-5, this list of carry-overs is just boring. The best of the bunch in handling. Period.

[zlatathelab]

How did X-Trail with asthmatic 2.5 NA engine and CVT transmission got 16 out of 20 in performance section of this review on your website, same as CX5 2.5l turbo? 😂

[jasonchristopher]

The mere fact that the RAV4 offers less interior features than the competition and still outsells them all to become the No. 1 best-selling SUV worldwide just goes to show how superior Toyota's reliability is. Their brand value is simply unmatched.