If you’re looking for the best budget mid-size SUV, you’re spoiled for choice! We compare five of the most affordable family SUVs in Australia.
SUVs have been a popular choice of family car for many years — and there’s good reason for it!
With all the benefits of a big 4WD but less bulk, an SUV is a great way to get around the city and the country. For fuel economy, drivability, and performance, a budget mid-size SUV makes perfect sense for families. With the performance of a sedan but added space for passengers and storage, as well as off-road driving potential, it’s no wonder SUVs are such a popular choice.
Due to their popularity, many SUVs are on the Australian market. With so many options available, knowing which model is right for your budget and needs can be very confusing.
Whether you’re looking for a used or new car, we’ve put together a list of some of the best family cars in Australia to make it easier. We highlight the best and most affordable SUVs in Australia.
Toyota RAV-4
Source: 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid First Drive: Electric Boogaloo (motor1.com)
A family favourite and the very first affordable SUV introduced to Australia, the Toyota RAV4 is still a heavy hitter.
Toyota’s are famous for their ease of servicing, which is true for the RAV4. This affordable SUV is a good size and spacious enough for a family or is an excellent option for families looking to grow in the future!
RAV4 features:
- Buyers have the option of Toyota’s petrol-electric hybrid engine technology, providing power and fuel efficiency.
- Comes with a front-wheel or all-wheel drivetrain.
- 7″ Multi-Information Display and voice-activated infotainment.
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
Hyundai Tucson
Another Aussie favourite, the Hyundai Tucson, has been a big seller since its introduction in 2004. The Tucson heads off the competition by having one of the friendliest price tags and family-friendly features while retaining excellent mechanical specs. It is also a famously roomy five-seater and has some of the best and latest safety tech in any budget mid-size SUV, keeping you and your family safe wherever you’re heading.
Tucson features:
- Hyundai SmartSense™ monitors the driving environment to protect you and your family from hazards. It offers safety features such as braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity.
- Remote start.
- Hill descent control.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a relative newcomer to the affordable SUV market, but it has made a splash since its debut a few years ago. With petrol and diesel options and a choice between two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the CX-5 has a model to suit all needs. This budget mid-size SUV also features state-of-the-art safety technology, keeping you alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
CX-5 features:
- 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
- 8″ colour touch infotainment screen.
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
- Forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, hill start assist, driver attention alert and many other advanced safety features.
Kia Sportage
One of the beefier-looking affordable SUVs, the Kia Sportage packs the muscle to match its looks. Its sturdy construction is complimented by thoughtful features like reclinable back seats and ample cup holders, keeping the kids happy and comfortable during extended car rides. The Sportage may have less cargo space than some other SUVs, but its style and performance make up for it.
Sportage features:
- Unlimited kilometre seven-year warranty.
- Lane departure warning with technology to keep the car in the centre of the lane, pedestrian detection with autonomous emergency braking, junction turning assist and other driving assistance features.
- Forget the standard rearview camera; the Sportage has a surround-view monitor, using four cameras (front, side mirrors and rear) to offer a 360˚view which can be easily changed with the 3D function.
- 12.3″ touch screen.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is another highly recommended budget mid size SUV. This comfortable ride is highly flexible and comes in five or seven-seat models. With the option of three rows of seats, it’s perfect for large families or families planning to grow in the future. One of the best SUVs for real-world performance, the CR-V is praised for good handling under any conditions. Newer models also have safety features such as fatigue awareness and crash protection.
CR-V features:
- 5-star ANCAP safety rating,
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
- The automatic power tailgate with kick sensor lets you easily access the boot space when you’ve got a handful.
- Wireless phone charging.
How to choose an affordable SUV
For many families who like to keep to a tight budget, it’s important to find the balance between finding an affordable SUV without having to sacrifice the features you need. Whether you’re looking for ample space, intuitive safety sensors or fuel efficiency, these affordable SUVs are all great options and will help you narrow down a shortlist.
From there, it’s a matter of looking at availability, setting your budget and determining which type of car you will be most comfortable in. Here are some other factors to consider:
Do you need 4WD? Not all SUVs offer 4WD, so keep this in mind.
Whether you prefer the aesthetics or size of a 4WD, it may not be the most suitable option for your lifestyle. 4WDs are made to be driven off-road in areas like beaches, camping zones and hiking tracks. They’re also known for their towing capacity, which can come in handy if you and your family take extended road trips and use a trailer or need to take other heavy pieces of equipment. If your family lives a lowkey lifestyle, purchasing a 4WD SUV may not be necessary.It’s also worth noting that many budget mid-size SUVs are unavailable as a 4WD, limiting your options.
How does fuel efficiency factor into your decision?
Fuel efficiency refers to the measure of how far a car can travel with a certain amount of fuel. Whether you’re looking to become more environmentally conscious or reduce your fuel expenses, having a fuel-efficient vehicle may be an important factor in your purchasing decision. Many affordable SUVs in Australia are designed with exceptional fuel efficiency, so you can rest assured that you’re making the right choice for the environment and your wallet.How easy is it to get to a service centre for your vehicle?
To keep your car in top shape, it will need regular servicing, so it’s important to have a provider within driving distance. Do some research about the closest service centres near you and read customer service reviews. You will be handing over your car regularly for maintenance, so it’s important that you feel comfortable doing so.Does the SUV have room to accommodate your family?
From long road trips to daily school drop-offs, keeping your family comfortable during car rides is a must, especially if you’ve got a large family. There’s nothing worse than being crammed into a tiny space with limited legroom — not to mention the tantrums that may appear as a result. Some of the best family SUVs in Australia provide a generous amount of space, which can keep your family safe and comfortable.What do expert reviewers say about this car?
When researching affordable SUVs in Australia, it’s always a good idea to read expert reviews. These reviews can give you a better understanding of how safe and easy to drive they may be, plus share insights into handy features you may not have picked up on your own. Reading and comparing reviews can also help you narrow down your search depending on the type of car you’re looking for.What do reviews from members of the public say about this car?
One easy way to discover some of the best and most affordable SUVs on the market is to source reviews from everyday Australians. Reviews from members of the public are often brutally honest and filled with real-life experiences, which you can factor into your decision-making process. Take note of how long a person has had the car and whether they would recommend it to other families.Is an electric or hybrid engine important to you?
Having a fuel-efficient car is one thing, but if you want to minimise or reduce your fuel consumption, an electric or hybrid car may be more suitable for your goals. A hybrid vehicle uses two sources of energy to run: they combine the power of an electric motor with a petrol engine. An electric car uses only electricity to operate, eliminating the need for petrol.If you are buying an affordable SUV brand new, check the warranty with the dealer. For second-hand, look at the car’s service history and ask your mechanic to check it before making an offer. Before you purchase a car, it’s always essential to take it for a test drive to look out for any red flags. It’s also important to check for any dents, scratches or other damage before purchasing a used car and assessing how much these may cost to repair.
If you need to obtain finance for your used or new vehicle, make sure you shop around for the right car loan. At Finance One, we specialise in helping people with Car Loans with a bad credit history or no deposit access to second-hand and new cars.
We understand that everyone’s history with money is different, which is why we offer personalised loan options to all applicants, ensuring they get a product that best suits their circumstances.
Finance One believes that poor credit shouldn’t mean missing out on the best life offers, like your dream family car.
Find out how Finance One can help you secure the funding you need to purchase the best family SUV in Australia by contacting us today or browsing our vehicle loan options.
Apply NowDisclaimer: The information above is of a general nature only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs. You should consider seeking independent advice regarding your legal, financial, taxation or other needs, to check how the information relates to your particular circumstances. We do not accept responsibility for any loss arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information. All loan applications are subject to normal lending criteria. Fees and charges payable. Terms and conditions apply.
