Cars you should consider when upsizing

Given the popularity of small hatchbacks like the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3, it’s inevitable that at some point, owners are going to want to upsize their automotive choice thanks to the addition of kids, more active lifestyles or older family members in their lives.

With that in mind, here are five segments and three cars within each segment that you should consider when upsizing. 

Small SUVs

Honda is offering seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with seven years of premium roadside assist, as well as a free antimicrobial shield interior treatment with its HR-V.

1 / 3

The Nissan Qashqai features a raised seating position and great visibility.

2 / 3

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is priced from $29,990.

3 / 3

Small SUVs are not necessarily bigger than small hatchbacks, but have more useful interiors and are easier to access, which may be more handier for more active lifestyles, as well as older passengers and drivers.

Mid-size SUVs

Popularity hasn’t stopped the evolution of Mazda’s CX-5.

1 / 3

The Volkswagen Tiguan offers a range of four-cylinder engines.

2 / 3

The Honda CR-V can be bought in either five- or seven-seat variants.

3 / 3

Mid-size SUVs are popular because of their size, their interior space and their value for money for growing families. The mid-size SUV class is split into smaller and larger halves, with two distinct sizes offering varying levels of interior space. 

Mid-size sedans and wagons

The latest Toyota Camry is great for families with a full suite of safety kit and low running costs.

1 / 3

The latest Mazda 6 offers a strong suite of equipment and a classy interior.

2 / 3

The Skoda Octavia offers liftback or wagon bodystyles, a wide range (including the hot RS245 pictured) and a five-year warranty.

3 / 3

If you haven’t been bitten by the SUV bug, there’s a lot to be said for a mid-size sedan or wagon in terms of cabin length and width. The only thing you miss out on is the raised driving position, and that taller folk may find it harder to load child seats in.

Larger SUVs (5+2s)

The Skoda Kodiaq is packed full of clever touches for family life.

1 / 3

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace builds on the regular Tiguan's practicality with two extra seats and more bootspace.

2 / 3

The Mazda CX-8 combines the width and interior of the CX-5 with the length and extra seats of the CX-9.

3 / 3

For some medium cars aren’t large enough for daily life, and a bigger car is needed. Enter larger SUVs, which offer a lot of interior space for both people and luggage. An emerging category are cars that offer the same width of medium SUVs but with extra length to fit extra luggage and two extra seats.

Large SUVs (7 seats)

The Mazda CX-9 offers a large and luxurious interior.

1 / 3

The Kia Sorento is a quality large SUV.

2 / 3

The Hyundai Santa Fe is priced from $43,000.

3 / 3

Above 5+2 seat SUVs are proper seven-seat large SUVs, which seat adults in the third row in comfort, as well as comfortably accommodating grandma and two baby seats. Large SUVs are also often more luxurious than their smaller sibling models on the inside.