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Light and small cars have been rapidly declining in popularity for years now as new-vehicle buyers have flocked to crossovers and larger SUVs in increasing numbers.
Needless to say, then, 2022 is already looking like another big year for crossovers. And we’re talking about compact SUVs here – you know, the city-friendly type.
So, strap in because new crossovers will be coming thick and fast, although timing could change due to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage. Fingers crossed it doesn’t though. Either way, let’s crack on.
Best crossovers arriving in 2022
- 01. Cupra Ateca/Formentor - July
- 02. Honda HR-V - April
- 03. Kia Seltos - Second half
- 04. Mercedes-Benz EQA350 - Third quarter
- 05. Nissan Qashqai - Second half
- 06. Toyota Corolla Cross - Fourth half
- 07. Volkswagen T-Roc - Third quarter
- 08. Kia Niro - Second half
- 09. MG ZS EV - July
- 10. Suzuki S-Cross - September
- 11. Other new models coming in 2022
- 12. New models arriving in 2023
01. Cupra Ateca/Formentor - July
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What’s a Cupra? Glad you asked; it’s the emerging spinoff performance brand from Volkswagen Group’s Spanish subsidiary, Seat, which isn’t currently in the Australian market, although it used to be.
Cupra is looking to make its presence felt immediately, so it will launch locally in June 2022 with three models, including the Ateca and Formentor small SUVs, with both set to be available with 220kW-plus flagships.
For reference, the Ateca is the larger of the two, and it’s related to the Skoda Karoq mid-size SUV, while the Formentor shares the newer MQB Evo platform with the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf small car.
Cupra Ateca
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
02. Honda HR-V - April
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As far as Honda is concerned, the third-generation HR-V will be a sight for sore eyes when it arrives in early 2022. After all, the new small SUV has a huge task ahead of it, especially in a highly competitive segment.
However, once it’s all said and done, the HR-V should overtake the ageing fifth-generation CR-V mid-size SUV to become Honda’s best-seller as the second of its next-generation models.
Helping the HR-V’s case will be its available ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain, with a naturally aspirated petrol engine set to be the entry-level option.
Honda HR-V
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
03. Kia Seltos - Second half
Talk about hitting the ground running; Kia’s first-generation Seltos quickly rose up the sales charts after its arrival, and now the time has come for the small SUV’s midlife facelift.
Due in the second half of 2022, the facelifted Seltos hasn’t been revealed yet, although the smart money is on a redesigned front fascia that better aligns it with the newer fifth-generation Sportage mid-size SUV.
Also expected is an expanded suite of advanced driver-assist systems, while variants with the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine could get a more powerful tune, potentially with 146kW.
Kia Seltos
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
04. Mercedes-Benz EQA350 - Third quarter
Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric small SUV, the EQA, may have been one of the more important new model releases of 2021, but it only launched in entry-level EQA250 form.
Yep, the attention is now turning to the zero-emissions crossover’s flagship, the EQA350, which is scheduled for the second quarter of 2022, when it will bring all-wheel drive to the EQA.
Better yet, the EQA350’s 215kW/520Nm dual-motor powertrain will serve up much higher performance (0-100km/h in six seconds flat) and slightly higher WLTP-certified range (432km from a 66.5kWh battery).
Mercedes-Benz EQA
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
05. Nissan Qashqai - Second half
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Another new small SUV that will mean a hell of a lot to its brand is the third-generation Nissan Qashqai that’s destined for showrooms in 2022.
Redesigned inside and out, the Qashqai will look to mean most things to most people, with it set to offer contemporary looks, surprising luxury, advanced technology and expansive advanced driver-assist systems.
While a 110kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine will be offered from a launch, a ‘self-charging’ series hybrid powertrain, dubbed ePower, will entry the fray later on, with
its wheels powered by an electric motor and battery charged by a small petrol unit.
Nissan Qashqai
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
06. Toyota Corolla Cross - Fourth half
No, this isn’t Toyota’s next Corolla small car. Instead, it’s an all-new small SUV that takes half its name from the world’s best-selling vehicle. Introducing the Corolla Cross.
As the other half of its name suggests, the segment-straddling Corolla Cross is Toyota’s latest attempt at a crossover, with it slotting in above the Yaris Cross and C-HR but below the RAV4 and Kluger.
Building on the successful Corolla formula by getting with the times with a higher ride height, more rugged looks and the availability of all-wheel drive, the Corolla Cross is sure to make some serious when it launches in the second half of 2022.
Toyota Corolla Cross
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
07. Volkswagen T-Roc - Third quarter
Volkswagen’s first-generation T-Roc small SUV might be a relative newcomer in Australia, but it’s been around for a while overseas, so its midlife facelift is coming here in the third quarter of 2022.
The facelifted T-Roc gets all the usual changes, including new lights, bumpers and wheels as well as multimedia and safety improvements.
That said, the big news will be the local arrival of the T-Roc R performance flagship, which will come armed with a 221kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that will make it one of the angriest crossovers money can buy.
Volkswagen T-ROC
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
08. Kia Niro - Second half
The first-generation Kia Niro may have only been around in Australia for a cup of coffee, but the boldly styled second-generation model is due in local showrooms in the second half of 2022.
Yep, the small SUV's exterior design is certainly something to behold, with it having been previewed by the HabaNiro concept from April 2019's New York motor show.
Although not yet confirmed, the new Niro is expected to carry over its predecessor's platform, with 'self-charging' hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV) powertrains already promised.
Kia Niro
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
09. MG ZS EV - July
The MG ZS EV is already the second best-selling all-electric model in Australia, with its sharp driveaway pricing no doubt a key factor in that notable achievement.
Needless to say, the small SUV's facelift is of the utmost importance, with it set to usher in more than just the usual revised front and rear fascias, and upgraded interior.
Due in July, the facelifted ZS EV will be offered with just the one battery size - 51kWh - and will see prices rise by $2000 for the base grade and $5000 for the top-spec variant.
MG ZS EV
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
10. Suzuki S-Cross - September
The Suzuki S-Cross will finally enter its third generation sometime in 2022, but the small SUV isn't quite as new as it might look at first glance.
Of course, those front and rear fascias have definitely been redesigned, while the cabin's tweaked centre stack is headlined by a 7.0- or 9.0-inch 'floating' touchscreen multimedia system.
But otherwise, the new S-Cross isn't that far removed from its forebear, down to the same 1.4-litre BoosterJet turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, although Australia might get a mild-hybrid version for the first time.
Suzuki S-Cross
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
11. Other new models coming in 2022
Want to know what other new models are due in 2022? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- The best new cars coming to Australia in 2022
- Best crossovers arriving in 2022
- Best electric cars arriving in 2022
- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2022
- Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2022
- Best sedans arriving in 2022
12. New models arriving in 2023
Want to know what new models are due in 2023? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- The best new cars coming in 2023
- Best sports cars arriving in 2023
- Best hatchbacks and sedans arriving in 2023
- Best small SUVs and crossovers arriving in 2023
- Best 4x4, off-roaders and light-commercial vehicles arriving in 2023
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