Best SUVs under $50k
1.Kia Sorento
8.3
6 badges available
$47,650 - $81,080*MRLP
What we love
- -Powerful V6 engineÂ
- -Heaps of cabin spaceÂ
- -Useful third-row seatingÂ
What we don't
- -A few trim squeaks and rattles
- -Minimal all-terrain abilityÂ
- -Relatively thirsty fuel consumptionÂ
2.Audi Q2
8.0
2 badges available
$46,000 - $53,300*MRLP
What we love
- -Competitive price point
- -Good list of standard features
- -Audi now offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty
What we don't
- -Cabin noise is noticeable
- -Boot volume is down on main competitors
- -Fuel consumption is high
3.Hyundai Tucson
8.0
3 badges available
$35,150 - $54,650*MRLP
What we love
- -Slick design from tip to tail looks great on the road
- -Well featured with lots of clever inclusions
- -It's not exciting, but this might be the best way to package a Tucson
What we don't
- -Ride comfort and control could use a little work
- -Some ergonomic challenges with button placement
- -Driveline might be simple, but its pretty dull too
4.Nissan X-TRAIL
7.9
4 badges available
$37,250 - $57,690*MRLP
What we love
- -Large and comfortable cabin
- -Excellent ride quality
- -Hybrid driveline makes this good SUV even better
What we don't
- -No spare wheel
- -10,000km service intervals
- -Basic infotainment system
5.Subaru Outback
7.9
3 badges available
$42,690 - $56,490*MRLP
What we love
- -Massive cabin
- -Simple and effective tech suite
- -Rides surprisingly well
What we don't
- -Fabric feels a bit low-rent
- -No physical buttons for air-con
- -Minimum 95-octane fuel
6.Mazda CX-30
7.8
4 badges available
$30,610 - $48,710*MRLP
What we love
- -Good quality 360-degree camera system
- -Nice combination of ride quality and handling
- -Interior quality and presentation
What we don't
- -Lacks the space and versatility of segment rivals
- -Not very hybrid nor efficient
- -Priced close to larger mid-sized SUV competitors
7.GWM Haval H6GT
7.7
2 badges available
$40,990 - $46,490*MRLP
What we love
- -Great value proposition packed with standard features
- -Styling is sophisticated and sporty
- -Cabin storage is impressive
What we don't
- -Infotainment isn't the easiest to use on the go
- -Coupe styling compromises boot capacity
- -Ride has some drawbacks
8.Hyundai Santa Fe
7.7
4 badges available
$46,050 - $69,550*MRLP
What we love
- -Good performance and fuel efficiency for the size
- -Versatile and well-equipped interior
- -Comfortable ride and quiet cabin
What we don't
- -Safety suite missing some must-haves
- -Third row is occasional only
- -Uncompetitive servicing costs
9.SsangYong Rexton
7.7
2 badges available
$48,990 - $55,990*MRLP
What we love
- -Base spec comes with some high-end equipment
- -Roomy cabin in first and second rows
- -Modest fuel economy
What we don't
- -Very basic infotainment system
- -Blank buttons are a let-downÂ
- -Short overhangs and low ground clearance
10.Suzuki Vitara
7.7
1 badge available
$29,990 - $40,490*MRLP
What we love
- -Good value for money with standard kit
- -Good balance of ride and handling
- -Useful boot layout
What we don't
- -Uninspiring engine performance
- -Lots of highway road noise
- -No advanced safety
Drive's Best Cars
Drive's team of experts reviews and rates hundreds of the latest models each year to help you find your next new car. Browse our Best Car lists to discover how different models rank against each other and what our team loves and doesn't love about these top-rating vehicles.
* ‘MRLP’ is the manufacturer’s recommended list price as provided by our data provider and is subject to change, so is provided to you for indicative purposes only. Please note that MRLP is inclusive of GST, but is exclusive of any options and does not include on-road costs such as registration, CTP, stamp duty and dealer delivery. Where an MRLP is stated as a price range, this reflects the lowest to highest MRLP provided for that model range across the available variants.
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