SUV Reviews

Hyundai's seven-seat Santa Fe SUV competes in a cut-throat part of the mainstream market where value, practicality, performance and safety are critical. The addition of a big petrol V6 has spiced up the range, and we've put the entry-level version to the test.

Topping the initial range of VW T-Cross models is the 85TSI Style, which is priced from $30,990 plus on-road costs.It is powered by the same engine as the model that sits below it, the 85TSI Life - which is to say that under the bonnet hides a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque. It is exclusively available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and is only available in two-wheel drive (FWD). Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.4L/100km.It competes in a busy part of the small SUV market, against the likes of the Kia Seltos, Mitsubishi ASX and Toyota C-HR. But it’s a pretty good value offering, the T-Cross 85TSI Style comes handsomely equipped with gear for the money.Over and above the 85TSI Life, the 110TSI Style gains 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, front sports seats and chrome exterior highlights.That’s in addition to the standard LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, automatic headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto wipers, air-conditioning, wireless smartphone charger, four USB ports, leather multi-function steering wheel, and 8.0-inch multimedia system with app-connect (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) functionality.Plus on the safety front, the 85TSI Style has a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, front and rear low-speed AEB, driver fatigue detection, low-pressure tyre indicator, dual ISOFIX child seat anchor points and six airbags (dual front, front side, full-length curtain). And over the 85TSI Life, it includes standard adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with auto brake, and automatic high beams.Buyers of the 85TSI Style model can also choose to option the R-Line pack for $2500, which adds 18-inch wheels, R-Line badges and body additions, R-Line scuff plates and steering wheel, and unique upholstery.There’s also the Sound and Vision pack ($1900) which adds VW’s excellent digital cockpit driver info display, as well as inbuilt sat nav and a Beats 300-watt sound system. A four-cylinder petrol version of the T-Cross, the 110TSI Style, will arrive later in 2020, with a big performance upgrade over its three-cylinder compatriot.

The entry-level version of the VW T-Cross range is the 85TSI Life variant, priced from $27,990 plus on-road costs.It has the same engine as the model that sits above it, the 85TSI Style - which is to say it is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 85kW of power and 200Nm of torque. It is exclusively available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and is only available in two-wheel drive (FWD). Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.4L/100km.As a competitor to some big names in the small SUV space like the Kia Seltos, Mitsubishi ASX and Toyota C-HR, the T-Cross 85TSI Life comes handsomely equipped with gear for the money.Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels with a space-saver spare, black roof rails, halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, automatic headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto wipers, air-conditioning, wireless smartphone charger, four USB ports, leather multi-function steering wheel, and 8.0-inch multimedia system with app-connect (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) functionality.Safety-wise, the base T-Cross is fitted with a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, front and rear low-speed AEB, driver fatigue detection, low-pressure tyre indicator, dual ISOFIX child seat anchor points and six airbags (dual front, front side, full-length curtain).The T-Cross Life model can be equipped with additional safety spec, with the $1200 Driver Assistance pack bundling adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with auto brake, and automatic high beams.Also available is the Sound and Vision pack ($1900) which adds VW’s excellent digital cockpit driver info display, as well as inbuilt sat nav and a Beats 300-watt sound system. 

While Holden had the larger end of the SUV market covered by the start of this decade, it didn't have a fair dinkum contender at the bite-sized end.Enter the Trax, a high-riding wagon with the usual SUV touches including the wheelarch extensions and big alloy wheels.The catch was that the Trax you really wanted was the more expensive version with the superior engine.Nothing has changed there.

The Hyundai Tucson Highlander is the top end of town for the Korean company's mid-size stalwart. When it launched a few years ago, it was the pacesetter – is still in the game?

Ford's Everest is a full-size, family-focused SUV, and the Titanium grade is the top-spec model with the lot; seven-seats, top-shelf safety, permanent 4WD, heaps of standard gear, and plenty of practicality.

Coupe-style SUVs are the bane of the automotive industry's existence, right? Well, Audi has created the Q3 Sportback to discredit that claim. Yep, it's a sequel that's better than the original.

Holden came to the SUV party quite late and, without a home-brewed SUV of its own, it gave us the Captiva, a rebadged Daewoo.The Captiva’s formula has always been a simple one: Lots of car (and seats) for the money.Earlier versions could be had with a five-seat layout, but in the very last of them, Holden was offering just the seven-seat layout as acknowledgement that this was a pragmatic family purchase in the majority of cases.You also got lots of choice with two or four-wheel-drive and petrol or turbo-diesel power.

The Korando Ultimate could be the first SsangYong which makes Aussies leave their Hyundais and Kias behind, just don't expect to pay a lot less.

The Honda CR-V range consists of many different options, and unlike some of its key rivals - namely the RAV4 and CX-5 - the CR-V comes with seven-seat options, too. But there are some caveats when choosing a seven-seat CR-V. And they could make you think twice about shelling out your hard-earned cash on one. Intrigued? Read the full detailed review!