Australian motorists are buying more SUVs than ever before. Why? Because SUVs have switched from being the hardcore, heavy-duty 4x4 that we once knew and become a much more family-friendly, practical approach to adventurous motoring. The next question is, which models are the most popular? Here is the top 10.

1. Standing at the top of the SUV sales hierarchy is the Mazda CX-5. This is currently the best-selling SUV in Australia. And for good reason. The CX-5 is the ideal size, offering 403-litres of cargo capacity, plenty of seating space in the front and rear, and an impressive list of standard features. It’s also offered with the choice of petrol or frugal turbo-diesel engines, with strong foundations suitable for light off-roading.
    
2. If you’re not a fan of the CX-5, for whatever reason, the next-best-selling SUV in the country is the Hyundai Tucson. Hyundai re-introduced the Tucson nameplate to Australians in 2015, bringing a stylish new design, a quality cabin, and lots and lots of standard appointments. Customers opting for anything from the base model to the flagship Highlander are presented with loads convenience-minded features, including a touch-screen interface for all models.
    
3. Following in the footsteps of the CX-5 is the smaller brother, the Mazda CX-3. This funky little go-getter is the third favourite in Australia at the moment. It, like the CX-5, is one of Mazda’s latest models and it brings all of the company’s latest ideas into a cute crossover package. Boot space doesn’t set any benchmarks but the design, inside and out, leaves rivals well behind. Buyers have the choice of petrol or turbo-diesel engines.
    
4. The Nissan X-Trail has come a long way. It used to be a rather industrial and cold offering in the mid-size SUV segment, but now it is much nicer to look at and to drive. It feels good on the road, and Nissan’s latest interior philosophy ensures the X-Trail cabin is one the classiest in the category. X-Trail sales make it the fourth most popular SUV in the country right now.
    
5. This is the veteran of SUVs; the Toyota RAV4. When Toyota first launched the RAV4 back in 1994 it probably didn’t realise it then but it essentially kicked off a completely new style of vehicle. It is one of the original pioneers of the SUV vehicle style, and so it comes as no surprise it rounds out the top five best-selling SUV models in Australia. Toyota has kept the same basic characteristics in place, right up to the current model; practical, easy to drive, exceptional build quality, and one of the most robust and capable foundations out there.
    
6. Sitting in sixth place is the Mitsubishi ASX. If you’re after pure value and practicality, this is the option for you. You get the sense Mitsubishi has developed this vehicle for longevity as a high priority too, offering a segment-shaking five-year factory warranty. Buyers can select between petrol and turbo-diesel options, and fuel-efficient front-wheel drive or adventurous all-wheel drive layouts.
    
7. Coming in as the seventh most popular SUV in Australia is the family favourite Toyota Prado. Not only is the Prado an excellent family wagon offering seating for up to seven adults, it’s also one of the most capable when it comes to off-roading. Toyota has decades of off-road experience, and it shows. Of course, being a Toyota also means it will stand the test of time very well.
    
8. Subaru’s Forester stormed onto the market back in 1997. It, like the RAV4, is one of the pioneers of the SUV layout. Originally it gave buyers a plucky yet dependable package with strong underpinnings, supported by Subaru’s traditional boxer engine formula. Nowadays, it’s one of the most modern SUVs in the class, with some variants featuring clever adaptive cruise control and automatic city braking technology.
    
9. You might not have heard of the name but it hasn’t stopped the Nissan Qashqai from making a sizeable dent in the automotive sales charts. This is the junior to the X-Trail, packaging together Nissan’s modern interior and body design with petite proportions. It’s an ideal vehicle for city dwellers and those who regularly deal with dense traffic. With a decent ground clearance, it also means you don’t have worry about scrubbing the front end when approaching those awkward driveways and big speed bumps.
    
10. Rounding out the top 10 best selling SUVs is the Honda HR-V. Honda revived the name only recently, giving buyers a smart and practical proposition in the small SUV segment. This vehicle is all about fuel-conserving economy and in-car intelligence. It features a mostly digital dash and some very unique design elements. Being a Honda also brings an extensive history in quality and reliability.

Whatever SUV you are thinking of purchasing, chances are, it will be an excellent vehicle. Quality standards and custom feedback are so important to manufacturers these days that it’s virtually impossible to buy a lemon.
 

Review provided by PerformanceDrive.com.au

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