Best SUVs under $60k
1.Volkswagen Passat
8.7
3 badges available
$50,790 - $67,790*MRLP
What we love
- -Golf R-like performance from a humble family wagon
- -Superb ride characteristics
- -Spacious and beautifully-appointed interior
What we don't
- -Still no DAB radio in high-end VW product
- -Or wireless phone charging
- -Some might want more aural theatre
3.Kia Sorento
8.3
6 badges available
$47,650 - $81,080*MRLP
What we love
- -Fuel economy (nearly) matches the Kluger Hybrid at a cheaper price
- -Comfortable, modern and practical interior
- -Well-dialled ride quality for town and country alike
What we don't
- -Slight hesitation from a standing start takes getting used to
- -Random engine flaring from time to time
- -Beaten by the Palisade in the overall space stakes
4.Hyundai Kona
8.2
6 badges available
$26,900 - $64,000*MRLP
What we love
- -Raucous exhaust note
- -Eminently configurable drive modes
- -Functional interior with supportive seats
What we don't
- -Interior finishes feel downmarket
- -Crashy ride comfort
- -Smaller boot than i30 N
5.Audi Q2
8.0
2 badges available
$46,000 - $53,300*MRLP
What we love
- -Competitive price point
- -Good list of standard features
- -Audi now offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty
What we don't
- -Cabin noise is noticeable
- -Boot volume is down on main competitors
- -Fuel consumption is high
6.Audi Q3
8.0
2 badges available
$50,600 - $66,600*MRLP
What we love
- -Striking design-led appearance
- -Boot and backseat unimpeded by Sportback stylingÂ
- -Easy and breezy to shuffle around town in
What we don't
- -Manual seats a mismatch with rest of interior
- -Looks swift, but isn't really
- -Road noise picks up on certain surfaces
7.Hyundai Tucson
8.0
3 badges available
$34,900 - $54,400*MRLP
What we love
- -Slick design from tip to tail looks great on the road
- -Well featured with lots of clever inclusions
- -It's not exciting, but this might be the best way to package a Tucson
What we don't
- -Ride comfort and control could use a little work
- -Some ergonomic challenges with button placement
- -Driveline might be simple, but its pretty dull too
9.Mazda CX-8
8.0
2 badges available
$42,060 - $71,410*MRLP
What we love
- -Quiet and comfortable
- -Huge second row with fancy temperature controls
- -Third row will fit an adult and is easy to use
What we don't
- -Feels underpowered when packed to the rafters
- -Dated infotainment
- -Missing some convenience features like keyless entry
10.Toyota Fortuner
8.0
3 badges available
$51,965 - $64,945*MRLP
What we love
- -Spacious through the second and third rows
- -Welcome improvements for late 2021
- -Lots of elements to suit 4x4 touring
What we don't
- -Starting to feel its age in some regards
- -Six-month service intervals are a hindrance for most
- -Engine was a little thirsty on our test
Drive's Best Cars
Drive's team of experts reviews and rates hundreds of the latest models each year to help you find your next new car. Browse our Best Car lists to discover how different models rank against each other and what our team loves and doesn't love about these top-rating vehicles.
* ‘MRLP’ is the manufacturer’s recommended list price as provided by our data provider and is subject to change, so is provided to you for indicative purposes only. Please note that MRLP is inclusive of GST, but is exclusive of any options and does not include on-road costs such as registration, CTP, stamp duty and dealer delivery. Where an MRLP is stated as a price range, this reflects the lowest to highest MRLP provided for that model range across the available variants.
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