SUV Reviews

The LS is the middle specification of the Outlander and easily the best balance of the three. With standard ADAS, a choice of 2.4-litre petrol, 2.2-litre turbodiesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains and a well-judged interior trim, the LS is a nice middle ground between the cheap LS and the not-so-cheap Exceed.On the LS you will find 18-inch alloys, a six-speaker sound system, reversing camera, climate control, active cruise control, leather gearshift and steering wheel, auto headlights and wipers, partial leather interior with micro-suede inserts, keyless entry and start, electric front seats, heated and folding power mirrors and electrochromatic rear vision mirror.The 7.0-inch touchscreen, familiar from the ASX, is of the "it's alright, I guess" approach to touchscreen hardware. Looks good, though. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which makes up for the lack of sat nav. There is also DAB radio, six speakers, USB and Bluetooth.Standard on the LS are seven airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls and a reversing camera, reverse parking sensors, forward AEB, lane departure warning, active cruise and auto high beam. The Outlander range scored five ANCAP stars in 2014.

The entry-level Outlander ES is available with a 2.0-litre engine and five-speed manual gearbox, a 2.4-litre with a CVT, and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, running from $29,920 through to $47,990. Along with the engine choices are a choice of five or seven seats, front- or all-wheel drive and the option of an ADAS safety pack.The ES specifications include 18-inch alloys, a six-speaker sound system, reversing camera, remote central locking, climate control, cruise control, leather gearshift and steering wheel, power mirrors, cloth trim and a full-size spare tyre (not on the PHEV).The same multimedia system does duty across the whole range. The ho-hum software is supported by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which makes up for the lack of sat nav. There is also DAB radio, six speakers, USB and Bluetooth. The 7.0-inch touch screen, familiar from the ASX, is of the "it's alright, I guess" approach to touchscreen hardware favoured by compatriot Toyota. Looks good, though.Standard across the range are seven airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls and a reversing camera. The ADAS package - optional on ES models, standard on the rest - includes reverse parking sensors, forward AEB, lane-departure warning, active cruise and auto high beam. The Outlander range scored five ANCAP stars in 2014.

It may have been around since the dawn of time, but Mitsubishi's ASX remains good value and a strong seller. Has ever-increasing competition squeezed yet more blood out of this SUV stone?

The ASX has been around for a long, long time and is now at the point where every year Mitsubishi does something to keep it fresh.

Standard on the Exceed are 18-inch alloys, six-speaker stereo, air-conditioning, keyless entry and start, reversing camera, cruise control, fog lamps, and rear parking sensors.

Foresters sit well in the minds of Aussies, from brand-new family haulers, to beaten up P plate buys. Will the latest iteration continue that legend, or fall to the wayside?

Not going for the top-grade Forester could be the smartest was $3000 you never spend, if you buy the 2.5i Premium, that is unless you really like silver bits.

As part of possibly the mildest incremental facelift for a car in recent memory, Honda has added an RS variant to the HR-V range. But is it enough to give the HR-V the edge in a cut-throat segment?

Does the Volvo XC90 R-Design T6 have what it takes to match other large seven-seat prestige SUVs... or is it even better?

Are the angry internet commenters right? Should ford have stuck with the bigger engine? Will it even make a difference to the way the SUV feels day-to-day in the confines of the suburbs?