SUV News

What is the cheapest new small SUV in Australia? We know, but you should, too, if you’re looking for a little SUV that won’t cost you big dollars.By small, we mean a step up from the very tiny light SUVs such as a Hyundai Venue but not as big as a mid-sized SUV like a Toyota RAV 4.So without any more delay, these are the top 3 most affordable small SUVs in Australia right now.The Chery Tiggo 4 is the most affordable small SUV in Australia at the time of publishing at a driveaway price of $23,990 for the entry grade Urban. And just to stress, drive-away pricing means on-road costs like stamp duty, registration, dealer delivery and compulsory third part are all paid.The Tiggo 4 Urban has been tested by CarsGuide’s reviewers who found it surprisingly spacious, well equipped for the money and also fuel efficient.Drawbacks of the Urban include it not being as good value as other Chery models and it also being not very memorable to drive.Powering the Tiggo 4 Vibe is a 1.5-litre petrol engine in front-wheel drive.Standard features on the Urban include a 10.25-inch media screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and cloth seats.There are five seats and a 470 litre boot - measured to the roof.The Tiggo 4 scored the maximum five stars for its ANCAP safety test in 2023. MG has earned its place in Aussie driveways with vehicles that continually improve and the new ZS is a good example of that constant refinement while staying incredibly affordable. In this case the entry-grade ZS Vibe is $25,888 drive-away. CarsGuide reviewers said the ZS in the Vibe grade was spacious, good value, and had a refined and stylish look.A 1.5-litre petrol engine drives the front wheels, but reviewers felt the engine was underpowered.Standard features include a 10.25-inch media screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air-conditioning and fabric seats. There are five seats and a 443-litre boot.ANCAP gave the ZS the maximum five-star rating for safety in 2025.The third most affordable small SUV in Australia is the super popular GWM Haval Jolion in the Premium grade, which wears a list price (not drive-away like the others here) of $26,990.CarsGuide reviewers called out its roominess, good looks and low ownership costs.Despite the name, Premium is the entry grade and standard features include keyless entry, a 10.25-inch touch screen and air-conditioning. Reviewers also said the driving experience was let down by an underwhelming engine and annoying safety alerts.A 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine drives the front wheels.There are five seats on board and the boot is quite small at 337-litres.ANCAP awarded the Jolion the maximum five-star safety rating in 2022.

The new-generation Toyota Fortuner SUV has been spotted in Thailand undergoing testing, WapCar reports.However, this new-generation version is not slated to make its way to Australia, with the brand discontinuing the name locally. Production on the current Fortuner model will cease some time in 2026, with the model being pulled from sale soon after that. "Of course, Fortuner has been a great product for us over the years and found a relatively small but enthusiastic customer base,” former Toyota Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley previously told CarsGuide.“But with production ending next year and customer preferences shifting in Australia, we made the decision to discontinue the Fortuner.”The Fortuner looked to capitalise on the similar success of the Ford Everest, which is based on the Ranger ute, but it failed to make the same impression.It shares many of its parts, including a ladder-frame chassis with the strong-selling HiLux ute, and was also powered by the same turbodiesel engine. The Fortuner managed less than 3500 sales in 2025, compared to the more than 26,000 of the Everest for the same 12-month period.It starts from $53,775, before on-road costs in Australia, which is more affordable than the base model of the Everest.From the spy pictures, the Fortuner looks to have kept the same overall design, with some potential minor tweaks to the front and rear styling, but it is hard to tell because the car is camouflaged. Little is known about the new Fortuner’s set-up, but like its predecessor, it is expected to feature the same ladder frame and diesel engine. The rigid chassis and torque-heavy diesel engine in the Fortuner gives it greater off-roading potential than many of its monocoque-based rivals.Its HiLux-familiar specifications have led to speculation the Fortuner may also be offered with an all-electric set-up, following the first-ever electric edition of the ute being confirmed late last year. It shapes up as a rival for the soon-to-be returning Mitsubishi Pajero, which has also been spied several times as it nears launch in 2026.The new-generation Fortuner is expected to be unveiled in the middle of this year ahead of its global launch, expect more information closer to that time.

Hyundai says Australian consumers will see value in paying more for its Elexio than they would for a BYD Sealion 7, suggesting the marginal increase in a weekly novated lease cost is countered by its heritage and dealer network.That's the word from Hyundai COO, Gavin Donaldson, who told CarsGuide that Hyundai's footprint in Australia justified the price jump from a BYD Sealion 7 into an Elexio, with both electric SUVs being sourced from China.According to Hyundai's data, approximate weekly novated lease costs for the Elexio Elite are around $205 per week, compared to around $200 for the entry-level Sealion 7. The brand's data also has the Tesla Model Y at $216 per week, the Kia EV5 at $204 per week, and the Xpeng G6 at $199.That $5 per week, or $260 per year, is easy to "justify", says Mr Donaldson."I would hope that the infrastructure of the Hyundai dealer network across Australia would justify that. I would hope that, anywhere across the country, if you're driving a Hyundai EV, that you know you have the support of a network that has been in the country for 50 years."We are a legacy brand in Australia. We have been here for 40 years. As you said earlier, we've been involved in creating EVs for 35 years. I have to believe that the service and the background of your dealer network provides you with a benefit."Novated leasing does close the RRP gap between the Elexio and the Sealion 7. The Hyundai model launches with the top-spec elite, which lists at $61,990 but is being offered at $59,990 drive-away until around the end of March. It will be joined in Q2 by an entry-level model which will list at $58,990.The Sealion 7 lists at $54,990, and then steps up to the $63,990 for the Performance model.Both models are sourced from China, with the Elexio produced in a factory Hyundai describes as its most advanced in the world. In China, the Elexio's starting price converts to around $30,000, but the brand is quick to point out that cross-country prices never correlate to local pricing."Doing these cross-country price comparisons don't apply to any manufacturer in the market right now," says Hyundai's Product Planning Assistant Manager, Ronald Yuwono."We think that the price we've got here is quite compelling."

Subaru has launched a completely redesigned Outback in Australia this month, and it is already copping flak over an unexpected shortfall – rising fuel consumption.With the company refusing to confirm the arrival of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option to help remedy that, buyers prioritising top fuel economy are left out in the cold.According to Subaru Australia General Manager, Scott Lawrence, it's all down to a matter of priorities.“Our priority was Forester with a strong hybrid, which we obviously announced and launched last year,” he told CarsGuide at the BU-series Outback launch in Bathurst last week.“And the Wilderness was the priority in launching Outback. It is not a ‘no’ for hybrid in Outback. (But) it's not in our short-term term plans.”Lawrence believes Subaru now provides a good balance of powertrain options for consumers across all its SUVs, meaning buyers seeking electrification are catered for.“We're confident in the broader model line-up of Forester, Forester Hybrid, Outback, Outback (Wilderness) turbo, and (recently-confirmed Solterra electric vehicle-based) Trailseeker coming in with different powertrains,” he added.“At a portfolio level, we have an option for consumers. But Outback hybrid is not off the table (although) Wilderness was absolutely the priority.”So, how much thirstier is the 2026 Outback’s fuel consumption compared to its predecessor?Using ADR 81/02 figures, the standard 2.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) boxer engine models average 8.1 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, while the heavier and more off-road biased Wilderness with its 2.4-litre turbo boxer unit ups that to 9.7L/100km.These represent hikes of 11 per cent and 7.7 per cent, respectively.Both engines are said to be updated versions of those offered in the previous Outback, yet their corresponding combined average consumption figures are 7.3L/100km and 9.0L/100km.But, out in the real world, during the launch driving with two-to-three people in the car out from Sydney to Bathurst and back (taking the scenic routes) over two days, the trip computer in both grades displayed around 10L/100km and 11.5L/100km for NA and turbo respectively.These types of fuel-consumption numbers tend to be optimistic in most cases.Given that the new NA model only weigh about 50kg more than its substantially smaller BT-series Outback predecessor, inferior aerodynamics is the likely cause (no drag co-efficiency figures are available at this time), particularly when factoring in the boxier shape, wider body, higher body and larger front area compared to before.What’s doubly disappointing is that the company’s two other popular SUVs, the mid-sized Forester and smaller Crosstrek crossover that share the same basic Subaru Global Platform components, already offer a hybrid option.Overseas reports suggest that a variation of the latest Forester’s 2.5-litre ‘e-Boxer’ four-cylinder naturally aspirated hybrid engine is the likely candidate for the Outback hybrid.In the smaller SUV’s current application, it combines a 121kW/212Nm petrol engine with a 90kW/276Nm electric motor and 1.1kWh battery, for a power total of 145kW.While that’s 9kW ahead of the 136kW/247Nm Forester 2.5-litre NA (and up on torque too, though Subaru does not disclose combined torque figures for hybrids – perhaps because they use a Toyota system and Toyota doesn’t either?) the fuel figure saving is 21.5 per cent, or 6.2L/100km (down from 7.9L/100km).If you apply that percentage figure to the Outback 2.5 NA model’s 8.1L/100km, in theory, an Outback hybrid using the same ‘Strong Hybrid’ (ex-Toyota) system could see that combined-average figure tumble to under 6.4L/100km.When that is likely to occur is anybody’s guess, with some speculation suggesting that Subaru may roll out the hybrid option as early as the end of this year, while others speculate that it could come as late as mid-life refresh/facelift time, which could be 2028 or later for Australia.It’s not all bad news for Outback buyers, however.The seventh generation progresses in a number of key areas, including interior packaging, dashboard operation, safety tech, ride comfort, seat support and steering control.Our first driving impressions suggest this is the best Outback since the series debuted in Australia in 1996 as part of the second-generation (but now defunct) Liberty wagon range.

Skoda's Kodiaq mild hybrid large SUV has just been priced ahead of its launch in Australia next month. It will start from $49,990 (drive-away) for the five-seater variant and $51,990 (drive-away) for the seven-seater. The mild-hybrid version is also now the cheapest Kodiaq on sale, coming in less than the petrol variant, making it the new entry-level to the range. It comes in cheaper than many of its key rivals, including the popular Toyota Kluger, which is hybrid-only, but unlike the Kodiaq hybrid comes as standard with all-wheel drive. The Kodiaq hybrid is the only variant of the range to not feature an all-wheel drive system, opting for a front-wheel drive set-up instead. It is also cheaper than a comparative hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, demonstrating its competitiveness as a semi-premium option in the segment.According to Skoda, the five-seat variant of the Kodiaq hybrid has up to 828 litres of luggage space.The mild-hybrid gets a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and 48-volt electric set-up, which produces 110kW and 250Nm. The 2.0-litre turbo-charged engine found in the non-hybrid version further up the range produces 150kW and 320Nm.Skoda’s Kodiaq upper mid-size SUV range has gone through a serious revamp recently, with the brand also adding a plug-in hybrid late last year. The range-topping go-fast Kodiaq RS also recently had its price bumped up to take it beyond the $70K mark, now starting from $70,590, before on-road costs.  2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid pricing  2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid engine and efficiency 2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid standard featuresOther features include:Heated front seatsPower adjustable driver’s seat with memory functionalityElectric tailgate45W fast wired phone chargingRoll-up sunshades for rear side windowsRain-sensing wipersSatellite navigationKeyless entry and startLeather steering wheel 2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid safetyThe Skoda Kodiaq was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard safety features: 9 airbagsFront and rear parking sensorsLane keep assistAdaptive cruise controlRear-view cameraRear traffic alertForward collision warningTraffic sign recognition 2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid dimensions 2026 Skoda Kodiaq hybrid warranty The Skoda Kodiaq hybrid comes with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. 

Hyundai has confirmed a new and cheaper variant of its Elexio electric mid-sized SUV will soon arrive in Australia to better combat the wave of cut-price Chinese electric vehicles in market.

As Leapmotor looks to cement its place in the developing pantheon of new Chinese electric car brands in Australia, its second model is a statement. But there’s more to come.The 2026 Leapmotor B10 is a competitively priced small electric SUV with more space than rivals, but another Leapmotor is already confirmed on the horizon.The Leapmotor B05, an electric hatchback revealed last year at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, is set to land in Australia in the second half of 2026.While it’s a little bigger than pre-EV era hatches, the 4430mm long, 1880mm wide and 1520mm tall B05 will go up against rivals like the MG4 or GWM Ora, though pricing is yet to be determined.Given it’s smaller than the B10, it’d be surprising if its price landed too close to the roughly-$40,000 of Leapmotor’s just-arrived small SUV.While the B05 is confirmed for arrival, pricing and details aren’t locked-in, and Stellantis Australia Senior Product Manager Rick Crichton wouldn’t be drawn on rough guidelines for pricing.“No pricing,” he said, “I’m not here to talk about B05 pricing or spec, or anything other than acknowledging it’s coming.”While nothing else is locked in yet, Crichton also hinted that the smaller Leapmotor A10 was under consideration for Australia, although it’s had a name change since it was revealed.“So A10 is something that's being considered, but what I can tell you is that Leapmotor has renamed A10 to B03X for export markets.”The B03X is just 4.2m long and 1.8m wide, and in China has a claimed range of 500km under lenient CLTC testing.For its size, the B03X boasts some strong tech including LiDAR-enabled advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), an ‘AI-powered cockpit’ and over-the-air (OTA) updates.It’s expected the B03X would rival the likes of the BYD Atto 1.Finally, the Leapmotor D19, a large electric SUV, is on the radar even though Crichton said there’s nothing to confirm.“It's something that we're always looking at. Nothing we can confirm today, but certainly the product portfolio in China is continuing to expand and it certainly gives us a lot of options to pick .”Speaking with media last year, including CarsGuide, Leapmotor’s Global Head of Brand Strategy, Product and Marketing Francesco Giacalone said the D19 lines sizes up with models like the Toyota LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol."It's on architecture 3.5 with very advanced hybrid technology, based on a range-extender that has been even further evolved for that flagship. The intention is to have a full-size SUV, four-wheel drive, desert-ready."

BYD and Denza plan to have "game-changing" megawatt charging technology in Australia within the next 12 to 18 months that will see its EV family recharged in the same time it takes to fill a petrol or diesel vehicle with fuel.A megwatt, or 1000kW charger, is more than twice as powerful as the most common super-fast charger in Australia, which are usually capped at 350kW or less. BYD's vision is to equip its megawatt chargers with a sizeable battery buffer which is constantly trickle charged, either via solar or electricity, lessening the impact on the grid.The vision is to have a charging solution that can deliver up to 500km of driving range in just five minutes, putting EVs roughly on par with ICE vehicles.Denza COO Mark Harland says he sees megawatt charging as a point of difference between BYD and Denza and the rest of Australia's EV fleet."It’s something we think can be a real game-changer to the industry, when someone can go for 400 or 500kms in the same time you would fill up at a bowser. They're doing the testing in China to understand the impact on the grid, but they want to back it with a battery, so you’re not drawing off the grid," Harland says."It just seems like it's really well thought out, and when you get that battery to support it it can be a game-changer. I can tell you that once the testing is done in China, we’re going to be looking at it."We need to make sure we’re selling the cars in Australia that can take that kind of charge. Those platforms exist."We’re not talking years away. We're talking maybe 12 to 18 months away from having that capability. Then it's making sure I have cars on the ground that are capable of doing it. That’s what I’m targeting."The platform in question is the brand's Super e-Platform, which runs a 1000-volt architecture, and is capable of a peak charging speed of two kilometres per second.

Toyota’s highly-anticipated RAV4 plug-in hybrid has launched in its home market of Japan, with the brand revealing more core specifications, as well as details of what sets the PHEV apart from the rest of the variants in the range.While the new-generation RAV4 will arrive in Australia soon in popular plugless hybrid guise, the plug-in hybrid is still slated for the third quarter of 2026. Local pricing has already been revealed for the two Australian PHEV variants, the front-wheel drive XSE ($58,840) and top-spec all-wheel-drive GR Sport ($66,340), but thanks to new Japanese specs we have an idea of what makes the plug-in version special.Also arriving in two grades in Japan (the Z and GR-Sport), the RAV4 PHEV is equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors. Locally, the power outputs are confirmed at 227kW for the AWD and 200kW for the FWD version.According to preliminary Japanese specs, the EV driving range for the PHEV is approximately 150km, an increase on what Toyota Australia was expecting (around 100km on the WLTP cycle), thanks to a 22.7kWh battery pack.The car is confirmed to have 50kW DC fast charging capability (which should allow a top up in around half an hour) and an 11kW AC slow-charging capability (for a full charge in around two hours).Some of the biggest news out of Japan include the RAV4 PHEV’s vehicle-to-load system, which allows power output from the battery either via the external charging port, or via an internal household outlet plug in the boot.The brand says the system can output up to 1500W, and has a dedicated power supply mode which can provide 6.5 days of power at a load of 400W if the vehicle has a full charge and tank of petrol, or up to seven days in supply priority mode.In addition, Toyota revealed new details for the top-spec GR Sport RAV4 PHEV which has several upgrades on top of its more aggressive styling.For example, the GR Sport flagship features functional spoiler pieces for increasing downforce front and rear, performance dampers and brace reinforcement in the suspension, as well as a bespoke power steering tune to make it more responsive than the standard RAV4.The new-generation RAV4 rides on the same platform as the outgoing car, although significant changes have been made to improve software and the cabin layout.Toyota expects the RAV4 will be Australia’s best-selling vehicle in 2026, although prices have increased slightly across the board for the new-generation version.While the Japanese juggernaut is still by far the best-selling brand Down Under, it is facing a renewed push by aggressive Chinese rivals which have shaken up the list of Australia’s top-10 favourite automakers.BYD has made no illusions about its intent to challenge Toyota’s dominance, plotting a podium finish in 2026 and declaring it needs to have a vehicle in all the market segments Toyota does if it wants to take a “leadership position” in Australia.GWM has also secured a position in the top-10 rankings, while MG will be defending its position in 2026 as it struggles to lure its buyers into the higher price points of its new-generation offerings.It seems inevitable that Chery will also be giving Australia’s favourite brands a run for their money as it surges up the sales charts off the back of a wide-ranging array of well-priced products.While the RAV4 will be key to Toyota’s continued success, it also recently released its new-generation HiLux which will also be challenged across the board by a changing ute landscape.In response to the arrival of new electrified rivals, Toyota said it is plotting more plug-in hybrids and more electric vehicles for Australia to be announced imminently.

The Denza B8 large plug-in hybrid off-roader and Hyundai’s Elexio mid-size EV SUV are the latest pair of vehicles to be awarded a maximum five ANCAP stars.