Which New Medium SUV to Buy - Budget $50,000

Lkbar on 03/01/2025 - 02:13
Last edited 03/01/2025 - 11:07 by 1 other user

Been a longtime fan of OzB and so thought I'd turn to this community to help me decide what will likely be my largest purchase for 2025

Need to buy a new medium size SUV with a budget of $40-$50k and bit overwhelmed with the amount of choice we have. Am also looking at 2023 or 2024 demo vehicles.

Few things in looking for:

  • AWD as I occasionally go on a few dirt tracks
  • Standard features like CarPlay, dual zone climate control, cameras etc,
  • Would ideally prefer leather seats - easier to clean spills etc with little kids
  • Prefer physical controls for air con

Poll Options expired

  • 112
    Toyota Rav 4 GXL
  • 64
    Mazda CX-5
  • 31
    Subaru Forester 2.5i S
  • 31
    Kia Sportage
  • 30
    Other - if other pls comment
  • 14
    Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed
  • 14
    Hyundai Tucson
  • 12
    VW Tiguan allspice
  • 11
    Nissan X trial
Automotive Car SUV

Comments

  • mlburnian on 03/01/2025 - 10:45
    +2

    Second hand genesis gv70

    • CocaKoala on 04/01/2025 - 20:32

      Ssshhhh! 🤫

  • Looking4Bargians on 03/01/2025 - 10:58
    +1

    Hyundai Kona Electric

    • npc on 03/01/2025 - 11:17
      +1

      It is tiny unfortunately, similar to Golf / Mazda 3 in size.

  • RockyRaccoon on 03/01/2025 - 12:02
    +1

    Look I dont know how many kids or how old they are but you might consider the Corolla Cross. More than 2 kids and in teens Rav4 would be better fit.

    There is a comparison to the Rav4 here

    https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/should-i-buy-a…

    Like everything it all depends on your circumstances

    Previuosly it was easier to get than the Rav4 but that has blown out for Cross. With the leather seats and AWD it can be $8K cheaper than the Rav4

  • Nickels n Dimes on 03/01/2025 - 12:41

    Honda CR-V or ZR- V — more reliable, better value and more contemporary styling than the RAV4.

  • apple2016 on 03/01/2025 - 12:50
    +2

    AWD as I occasionally go on a few dirt tracks

    if this is mandatory only Subaru is the only real option. all other are designed for more traction on tarmac like water / ice etc. not really for dirt tracks.

    Are you looking at petrol / diesel / hybrid?

  • petepumpkin on 03/01/2025 - 13:18

    I hired a 2022 Rav 4 non hybrid recently on a Tasmanian holiday. I've never driven a SUV before so this was a new experience for me. Over the 6 days I traveled across the island. It handled all the 'hills/mountains' very well. It revved to near on 9k rpm on the inclines - I was pretty impressed. Fuel usage was around 7.5l/100km. Reversing camera was handy. A couple things on the neg side would be, one, the engine would start/stop at every traffic light - I was a little concerned on how long the starter motor would last. Two, the door panels felt a little thin/flimsy - though I figure all new cars nowadays use the thinnest sheet metal that they can get away with..All in all, I like the shape and fuel economy that the Rav 4 has and would buy one if I could afford one.

    • jzdhgkd on 03/01/2025 - 13:42
      +3

      What is the redline on a RAV4 non hybrid? Nearly 9k is insanity for an otherwise humdrum car

      • petepumpkin on 03/01/2025 - 13:56

        Ok, just had a look at a photo - redline is 7-8k.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 03/01/2025 - 16:03
      +2

      . It revved to near on 9k rpm on the inclines

      Why are you flooring it going up a hill?

      This is why I'd never buy an ex-rental, people flog the absolute crap out of them lol

      • petepumpkin on 03/01/2025 - 17:55

        I was on holiday, first time in Tasmania and there was a lot planned ie time was very short, so I tried to stay on 100km as much as possible- the whole place is basically a roller coaster - hill after hill..

        • coffeeinmyveins on 04/01/2025 - 14:59

          the whole place is basically a roller coaster - hill after hill..

          0 chance you were actually hitting 9k RPM on a 2022 rav 4 mate.

    • MS Paint on 03/01/2025 - 16:09
      +3

      Lol. You must have accidentally hired a GT3RS, 918 or LFA. Rev limiters would not allow a RAV4 to hit 9k. FFS. I've read some bullshit on the Internet but this tops it. I'll take the rest of your review with a grain of salt.

      • SBOB on 03/01/2025 - 17:29

        Everyone knows a true driving conissiuer keeps their revs below 3k.

        • MS Paint on 03/01/2025 - 17:36

          I understand that reference lol

      • coffeeinmyveins on 04/01/2025 - 14:59
        -1

        ignoring any rev limiting, the engine would probably explode if it tried doing that high of an RPM!

    • ChickenAdobo on 03/01/2025 - 22:44
      +2

      lol 😂 nothing impressive about a pure petrol rav4. Expand your horizon some more.

  • Viper8 on 03/01/2025 - 14:14
    +2

    Only the Forester and Tiguan have permanent AWD and >200mm of ground clearance.

    The rest only engage the rear axle when front slip is detected, and only a by a small amount, and for a short period of time. In practice many of these systems have been proven to be duds, such as the Rav4 AWD, which seriously struggles to drive forward from stationary when the front wheels are placed on rollers during tests.

    The rest also have barely any more ground clearance than a standard car, limiting where you can go.

    So keep the above at front of mind if you plan on doing a bit of soft-roading.

  • JTTheMan on 03/01/2025 - 15:54
    +8

    Tesla Model Y

  • coffeeinmyveins on 03/01/2025 - 16:02
    +1

    If you're going with one of the Korean brands just be aware of the annoying safety features.

    Those that have suggested a Kona, take it for a test drive and you'll see what I mean..

  • matchabatcha on 03/01/2025 - 16:14
    +5

    BYD Sealion 6

    • kbar on 03/01/2025 - 18:44

      Only thing holding me back on Chinese brands is resale value in 5 years time - bit of an unknown

      • ChickenAdobo on 03/01/2025 - 22:42
        +6

        No car is an investment unless it a limited production luxury/hyper car that only the ultra rich can afford.

      • coffeeinmyveins on 04/01/2025 - 15:00

        The depreciation curve flattens after a while and you'd be surprised at how it compares to any euro car or other.

        Look at a 5 year old Audi, BMW or anything like that…..

  • Make it so on 03/01/2025 - 16:18

    I have a 2022 model Forester. Comfort levels are great, and for a tall SUV it feels fast and stable. However, as with all Subaru's, you need to be aware that it needs a transmission fluid change at a tune of >$1600 every 75k-90k max. This is not optional, despite it not being part of the scheduled servicing. You can't cheap out with cheaper fluid. If you do not do it, you CVT will die (not *if", but "when"). We (or rather, the previous dealer that serviced it) missed it, so the fluid change got gone done a few thousand k's late. We thought we dodged the bullet, only for the valve body to die 6 weeks after the fluid change. Subaru covered the cost of the part out of warranty, but labour was still $750, and now it has the occasional rough shift at low RPM.

    So yeah, Subaru is probably the best car, but factor in the maintenance cost for the CVT.

    • kbar on 03/01/2025 - 18:44

      Am leaning towards the forester and have even found a good deal on a 2024 dealer demo. Only thing is the interior is a bit older given new generation is due this year

      • Make it so on 03/01/2025 - 21:36

        Yeah, but the new gen will cost more I bet.
        I drive an upmarket X- trail the other day, which had a more thought out interior. But it was less spacious and the sound system sounded horrible.

    • BigBirdy on 03/01/2025 - 20:25

      How come that wasn’t fully covered under warranty?

      • Make it so on 03/01/2025 - 21:35

        It was 2.5 years out of warranty. Could have been worse, as the part was $4500.

        • eddyah on 03/01/2025 - 23:12

          2022 Forester that's 2.5 years out of warranty.

          story checks out.

          • Make it so on 04/01/2025 - 00:42

            @eddyah: It was our other Subaru. A 2017 Liberty.

            • milanoxpress on 04/01/2025 - 17:03

              @Make it so: So what’s the price of a cvt tranny fluid service for a 2022 Forester in 2025 currency?
              Still the same >$1600 for a service. What’s the exact price? $1610? $1675? $1755? $2010?

              It seems you gotta factor in at least $5300 to be spent eventually if you buy a Subaru with a cvt tranny. Assuming the owner travels at most in total 210K Km in total ownership kays .

              Makes Toyota’s e-CVTs very good value for money. Or a traditional 4, 5, 6, 8 speed torque converter auto trannies. Service them at scheduled intervals & will last a lifetime for traditional TC autos. Manual trannies are very good also. Less to go wrong when you service them well.

              • Make it so on 04/01/2025 - 17:35

                @milanoxpress: I paid about $1600 half a year ago. Some people pay less, but it must be the official fluid, so you can't save much.

                • milanoxpress on 05/01/2025 - 14:34

                  @Make it so: I would assume official fluid costs the dealer no more than $100 & the rest is labour charges.
                  It’s not like the dealer is rebuilding a cvt tranny by scratch. New fluid in, old fluid out. Test drive for abnormalities then return to customer for pick up.

  • UltimateAI on 03/01/2025 - 16:53
    +1

    This year I had two car failures and purchased a Mazda CX-5 and an EV MG4 (hatch).
    While initially found the CX-5a great car, after driving an EV, I really find the CX-5 crap and it just sits in the garage.

    So perhaps consider an EV, like a Tesla Y.(new model should be out this year)

    • ChickenAdobo on 03/01/2025 - 22:41
      +1

      I got an mg4 and looking to get a Model Y juniper.

    • Fabio08 on 06/01/2025 - 12:29
      +1

      Good financial decision. Buy a new car and let it sit in the garage because it's 'crap'. Please, give me more advice.

      • UltimateAI on 06/01/2025 - 12:35

        I admit my mistakes. I got one for my children to share so i would spend less time re-fueling.

        Financial advice if you have multiple cars don’t purchase an EV!! until you are ready to swap all of them.

        Later this year when uni goes back we need multiple cars, really not worth swapping / selling.
        Mazda 3 also now just sits there, yep already listed that one, getting another EV.
        My only consolidation is I got it for a bargain, so will try and flip and get another EV.
        Sounds crazy from an old man who loves old cars.

        It’s really like going back to a Nokia after owning a smart phone.

  • Mintee on 03/01/2025 - 17:05
    +1

    Why isnt the Honda CRV in this list?

    • kbar on 03/01/2025 - 18:43

      Will go test drive it but was initially put off by the smaller 1.5l engine

      • Mintee on 03/01/2025 - 19:05
        -3

        Its still a 4cyl, producing similar torque and kw outputs then the competitors. The hybrid system helps

        • techno2000 on 03/01/2025 - 21:07
          +1

          Hybrid CRV is well over the $50k budget.

      • BuddhaBoy on 04/01/2025 - 17:44
        +1

        That 1.5L is a turbo engine. Fun to drive but the overall Honda UI sucks.

  • BartholemewH on 03/01/2025 - 18:18

    Used Lexus.

  • Chuckles79 on 03/01/2025 - 18:47
    +1

    Isuzu MUX if you want something a bit larger. Can get a base model 4x4 (1.9l) for around 51k driveaway (new).

    • Euphemistic on 03/01/2025 - 19:00

      Hardly worth paying the extra for 4x4 just for dirt roads. Bought our mux for tow capacity. Suspect itll never really need 4x4 - although the low range is handy for reversing the heavy load uphill into the yard. Itll get driven on the occasional dirt road, but likely not engage 4x4.

      • nigel deborah on 04/01/2025 - 07:19

        Agree plus it'll handle much worse on road than these other alternatives

  • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2025 - 19:03
    +1

    Tesla Model Y

  • garage sale on 03/01/2025 - 19:24

    if you drive a lot and have a driveway, go electric and get out of the petrol costs, how many daily trips do you do over 250km mon-fri? and i noticed more charging stations now if you need a quick charge. my next car is electric as i can charge in drive way and most of my trips are are about 150kms day max and holidays are are 300km drive to destinations and then i can charge.

  • isthisreallife22 on 03/01/2025 - 19:45
    +1

    I saw the topic title and thought - Volvo XC40

    Havent read any answers but for me this is the way to go

    • nigel deborah on 04/01/2025 - 07:20
      +3

      As others have said, uninspiring car with very poor reliability. ReDriven's worst car of the year

  • Zionsbiggestfan on 03/01/2025 - 20:13

    If I had to pick one, I’d go with the Toyota RAV4 GXL (especially the hybrid, if within budget). It’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and holds its resale value exceptionally well. It ticks all your boxes: AWD for dirt tracks, family-friendly features, physical controls, and practicality for kids. Plus, Toyota’s safety and durability are hard to beat, making it a solid long-term investment.

    • nigel deborah on 04/01/2025 - 07:23

      RAc 4 is a nice enough SUV, but some of its engine options don't live up to Toyotas reliability reputation. Just make sure you research the option you're looking at.

  • Saver Scott on 03/01/2025 - 21:51

    Do not buy the Tucson! Riddled with electronic issues and faulty safety features. Stick with Toyota.

    • milanoxpress on 04/01/2025 - 17:08

      Former or current Tucson or Hyundai/Kia product owner?? How do you know these issues?

  • noogaz on 03/01/2025 - 21:52
    +1

    Look at awd wagons like a Subaru outback and or vw passat/golf alltrack…

    Wagons are much much better than any suv if you need to carry anything more than children in the back and all their stuff….

  • ChickenAdobo on 03/01/2025 - 22:31
    +5

    Up your budget and get a BYD sealion 6. Currently has a promo

    • Euphemistic on 04/01/2025 - 09:03

      Maybe an Atto woukd suit if only after a mid size.

  • monty168 on 03/01/2025 - 23:00

    Tesla Model Y (used on Novated Lease)
    With FBT exemption and lower running costs, it’ll work out quite affordable.

    • TEER3X on 04/01/2025 - 20:13

      That's a small crossover SUV, irrespective of what the marketing says.

      • krisspy on 05/01/2025 - 10:02
        +2

        Have you seen the cx5? That's the smallest in the segment. The model y is 20cm longer and like 15cm wider with a longer wheelbase

        • mousie on 06/01/2025 - 11:51

          agree cx-5 is small

  • Minor Kunju on 04/01/2025 - 00:14

    XC40 all the way - comfy seats, drive is amazing, nice infotainment system

  • Kegsta on 04/01/2025 - 01:01

    If you buy anything brand new, make sure it has wireless Android auto and car play, if it doesn't, you have 4+ year old infotainment tech. E.g. forester.

    The suburu outback is great bang for buck. Has a variety of models and engine choices and all the latest tech without being too annoying.

    The only big downer is that you have to get the top spec if you want auto folding mirrors when a base model 2016 ASX came with this function for 20 grand.

    Market should be flooded with cheap cars over the next few years. I'm still holding off as long as I can with my old Mazda 3.

  • nigel deborah on 04/01/2025 - 07:31

    Have a good think about why you actually want an SUV and buy something else unless you absolutely need it

    With the exception of some ground-up electric SUVs, you're making massive sacrifices in handling and safety, often for no reason.

    As a general rule 2wd/AWD SUVs, except Subaru, won't perform any better than a hatchback or sedan on gravel/dirt. If you need the clearance you're most likely way out of the car's depth anyway.

    If you need SUV sized boot space, I would go for something like a Mazda 6 wagon or even Kia Carnival. For a small (but less significant than you think) downsize in space, any of the popular mid size hatchbacks e.g. Mazda 3, Hyundai i30, Toyota Corolla etc.

  • solidussnake on 04/01/2025 - 09:42

    The CX60 you might consider, they're the new hybrids. Might be able to get a demo model ?

  • seraphim2017 on 04/01/2025 - 10:01

    What are your needs criteria?

    Space?
    Clearance?
    4 kids?
    "Cool" suv vs people carrier?
    Fuel type?
    Real off road vs soft road gets stuck on a wet grass kerb type off roading?

    Try them all, but what you like driving, all will have diamonds and lemons. I've not been disappointed with Mitsubishi but a car is just for getting around with minimal hassle which the Mitsubishis I've had did for me.

    • CocaKoala on 04/01/2025 - 18:39

      What are your needs criteria?

      Why's that relevant? /s

  • mustang87401 on 04/01/2025 - 13:45

    Used suv is half. No need to spend 50k if you have no clue anyway

  • ReaperX22 on 04/01/2025 - 13:57

    Kia sportage SX+ Diesel. Plenty of power, better than the petrol IMO. Lots of space. Aircon controls aren't quite physical buttons but better than in the touch screen.

    52k driveaway.

    • Euphemistic on 04/01/2025 - 15:38

      Diesel isnt good if you dont do a decent amount of highway travel fairly regularly (monthly).

      • ReaperX22 on 04/01/2025 - 16:11

        They mentioned dirt tracks so assuming some level of decent driving outside of just a town or so. But yeah agree generally.

    • bazingaa on 04/01/2025 - 20:10

      Kia sportage SX+ Diesel.

      Looks like they have changed the engine to Hyundai D4HD, I thought it was still a Hyundai D4HA, looks kinda the same specs.

  • sathion on 04/01/2025 - 14:48
    +2

    Get a GWM Haval H6 Ultra or Jolion Ultra

    • TEER3X on 04/01/2025 - 20:11

      Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid sure…. Jolion is not a mid-sized suv

  • BuddhaBoy on 04/01/2025 - 17:44

    Note: Subaru service costs are expensive.

    Toyota is a fan fav here at OzBargain.

    You can test drive the Mahindra XUV700 or a Haval SUV.

  • CocaKoala on 04/01/2025 - 17:59
    +1

    If you ever want to sell it, RAV4 will hold the most value. That said, Sportage and cx5 are pretty decent cars also. Don't bother with anything else.

  • krisspy on 05/01/2025 - 10:07
    +1

    Honestly if I were shopping in the 50k range I'd go model Y. Put all your biases aside and go test drive an ev.

    Cheaper than some of these on a novated lease.
    Spending only like $2-400 a year on "gas"

    Tesla's super simple ui can go to hell but still beats driving an unresponsive slushbox.

    When you say you drive on some tracks, do you mean actual off-roading tracks or simply unsealed roads? Half of these aren't even awd

  • JimB on 05/01/2025 - 11:41
    +1

    ‘ Prefer physical controls for air con’

    So do I but it wouldn’t be dealbreaker without.

    I set it at 21 and leave it all year round.

    How often do you adjust the Aircond settings at work?

  • 2jzzzz on 05/01/2025 - 11:54

    Isuzu MUX. But try get the 3.0L.

    Great value

    • Euphemistic on 05/01/2025 - 13:45

      Its definitly not mid sized.

  • Hotpotcorn on 05/01/2025 - 13:41
    +1

    why have u excluded chinese brands?

  • easonl on 05/01/2025 - 20:06
    +1

    tank 300

  • I like GoodDeals on 06/01/2025 - 11:21

    Consider Honda CR-V and Tesla Model Y as well

  • bangiebargie on 06/01/2025 - 11:43
    -1

    Hi OP. Last year, I purchased a 2024 GWM Tank 300 (Ultra Petrol). I was coming from a Toyota Rav4.

    I never thought that I would buy a Chinese-made vehicle, but I have been thoroughly impressed. I know you're looking for an "SUV", and the Tank is more of a 4WD, but given what you've written about dirt tracks, I think you should at least have a look at either the "Ultra Petrol" or "Ultra Hybrid" models. They have all the features you mentioned (leather seats, hard-wired aircon, CarPlay, excellent safety features), and pretty much any other feature you'd expect, and still have change to spare in your budget.

    Personally I preferred the feel of the Ultra Petrol (rather than the Ultra Hybrid). And I love the look.

  • mousie on 06/01/2025 - 11:56

    Dealer Lexus Rx450h if keeping the car for ages.|
    Honda CR-V noteworthy contender

  • Thirtyfourfifty on 06/01/2025 - 12:31

    Id go outback over the forester if you wanted better utility. Longer boot can fit more stuff. Handles nicer too

  • bex000 on 06/01/2025 - 13:00

    I tried the gwm tank 300 the other day and was blown away. Problem is high fuel consumption. Wrangler esque

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