Car of the Year

Understandably, expectations are elevated in this high-altitude corner of the market, the luxury large SUV category (starting under $220K) in the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, with our 10 shortlisted models all suitably impressive vehicles.Four contenders from BMW (iX, X5, X6 and X7), three from Mercedes-Benz (EQE SUV, G-Class and GLS) and a solo entry from Porsche (Cayenne) give this group a distinctly Germanic flavour, with singles from Genesis (GV80) and Range Rover (RR Sport) to leaven the mix.In short, there are no bad options here. But, as with any new vehicle purchase, the fundamentals apply. Value, practicality, safety, cost of ownership and driving performance are all critical considerations for prospective buyers. But maybe, just maybe, the badge on the bonnet counts for a lot, too. Voting calculations came down to an exceptionally fine point following robust and positive COTY ‘War Room’ discussion across the judging panel before three contenders rose to the top. Having landed here in 2021, the pure-electric iX was given a mid-life refresh in late 2025 and several judges highlighted the specific benefits it delivered.Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton called out its “incredible road presence” and Senior Journalist Chris Thompson noted its bigger battery, increased range and faster charging capacity, introduced with a relatively modest price increase.“After the update it picked up more range. It’s not that much more expensive, it looks cool and points go to BMW for saying, ‘let’s try something with this’,” he said.It was a sentiment shared by Deputy News Editor Tom White who noted: “Every time I drive it I’m shocked with how it feels. It’s really special on the inside and it’s got this ethereal driving quality.“It’s ambitious, and forced other manufacturers to respond. And think about the value play. At the entry point for a combustion X5, you can get an electric one for only a few grand more. That’s pretty impressive,” Tom added. BMW was one of the first premium car brands to jump into the global SUV pond, its X5 sending heads spinning on arrival in 1999. And through four generations it’s maintained status as the go-to five-seater for family car buyers wanting extra luxury, performance and safety to go with thoughtful day-to-day practicality.In summing up its universal appeal, Senior Journalist Laura Berry had War Room heads nodding in agreement when she said: “It’s the 3 Series of SUVs. It does the job so well”.A choice of inline six-cylinder plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrains as well as a twin-turbo petrol V8 in the powerhouse X5 M illustrates how much the X5 has evolved over time, with pricing and specification consistently fine-tuned to maintain a competitive value proposition.  The line-up also won plaudits from Deputy Editor James Cleary who noted the X5’s quality, safety, space efficiency, updated tech and generous standard spec.And then there was one. A mid-life overhaul in late 2023 for Porsche’s ground-breaking large SUV brought a refined exterior treatment and comprehensive interior makeover which, among other things, added a ‘full-screen’ dash treatment.The current 10-variant (!) line-up offers two body styles (SUV and Coupe) and four engine choices (turbo V6 petrol, V6 petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, twin-turbo V8 petrol and V8 PHEV), with prices ranging from under $150K for the entry-level SUV to around $380K for the stonking Turbo GT.News Editor Dominic Tripolone summed up much of the judging group’s feeling for the car when he said: “It does everything a Porsche should but with a family inside”.Chris Thompson chipped in: “Dynamically it’s so impressive. Driving it in anger it’s as if some wizardry has happened. It feels like a sports car.”And Laura Berry also noted Porsche’s ability to make a high-riding SUV behave like a low-slung sports coupe. “It doesn’t feel like it’s made out of separate parts. It feels like it’s one part, so well built it just moulds around you. I love it.”

It comes down to this. Seven category winners, seven exceptional cars. But only one can take the crown of CarsGuide’s 2026 overall Car of the Year.The final shortlist for the overall Car of the Year award is made up of the winners of each of our seven categories.This impressive list includes high-end performance SUVs from Germany, new contenders from China, a game-changing ute, family friendly hybrids and top-notch EVs.As a reminder, here are the category winners that make up this final shortlist.Best Small Car Starting Under $50,000 - Kia EV3The Kia EV3 proves small EVs don’t have to be boring. A striking design combined with an engaging drive experience, visually appealing and surprisingly spacious cabin and high levels of standard equipment make for a winning package.Best Small Car Starting Under $80,000 - BMW X1It might not be the newest model on this list, but punchy petrol powertrains and a well-calibrated electric version elevate the BMW X1 above all of its premium small car rivals.Best Medium SUV Starting Under $60,000 - Zeekr 7XThe newest car on this list, the long-awaited Zeekr 7X is a deeply impressive electric family SUV in all grades and proves Zeekr means business.Best Medium SUV Starting Under $130,000 - Hyundai Ioniq 5Perhaps a surprising win against some impressive premium players, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 deserves this award as it remains one of the most impressive electric medium SUVs money can buy.Best Large SUV Starting Under $100,000 - Hyundai Santa FeA massive step up from the previous model, the new Hyundai Santa Fe has a bold design and a spacious and flexible interior with the choice of two excellent powertrains.Best Large SUV Starting Under $220,000 - Porsche CayenneOutpacing a range of mostly German rivals, the Porsche Cayenne has the performance and prestige to make it the clear standout in the category.Best Ute Under $85,000 - BYD Shark 6A truly game-changing ute, the BYD Shark 6 has brought plug-in hybrid power to the masses in a big way.Such a solid list of winners means the car that took the crown is a special vehicle indeed.Without further ado, the winner of CarsGuide’s overall 2026 Car of the Year award is… the Hyundai Santa Fe!The Santa Fe won over the CarsGuide Car of the Year judges for a variety of reasons.The six- or seven-seat large SUV is hard to fault. It’s a phenomenal family car with acres of occupant space across all three rows and decent cargo space as well. There’s also enough to keep kids occupied in the rear two rows while offering high levels of comfort and refinement up front.Interior design and layout is modern, with a retro twist, and the materials used throughout are second to none. Hyundai has used eye-catching seat materials, while the various touchpoints look and feel like they belong in the premium segment.A Santa Fe highlight is the fact that even the entry grade (simply called ‘Santa Fe’) feels nothing like a base model. In fact, it feels more high-end than top-spec versions of many of its rivals.The availability of two excellent powertrains further boosts the Santa Fe. The 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid is not just the best choice for efficiency and refinement, it’s also a punchy, engaging engine. But the 2.5L four-cylinder turbo-petrol version is also an absolute hoot.Both are available in front and all-wheel drive, and they come with a full-size spare wheel. Not something every hybrid can claim.Value for money was also a one of the Santa Fe’s biggest strengths. Pricing ranges from around $54,000 for the entry petrol grade and it tops out at $77,000 for the fully kitted out Calligraphy hybrid. Even at the entry point, the Sant Fe is packed with comfort and safety features.Finally, while its exterior design is undoubtedly polarising, the judges agree that it’s a standout among a largely vanilla bunch of family SUV rivals.Not only is the Hyundai Santa Fe CarsGuide’s top pick for a family car in 2026, but we reckon it’s the best car money can buy.A well deserved win for a brilliantly executed car.

With so many new and updated premium medium-sized SUVs starting from under $130K in Australia nowadays, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer choice available.And that goes for the judges here at CarsGuide as well as potential buyers, because even though our shortlist included models as varied and intriguing as the all-electric Audi Q4 e-tron from Germany, South Korea’s Genesis GV70 in turbo and EV guises, and petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid Lexus NX from Japan, our shortlist proved to be a hotly-contested and surprisingly-emotional process. There is so much that’s great in this category!Here, then, are the finalists in alphabetical order, followed by our number one, because there can be only one winner.The latest, and highly impressive, BMW X3 has ended up as a runner up for CarsGuide’s best premium medium SUV under $130K.Four generations in, the X3 has shaped up as a winner, both in the eyes of the judges as well as on the sales charts.It’s easy to see why, with surprisingly sharp pricing – particularly at the lower end of the range – reflecting the edgy yet attractive styling inside and out.Of course, the panel also responded to the X3’s interesting array of hybridised petrol and diesel options, along with the very in-vogue plug-in hybrid (PHEV) choice. Whichever you choose, the driving experience is equally on-point.As one of its core sellers, BMW has given its mid-sized SUV the best-possible chance of success on our market. As Jack Quick put it: “Number one for me by far is the X3. I friggin’ love it… it stands out as a winner.”The latest Macan looks like its super-successful predecessor, is electric only and costs more than most people can afford, but the Porsche’s sheer excellence cannot be ignored.“Genuinely rewrites the formula for Porsche SUVs… it’s a really big swing for the fences.”In a nutshell, this comment from CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton neatly sums up what may well be the greatest luxury-branded SUV on the planet right now.Even putting aside the Macan’s obvious controversial aspects, there is so much that will resonate with luxury car buyers, meaning that Porsche has exceeded the brief in most areas.Bold, sculptured design, bank-vault build quality, a deeply sensory-enhancing cabin environment and, not least of all, tremendous dynamic capabilities that simultaneously calm and excite are all part of the latest version’s electrifying experience.Boasting cutting-edge technologies, underpinned by a super-advanced, 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging, no other electric SUV feels quite like the latest Macan.The judges certainly see it. But, can enough buyers look past the lack of internal combustion engine choice (for now) and substantially higher pricing compared to before? The jury’s still out on those ones.“From top to bottom it’s an excellent range. I’ve had every car in that line-up. The thing that makes it special is the N. When you've got Porsche chasing you down trying to replicate you, that means a lot.”CarsGuide's News Editor Dom Tripolone sure knows a great headline as well as a great car when he sees one, providing the fitting words for what remains one of the defining models of the 2020s, the Ioniq 5.Recent price hikes that have accompanied technological boosts only serve to highlight the outstanding engineering quality emanating from the Hyundai, particularly when it has already spent half a decade setting class standards. This is a rare example of something that was priced too cheaply for what it can deliver.Timelessly chic, the retro-inspired styling seems to live in a bubble of its own, underplaying a shockingly accommodating interior that has inspired scores of imitators over the intervening years.Yet it is the way the Ioniq 5 drives and feels that truly keeps it fresh. Benign when required, the chassis steps up with impressive agility and control, while retaining the sort of calm and composure expected but often lacking in luxury SUVs costing thrice the price.And, in keeping with its flagship status, the high-performance Ioniq 5 N adds a sizzling new chapter in the book of scorching-hot hatches. As our News Editor so adroitly observed. A worthy winner in the sub-$130K medium SUV segment.

There can be only one winner in the CarsGuide Car of the Year – Best Small Car Starting Under $50K category.But luckily for a couple of models there’s also room for two runners-up on the podium.The category’s shortlist featured some strong competition, with the two runner-up models the result of some debate in the COTY War Room over a few front-runners.But unlike the other categories in the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, the winner in this category was unanimous.Read on to find out which model impressed each judge more than the other nine entrants.Make no mistake, the MG S5 EV falling short of the category crown shouldn’t be seen as disappointing.MG’s cars have been handed mixed reviews by CarsGuide journalists since the brand relaunched in Australia a decade ago, and even recently some models have arguably leant on the low price as a selling point.But the MG S5 EV is changing opinions. A significant jump in quality, ergonomics and driving ability put the small electric SUV close to the front of the pack in terms of buying propositions – plus it’s a $40,490 drive-away ask.“The MG S5 EV gives everything such a run on the value front. It changed my mind about MG’s EVs in that segment,” said CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White in the COTY War Room discussion.Our Deputy Editor James Cleary summed the S5 EV’s strengths up with an economical number of words: “Looks, dynamics, practicality, space, reasonable range and its warranty.” But while the S5 received near-universal praise in the War Room discussion, Senior Journalist Laura Berry mentioned its price as being a strong reason to consider the S5 EV, even if the winner in this category has it covered in all other areas. “Being $7000 less than the winner, it’s a really compelling argument. It’s fantastic value and a great car,” she said.Could the Qashqai be Nissan’s best current offering in terms of broad appeal? After a new generation was quickly followed by a design refresh, the small SUV now looks stunning, and its interior has been updated to feel properly modern. When judging took place at the end of last year, the $34,665 starting point for its entry petrol ST grade was the cheapest way into the model, though Nissan has since announced that the Qashqai is hybrid-only going forwards.But soon the e-Power hybrid will start from $45,640 before on-roads, but its quality and smooth on-road performance still impressed judges in the pricier e-Power hybrids.“Qashqai as a range has some of the widest appeal and most versatility,” said Deputy News Editor Tom White. “It won the comparo it was in for us, too.”That comparison was with the Qashqai ST-L, the Kia Seltos Sport+ 2.0 and the Subaru Crosstrek R back in 2023, and that was before the facelifted Qashqai arrived.While judges also praised its e-Power hybrid variants for their driving feel (“that e-Power system is amazing,” said Senior Journalist Laura Berry), there was another huge win when it comes to considering the Qashqai.Contributing Journalist Byron Mathioudakis pointed out that it “also has a very useful 10-year warranty”.The EV3’s place atop the podium isn’t a massive surprise to me, but to have each of the other judges call it their pick of the bunch was heartening.I’ve spent the most time in the EV3 compared to the rest of the panel, after its international launch in Seoul, its Australian launch through the Gold Coast hinterland and some more time living with the small electric SUV.CarsGuide Managing Editor Tim Nicholson praised the EV3’s combination of clever packaging and fun from behind the wheel. "There is not much the Kia EV3 gets wrong. It has an edgy, modern design and a visually appealing and surprisingly spacious interior,” he said. “And you also get punchy EV performance and excellent ride and handling. It's an exceptional overall package." A lot of thought has clearly gone into the EV3, and while it’s not as dynamically keen as the Kia EV6, its stablemate in the brand’s ‘EV’ range, it shines far brighter than the Kia EV5 in terms of its on-road manners.Contributing Journalist Byron Mathioudakis voted for the EV3 due to “all the reasons we’ve already said, plus the fact it’s got a bit of an ‘It Factor’”.“The design, its proportions, just the level of detail that thing has is outstanding,” he added.It’s one of the more expensive entrants in the category, with its entry Standard Range Air variant starting from $47,600 before on-roads, but News Editor Dom Tripolone’s experience with the EV3 puts any ‘too expensive’ arguments to rest in the eyes of the judges.“I was able to put two child seats in the second row with a pram in the back very easily,” he said.“It’s a small car, but it feels like I’m buying a car a size above on the inside. That changes the value proposition in my book.”You can spend up to $63,950 for a top-spec GT-Line, but sticking with the entry grade is not only the best value, it’s also not missing anything important for the EV3 to be a fabulous step into the EV space.

The premium small car category (starting under $80K) is an interesting one because there are many cars that might not necessarily be cross-shopped, but in one way or another they end up being compared to one another.Our 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards category shortlist saw entrants from Audi, BMW, Cupra, Renault, Smart, Subaru and Volvo. The vehicles range from small petrol hatches all the way to small electric SUVs.Now we’re at the pointy end and it’s time to whittle it down to a winner. First up are the two runners up in alphabetical order, then the category winner.This small SUV from Audi is an oldie but a goodie and that’s how it has ended up as a runner up for CarsGuide’s best small premium car.CarsGuide reviewers love how the Q3, despite its age, still presents well with a stunning exterior design, while the driving experience is elegant, yet fun.“I think it’s such a neatly executed package, it’s hard to pick faults in that car,” said CarsGuide Deputy Editor James Cleary.However there is a new-generation model set to launch locally in early 2026 that could potentially become the new benchmark for the segment.While this French small electric SUV hasn’t stormed up the sales charts like some of its competitors, it’s a dark horse with charming driving dynamics and a stunning interior design.CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White, who had one for a three-month long-term loan early in 2025, noted it’s a car that moves the Renault brand forward in Australia.In fact, he said that everyone who sat in this tester asked if it was a Kia, which he believes is a massive compliment to the Megane E-Tech.The few things holding this car back are the mediocre AC charging rate, plus the Australian-specification car does miss out on things like connected services, which are offered overseas. Thankfully Renault has committed to addressing the latter with an update in 2026.Although it’s been a couple of years now since the current-generation X1 launched in Australia, it still stands out as a segment benchmark, therefore making it a clear choice for CarsGuide’s best premium small car of 2026.“Previously the Q3 was my favourite in that category, I think the X1 does move the game forward,” said CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White.It not only offers class-leading petrol-powered variants, but the availability of electric powertrains in the same body style. All of them have stellar driving dynamics and high-tech interiors.Additionally, besides its compact exterior dimensions, the X1’s clever interior packaging and available storage space makes it almost feel like a mid-sized SUV. You can see why this is now the best-selling BMW in Australia.

The large SUV category (starting under $100K) in the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards brings together one of the most varied groups of models from the super modern, fully electric high-performance to the super capable, off-road beasts. But all have a family focus with practicality at an affordable price.Our shortlist saw entrants from Chery, Hyundai, Kia, Land Rover, Polestar, Skoda, Toyota and Volkswagen.Now it’s time to announce our final top three, including the winner. First up are the two runners up in alphabetical order, then the category winner.Seven-seat upper-large SUVs aren’t unique but fully electric ones are and the Kia EV9 was not just the first of its kind to come to Australia, but it is also a truly outstanding car and that’s why it has easily made it into our top three.CarsGuide reviewers love how the EV9 provides all the practicality and space that an upper-large SUV should with an advanced electric architecture and a package that feels high quality and stylish.“I think it’s one of the cars of the decade,” said CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Byron Mathioudakis.“I still look at it and it stuns me and I just think it’s beautifully packaged … it’s a Range Rover for Kia money. Korea should be so proud of that car.” While the EV9’s futuristic looks were loved by the team, some thought the high price might put people off. The Toyota LandCruiser helped spark the world’s fascination with SUVs decades ago with its ability to take families on adventures to places regular cars had no hope of ever reaching. But while there’s a multitude of other SUVs out there now, the latest-gen LandCruiser 300 Series is still one of the very best, which is why it’s here on our top-three list.    CarsGuide News Editor Dom Tripolone said the LandCruiser 300 was one of the vehicles that did its job well: “It does what it says on the box. It’ll last a long time.”The team mentioned the good resale value of the LC300, its reputation for reliability and that its intended buyer who wants to go off-road or go anywhere will absolutely love it.Hyundai’s new-gen Santa Fe shocked many with its wildly different look to the previous model when it arrived in late 2024.But, while the design was polarising, CarsGuide reviewers couldn’t deny that this was an outstanding SUV in almost every other way.  “It genuinely achieves everything it sets out to do,” said CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White. “I also love the design of it – it’s superb.”With a choice of hybrid and petrol powertrains in both front- and all-wheel drive, the Santa Fe is comfortable and easy to pilot in the city or on long haul trips. Available in six- and seven-seat formats, the Santa Fe caters impressively well for families with its practicality and space, plus with its extensive features list and affordable entry price represents excellent value for money.

The best ute in Australia? Wow, this is the big award in the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards programme. Let's get into it, shall we?Our 10-strong shortlist for one of the most competitive segments has been whittled down to a top three, and – of course – a winner. But not before plenty of healthy and sometimes pretty vibrant debate between the members of the CarsGuide Editorial team.In the end, though, the choice seemed obvious, and overwhelming. So read on to find out the winner of the 2026 CarsGuide Car of The Year – Best Ute Starting Under $85K category.But first, a note. The runners-up are listed in alphabetical order based on the model name. There's no traditional podium here, just three finalists and a winner. Now, on with the show.Want to know just how strong an offering the Ford Ranger is? Every single CarsGuide judge voted for it in one way or another. It didn't score enough first-place votes to take the top prize, but it was in every single judge's top three.Our judging panel praised its capability and the breadth of its offering (especially now with Super Duty and plug-in hybrid variants).Admittedly, some suggested the plug-in Stormtrak variant felt a little "cynical" for its underwhelming EV performance, while others loved it, but all agreed the Ranger remains among Australia's best utes."It might no longer be the outright benchmark, but it is superior to almost every other ute in lots of ways," said Managing Editor Tim Nicholson.First year on sale and first appearance on the CarsGuide COTY podium! Not a bad effort for Kia's first-ever dual-cab offering, the Tasman.Our judges agreed that while the styling might be controversial, there is nothing opinion-splitting about the way the Tasman drives, or the attention its designers have paid to its cabin, which is by far the best in the business."It does the workhorse thing really well, and with a long warranty. It's big inside. It has got a stunning interior. It has a big tub. Kia has come from nowhere and they have swung really hard at this," said CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Byron Mathioudakis.No single ute had a more significant impact on Australia's dual-cab market than the BYD Shark 6 last year, which not only attracted more than 18,000 customers across 2025, but did it without some of the key weapons in the traditional ute arsenal.To succeed in Australia, utes must be powered by a diesel engine. They must be able to tow 3.5 tonnes. And they need to be able to carry a tonne. But it seems nobody issued these three commandments to BYD, because the Shark 6 can't do any of that, and it was the fourth best-selling ute in the country last year – with, it must be pointed out, just the one body style and trim. In place of the diesel donk is a plug-in hybrid petrol powertrain that has seriously resonated with Aussie consumers – forging a path other manufacturers far more established in the ute scene are now scrambling to follow – and it scored big on style and technology with our judges, too."The big thing for me is the ambition of the product, and the way that it's just turned the segment upside down," said CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White."You could argue the segment had become a bit stagnant and boring, and I think Shark 6 just overhauls it completely."

The mainstream mid-size SUV segment is one of the most tightly contested in Australia, making which option to go for both more exciting and more difficult than ever.Thankfully, our 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year Awards will help shorten your choices down to only the best in an ever-changing market.This year’s top-10 shortlist saw an array of vehicles competing for the crown, but our judging panel liked three the most, Honda’s segment-bending ZR-V, Toyota’s ever-present RAV4, and a newcomer in the form of the Zeekr 7X.Which takes the crown and why? Read on to see our reasoning below.The Honda ZR-V is one of the brand’s most recent nameplates, sitting between the venerable HR-V small SUV and larger CR-V.Our judging panel loved the ZR-V for its just-right sizing, offering family buyers something a little more compact than most cars in this class, whilst also offering a versatile and generous interior space.We were also impressed how this car communicates Honda’s commitment to build quality so well. All agreed it offers an above-par driving experience for the segment, with not only a good all-rounder combustion engine, but also a sweet fuel-sipping hybrid with a bit more punch.It offers compelling ownership terms, but the panel also agreed that it has similar flaws to other Hondas in the limited availability of the hybrid powertrain, and its generally higher-than-rivals starting price.CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton who recently tested a ZR-V VTi-LX in hybrid form said it “continues Honda’s winning run of models lately. It looks good, feels solid, is well-appointed and presents as an SUV you can actually enjoy driving, too.”Believe it or not, this award applies to the outgoing RAV4 despite its age, but the good news is many of the metrics on which our panel made its decision likely transfer over to the newly updated model, too.However, we’re calling out the old version which fits inside our judging timeline because of its well-deserved staying power in our market.Our COTY panel agreed everything the RAV4 does, it does well, whether you’re considering its build quality, massively popular and affordable hybrid powertrain, or its spacious no-nonsense interior which has proven to be perfect for families.CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Emily Agar said the outgoing RAV4 “offers families space, convenience and features in a well-priced and handsome package” in her recent review.Australia’s frequently best-selling SUV isn’t without its flaws. Our panel also agreed that the interior design was starting to age, and there were now more innovative hybrid powertrains on the market.Slipping in just under the $60,000 mark, the Zeekr 7X has arrived in Australia with quite some fanfare as one of the most compelling new cars from a Chinese newcomer brand.Opening the door to a new class of affordable premium car, the fully electric 7X won over our panel for having exactly the ingredients we look for in a Car of the Year contender: it’s ambitious, moves the segment forward and represents excellent value.Not only that, but in its surprising sense of quality and even its driving performance, the 7X challenges perceptions of how Chinese cars can look and feel, and does so at a price that should be circuit-breaking for the mid-size SUV segment.Its cutting-edge design and materials are also complemented by a spacious and family-friendly interior with a generous boot, too.Even as an EV it’s impressive, with its 800-volt architecture supporting ultra-fast charging, and its healthy battery capacities supporting long driving ranges for each variant.For downsides? Like some of its Chinese contemporaries, the 7X has overly complicated software functions, and it has weird push-button doors and doesn’t feature a spare tyre.However, as Deputy Editor James Cleary notes in his recent review of the top-spec Performance AWD variant, the 7X offers “so much standard equipment for the money, stunning acceleration, top-shelf safety and a solid ownership package”.“This electric SUV has thrown down a hefty gauntlet in challenging its existing competition,” he said.It’s a recipe that makes the 7X our winner for this year’s mid-size SUV category for the CarsGuide Car of the Year.

Buying a car in the current Australian market is a massive undertaking. With around 70 car brands now vying for your business, there has never been so many models to choose from.

The Ford Transit Custom has been named 2019 CarsGuide Tradie Car of the Year.