Because the yr involves an in depth, it’s time to look again on the premium mid-sized SUVs that wowed the CarExpert take a look at staff in 2024.
A bunch of latest electrical fashions have entered the market, whereas established luxurious manufacturers made significant enhancements to standing ICE fashions.
The end result was a crop of upmarket SUVs that scored elite rankings from our take a look at staff. These are the 5 that topped our rating charts over the calendar yr.
A few of these fashions have been reviewed on a number of events this yr – in that situation, we’ve featured the variant that achieved the best ranking.
These fashions all compete within the medium SUV over $60,000 class, as outlined by VFACTS gross sales statistics printed by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
Costs are based mostly on every producer’s configurators for a Victorian postcode, which ought to offer you a consultant estimate of what the typical purchaser will find yourself paying.
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Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Not solely was the Hyundai our prime ranking premium mid-sized SUV, it was our prime rated automotive, interval.
Scoring 9.0 out of 10, the electrical Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was awarded near-perfect rankings for efficiency, dealing with dynamics, know-how infotainment, and match for goal.
Hyundai N’s three pillars are Nook Rascal, Racetrack Functionality and On a regular basis Sportscar. Identical to the i20 N, i30 N and Kona N earlier than it, the Ioniq 5 N delivers.
It’s an amazing evolution of the ‘sizzling hatch’ method, even when it’s extra of a crossover. It’s foolish quick and enjoyable to drive, comfy and sensible sufficient to every day, whereas providing zero native emissions, usable driving vary (if with a measured proper foot), in addition to quick to cost.
Energy comes from a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, combining a 166kW entrance and 282kW rear motor for complete system outputs of 448kW of energy and 740Nm of torque.
The electrical motors, which Hyundai says can rev as much as 21,000rpm, are powered by a brand new 84kWh lithium-ion battery, with enhanced thermal administration and a claimed peak charging velocity of 350kW.
You’ll be able to learn our full assessment of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N right here
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N | |
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CarExpert ranking | 9.0 |
Victorian drive-away value | $124,440 |
Execs | Cons |
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Supercar efficiency in a Hyundai! | It’s bloody costly |
Correctly enjoyable to drive on highway and monitor | Can’t at all times conceal its 2.2t weight |
Nonetheless a spacious and sensible household every day | Some might discover the seems to be, sounds a bit a lot |
All for shopping for a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
MORE: The whole lot Hyundai Ioniq 5
Genesis GV70
Since its launch in 2021, the Genesis GV70 has been a standout alternative within the super-competitive mid-sized luxurious SUV phase, and the newest replace scored 8.8 out of 10 in our rankings.
An ideal rating for price of possession underpinned that ranking – Genesis offers free scheduled servicing for the primary 5 years, an actual point-of-difference when in comparison with premium rivals.
We additionally praised the GV70 for its inside design and high quality – there’s not a floor that feels low cost or plasticky.
On the highway, the GV70 feels and drives like a correct premium product. The engine and transmission work harmoniously for each powertrain choices, and it it rides superbly in case you prioritise consolation over pointless rigidity.
Two engines are provided – a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre turbocharged six-cylinder. Each supply greater than 200kW of energy, though they could be a little thirsty.
You’ll be able to learn our full assessment of the Genesis GV70 right here
Genesis GV70 | |
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CarExpert ranking | 8.8 |
Victorian drive-away value | $87,214 – $110,221 |
Execs | Cons |
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Wonderful inside match and end | Value enhance is noticeable |
Easy drivetrains | Doesn’t carry Euro model status |
Nice experience with sporty character | Restricted supplier community |
All for shopping for a Genesis GV70? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
MORE: The whole lot Genesis GV70
Tesla Mannequin Y
Rounding out the rostrum is the electrical Tesla Mannequin Y, which scored 8.6 out of 10 in our newest take a look at.
Now priced from simply $55,900 earlier than on-road prices, reductions have improved the worth of an already well-priced automobile, and it stays a best choice for EV consumers.
The Mannequin Y could be very minimalist inside and outside, with a spacious and sensible inside. It’s extremely secure, and shouldn’t price a lot to run given Tesla’s condition-based servicing coverage.
In terms of the driving expertise, the Mannequin Y is usually inoffensive with plentiful energy on faucet and the quiet atmosphere of a giant, insulated electrical automotive.
Nevertheless, query marks over values stay. Tesla is continually tinkering with pricing, and hurting resale values because of this.
You’ll be able to learn our full assessment of the Tesla Mannequin Y right here
Tesla Mannequin Y | |
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CarExpert ranking | 8.6 |
Victorian drive-away value | $61,200 – $89,334 |
Execs | Cons |
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Market-leading | Value cuts damage resale |
Nonetheless extraordinarily nicely geared up | Nonetheless not as cozy as some rivals |
Extremely sensible design | Quick guarantee |
All for shopping for a Tesla Mannequin Y? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
MORE: The whole lot Tesla Mannequin Y
Cupra Formentor
Constant rankings throughout the board noticed the sporty, attractive Cupra Formentor VZx scored 8.4 out of 10 again in February.
That includes a drivetrain carefully associated to the Volkswagen Golf R, the top-spec Formentor completely rips whenever you put your foot down. It’s additionally a mature commuter, with gentle steering, a cushty experience from the adaptive dampers, and a stable (however not standout) sound system.
Inside, bucket-style seats and a sporty steering wheel that includes begin and drive mode buttons make the Formentor VZx really feel meaningfully sportier than some other SUV for a similar cash.
Sporty thrills don’t come at the price of practicality both – the Formentor packs more room inside than you’d count on given its angular, overgrown hatchback proportions.
Our principal criticism? The elective Akrapovic exhaust could be very costly, and simply doesn’t sound particular sufficient, sufficient of the time to justify the spend.
You’ll be able to learn our full assessment of the Cupra Formentor VZx right here
Cupra Formentor VZx | |
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CarExpert ranking | 8.4 |
Victorian drive-away value | $67,790 |
Execs | Cons |
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Spectacular efficiency | Noisy on the open highway |
Surprisingly spacious inside | Inside know-how may be fiddly |
Sharp exterior styling stands out | Akrapovic exhaust isn’t loud sufficient for $6000 |
All for shopping for a Cupra Formentor? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
MORE: The whole lot Cupra Formentor
Kia EV5
Kia’s newest electrical automotive in Australia was a success with our take a look at staff at launch, scoring 8.4 out of 10.
Particularly, the EV5 stood out within the areas of inside practicality (9) and worth for cash (8.8).
It’s a a lot better-rounded bundle than each the EV6 and EV9, whereas additionally coming in cheaper than the same Niro EV.
In case you’re coming from an older automotive, it gives a a lot much less intimidating setup than its rivals. The inside of the EV5 could also be fashionable, but it surely isn’t fairly on the ‘spaceship’ stage that may be a dealbreaker for a lot of EV consumers.
The EV5 is a simple automotive to drive too, with loads of vary and a cushty experience. Three electrical powertrains can be found, however we’d suggest the bottom variants that characteristic a single motor producing 160kW and 310Nm.
You’ll be able to learn our full assessment of the Kia EV5 right here
Kia EV5 | |
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CarExpert ranking | 8.4 |
Victorian drive-away value | $56,770 – $75,990 |
Execs | Cons |
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Acquainted presentation | Intrusive lane-keep help |
Spectacular real-world financial system | Annoying velocity restrict warning |
Reassuring driving dynamics | Regenerative braking quirks |
All for shopping for a Kia EV5? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
MORE: The whole lot Kia EV5