Best-value SUVs

Flexible layouts and roomy interiors are big attractions of these family-friendly bestsellers

Australia’s love affair with high-riding SUVs continues unabated into 2021. Although SUVs typically are larger and heavier than their sedan counterparts, they also offer more flexible interior layouts and, in many cases, room for the whole family. They should also deliver a degree of go-anywhere ability.

That’s why in the 2021 deliberations, by the editorial team at carsales.com.au, seven seats and all-wheel drive were key requirements. Top ANCAP crash rating performance, decent fuel economy and family-friendly features were also must-haves.

Priced from $55,850, the Kia Sorento Sport+ sits near the top of the new Sorento range and is the top-rated SUV for 2021. Built on state-of-the-art mechanicals with a choice of both petrol and turbo-diesel powertrains, the new Sorento range is a step-change for the Korean brand in terms of fit, finish, tech and on-road performance. And Kia’s value for money, strong resale and seven-year warranty all take some beating.

Barely known in Australia just a decade ago, the Czech brand Skoda is part of the giant Volkswagen Group and benefits from technology sharing and billions of euros worth of research and development. Its slogan “Simply Clever” is no better applied than to the smart upper-mid-sized Skoda Kodiaq 132TSi Sportline. Seven seats and a roomy cabin co-exist in a package that is smaller than most three-row SUVs and, at $52,490 drive-away, the Kodiaq delivers an impressive blend of style and practicality.

A cousin under the skin to the winning Kia, the Hyundai Santa Fe Elite is priced from $55,100 and is an accomplished, refined and equipped seven-seat SUV.