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CarExpert’s prime 5 premium mid-sized SUVs of 2024


Because the 12 months involves an in depth, it’s time to look again on the premium mid-sized SUVs that wowed the CarExpert take a look at workforce in 2024.

A bunch of recent electrical fashions have entered the market, whereas established luxurious manufacturers made significant enhancements to standing ICE fashions.

The outcome was a crop of upmarket SUVs that scored elite rankings from our take a look at workforce. These are the 5 that topped our rating charts over the calendar 12 months.

A few of these fashions have been reviewed on a number of events this 12 months – in that state of affairs, we’ve featured the variant that achieved the very best ranking.

These fashions all compete within the medium SUV over $60,000 class, as outlined by VFACTS gross sales statistics revealed by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Costs are primarily based on every producer’s configurators for a Victorian postcode, which ought to provide you with a consultant estimate of what the common purchaser will find yourself paying.

100s of recent automobile offers can be found by means of CarExpert proper now. Get the specialists in your facet and rating an important deal. Browse now.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Not solely was the Hyundai our prime ranking premium mid-sized SUV, it was our prime rated automobile, 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 function.

Hyundai N’s three pillars are Nook Rascal, Racetrack Functionality and On a regular basis Sportscar. Similar to the i20 N, i30 N and Kona N earlier than it, the Ioniq 5 N delivers.

It’s an important evolution of the ‘scorching hatch’ method, even when it’s extra of a crossover. It’s foolish quick and enjoyable to drive, comfy and sensible sufficient to each 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 whole 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 pace of 350kW. 

You may learn our full evaluation of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N right here

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
CarExpert ranking 9.0
Victorian drive-away value $124,440
Professionals Cons
Supercar efficiency in a Hyundai! It’s bloody costly
Correctly enjoyable to drive on highway and observe Can’t at all times cover its 2.2t weight
Nonetheless a spacious and sensible household each day Some could discover the appears to be like, sounds a bit a lot

Taken with shopping for a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

MORE: Every part Hyundai Ioniq 5

Genesis GV70

Since its launch in 2021, the Genesis GV70 has been a standout selection 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 the event 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 may learn our full evaluation of the Genesis GV70 right here

Genesis GV70
CarExpert ranking 8.8
Victorian drive-away value $87,214 – $110,221
Professionals Cons
Wonderful inside match and end Value enhance is noticeable
Clean drivetrains Doesn’t carry Euro model status
Nice experience with sporty character Restricted supplier community

Taken with shopping for a Genesis GV70? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

MORE: Every part 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 may be very minimalist in and out, 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 generally inoffensive with plentiful energy on faucet and the quiet atmosphere of a giant, insulated electrical automobile.

Nonetheless, query marks over values stay. Tesla is continually tinkering with pricing, and hurting resale values in consequence.

You may learn our full evaluation of the Tesla Mannequin Y right here

Tesla Mannequin Y
CarExpert ranking 8.6
Victorian drive-away value $61,200 – $89,334
Professionals Cons
Market-leading Value cuts harm resale
Nonetheless extraordinarily nicely geared up Nonetheless not as comfortable as some rivals
Extremely sensible design Brief guarantee

Taken with shopping for a Tesla Mannequin Y? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

MORE: Every part Tesla Mannequin Y

Cupra Formentor

Constant rankings throughout the board noticed the sporty, horny 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 snug 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 another 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 anticipate given its angular, overgrown hatchback proportions.

Our foremost criticism? The optionally available Akrapovic exhaust may be very costly, and simply doesn’t sound particular sufficient, sufficient of the time to justify the spend.

You may learn our full evaluation of the Cupra Formentor VZx right here

Cupra Formentor VZx
CarExpert ranking 8.4
Victorian drive-away value $67,790
Professionals Cons
Spectacular efficiency Noisy on the open highway
Surprisingly spacious inside Inside know-how could be fiddly
Sharp exterior styling stands out Akrapovic exhaust isn’t loud sufficient for $6000

Taken with shopping for a Cupra Formentor? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

MORE: Every part Cupra Formentor

Kia EV5

Kia’s newest electrical automobile in Australia was a success with our take a look at workforce 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 package deal than each the EV6 and EV9, whereas additionally coming in cheaper than the same Niro EV.

For those who’re coming from an older automobile, it presents a a lot much less intimidating setup than its rivals. The inside of the EV5 could also be trendy, but it surely isn’t fairly on the ‘spaceship’ degree that may be a dealbreaker for a lot of EV consumers.

The EV5 is a simple automobile to drive too, with loads of vary and a snug experience. Three electrical powertrains can be found, however we’d advocate the bottom variants that characteristic a single motor producing 160kW and 310Nm.

You may learn our full evaluation of the Kia EV5 right here

Kia EV5
CarExpert ranking 8.4
Victorian drive-away value $56,770 – $75,990
Professionals Cons
Acquainted presentation Intrusive lane-keep help
Spectacular real-world financial system Annoying pace restrict warning
Reassuring driving dynamics Regenerative braking quirks

Taken with shopping for a Kia EV5? Get in contact with one in every of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

MORE: Every part Kia EV5



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