Best crossovers in Australia - 2024 : Know price, specs & features

In the diverse world of automobiles, we have cars, utes, SUVs, and of course, crossovers. These versatile vehicles occupy a unique space between traditional passenger cars and rugged off-roading SUV wagons, making them perfect for our everyday bitumen drives. While some crossovers sport the SUV's appearance, they prioritise the practicality and comfort of city driving. However, it's worth noting that the lines between crossovers and SUVs have blurred, with many crossovers now officially classified as SUVs due to their popularity and adaptability. This has led to some SUVs also being the best crossovers in Australia.

Unlike many SUVs, not all crossovers come with all-wheel drive systems, as front-wheel drive suffices for daily urban travel and enhances fuel efficiency. Despite being initially perceived as a niche market, crossovers have rapidly expanded, offering a plethora of options in the Australian automotive landscape. Among these options, some crossovers stand out as the best of all time, showcasing remarkable features and value. We have compiled a list of the best 4x4 crossovers.

1. BMW X1

Data for 2022 BMW X1 sDrive20i Sport Collection F48 LCI Auto

BMW is world renowned for making luxury cars in all shapes and sizes. Fuse the ideas of luxury with the capabilities of a crossover and you have a vehicle that is set to take on the challenges of Australian terrain with class and just a little bit of god-like grace.

As the smallest member of BMW's X lineup, the X1 offers a perfect blend of sporty driving dynamics and versatile functionality. However, it is evident the focus was on luxury and comfort, as the sport mode driving experience is not as smooth as the general city driving experience. BMW has tried to compensate for this with additional ADAS features but it doesn’t go unnoticed that it isn’t the most powerful crossover.

Apart from that the experience is a joy. Long distances don’t make you tired or lethargic. Exceptional infotainment features and screen keeps the drive as peppy as you’d want to. However the screen is entirely touchscreen with little to no controls through steering wheel buttons, this makes this car at least a drive for two.

Key Features of BMW X1:

• Sensatec Oyester upholstery
• 40:20:40 passenger row folding
• Large panoramic touchscreen display
• Wireless charging pad integrated into the centre console
• 19” & 20” alloy wheel with dual chrome finis

What’s good about it?

• Hybrid options available
• Impressive cabin features
• Premium tidbits make driving it classy

What’s not so good about it?

• Sport mode steering is hefty
• Infotainment is reliant on the touchscreen entirely

2. Honda HR-V

Data for 2021 Honda HR-V VTi Auto MY21

Okay! Honda is making good cars. Nobody is doubting that and HR-V is just Honda boasting it’s diverse abilities. The current HR-V small hatch, based on the discontinued Jazz mini-car, will soon be replaced after a six-year run. Notably, both share the innovative "magic seats," offering versatile folding, tumbling, and flipping to maximize boot space.

The hybrid variant accentuates this car to new heights as there are no notable shortcomings in its off-roading abilities. While the engine could’ve gone well with an upgrade the standard variant is more than capable of making you test its limits.

The major problem HR-V faces is that, after a while, the engine starts grunting. Nobody wants to missout on the adventure while half their attention is on when the engine will give up. However, the Road Ahead Guarantee has made some accommodations for this complaint, it seems like a desperate compensation and not a visual change.

Key Features of Honda HR-V:

• Honda SENSING
• Honda Road Ahead Guarantee
• Magic seats with 18 combinations
• Heated Seats and Mirrors
• Air Diffusion System
  

What’s good about it?

• City driving is immaculate
• Spacious interior
• Quiet and comfortable cabin

What’s not so good about it?

• Underpowered engine
• Headroom in passenger row
• Engine gets noisy after rugged usage

3. Kia Sportage

Data for 2023 Kia Sportage SX Auto FWD MY23

Top contender in the SUV market. A realisation that many have is that KIA isn’t just running an automobile race, it is subtly leading the technological race. Kia Sportage is a very good testament to how technology is irreplaceably intertwined in automobiles as they provide a far bigger value than just entertainment or safety. The ability to keep the novelty of a car alive is a great feat. Reputed brands have failed to grasp this fact and it is what has made Kia stand out.

Speaking of standing out the Sportage is what takes Kia to the rugged outfields of land down under. Equipped with a 2-litre engine and multi-mode driving ability, Sportage is a joy to drive it across terrains. Additionally, the dual 12.3-inch infotainment screen just adds to the fun and frolic on those adventures.

While ladled with features and tech, Kia seems to not get creative with the exteriors. They seem rather bland and dated. While the driving is exciting and you’ll love doing it, Kia compromises on the value of looking good while you do it.

Key Features of Kia Sportage:

• Dual 12.3” curved display
• Driver Fatigue Sensor
• LED Ambient lighting with 64 colour options
• 8 speaker Harman/Kardon sound system
• Boot space triples to over 1500 litres after folding the passenger seat

What’s good about it?

• Cabin quality is luxurious
• Hybrid options available
• Technology wise a beast

What’s not so good about it?

• Long infotainment journey
• Front-end design is underwhelming
• Peugeot has a more comfortable alternative

4. Mazda CX-5

Data for 2023 Mazda CX-5 D35 Akera KF Series Auto i-ACTIV AWD

Mazda, a popular and esteemed Japanese brand, holds a strong reputation in Australia, much like worldwide. The CX-5, a medium-sized wagon, plays a pivotal role in their success, akin to the 323 and 626 of the past.

Mazda CX-5 is the answer from the Japanese makers who were tired of Mazda and ‘safety’ going together. They’ve kept the initial idea and spirit in this enthralling ride. CX-5 is a great city ride. However, the dark side is that it adapts to terrains and challenges them to a more advanced level. Powerful pick-up, with little to no cabin noise, CX-5 is vowed and ready to make you hear your heartbeat.

While the design and idea is ample, the CX-5 isn’t very ‘new driver’ friendly, it slugs a bit on bendy roads and people have reported slippage on wet curves. So, this for all intents and purposes is a big-boy car. Then again, when have we shy-ed away from a good challenge?

Key Features of Mazda CX-5:

• Horizontal front grille
• KODO design
• Active driving display
• Bose speakers
• 3 engine options
  
  

What’s good about it?

• Quiet petrol engine
• Powerful pick-up
• Ample standard kit
  
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Price
• Limited boot space
• Slips on wet twisty roads

5. Nissan Qashqai

Data for 2023 Nissan QASHQAI ST J12 Auto MY23

Previously known as the Dualis in Australia, the Qashqai small SUV underwent styling refinements and lineup adjustments upon its arrival in mid-2014. The latest Qashqai models are exclusively front-wheel drive and offer seating for five, with the previous all-wheel drive and seven-seat options discontinued.

Powertrain options include a 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine. The interiors are keeping up with the exteriors and infrastructural developments of the Qashqai. Front-row seats come with massage options for when you just want to rest your back and think about the adventure you just went on.

Qashqai was the recipient of the “Good Design Award” but there have been concerns about its abilities for a well-designed car. While the Qashqai does good work on slightly off-terrain paths, it isn’t powerful enough to go on a blow-out adventure. Unlike the CX-5, the Qashqai is a novice adventurer's car.

Key Features of Nissan Qashqai:

• Front seats have massage features
• LED advanced matrix headlamps
• Customisable Heads Up Display
• Nissan intelligent mobility
• Climate Control

What's good about it?

• Cruise control
• Cockpit features
• Great family car

What’s not so good about it?

• Not as well-suited for off-road driving
• Infotainment glitches
• Pricey for a compact crossover SUV

6. Subaru Outback

Data for 2021 Subaru Outback AWD 6GEN Auto AWD MY21

While many modern SUVs provide car-like driving dynamics, the Outback brings itself even closer to the feel of a car, making it incredibly easy to live with. Furthermore, it offers more spaciousness than the average midsize SUV, boasting a lengthy boot and rear seats that comfortably accommodate adults (much to the delight of teenagers).

In addition to its family-friendly attributes, the Outback exhibits cleverly engineered off-road capabilities, allowing it to conquer trails that many other vehicles would shy away from. The presence of roof rails that rotate 90 degrees to create roof racks exemplifies the ingenuity embedded in a Subaru known for its enduring staying power.

However, too much tech also has its cons and as fate would have it, even a beast like Outback has one. While the EyeSight safety feature is theoretically required and sensible, more often than not it comes in the way of driving. On adventures, that would cause a distraction, if not worse.

Key Features of Subaru Outback:

• Symmetrical all-wheel drive
• Ground clearance
• Driver monitoring system
• 11.6-inch infotainment screen
• Dual-zone climate control

What’s good about it?

• Cabin space
• Excellent off-road capability
• Built strong

What’s not so good about it?

• EyeSight safety features can be intrusive
• Underwhelming interiors
• Alternatives are cheaper like VW Tiguan

7. Toyota C-HR

Data for 2023 Toyota C-HR GXL Auto 2WD

The C-HR, sharing its platform with the Toyota Corolla, competes against popular small wagons. Breaking free from Toyota's conventional image, it offers an eye-catching design and an engaging driving experience.

However, with a downsized 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and options for front- or all-wheel drive, it now includes a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain from the Prius. Concerns arise on its ability to take on the challenges of Australian terrain on a bad day. On a good day, with a great suspension and decent pick-up controlling C-HR is a breeze!

Additionally, it gained Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility in 2020, marking a significant upgrade after four years of its release. C-HR comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, so the driving experience only gets better.

Key Features of Toyota C-HR:

• Toyota's fifth-generation Hybrid Electric System
• Panoramic sun-roof
• Ambient lighting with 14 default and 50 custom colours
• 12.3-inch infotainment screen
• Toyota safety sense

What’s good about it?

• Exterior design
• Great suspension
• Minimal maintenance cost
  
  

What’s not so good about it?

• Price
• Noisy engine
• Low ground clearance
  

8. Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Data for 2021 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack 162TSI B8 Auto 4MOTION MY22.5

The Passat Alltrack provides a compelling option for those seeking a versatile vehicle capable of handling both urban roads and off-road adventures. With its blend of practicality, comfort, and capable performance, the Passat Alltrack is an excellent choice for those who desire a well-rounded wagon with a touch of ruggedness.

While the majority of Alltracks available at CARS24 are likely to be diesel models due to the engine change being relatively recent, they still deliver impressive performance and efficiency. The Passat Alltrack offers a refined and comfortable driving experience, boasting a well-designed cabin with a range of creature comforts. The diesel engine's strong pulling power adds to its appeal, although some drivers may find the dual-clutch transmission's hesitation during acceleration from a standstill a minor drawback.

As it is essentially a family-focused wagon, it doesn’t come with any alternative engine options. What this essentially means is that this vehicle is only suited for mild- adventures but you’ll have the suave VW while doing it.

Key Features of Volkswagen Passat Alltrack:

• Overwhelming off-road ability
• IQ Drive
• 4MOTION all-wheel-drive technology
• 18” Kalmatta & 19” Albertville alloy wheels
• 3-zone climate control

What’s good about it?

• Boot space
• Long warranty
• Spacious cabin

What’s not so good about it?

• Turbo lag
• Single engine option
• VW Passat is cheaper
  

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing crossover cars in Australia offers a multitude of advantages that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of consumers. The blend of car-like comfort and SUV capabilities provides a versatile and practical vehicle for various lifestyles, whether it's city commuting, family adventures, or weekend getaways. Crossovers' spacious interiors and flexible cargo space allow for comfortable journeys, accommodating both passengers and their belongings with ease.

Furthermore, the range of safety features and advanced technology available in crossovers enhances the driving experience, ensuring a safe and convenient ride on Australia's diverse road conditions. Many crossovers come equipped with modern driver assistance systems, adding an extra layer of security for both drivers and pedestrians.

FAQs

1.What are the best crossovers available in Australia?

Some of the best crossovers in Australia include the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai, Subaru Outback and Kia Sportage.

2. What factors should I consider when choosing a crossover in Australia?

Consider factors like size, fuel efficiency, safety features, technology, cargo space, and driving performance when choosing a crossover in Australia.

3. What are the advantages of owning a crossover in Australia?

Crossovers offer versatility, practicality, and a blend of car-like comfort with SUV capabilities, making them well-suited for various lifestyles and road conditions in Australia.

4. Are there any crossovers known for their fuel efficiency in Australia?

Several crossovers, such as the Mazda CX-5 H, offer good fuel efficiency and eco-friendly options to meet the demands of Australian consumers.

5. Are there any crossovers that offer good off-road capabilities in Australia?

Crossovers like the Subaru Outback and Toyota C-HR offer good off-road capabilities with features like all-wheel drive and ground clearance for adventurous driving.

6. What is the average price range for crossovers in Australia?

The average price range for crossovers in Australia varies based on brand, size, and features, but generally falls between $25,000 to $50,000, with luxury models exceeding that range.