Top five large SUVs of 2024

As the year draws to a close, we look back at the cars that made an impression AutoExpert test team in 2024.

This time we’re focusing on large SUVs, the staple vehicle of families across Australia.

New for 2024, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-80 both impressed upon their arrival and earned our team’s praise. Meanwhile, well-known nameplates also made an impression.

We’ve had the chance to ride a lot this year, and these are the five that topped our leaderboard this past calendar year.

Some of these models have been rated multiple times this year – in that scenario we’ve highlighted the variant that achieved the highest rating.

These models all compete in the large SUV category under $80,000, as defined by VFACTS sales statistics published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Prices are based on each manufacturer’s configurators for a Victorian postcode, which should give you a representative estimate of what the average buyer will ultimately pay.

There are currently hundreds of new car deals available through CarExpert. Get the experts on your side and score a good deal. Browse now.

Hyundai Palisade

We couldn’t break down the top three large SUVs in this year’s ratings, so the Hyundai Palisade is first on the list alphabetically.

It’s a hefty device with a hefty price tag, but the Hyundai Palisade is a solid choice if you look past the annoying safety technology.

With an overall score of 8.4/10, the Palisade performed best in the value for money, safety and fitness for purpose categories, only falling below eight for performance.

Inside, Hyundai’s flagship SUV is luxuriously appointed and well laid out, meaning it’s both comfortable and pleasing to the eye.

And aside from the intrusive safety systems, the Palisade does everything you’d expect it to do when driving around town or around town. You can get by just fine with the cheaper versions, but if cosmetics are your thing, it’s hard to look past the low-profile Black Ink.

Our tester was powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with 147kW of power and 440Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is 7.3 l/100 km.

You can read our full review of the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel here

Interested in buying a Hyundai Palissade? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai SantaFe

A few Hyundais top our ratings, with the Santa Fe also scoring an 8.4/10.

Every member of the new Santa Fe range, launched this year, made a positive impression on our team, but the base front-wheel drive variant proved to be the pick of the range.

The Santa Fe Hybrid offers a range of features and technology with seven seats for $55,000 before on-road costs, scoring highly for value for money (9), technological infotainment (9) and fitness for purpose ( 9).

The Santa Fe Hybrid is very well rounded indeed. It is spacious, well equipped, relatively efficient (average fuel consumption 5.4 l/100 km) and offers good on-road performance thanks to a 1.6-litre four-cylinder hybrid turbo engine with outputs of 172 kW and 367 Nm, delivered via a six-cylinder is sent to the front wheels. -speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai’s aftersales program also rivals that of its rivals, so there’s plenty to like.

The main drawback we noticed was the polarizing appearance, as the boxy new design won’t suit everyone.

You can read our full review of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD here

Do you want to buy a Hyundai Santa Fe? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Hyundai Santa Fe

Kia Sorento

The shared trio for first place is completed by the updated Kia Sorento, which scored a score of 8.4/10 at its launch in January.

The Sorento excelled in the technology infotainment (9), fit for purpose (9) and driving dynamics (9) categories, without showing any real weaknesses.

With loads of space, sharp looks and a list of luxury features higher up the range, we were happy to recommend variants across the range, from the base model to the flagship GT-Line.

Midlife upgrades focus on key areas of improvement over the old model, namely the infotainment technology and adding some of the more desirable features previously reserved for the GT-Line further down the line; while the retuned steering and chassis deliver an even more engaging ride.

Although several powertrains are on offer, the diesel is the choice when it comes to all-round drivability and efficiency, with 148 kW of power and 440 Nm of torque.

You can read our full review of the Kia Sorento here

Do you want to buy a Kia Sorento? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Kia Sorento

Ford Everest

The ute-based Ford Everest just missed out on beating the field this year, but offers a very different set of features to the aforementioned rivals.

In Sport 4×4 V6 trim, the Everest stands out from both a safety (9) and practicality (9) perspective, while also offering strong performance and driving comfort.

It combines impressive road manners with idiot-proof off-road technology and a healthy dose of towing capacity to boot.

The near-range Sport is a smart specification, with a choice of two engine options. Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel with an output of 184 kW and 600 Nm, linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.

Although not the most efficient, the engine is good for a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, positioning the Everest Sport as a capable weekend hauler.

The Sport’s dressed-up interior also helps justify its higher sticker price compared to other variants in the range.

You can read our full review of the Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 here

Interested in buying a Ford Everest? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Ford Everest

Mazda CX-80

Mazda’s all-new seven-seat SUV launched in November and was an instant success with a score of 8.3/10.

The CX-80 immediately stood out as a practical vehicle with plenty of interior space, and it presents itself well too.

There are numerous configurations available through different trim levels and powertrain options, meaning there’s likely a CX-80 that’s a good fit for your needs.

The price is also attractive, as it undercuts the smaller but related CX-60 and adds seven seats as standard.

The only potential downside for some buyers might be ride comfort, but the CX-80’s relatively sporty dynamics, luxurious interior and robust performance often make up for this, especially in six-cylinder petrol and diesel versions.

You can read our full review of the Mazda CX-80 here

Interested in buying a Mazda CX-80? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

MORE: Everything Mazda CX-80