Best Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Mitsubishi Pajero
- Starting Price $49,990 to $63,990
- TransmissionAutomatic and Manual
- Drive TypeFour Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel
- See all
Excellent build quality and firm ride, impressive off road capability and handling. I have purchased Pajero in 2015 brand new, used it for few years and overall it proved to be a good choice. Engine pickup was slow however, but I enjoyed every ride. Show details
Toyota LandCruiser (1967-2026)
- Starting Price $70,375 to $156,272
- TransmissionAutomatic and Manual
- Drive TypeFour Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel
- See all
Sold our 80 series single ute, which we owned for 17yrs, and 80 series station wagon, which we owned for 26yrs, both for more than we bought them… Read more
for during Covid!!! Both were used every day, have been around Australia & to the tip Of Cape York, through the NT, over dirt, sand & snow, & the worst we ever had happen was a blown gasket in the wagon once. We keep up with our services etc, but these cars just go & go & go. When we sold our two Toyotas, both over 600k Kms (diesels), we bought the 2020 Military 79 & as usual, this dual cab diesel has not missed a beat. It's been everywhere man, it's been everywhere. I will never buy another brand of car!
Toyota Prado
- Starting Price $49,170 to $108,181
- TransmissionAutomatic and Manual
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel
- See all
Great car... have done multiple interstate trips with 3 kids and works fine. We have long fuel range which is great for remote travel after hours. No issues in 3 years and good value services. Actually has a real spare tyre. Show details
Nissan Patrol
- Starting Price $86,198 to $112,827
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeFour Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol
- See all
It's the last of its kind, and if you care about your fuel bill, that's a good thing. The Patrol Warrior is a great out-of-the-box experience for… Read more
those looking for a fully built and engineered 4WD built to factory standards. With help from Premcar, these Nissan Patrols look, drive and sound better than the standard Patrol.
If you're lucky enough to have not bought one early, Nissan have even updated the interior to finally move the Patrol's insides out from the late 2010's. The new screen and instrument cluster make a world of a difference in day-to-day liveability.
It's a car for those who know they need the space, the capacity and the power. It's an awesome option if you plan to spend a lot of time away from the road and big cities. It also doubles as a far more affordable V8 powered alternatives to a Defender V8 or G63 AMG.
The trade-off is the fuel bill. It's massive. You're required to fill with premium to extract all the performance you pay for from the naturally aspirated 5.6L petrol V8 too. The rolling resistance from the all-terrain tyres and ancient auto gearbox increases your fuel consumption compared to some more modern rivals. And it doesn't help that this car is functionally a brick in the world of aerodynamics.
It's a reliable and easy to live with 4x4 for those who can afford to park and fuel. If you're short on European 4x4 SUV money, it's a logical choice if you're chasing V8 power and sounds. Otherwise, it's really a statement piece for those who don't use the Patrol to its full off-road potential.
Kia Sorento
- Starting Price $43,990 to $87,300
- TransmissionAutomatic and Dual-Clutch (DCT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Type Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid (HEV) and Plugin Hybrid (PHEV)
- See all
Just purchased 2026 sorento S. My main grip is NO USB ports in 2nd or 3rd row, there is a 12 volt station there. How out dated is this. I will have… Read more
my grsndkids in the car at times and will have to purchase something so they can charge phones. To people with kids this could be a Deal breaker. Kia get your act together and port these ports in. For $60,000 i would expect them. Hope the car goes ok.
Isuzu MU-X
- TransmissionAutomatic and Manual
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Diesel
- See all
Cheap shoddy piece of rubbish. Purchased my LST July 2024. Since then has been in the dealership 10 times for a engine light issue, finally requiring… Read more
a new engine wiring loom. When receiving recall for tow in issues took it to dealer and was assured it was OK. This week the inside of my tyres looked like racing slicks, took vehicle in a seems there are tow in issues but have to wait on Isuzu Australia for the go ahead for repair. Plastic seat adjuster has fallen off. Generally poor workmanship and quality control, would not recommend. To be fair local dealer has been great but the manufacturer wants to get a grip. Vehicle has only 17000 highway kms on the clock.
Lexus RX
- Starting Price $82,753 to $123,500
- TransmissionAutomatic and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Type Petrol, Hybrid (HEV) and Plugin Hybrid (PHEV)
By far the best car I’ve owned. I bought it second-hand with 140,000 km on the clock, and it hasn’t missed a beat since. The only maintenance I’ve… Read more
done is a transmission fluid change. It averages around 11L/100km on the highway. Being a front-wheel drive, it can surge a bit under acceleration, but other than that, I’ve had no issues at all. I’d highly recommend the Lexus RX350.
Subaru Outback
- Starting Price $41,345 to $61,640
- TransmissionManual and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel
- See all
Had my Outback for 4 years now (MY22 model Sport) and done 115,000 km. No major issues, early on the occasional glitch in the infotainment centre but… Read more
software updates have fixed those. Spacious and very comfortable, acceptable levels of performance. I do a lot of long-distance trips and just finished a 13,500km trip from the east coast of NSW to WA and back over a 5-week period. Enough room for 2 people to do an emergency camp in the back but luggage has to be moved to front seats etc. Really more suited to single person car camping.
Very comfortable as a cruiser. Great seats, good vision, really little to complain about other than the sometimes-intrusive safety systems and being told I need a break after 5 minutes of driving. The paint is extra thin and scratches easily.
Drives great on any road. Currently using Yokohama G015 tyres as they are mud and snow rated yet a good all-year tyre. The combination of those tyres and the excellent 4WD system makes for safe driving.
Servicing costs are high compared to most other makes and the 12,500 km service interval should be 15,000 km as applies to the turbo version.
Fuel economy could be better, but it isn't terrible considering it is full-time AWD and a decent sized vehicle.
Very pleased overall and would recommend to others.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Starting Price $47,950 to $146,282
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol, Diesel, Electric (BEV) and Hybrid (HEV)

- See all
Delayed warranty repair without reason. Still waiting to act it for 12 months. Claimed warranty after 3 months of purchase Show details
Volkswagen Touareg
- Starting Price $68,990 to $119,827
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid (HEV)
- See all
Mostly overlooked because of its badge – It’s the V6 twin-turbocharged luxury SUV from Volkswagen, which shares a chassis with many well known luxury SUVs from the likes of Porsche, Audi,… Read more
Bentley and even Lamborghini.
This is the cheapest way to get into the luxury SUV market, but with one major catch: you’re not wearing a luxury brand to match that $100,000 price tag.
The build quality here is next to none. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. This is a German bank vault on wheels; it is as solid as you’d imagine a luxury SUV like this should be. Heavy doors, lush leather and tight tolerances reign supreme here.
This car starts at $108,990 before on-road costs, but with the options fitted to our test car like the Sound and Comfort package priced at $6,500 and premium paint which is priced at a whopping $2,100, you’re looking at a $117,590 SUV.
The premium paint is self-explanatory, but the Sound and Comfort package adds a 360° camera, four-zone climate controls, reverse autonomous braking, parking assist plus, heated rear seats, memory front seats and the Dynaudio sound system.
You’re getting a 5 year/unlimited kilometre warranty with this VW. Servicing will cost you either $1,350 for 3 services or $2,500 for 5 services. Servicing occurs at either 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
You don’t need active sound cancellation in a car that’s this isolated from the road. There’s what feels like the weight of a Volkswagen Polo’s worth of sound deadening throughout this car. The only sounds that manage to peep through include a light amount of tyre noise and the faint whistle of those turbochargers under load.
Powered by a 3.0L turbocharged diesel V6, this SUV produces 210kW (285hp) and 600Nm, and sends its power to all four wheels.You can get from 0-100km/h in just 6.1 seconds, too.
The 8-speed automatic here feels just as every bit premium too. It’s buttery smooth in its operation, and actually a bit of fun to manually operate too. In Sport mode, you get a lively set of gears to really make the most of all that power.
Standard air suspension is always a plus. Offering a relaxed ride around town, the added weight and wide footprint of this SUV makes for a rich ride. With the added benefit of air bags, you can lower the ride for a more reactive Touareg, making it a lot of fun to throw through corners. If you find yourself doing SUV things, the air suspension can be raised to increase ground clearance too.
For a big SUV with a big SUV motor, VW claims a feeble 6.8L per 100km combined. I found it to consume around 8-10L per 100km in my tests. However a 90L tank capacity will see you travel far without needing to fill up often when out on a road trip.
All your key controls are available within arms reach from the driver's seat, in both physical, digital and haptic form. The latter proved to be a controversial inclusion in Volkswagen cars.
A way to hint that the Touareg is related to more expensive siblings is the 12.3-inch drivers display and 15-inch centre touch screen. I haven’t seen a screen this big outside of the Tesla Model 3!
The usability of that centre screen is fine, but it does take some getting used to, as it’s just a tad bit complicated.
Lacking a third row of seats is a great way to add boot space. You’re getting 810L of space and a total of 1800L with the 40:20:40 split seats folded. This car offers supreme comfort in all of its seats. Sure, the rear middle seat is a little tight, but it’s fairly generous for a car in this class.
For most, they’re going to want to spend the same or more on a similar brand affiliated with being a luxury brand.
Volkswagen is offering you a better value premium SUV with the same build quality and features as brands twice as expensive.
I’d highly recommend this SUV, but it's for those who don’t want to stand out from the crowd. It’ll fly under the radar and it's a perfect “quiet wealth” car.
*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
Land Rover Discovery
- Starting Price $66,450 to $129,545
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeFour Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel

- See all
The family hauler with serious off-road capabilities. Thoughts from a Discovery 3 owner of 10 years – Build quality is an absolute strong suit for the British manufacturer in recent years. Even though this is the Discovery S (the entry level model),… Read more
construction was at its highest throughout the cabin and on the exterior.
Weighty doors, solid ‘thunks’, high quality faux leather and cloth seats and soft touch plastics were a treat.
This is the Discovery S D300, meaning it packs the best diesel engine option Land Rover offers. Priced from $101,875 before on roads as a starting point, throw in a few options like the ‘Advanced Off-road Capability Pack’, wireless charging, and an ‘Active Rear Locking Differential’ and you’re looking at a $110,910 car.
From memory, our fully-laden Land Rover Discovery 3 HSE TDV6 was priced around this point, so a combination of inflation and price rising has occurred since 2006 - that’s for sure.
To be honest, there’s a lot of standard equipment provided on the new Discovery, even in its base form.
Air-suspension, comprehensive 3D camera system and electronically folding seats are all excellent standard features that usually would have been reserved for higher trims.
Land Rover recently upped its warranty offering from 3 years to 5 years/Unlimited kilometres with 5 years of roadside assistance. You can purchase a service plan for 5 years or up to 130,000 kilometres of driving, for $2,650.
Wind noise was non-existent - something I’d put down to the dramatically smooth design, compared to previous generations of the Discovery.
Stopping a Land Rover never felt so smooth. I distinctly remember the car I learnt to drive on (the Land Rover Discovery 3) was incredibly smooth to operate, and was more than capable at sudden braking and trail braking away from danger.
The same can be said here, but with additional ability than a car built in 2006. Braking is predictable, and requires no more effort than using a brake pedal found in a Fiat 500.
Under the bonnet of this Discovery is a 3.0L twin-turbo charged 6-cylinder diesel mild-hybrid motor, and it packs a real punch.
Traditionally, big cars and big diesel motors never result in performance on the road. However, Land Rover’s Ingenium D300 motor is a completely different story.
Producing 220kW at 4,000rpm and 650Nm at 1,500-2,500rpm, there’s plenty of power here being sent to all four wheels via an AWD system. 0-100km/h times are as brisk as 6.8 seconds, which is quicker than my 1000kg Abarth 500! This is mum’s 7-seater SUV we’re talking about, which is faster than ever.
The 8-speed transmission in the Discovery was mostly fault-free, although on occasion it did have a moment where gears clunked together, rather than being swiftly engaged.
Around 95% of my driving saw a flawless performance from the Discovery. Shifting into gear was easily operated, I especially love the dedicated park button that helps you avoid any mis-shifts.
5% of the time I experienced moments of indecisiveness from the gearbox, which momentarily distracted from an otherwise premium driving experience.
Land Rover’s air suspension system is a lot of fun, thanks to just how adjustable it is. The car can move from an access height, through to ‘Off-Road 2’, which allows it to wade through 900mm of water.
The ride height difference is amusing at times, allowing you to tower over Mercedes G Wagons, and then change the height to enter a sub-2m tall underground car park.
It’s a sublime ride, and there’s never an issue with being uncomfortable in the Discovery. It’s capable on road, through corners and on loose surfaces. Although, compared to the Defender, I could tell the Discovery did waver a little bit through sweeping bends at high speeds, thanks to its high centre of gravity and narrower footprint.
Off-road, there’s a reason why you’ll see more smiles in a Discovery at the end of a serious trip away from the tarmac, compared to cars like a Jeep Wrangler. Ruts, rocks and large dips in the road didn’t once make me feel uneasy, unlike some cheaper 4x4 SUVs. It’s clear that spending the additional money provides a far superior ride both on and off-road.
Even though this is a diesel, has turbochargers and is a mild-hybrid, don’t expect to be saving at the pump. Claimed combined fuel efficiency is 7.5L/100km, however daily driving saw me produce figures as high as 12L/100km, even after heading out on the highway.
Land Rover has stepped up the game with the new Discovery’s interior. It’s an exercise in minimalist design, while still giving you everything you need right at your fingertips.
There’s plenty of space throughout the cabin, however it starts to get a bit cramped in the third row’s foot well. I particularly love just how much foot room the driver gets, making it a lot more comfortable to drive long distances behind the wheel.
The curved infotainment display uplifts this cabin into 2022, along with a noticeable lack of physical buttons. The important ones are there, like climate controls, volume and terrain response, but that’s it. I miss the old adage that you could operate all the features in a Land Rover while wearing a pair of thick gloves.
As Land Rover becomes more reliant on screens, you’re going to need to ditch the gloves to take full advantage of that touch screen.
Storage is the other headlining feature here, with a ridiculously deep, dual level glovebox and secret compartments under the transmission tunnel and behind the climate controls. It was a lot of fun to see just how much stuff you could fit in and around the Land Rover’s interior.
With all three rows up, there's only 258L of boot space on tap. However, fold all of those seats down, you’ll reveal 2391L of boot space. You’d see why we chose this car back in 2006 to help us move to Australia after living overseas.
A most welcomed surprise was just how easy it was to operate the electronically folding second row seats. Both up and down, you can use buttons in the boot to completely fold the second row flat, making it less of an effort than ever before. Although, if you want to just fold the middle seat down, you'll still need to do that manually.
Second row space is extremely generous, although the seats sit a little too close to the floor of the car, creating a gap between your knees and the seat itself. This forces you to recline back to retain comfort on long trips. Seating for three is beyond reasonable, as three adults can place their feet comfortably on the flat floor, thanks to an absence of an obvious exhaust/transmission tunnel.
Despite its size, third row seats are a little tight for adults to comfortably rest. Additionally, the ingress and egress hasn’t been as well executed like in cars such as the Kia Sorento. However, if you frequent the third row, it’s still one of the larger sets you can sit in, this side of $150,000.
The only reason my family didn’t keep our old Discovery for longer than 10 years was the cost of servicing post-warranty. When things go wrong (and they did), it did cost a lot to keep a car as complex as that on the road.
We weren’t burnt by our experience, rather, we bought a Range Rover Evoque to ‘downsize’ from the burly Discovery 3. Additionally, I think we would step into a new Discovery if we wanted to, as it really is an excellent evolution forwards for the iconic nameplate.
The added warranty period gives a massive leap in confidence for what would usually be a normal finance period (5 years). Although, my eyebrows would become raised following the end of that warranty period, from our past experiences.
For most, the Discovery will hit the nail on the head for a car that’s easy to use deep in the inner-city, and take out into the wilderness. By comparison, the Defender can become a little too big for its boots when operating along the school drop-off route and in tight side street parking situations.
*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
Nissan Pathfinder
- Starting Price $41,990 to $88,513
- TransmissionAutomatic and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Hybrid (HEV)
Biggest lemon ever.. Where do I start? Purchased 2009 ST, 6 sp manual model in 2014, 90000kms on clock. By 130,000km, it had already needed shocks,… Read more
clutch, alternator, battery and EGR replaced. Cruise control stopped working at about 130000km. Electrical wiring issues with brake and headlight constantly blowing. Timing chain replaced 18 months ago at nearly $2700. I’ve only kept it due to using it to tow horse float but no Longer have any trust in this vehicle to not break down in traffic while towing so it’s pretty much useless now. My mechanic refuses to repair it now as he says I’m just wasting my money. Too much blow by in engine. It’s now occasionally going into limp mode and error code of camshaft position sensor. Plastic trim around console peeling and arm rests also. Just going through all my receipts and I’ve spent close to $22,000 in repairs (not including services) It’s done 290,000km now and can’t wait to send it to the scrap heap.
Hyundai Santa Fe
- Starting Price $50,499 to $75,500
- TransmissionAutomatic and Dual-Clutch (DCT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD), All Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid (HEV)
- See all
If you like a car that won’t stop beeping - Buy this.
Jeep Wrangler
- Starting Price $42,950 to $90,200
- TransmissionAutomatic and Manual
- Drive TypeFour Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel
The Jeep Wrangler has long been a symbol of off-road freedom — rugged, capable, and built for adventure. With its military heritage and unmistakable… Read more
boxy silhouette, the Wrangler is one of the few vehicles that has remained true to its roots while gradually evolving with modern comfort and tech.
SsangYong Rexton
- Starting Price $49,585 to $56,585
- TransmissionAutomatic and Manual
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel
I would stay away from this car, if you have an iPhone 14 or above. There technically is not compatable so there is no car play available. We have… Read more
not had car play since we bought the car a year ago. Definitely buy another suv. Plus customer support is all via email so there is no real help with any issues.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
- Starting Price $44,990 to $63,990
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Diesel
2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed Bought my Pajero Sport new back in 2017, and it’s now ticked over 140,000 kays. Honestly, it’s been rock solid.… Read more
I service it myself every December — it’s that easy. Anyone who can handle a screwdriver and a spanner will have no trouble doing it. You’ll never need a workshop with this car; it’s built simple and smart.
Only issue I’ve ever had was a small leak in one of the intercooler hoses around 120,000 km — replaced both just to be safe. Still on the original front rotors, barely touched the rear brakes, and the engine doesn’t use a drop of oil.
It’s done plenty of towing and weekend hunting trips off-road, and it’s handled everything with ease. I don’t flog it through mud holes — just use it properly — and it’s never missed a beat.
What cracks me up is the online ratings. My car’s got nothing but 4-plus-star reviews from owners, yet somehow ends up with an overall 3.9. Meanwhile, Jeep — the king of breakdowns — scores almost the same. Go figure.
Verdict: Super reliable, tough, and easy to maintain. Would buy the same car again tomorrow. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Toyota Kluger (2014-2026)
- TransmissionAutomatic and Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Hybrid (HEV)
- See all
My Kluger 2018 GXL has done approx 95K KM, its super solid like day one Kluger offers very plush ride, easy handling despite its size, best thing is… Read more
its quite cabin. Handling is easy and i found steering wheel on lighter side. Overall its an excellent car, durable and easy to maintain, no dramas. 2018 model doesn't have car play, seats are leather and very cushioned and comfortable.
Volvo XC90
- Starting Price $93,900 to $174,200
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Type Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid (HEV)
- See all
Disappointing Volvo XC90 Experience: A Premium Price for Subpar Quality – I regret my decision to purchase the Volvo XC90. The car was sold with high expectations and promises, but unfortunately, it has failed to deliver on… Read more
basic requirements. Here are the main issues I’ve encountered:
Bluetooth Connectivity Issues: The phone connection via Bluetooth is unreliable. Despite trying multiple times, I have to resort to the old-fashioned method of connecting my phone via cable—something that shouldn’t be necessary in a premium vehicle.
Unnecessary Wiper Replacement: During the first service, I was told I needed to replace the wipers, which seemed odd given Sydney's mild weather. The need for replacement after such a short period didn’t make sense.
Poor Quality Tires: I’ve had to replace one Michelin tire at just 18,000 km, and now the second one needs replacement due to a minor curb scratch. I’ve driven my previous car, a Mazda CX-5, for over 90,000 km, brushed curbs multiple times, and never had an issue with tire durability. The Michelin tires that come with the XC90 are soft and seem to have a much shorter lifespan.
In summary, Volvo charges a premium for this vehicle, but the quality of its parts doesn’t justify the price. I’ve invested $110,000 into a car that hasn’t met basic expectations, and I can’t even sell it without taking a massive loss.
Recommendation: I strongly advise against purchasing a Volvo XC90. The cost is not worth the subpar performance and quality issues that come with it.
Toyota Fortuner GUN156R (2015-2026)
- Starting Price $48,998 to $62,018
- TransmissionAutomatic and Manual
- Drive TypeFour Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Diesel
Very nice – Drive is very good, I love it. I don't like the the gps as it often make mistake, the rear view camera is not good at all when there is a light even… Read more
it is far and the voice recognition for phone call is really bad. I mentioned these items as they are not toyota standard. last 34 years I'm driving different models of Toyota, I know the quality Toyota equipments.
Ford Everest
- Starting Price $49,190 to $90,982
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Diesel
- See all
TLDR; great tow tug, bad car. It tows a 2.7 tonne caravan beautifully, very settled suspension wise, with just about enough power to keep up with… Read more
traffic, and it can stop well enough too. The seats are brilliant, Sync 3 is fine, it's quiet, the aircon works well, it handles well for what it is and the instrument binnacle is quite good. But the interior otherwise is shocking. the controls are horrible to use, clearly nobody gave any thought to them. The tiller feels horrible, no feel, no weight, awkward to hold. The rear suspension is both jolty and floaty unloaded, making for an extremely irritating ride.
Lexus LX
- Starting Price $138,574 to $186,266
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel
Following my car and caravan accident in my LX 570, and having been towing with my LX 500d F Sport, I am answering some follow-up questions. The… Read more
below vehicle is my 5th Lexus and 4th LX. After 3 brilliant LX models, either 470 or 570, this twin turbo diesel is nothing short of motoring excellence. The running costs are far less than my previous petrol models, especially considering the super responsive motor with peerless F Sport specific performance enhancements. See Lexus.com.au for specifics. I was incredibly fortunate to be insured with RACQ at the time of my accident. RACQ has been my insurer for the last 40 years. Never having had an accident in this time, I was absolutely thrilled with RACQ and their staff who had my back in an incredibly challenging situation and I simply cannot be more grateful. This company went above and beyond for my little family and I received personal support, the benefit of a customer-based best practice policy and I will never be insured with anyone else. Accidents may be unavoidable but buying a Lexus and being insured with RACQ meant certain disaster was averted.
Skoda Kodiaq (2017-2026)
- Starting Price $54,990 to $74,990
- TransmissionDual-Clutch (DCT)
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Type Petrol
- See all
very disappointed with launch edition ,within 2months of ownership the car had been back to dealership 3 times with engine light on. The car itself… Read more
had trim rattle and was very bad with tyre noise and wind noise.Got rid of it and bought a real car.No good at all
Audi Q7
- Starting Price $108,815 to $174,815
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid (HEV)
It is a bad car 1- the sensors for day and night changes are poor. Rely on cheap technology 2- the doors very hard to close. Almost slam strongly … Read more
3- the trim of the doors peeling off 4- and worst. Very poor location navigation. It keeps thinking and thinking then comes up. Unable to find location. Never had tgis in any German car. But lots of reviews confirmed this poor quality
If Audi would like to compensate me as i sold tge car at lose in less than one year then email me. I actually complained and they never bothered
LDV D90
- Starting Price $38,990 to $51,990
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel
- See all
I have just sold mine. I would not recommend them for these reasons; *Costly to run was on its 3rd set of tyres at 80,000 kms *Front brakes replaced… Read more
at 60,000 km *Engine overheated and blew up motor at 80,000 km. Took over 2 months to fix. *Rust forming on the bottom of the rear cargo door. *A would sure and jump and when driving. *Infotainment screen developed bubbles behind the screen. *Chrome coating peeled off passenger side mirror before 5,000 km. Took abound 2 months to fix. *Servixe centres aren't owned by LDV which makes warranty claims difficult. Nice car but not woth the headache.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- Starting Price $91,800 to $237,828
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeFour Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid (HEV)
- See all
By far the worst vehicle I have ever owned, literally fell apart, both turbos died, oil leak in the engine bay, the doors had a malfunction and the… Read more
car alarm would constantly go off, the engine also would over heat if I towed anything that weighed more than 500kg . And if that wasn’t enough I only hand washed the car and one day I was gently washing the Range Rover sign at the front and one of the letters fell off !!! Also the back side panel above the small rear window started coming off, I’m not joking when I say the vehicle was falling apart ! But wait there’s more! Water got inside the front headlights another 7k to fix those too !!
It was the car of my dreams and it turned into a nightmare, the car was 3 years old with 45,000 on the clock so practically new, and spent months at the mechanics and they wouldn’t even give me a loan car, what a joke, i finally sold the vehicle at a massive loss even though I fixed all the issues . When I asked the Land Rover dealership if I could trade it in for a second hand car in their lot which wasn’t a Land Rover they refused to take their own vehicle back!! lol Do yourself a favour buy any car but Land Rover worst experience of my life!
Hyundai Palisade (2020-2026)
- Starting Price $59,899 to $81,719
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel
Avoid Hyundai: Poor Warranty Support & Safety Risks I am extremely disappointed with my experience as a 2022 Hyundai Palisade owner. Recently, my… Read more
vehicle suffered a coolant leak from a heater hose at just 63,000 km. This is a serious safety issue that could have led to complete engine failure while driving, yet Hyundai refuses to take responsibility.
I took my car to Westpoint Autos (Hillcrest), but they denied my warranty claim. The Service Manager, [Name Removed], claimed that hoses are "consumable" items based on a warranty exclusion clause. However, this is a blatant misinterpretation of their own policy. According to the official service manual, this hose is an "Inspect" item, not a "Replace" item at this mileage. It is clearly a manufacturing defect, not routine maintenance.
To compare, when a turbo intercooler air hose failed on my Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Mitsubishi replaced it under warranty without question. In contrast, Hyundai treats a critical cooling component as if it were a windshield wiper or a light bulb.
If you are considering a Hyundai, be warned: they may find any excuse to deny your warranty claims even on a nearly new vehicle. I paid $550 for the repair and $150 for DHL costs, totaling $700 out of pocket for a defect that should have been covered.
Hyundai Australia, if you are reading this, please look into Invoice #4255824 from Westpoint Autos Hillcrest. I expect better treatment for a premium SUV owner.
- Starting Price $50,200
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeFour Wheel Drive (4WD)
2023 Isuzu DMax 3lt diesel with 18" tyres, purchased off dealer rep at 16000km. Generally good. Some issues that are disappointing are: 1) the audio… Read more
system - slow and clunky to blue tooth or Mira cast or appleplay- finding we need to use a cable but still clunky. 2) rear seatbelts recessed so deeply into seat it makes it difficult to buckle up 3) no vanity mirror in either front visors 4) front driver side knuckle joint was faulty at 17000k replaced under warranty 5) front tyres wearing on inside. 2 have been replaced under warranty. 6) Towing - revs very high and inconsistent with getting into top gear when towing 2.5 T. Found our old Colorado much smoother with towing. 7) Rough suspension
Land Rover Range Rover (2007-2026)
- Starting Price $190,000 to $341,028
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeFour Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Fuel Type Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid (HEV)
Hunk of junk Landrover – Looks nice and classy but it's a 200grand hunk of junk, at 60000kms I have spent 20grand on it Landrover service new fuel pump ,suspension redone… Read more
then a 6000aud service at 6000k then was told by suspension bolts need redone at 2000grand which wasn't part of the first new suspension put in and now believe it not my oil filter isn't reading that's apparently 7000grand job...money eating machine will never buy British car again no matter how good looking it is and the service at landrover rubbish
Chery Tiggo 8
- Starting Price $38,990 to $49,990
- TransmissionAutomatic and Dual-Clutch (DCT)
- Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Plugin Hybrid (PHEV)
I strongly DO NOT recommend buying this car. At only 20,000 km the rear door handles are already not working properly. There are also other issues –… Read more
the alarm goes off randomly by itself and the doors lock unexpectedly.
The biggest problem is the service. I called twice to book a repair appointment and both times they said they would call me back, but nobody contacted me. It is extremely frustrating when you buy a new car and cannot even get proper support.
Very disappointed with both the car quality and the after-sales service. I would never recommend this brand to anyone. Chery tiggo 8 super hybrid
Genesis GV80 (2020-2026)
- Starting Price $99,490 to $118,190
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive (RWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Type Petrol and Diesel
A serious Lexus rival that offers great value for money as a luxury SUV – Genesis faces two challenges: the first is becoming known in the market for making genuinely luxurious cars. The second challenge is becoming an… Read more
aspirational brand that capitalises on buyers who are interested in spending north of $80,000 on a car.
A testament to Genesis’s seriousness in creating a luxury product is the GV80 build quality. There is no mistaking this car for a souped-up Hyundai. It takes the best parts of Hyundai’s interiors and dials that up to 11.
From a suede headliner, precise headlight designs, sharp puddle lights, rich Napa leather and seemingly perfectly weighted buttons - it’s all here.
I just wish there was a little bit more metal to compliment the plethora of leather and wood trim in here. Some plastic buttons occasionally distract from this plush interior.
The GV80 range kicks off with a 2.5L turbocharged petrol four cylinder, in a 2WD configuration, for $99,416 drive-away.
This GV80 is the diesel 3.0L AWD Standard trim, asking $113,066 driveaway. To digest this seemingly enormous price, you have to look across to the competition.
Against the likes of an Audi Q7, a BMW X7 or a Mercedes-Benz GLE, you’re getting a lot more features for less.
You won’t look like you’ve bought a cheaper model, instead, combined with its design, 22-inch wheels, sunroof and trim, you certainly come out on top without having to tick expensive options.
Additionally, with the buttery-smooth driving experience, torquey diesel, 21-speaker sound system and plenty of interior space and comfort, I’d say the GV80 is nearly the complete package.
If you really want the cherry on top, you’ll need to spend an additional $10,000 for the Luxury trim of the GV80. That’ll bring you a GV80 with absolutely everything, no option missing, but for a harder-to-stomach $123,566!
Depending on the dealership, some European brands offer these services, however it's not a blanket service. It can vary from dealership to dealership.
With Genesis, during the standard 5 year/Unlimited kilometre warranty, Genesis will pick your car up from your desired location, and swap it for a loan car.
A major strong suit of the GV80 is its noise level, or lack thereof.
Starting with the large 3.0L turbo diesel inline six, it’s so insulated from the cabin that Genesis offers fake engine noise to pipe through the speakers under heavy acceleration.
Exterior exhaust sound is muted and quiet, allowing you to swiftly move away without causing a ruckus. This 21-speaker system is a treat to experience in the GV80. It’s branded as Lexicon, which is simply an upgraded audio system from Harman/Kardon.
I love the fact you have three audio presets that allow you to change the sound profile of the speakers. There’s Stage, Audience and Reference available when using the Genesis’s media player.
The braking experience in the GV80 was a little surreal at first encounter.
The brake pedal offers a feel as if you’re pushing against a sponge cake. That’s not a bad thing, as it is easy to pull this SUV up to a stop. It’s just a far more comfortable and controlled experience compared to your run of the mill brake pedal.
The in-line 3.0L turbo diesel in the GV80 produces 204kW and 588Nm. You can expect a 0-100km/h time in around 6.8 seconds.
The GV80 is swift to respond to acceleration and great at keeping revs nice and low.
There are 8 gears to choose from, and all do a fantastic job at communicating with each other to avoid awkward shifts or even the occasional mis-shift.
22-inch wheels have no right being able to iron out imperfections in the road like these do.
Normally, I’d roll my eyes at wheels this big. Because they're going to make my ride in a comfortable car a juxtaposed one, as they reveal every bump in the road. Add to this fact that these are magnets for curb rash.
I can’t change the second part, but Genesis changed the first part.
Amazingly, you can have your cake and eat it, too.
With the help of front-facing sensors that can prepare the suspension for bumps in the road, the GV80 offers a supple ride, with accurate road feel and a generous amount of comfort. Although, on sharp potholes and speed humps, those 22-inch wheels make themselves known.
The steering feel is a little artificial in its weight, but it compliments the driving experience quite well. The two-spoke design is a little chunky in the hand, but once used to that, the way the GV80 conducts itself in corners and on the straights is everything you’d want in a large SUV.
The GV80 has a minimum boot space of 727L and a maximum boot space of 2144L.
That’s excellent for a family SUV. The only issue is that if you want to constantly use the third row, you dramatically reduce your boot space.
Folding down the third row, you get a boxy, flat-load area, and single-button release to fold the second row. This is excellent and easy to use as a family car.
Additionally, the second row has a 40:20:40 split, with a nifty feature of a folding pin. This allows for easy access to fold the middle seat down and put cargo through that space.
Comfort in the third row is improved compared to other 7 seaters, but limited headspace does make it a little hard to enjoy these seats for extended periods of time as an adult.
The biggest challenge the GV80 suffers isn’t it being competitive, it's the brand growing in recognition.
However if you’re not a brand loyalist, or are exploring what’s on offer in the luxury SUV segment, opt for a Genesis GV80. You won’t only not regret it, but you’ll fall in love with a luxury SUV experience that you’d hope you’d get for the money.
*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
Further to the post, Isuzu is sitting on the tow in issue, a known fault. Four weeks after reporting still no action.