SUVs are endless fun, they’re versatility has become somewhat of a legend. Whether you’re a family of 5 or a couple of adventure freaks, an SUV serves you well and serves you right. SUVs with the power that they pack and the off-roading ability they provide, make it a dealer's choice type of car for an extremely broad range of audiences.

Now cars which you’ll be so heavily reliant on whether it is in the city for urban style driving where you want an ‘Eco’ mode which saves fuel but doesn’t compromise performance or you’re on the tracks made of sand, snow and mud where you need your car’s performance to be accentuated by the likes of ‘Sport’ mode, needs to be extremely reliable.

With such broad demands, you need to know that this car will survive the test of time and ensure that it has more than one legendary story to tell. Thus, we have compiled a list of cars for you which are powerful, reliable and most importantly, wherein you don’t have to break the bank in order to get yourself in one.

Lexus LBX

Data for 2023 Lexus LBX Sports Luxury Auto AWD

Lexus at this point has become all about adding luxury to effective automobiles. The looks of the LBX alone are enough to make you want it for yourself. The newest front grille and LED DRLs make this five-seater SUV look absolutely stunning. The Takumi interior and 8 dual-tone colour options allow you to express your personality while still retaining that touch of ultra sophistication.

While the the interiors are exceptionally tech-ladled, as is expected with Lexus, there’s no telling as to why Lexus went ahead with the 9.8-inch infotainment screen. Nobody wants an elephant with the tusks of a walrus. Apart from that the Lexus LBX comes with heated steering wheel, head-up display, Lexus Connected Services, wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Coming to the shortcomings of the luxury division of Toyota. As much as the LBX seems like an exceptional SUC, it is restrained within the city limits as the all-wheel drive is neither very effective nor designed to take on the rugged erratic terrains of Australia. The engine starts to sound too loud when exerted and the minimal ground clearance might just dent your luxury on wheels.

Key features of Lexus LBX

• 9.8-inch multimedia display
• Lexus Connected Services
• Interior illumination - ambient lighting and various atmospheres
• Tailored to passenger climate control with nanoeX
• 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
  

What’s good about it?

• Driving experience
• Interior feels lavish and posh
• Excellent urban economy
  

What’s bad about it?

• Engine starts to drone when exerted upon
• Constricted second-row seating
• All-wheel drive is okayish
  

Subaru Forester

Data for 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S S5 Auto AWD MY24

You can say many things about Subaru as a manufacturer, but the Forester is going to stand all the trials and live to tell the tales. The exceptional boot space, roomy cabin which extends its generosity to the second row as well makes this car a must have if you’re looking to drive away with your family on long weekends.

Now while the dated interiors and and infotainment system aren’t the best representation of its prowess, the minimal maintenance cost and the excellent suspension will definitely be an off-roader's dream. While I can make the argument that no need for fancy infotainment if you’re driving to places where there are sights one can’t miss, you can always do a little with music and more.

We’re hoping that Subaru makes a few necessary updates like the interior designs and the infotainment screen size, there is another detail that we would like to see Subaru address in the upcoming models, the engine power. Frankly, it feels like an SUV with so much to offer doesn’t have half as strong as other cars which don’t even look towards the slippery sides of the country.

Key features of Subaru Forester

• 8-inch touchscreen with voice command recognition
• Driver attention alert
• Dozing or drowsiness warning
• Facial recognition
• Subaru Vision Assist
  

What’s good about it?

• Spacious cabin
• Excellent suspension
• Large boot space makes it an excellent option for long journeys
  

What’s bad about it?

• Dated interior and infotainment
• Cabin tends to get noisy on highways
• Lack of front parking sensors
  

Volkswagen Tiguan

Data for 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line Allspace 5N Auto 4MOTION MY24

German cars are engineered for isolated niches, just like the Polo, the Volkswagen Tiguan also fulfils its promise of being low maintenance and high deliverables. Tiguan stands the test of bumpy and curvy roads. Good traction and suspension allow you to speed through and manoeuvre easily on city streets and country roads seamlessly.

However, the cabin does get loud especially due to the tyre and engine noise. So maybe not a car for the newest of drivers. For those of you who know how to navigate through rugged terrains with minimal use of ADAS features, you’ll swerve and ride seamlessly through the Australian wilderness!

For newer drivers, Volkswagen has equipped the Tiguan with ample ADAS features which will keep you cautious of the road or terrain. However, do note that certain features restrict the torque allocation which may cause you to not be able to test the full potential of the Tiguan.

Key features of the Volkswagen Tiguan

• Ambient lighting with 30+ colours
• 10.25” Digital Cockpit Pro
• 3-zone climate control
• Semi-autonomous parking assistant
• IQ.DRIVE
  

What’s good about it?

• Extremely effective urban SUV
• Spacious rows and expandable boot space
• Jack of all trades
  

What’s bad about it?

• Cabin gets a lot of tyre noise
• Excluded from R-sport seats
• R-sport features are missing except in the top variant
  
  
  

Honda CR-V

Data for 2023 Honda CR-V e: HEV RS Auto FWD MY24

The CR-V’s most loved attribute is how affordable this car is. Not just this particular variant that we’ve picked up but the lower variants or the top variants from the previous years also prove to be an exceptional investment with minimal driving costs. To think that hybrid cars which offer considerable torque with a decent power of 181 Bhp and all that coupled with Honda reliance, this car is a must-have for small families.

People have often complained about how Honda is losing the tech race within their cars, CR-V is also quite tech-laden with 3 zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, memory seats with heating and cooling functions and many other ADAS features, keeping Honda in the running. While this isn’t the most powerful car and driving modes aren’t very off-road appropriate, it proves to be more than a boon in the city. Considerable boot size and city-wise driving ability are remarkable.

While Honda is still looking into offering the CR-V with a hybrid powertrain in all variants, for the time being, it is only the top variant which is available in non-traditional powertrains. In addition to that, the second-row spacing is also something we need to see a change in for the next year.

Key features of Honda CR-V

• 8-year premium roadside assistance
• Tri-zone climate control
• Heated & Ventilated front seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Sports driving mode
  

What’s good about it?

• Affordable service costs
• Transitioning between powertrains is smooth
• Easy to drive and the best SUV for entry-level drivers
  

What’s bad about it?

• Restricted second-row
• Only the top variant has a hybrid option
• Lower variants have far less features
  

Hyundai Palisade

Data for 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink Auto 2WD MY24

Hyundai’s biggest SUV. The Palisade is all that the Santa Fe aspires to be. The Palisade is designed to show the most of the American-esque qualities, robust yet versatile, powerful yet comfortable and more. The interiors have received an entirely new update which makes the car a paradise to travel in. Unlike the other large SUVs of Hyundai, Palisade has space to seat adults without their heads colliding with the roof or legs contorted in a ‘doomed to be cramped’ position.

Even though the Palisade is offered in Diesel and Petrol engines with diesel cars getting an All-wheel drive option while the petrol cars having to be content with a two-wheel drive option, this car is powerful enough to serve anywhere with any terrain at hand. If you feel the boot is small, you’re right but then again, this car can host a party of 7 without them having to be crunched in.

A car this big and you’d expect it to have a decent towing capacity, with large SUVs which aren’t made for towing specifically, basic towing capacity can be anywhere between 1500kg to 2000kg, Palisade settles down with a bare 750kgs. Another lack on the infotainment front is that there is no wireless Apple CarPlay, which is weird!

Key features of Hyundai Palisade

• Hyundai Bluelink
• Parametric shield chrome grille
• 12-speaker Infinity premium audio system
• Multi-terrain mode - Snow, mud and sand
• Advanced AWD feature called HTRAC
  

What’s good about it?

• Exterior design is immaculate
• Subtle Art-deco influence
• Exceptional interior build quality
  

What’s bad about it?

• No wireless Apple CarPlay
• Fuel economy is higher than claimed
• Below-par towing ability
  

Kia Sportage

Data for 2023 Kia Sportage GT-Line Auto AWD MY24

Family-friendly like a Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Tucson, rugged and prepped like a Toyota RAV4. Kia has claimed bold and true that they’re splitting the difference between isolated SUV categories. They’ve made a sturdy and safe car with abilities that will serve you well on the harsher end of the terrains that your expeditions take you to.

Make no mistake, Kia has ladled the car with features that keep the family entertained, is spacious enough to accommodate everyone for the road and is powerful enough to make you chase that thrill a bit more frequently. Almost immediately it took over its rivals. Sportage was awarded the Carsales Best Mid-Size SUV 2024 award.

The users who drive the Sportage around sleep easy knowing they’ve made an excellent choice. Some of the owners boast the fact that they’ve invested in an overall good SUV. While the SUV market is already flooded in with more coming, the price point at which you can avail of this car makes it extremely practical and sensible.

Key features of Kia Sportage

• Safe exit warning
• Blind spot collision avoidance assist
• Lane the following assist
• Dual 12.3-inch curved display
• 8-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system
  

What’s good about it?

• Ample tech features
• Cabin quality is great
• Smooth hybrid system
  

What’s bad about it?

• Climate controls may irk a bit
• Hyundai Tucson and others are a bit more comfortable
• Marmite-like front-end design
  

BMW X6

Data for 2023 BMW X6 M60i G06 LCI Auto 4x4

BMW X6 is the solution to those who think reliable cars aren’t powerful. 750-newton meters of torque coupled with 522 Bhp of power generated by an 8-cylinder turbo petrol engine is enough to navigate in the city and escape into the countryside. While the X6 has a 5-seater capacity, the 580 litres of boot space will be more than what you need to store your vacation-size luggage easily.

While this is the most expensive car on our list, investing in it won’t leave you with buyer remorse. The tech-laden interior with a BMW live cockpit professional makes navigating and transitioning on terrains easy. Added with 21-inch alloy wheels you can drive this powerful unit of a car in style across the terrains.

For those of you looking the BMW way while also trying to save a bit of that cash, BMW X5 is an affordable alternative to the X6. Sure the advanced features are dipped down in it, but the expert craftsmanship of BMW is as ever present and everlasting as you’ll need it to be to ensure ease of mind driving experience.

Key features of BMW X6

• 21" BMW light-alloy wheels in athletic M design
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional
• 4-zone climate control
• Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system
• Adaptive M suspension and sprint function
  

What’s good about it?

• Powerful and efficient engine options
• Interior and upholstery are pristine
• Traction control is better than ideal
  

What’s bad about it?

• X5 is an affordable alternative
• Lumbar support isn’t standard
• Fake exhaust sounds

Ford Everest

Data for 2023 Ford Everest Wildtrak Auto 4WD MY24.00

Best for last, Ford Everest has always been a fan favourite of the Australian roads. It could the turbo diesel engine, the seven off and on-road driving modes which are effective no matter where they’re tested or the Ford machinery which makes this car exceptionally effective. Infact the Everest is so impactful and preferred car that the Ford Everest won the Wheels Car of the Year award in 2023.

Even the fuel economy seems affordable once you factor in the turbocharged engine and 7 seating capacity. While the boot space does seem limited, you can always expand upon the space by reclining the seats down. This gives you over 1000 litres of space. Albeit, the car then becomes a 5 seater. Perfect for long getaways from the hustle and bustle of city life.

While the car is extremely reliable and functional, has been for quite some time now. There are still some analogue displays and outdated interior equipment which we would love to see be done away with. In addition to that, Ford Everest’s top model seems a bit of a waste when compared to the Sport variant which is far more advanced and just as powerful. Although the Sport variant is a 5-seater and comes with a better economy.

Key features of Ford Everest

• Heated and vented seats with driver memory
• Climate function and control
• Seven on & off-road drive modes
• 10.1” or 12” touchscreen with Bang and Olufsen premium audio system. (Based on variant)
• FordPass connectivity
  

What’s good about it?

• One of the finest designs, interior and exterior
• Extremely refined and powerful engine
• Dual range all-wheel drive
  

What’s bad about it?

• Sport variant is much more affordable
• Not the most competitive mileage
• Analogue displays even at this price
  

Conclusion

So these were the SUVs that we think are highly reliable and while the budget is always subjective we have emphasised the cars that have a good track record of serving well in multiple ways. The better the versatility the longer your car will serve you. However, do remember that not all cars come with the necessary ground clearance to go off-roading, so choose carefully. An SUV with good ground clearance of approximately 140mm or more, an all-wheel drive and strong torque is a car that will do wonders on country roads. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable urban driving experience then you should look for ample boot space (400 litres and above should be good), heated and cooled seats always come in handy and ensure that there is legroom and headroom in the passenger rows, that will save you from a lot of post-purchase guilt.

FAQs

1. What are the key factors that make an SUV reliable, and why is reliability an important consideration for Australian SUV buyers?

Reliability in an SUV is ensured by factors like robust engineering, quality components, minimal recalls, and consistent performance. In Australia, reliability matters to ensure the vehicle can handle diverse terrains and conditions.

2. Can you provide an overview of the current SUV market in Australia, including popular models and manufacturers known for reliability?

Popular reliable SUVs in Australia include Toyota Land Cruiser, Mazda CX-9, and Hyundai Tucson. These manufacturers are known for producing SUVs with a strong track record of dependability.

3. How do consumer reviews and reliability ratings contribute to determining the most reliable SUVs in Australia?

Consumer reviews and reliability ratings aggregate experiences, highlighting common issues, repairs, and overall satisfaction. Analysing such data aids in identifying consistently dependable SUVs in the Australian market.

4. What are some of the top-rated SUVs in terms of reliability, and what makes them stand out in the market?

Some top-rated, reliable SUVs in Australia are Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Everest, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Their reliability stems from strong build quality, good performance, and positive feedback from owners.

5. Are there any particular SUV segments (e.g., compact, midsize, full-size) that tend to have more reliable options in Australia?

Generally, compact and midsize SUV segments tend to offer more reliable options due to their widespread popularity, leading to continuous improvements and refined manufacturing processes.

6. How does the maintenance and servicing of reliable SUVs compare to less reliable models, and what should buyers expect in terms of long-term costs?

Reliable SUVs often have lower maintenance needs, reducing long-term costs. They require fewer repairs and replacement parts, providing financial benefits and peace of mind to buyers over the vehicle's lifespan.