Best Midsize / Medium SUVs

As part of my job, I spend a lot of time travelling and driving hire cars. I've sampled everything from budget buzz-boxes to luxury cruisers.… Read more

Somehow, until now, I had managed to avoid driving a Toyota RAV4. After spending a week with a brand-new hybrid showing just 8,000km, I can only assume I've been living a blessed life.

Let's start with the styling. From the outside it's... there. Like every other SUV currently roaming Australian roads. If you drew an SUV from memory, you'd probably sketch a RAV4. The paint seems thinner than my patience in peak-hour traffic, and the doors feel like they're made from recycled soft drink cans.

Step inside and prepare for a nostalgic trip back to the 1990s. The plastics are hard enough to survive a nuclear apocalypse, the screens look like they were borrowed from a budget GPS unit, and finding USB-A ports felt like discovering an archaeological artefact. Somewhere, a 2015 office worker is wondering where their technology went. At least Toyota remembered to include wireless CarPlay and a few USB-C ports hidden away in the armrest.

The locking system appears to have been designed by a prison architect. Once the driver gets out, everyone else can finally enjoy freedom. Until then, good luck. I spent far too long digging through menus trying to work out if I'd accidentally activated "maximum security mode."

The dashboard is simple and uncluttered, which is a polite way of saying it has all the excitement of a tax return. Customisation options appear to have been considered and then immediately rejected.

The driver assistance systems deserve special mention. The lane assist beeps so often on country roads that I began checking whether I'd accidentally hired a poker machine. After a day of constant warnings, the lane assist was switched off in the interests of preserving my sanity.

Then there's the driving experience.

Remember when Toyota hybrids were the benchmark? Unfortunately, after driving several recent Hyundai hybrids, Toyota now feels like the company resting on its trophies. The drivetrain is underpowered, the transition between petrol and electric operation is anything but seamless, and overtaking requires careful planning, favourable winds, and possibly a written application.

The auto-hold function apparently missed the flight to Australia because you have to keep pressing the brake-hold button every single time you stop. The road noise is impressive, and not in a good way. At highway speed it sounds like the tyres are engaged in a heated argument with the bitumen. The suspension rolls through corners like an old farm truck, and somehow the turning circle feels larger than vehicles twice its size.

After a week behind the wheel, I spent a long time trying to think of something I genuinely liked.

I came up with reliability.

That's it.

I'm sure it'll start every morning and faithfully carry its owner from A to B for many years. Unfortunately, it'll also remove every ounce of enjoyment from the journey. Driving this RAV4 felt less like owning a modern SUV and more like ordering one from TEMU and hoping for the best.

Needless to say, handing the keys back at the end of the week was the highlight of the ownership experience.

After recently spending over $42K to purchase a Kia Sportage I was very bitterly disappointed to discover that a hardcopy version of the owners… Read more

manual was not supplied! How ridiculous to expect customers to use their electronic devices to access important information needed when familiarising yourself with a new car! For instance waiting at traffic lights and a warning light illuminates on the dash. You can't pick up your phone to determine what it means can you? I have incurred extra expense in having a hardcopy printed and bound for my own reference and had I known this fact prior to deciding between 2 differing cars I would have chosen the other vehicle and will probably not consider Kia for my next new car purchase.

This is a wonderful car its a Hybrid subaru forester Boxer. beautiful green colour. The salesman Chris at Subaru at Brookvale was very knowledgeable… Read more

and they are so good to deal with. This is my 5th Subaru. I have bought three from the very same place in Brookvale. always very helpful. I have two kelpies and am very active and driving all over the place. Absolutely great to drive and i feel safe. I opted to get everything leather seats cameras front and reer. top of the range. I traded in my BMW which was not very old. I am so happy to be driving a Subaru again.

I am extremely disappointed with both Mazda Australia and Mazda Melville Service. After several months of follow-ups, stress, delays, and absolutely… Read more

no accountability, the only thing I received was a repair invoice for over AUD $26,000 — for a car that is worth around AUD $20,000.

This is beyond unreasonable.

Mazda Melville Service keeps saying they are “just a franchise business” and take no real responsibility. Mazda Australia also refuses to help and simply says it is not their problem. The customer is left completely abandoned between the dealer and the manufacturer.

The most frustrating part is the complete lack of after-sales support. Once they sell the car, it feels like nobody cares anymore. No ownership, no proper customer care, and no willingness to resolve serious issues fairly.

I strongly encourage anyone considering buying a Mazda in Australia to first read the large number of customer complaints and consumer reviews online before making a decision.

My experience with Mazda has been one of the worst customer service experiences I have ever had in Australia.

Very disappointing experience with Mitsubishi Motors Australia regarding warranty support for my 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. The gear selector trim… Read more

began peeling within approximately 2–3 years under normal use. The issue was raised early through the authorised dealer network and dealership documentation referenced deterioration/failure of the adhesive and material fatigue. An adjacent trim component was accepted and repaired under warranty, however Mitsubishi declined the gear selector claim as “external influence.”

Despite repeated follow-up, months of delays, an incorrect repair appointment, and escalation through the Office of Fair Trading, Mitsubishi maintained their position without identifying any actual misuse or specific external cause.

The most disappointing aspect has been the customer service and lack of accountability throughout the process. I purchased a new vehicle and maintained servicing through the authorised Mitsubishi network specifically for peace of mind regarding warranty support and customer care.

Unfortunately, this experience has significantly reduced my confidence in both the Mitsubishi brand and their warranty process.

Would not consider purchasing any vehicle under Mitsubishi for their false "warranty" - as in practicality they are not honouring this warranty.

Reliable mid size SUV, have bought it second hand and sold after 150K KM, didn't face any major issues, despite I missed few services, there was oil seepage but not sure if it was common issue with others, overall its a safer SUV to ride with family Show details

Good value for money,has excellent features and very well appointed with 19 inch alloys,side steps,tow bar,leather trim,heated seats,parking… Read more

sensors,reversing camera,blind spot monitoring,adaptive cruise control,lane departure warning,keyless entry.I paid $19000 for a 2019 Koleos with 98000ks and full service history.Never had cvt transmission before but I am pleasantly surprised at it’s performance and fuel economy.Having owned a Nissan x trail for many years and this vehicle sharing all it’s mechanicals I have no doubts of it being a reliable car that I will keep for a long time.

Horrible cars. Buy a Hyundai at your own risk. Spend a few k more and buy something decent. Cheaper in the long run. Show details

When purchasing a vehicle it can take me many months of research, walking through some dealerships and when I cut down the list, overnight/24 hour… Read more

test drives. I nearly left the Ford Escape off my list as Ford had already announced it was no longer importing them which was a concern regarding resale values. As the last vehicle I tested drove, I found it was no comparison, it really had some wow features and just showed up the negatives in the other vehicles.

That motor is just fantastic. I drive it 98% of the time in eco mode, and it's perfectly powered in that mode and just has so much reserves. Such a nice handling car to ride. I have the ST Line in AWD which I felt was necessary with so much power on hand.

Space for interior is good for me, and boot room decent. Traveling distance is good and very happy with it. Escape has been very reliable, and only one small warranty issue being the drivers side seat belt holder needing repair and ongoing repairs due to original dealer not fixing it properly.

My only issue with the dealership support locally and having to travel significant distances for servicing and warranty which is annoying.

Most friends who have traveled with me are very impressed with it. I have to admit I also enjoy my time behind the wheel still..

I'm completed 35000 kms now in 18 months and only real concern is tyre placement. Standard is Continental EcoContact 6 and they handle great, ride well and not to noisy, but seriously worn out in 35000 kms. not good, not the vehicle fault but wow still. Better choice please Ford.

As a used vehicle, please go test drive one, especially the AWD versions..

The 8 speed transmission is is most costs barely noticeable and operates well. Pretty happy with it.

I also would like to add, the vehicle tech is quite well sorted without glitches or blank screens so far. The radar cruise is very good, and the headlights are fantastic.

Servicing is terrible in country SE Qld, limited dealers who own multi brands, so are expected to wait unto 3 months for a service booking. Yes thats right! unless your prepared to travel 90 mins for another dealer, but some of these dealers aren't the best to use. I will say Warwick Ford have been one of the better ones mostly.

This is perfect fit for family – It’s used regular commute and serviced regularly. Usually twice in year with service packages. Show details

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION & POOR SERVICE Volkswagen why has my 2022 Tiguan Allspace been burning so much oil that I have to top it up min 1L per… Read more

MONTH since purchasing it new? Even within 3 weeks of a full service it’s fault light has come on.

Its consistently high oil consumption is excessive! It is now even blowing smoke intermittently. The service centre FINALLY made warranty repairs after nearly 3 years of me raising the issue and being brushed off and told it’s normal for these cars. The problem was not resolved and they want to charge me $230 to even look at the car to reassess why their repairs didn’t work.

VW Australia customer support was rude and unhelpful and offered no solution to this issue. [Name Removed] offered to make a repair appointment and then failed to stating that I needed to do it myself, and pay for the warranty fix again.

Why is the onus being placed on customers of a new car to have a manufacturing fault fixed instead of being handled through warranty? (This same issue is well known in the same model sold overseas with a class action underway…yet no reasonable response from VW.)

This VW Tiguan Allspace has been unreliable and a complete disappointment as a family car used for daily school drop offs. Our family has had Volkswages since the ‘60’s but now I’ve lost faith in the brand - not worth the hassle, even new!

Here’s some of the latest alerts I’ve had to deal with…

Cost nothing to run, stunning to look at, drive like a dream. Top service team in Paramatta Show details

I love this car, but I've encountered numerous issues since getting it. First, I want to note that the luxury is not that luxurious; the car is quite… Read more

simple inside. However, for that price, it could be more elegant. Funny story, there is no place to put my phone. I even tried buying a sticky holder, but there's nowhere to stick it. Absolutely, zero! So my holder stayed unused. Second, my phone and other objects keep falling into the hole between the seats, which is too narrow for you to reach in and retrieve them. What a luxury! (Being sceptical now).

After three years, I started experiencing a dead battery, which seems to drain quickly in this car. My battery died too often in inconvenient places, like airport parking. For a luxury and expensive car, this feature is not particularly practical. I mean, really? If you have an insurance or annual check-up, it costs so much, and replacing a battery costs me $ 300.

The car is comfortable and smooth to drive, but its minor drawbacks make it impractical. I'm even considering selling it for a more conventional, non-hybrid vehicle that's more comfortable—a real disappointment.

First and last BMW we will ever buy. The iDrive 9 system is full of bugs and requires doing a hard reset on a regular basis. Today the touchscreen… Read more

(which controls everything in the car) stopped working again, completely frozen, can't access anything until the car was stopped, locked and then restarted. The foot operated motion sensor for the tailgate probably only works 2 out of 10 attempts yet somehow while loading the boot it activated and the tailgate starting closing and hid me in the head, splitting my head open and causing it to bleed - this was while I had a baseball cap on! The engine and transmission are great but the user interface is a massive let down and so unsafe as I am constantly searching the menus trying to find something that should just be a physical button. It had the potential to be a great car but the software is a complete nightmare, I would NOT recommend buying this car.

7 years in and no issues from new. Effortless interstate touring. Only negative is the dealer network (sparce) and general service & support ($$$). … Read more

Volvo parts availability and service has improved but service information access continues to flout ACCC ruling. Knowledgeable independent servicing is hard to find. YMMMV.

The vehicle began to cut out at low speed, for example when parking . Then it happened at high speed on a highway almost causing potential… Read more

fatalities. MG ran tests and said there was nothing wrong with it and I should just continue driving it. Customer service were almost impossible to speak to and ultimately were of no help at all. The company refused to acknowledge the issue. I would recommend avoiding them at all costs.

Hello everyone, I would like to share my detailed experience with GWM. I purchased a HAVAL H6 Hybrid in 2023 from GWM kedron , Brisbane, and… Read more

unfortunately, it has been a very disappointing journey. I have experienced multiple serious issues, including hybrid system battery failure where the car completely stopped and wouldn’t start, wipers failing three times (once during heavy rain, which was very dangerous), transmission faults, and an extremely noisy AC compressor that has already been replaced once and is now failing again.

In addition, the windshield had to be removed twice, and several other issues have occurred more than once. What is even worse is the customer service. Communication is extremely poor, with delayed or no responses despite multiple emails and calls. I am still waiting for approval for my AC compressor and transmission repairs, even though the compressor is under warranty.

I am not alone—several of my friends who own the same car have faced similar problems, often around the same mileage. This clearly indicates a possible manufacturing fault, yet there has been no recall or proper action from GWM.

Overall, this has been a very frustrating and stressful experience. I strongly recommend doing thorough research and reading customer reviews before considering buying a GWM vehicle. Thanks

We purchased three new BMW cars in 2017. An X4, a 420 convertible and a 420 coupe for our daughter. Always serviced via log book at BMW dealer. … Read more

After the expiry of the warranty we had nothing but problems, all motors two litre twin turbo. Overheating, replaced waterpumps, piping cost $8000. All three cars, power windows wouldn't go up plus badge fell off X4 rubber around door perished, drivers door handle rubber fell to bits. Plastic fell off the front seats, so many problems. BMW answer its out of warranty not our problem. Two cars only travelled 50,000 and 60,000 klms.

Servicing – Since ceasing to have our Cayenne serviced by Porsche "Technicians" instead having it carried out at the local Goodyear agency we have experienced… Read more

very few problems, apart from occasionally having the onboard computer reset[ as accurately predicted by the Dogs & Lemons publication]

Have lots of issues, expensive to maintain, very expensive to repair. Show details

Vehicle had 96 kilometres on the odometer when picked up new from dealer. Excessive? Very poor/unsafe low beam pattern - <10 meters illuminated when… Read more

switched from high to low beam. Improved following a 276 kilometre round trip to a MYD service outlet - for a $100.00 fee!

Terrible car. I thought Audi is quality German engineering, but I was wrong. Bought brand new in December 2018. I bought it from Audi Penfold… Read more

Burwood In Melbourne. In 6 years we have done only less than 90,000km. Nothing but trouble.

On 27th December, we were travelling from Canberra to Sydney. Suddenly car RPM went very high on Middle of freeway, I stopped on the side of the road to see what’s going on. After switching off the engine, car would not start. Ended getting up tow truck to towed to the Audi Canberra Dealership. They could not find any fault, why car wouldn’t start. After 10 days of constant follow up finally answered to me that there is less compression on all engine cylinders.

To do further testing and investigation they need to strip the engine which will be charged to me $9650, if they find that engine needs replacement, new engine of Q5 3.0 TDI will cost approximately $30,000. Plus plus plus ….

All this unnecessary electronic cr#p keeps going wrong. Parts are extremely expensive. Audi Australia and their dealership are not willing to help or taking any blame of defective piece of German engineering.

Do yourself a favour and don't Audi cars.

There's a reason this car won world car of the year 2022 - it is very good. Show details

Honda zrv – It starts with a Honda Euro 2005 ,I bought it in 2017 with 191k in odometer with a sticker on windscreen ( chek up front brake at 193k) I drove the… Read more

car from 191 till now 414000 km not a single part changed from the car only tires and oil and filters and 1 time I change coil plug for 20$,I bought pads set but didn't change them even after more than 200000km, super reliable brand ,that's why we got a Honda zrv , they all made in Japan U can't go wrong with Japan made,it's not pricey more dearer than Chinese brand but U got what U pay for

Owned for 5 months, and 10,000 kms. So far the Service was amazing from Cranbourne Mazda and the Car is amazing to drive. I drive mainly open road \… Read more

highway and the CX-60 is easy to drive . Just as easy around Melbourne city. I'm getting mid 7Ltrs per 100Kms (7.6) and getting better as the car wears in. Has an amazing interior, and the sound system has depth and quality. This really does deserve the Zoom Zoom

Great EV but just a little too expensive – The Kia Niro GT-Line brings in higher quality feeling materials, like better seat materials than the entry level Niro and elevated different interior… Read more

trim materials.

Over bumps and uneven roads, the Niro never generated a squeak that sounded out of place.

Priced from $72,100 before on-road costs and incentives, this electric Kia is slightly more affordable than the EV6.

It boasts 460km of WLTP range; that’s a competitive range against similarly priced cars. Although, if you can sacrifice the SUV body shape, you’ll get better value in a sedan shape offered by Tesla and Polestar.

If you don’t need that much range, the MG ZS EV will provide the electric SUV experience for nearly $30,000 less.

This electric Kia comes with a 7 year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and high voltage parts are covered by a 7 year warranty, but only up to 150,000km.

Over seven years, the Niro EV will only cost you $1754 to service over 7 yearly services, or every 15,000km. That’s a whole lot less than the hybrid alternatives.

Noise isolation felt superior, particularly thanks to the fact there was no petrol motor onboard.

The upgraded speaker system in the Niro GT-Line helped increase cabin isolation and immersion, and the upgrade is absolutely worth it.

There was some noticeable electric motor noise under heavy acceleration, but nothing out of the ordinary. If you’re looking for a silent daily driver, the Niro is an excellent introduction into electric car ownership.

Adjustable regenerative braking is available via the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. You can coast, use one-pedal driving mode, or simply hold a paddle to let the car decide for you in Auto mode.

I loved the one-pedal driving experience here, making it just a little easier to live with when driving around town. Trust me, you feel like you’re taking a step back when you drive a car without the ability to brake once you lift off the throttle.

Don’t expect a rival to a Tesla or a Polestar when it comes to acceleration. There’s no ludicrous mode, but there is a Sport mode.

The electric motor is found between the front wheels, making the Niro EV exclusively front-wheel drive. This motor produces 150kW (201hp) and 255Nm, allowing this family SUV to hurdle to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.

That instant torque feels a lot faster than a petrol equivalent with the same specifications.

I really enjoyed the look and feel of the rotary shift dial in the Niro EV, however that’s about it.

The lower centre of gravity helps the Niro EV corner a whole lot better than its petrol-powered counterparts.

I found that it was extremely entertaining in corners, and composed when daily driving in the city. The extra weight can make the Niro feel like a more substantial car, but it also will cause the car to ‘crash’ harder on potholes and harsh speed bumps.

The only issue I found when handling was the instant torque to the front wheels. If it’s particularly slippery, and if you give it too much throttle mid-corner, those front wheels will squeal. This is a reason why I prefer rear-wheel drive electric cars.

Kia claims 16.2kWh per 100km of driving. You’ll achieve that in bumper to bumper traffic and on small highway stints. However, I found it closer to 19kWh per 100km in my combined tests. And as mentioned, there’s a claimed 460km of electric range when at 100% charge.

I found the real world range to be just above 400km per charge. It’s not as fast charging as the Kia EV6, which is capable of receiving 350kW of DC charge. The Kia Niro will only accept up to 80kW of DC charge, meaning charging from 0 to 80% will take 45 minutes from a 100kW charger. That’s a little slow considering the rest of Kia and Hyundai’s electric cars are adopting faster charging batteries.

Clearly inspired by the Kia EV6, the Niro’s interior brings all the right features and design cues to fix what was a very bland interior.

I especially love the seat design, steering wheel, centre console design and the curved displays that all help to make the Niro feel just like an EV should: futuristic.

There’s 475L of boot space in the Niro EV, with an additional 20L found in the front boot, AKA the froot or the frunk.

You’re considering this because the idea of a small SUV is the most appealing for you. You want a little extra range, warranty and features, and that’s why you’re looking at this Niro EV compared to something like a MG ZS EV or a BYD ATTO 3.

You’ve got stiff competition from Hyundai with the Kona EV, which has a brand new update coming soon that’ll make Kia shake in their tyres.

If you don’t need a lifted car like this crossover, I’d suggest buying a Tesla Model 3 or a Polestar 2 because of their superior battery technology and slightly better driving experience for less 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.

Sam was really helpful, very knowledgeable , I would recommend him if you need help to look for a good rate of finance. Show details

A perfect blend of performance and luxury – On the outside, panels, doors and trim pieces all fit together neatly and accurately. There was a rewarding weight when opening and closing the… Read more

doors, and panel gaps were a lot neater than they were on the G70 sedan.

A little quirk in the form of two ‘fangs’ protruding over the front bumper from the bonnet panel, made it appear as if there was some miscalculation when putting the GV70 together. Overhangs like this aren’t usually seen on cars produced today. This is a design feature I’m not sure was the best choice when convincing new buyers that the GV70 is a well-built car.

Interior quality was superb. Rich leather, accurate stitching and quality displays came together to form an interior that felt a step above the rest. In comparison to the likes of Alfa Romeo who try to incorporate a ‘flashy’ design with a luxurious and practical interior, the Genesis manages to bring all of those elements together well, without sacrifice.

The base 2.5L turbocharged petrol four cylinder GV70 starts from $66,400 before on-road costs. There’s a 2.2L turbo-diesel four cylinder on offer starting from $71,800 before on roads. However, what we have here is the range topping 3.5L twin-turbo petrol V6 motor, starting from $83,400.

Our tester was fitted with the ‘Luxury Pack’, so it was $90,000 before on roads.

The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 falls into the realm of consideration against performance-orientated SUVs like the Audi SQ5, Mercedes GLC 43 and BMW X3 M40i.

The major reason to consider a GV70 against European rivals is the longer 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and complimentary servicing and service loan car during this period.

Your first 5 services are included with the purchase of a new Genesis. Not only will they include these services, but they will also pick up your car from wherever you specify, and drop a loan car in its place.

This cabin is an oasis from noise. There’s clearly been a lot of effort thrown into sound deadening efforts in the GV70.

I’m so glad Genesis resisted the urge to turn the top of the range GV70 into an exhaust noise machine, rather, honing in on what makes their cars so enticing. It does this by creating a luxury experience, supported by a tidal wave of engine power.

You can start-up, accelerate and cruise the motorway all without disturbing a sleeping passenger in the GV70.

Active sound-cancellation helps reduce road noise roar, and there’s certainly a minimal amount of wind-noise emanating from this slick exterior.

Here, alongside the refined suspension set-up, the brakes are pleasantly soft when you apply weight to the pedal. It provides what feels like an exponential reduction in speed, rather than an abrupt change in motion.

0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds is brisk for a family SUV. It doesn’t just allow you to effortlessly conduct overtakes on the highway, but it also allows for ghost-like acceleration from a set of traffic lights.

This particular 3.5L V6 twin-turbo V6 produces 279kW @ 5,800rpm and 530Nm @ 1,300-4,500rpm.

Sport + allowed for an optimal launch, with turbo-lag feeling non-existent. I was already at my turn before the other two lanes even thought about leaving the lights.

This is a uniquely fast car. The 3.5L motor is a large displacement motor, so it doesn’t need to string out the revs to get up to speed. Twin turbochargers provide that mid-range punch that pushes you back in your seat, all while any passers-by hear the faint noise of a working V6.

There are 8 gears to choose from in the GV80, and transitioning between them is seamless while the car is in control.

You’re never going to feel a misplaced shift, nor have the car hold gear where you’d rather it just move up or down a gear. Alongside the brakes, the gearbox only adds to what the GV70 is trying to achieve, in placing luxury first above all else.

The combination of suspension and handling is what seals the deal for the driving experience in the GV70.

Suspension is cushioned but firm. However, take a speed bump a little too quickly and those 21-inch wheels transfer that movement into the cabin - all without a disturbing ‘thump’ that some other cars might make in this same situation.

Across rough road surfaces, this suspension makes light work of making the GV70 feel like it’s cruising just above it all.

The lowest scoring section of this review goes to just how thirsty this engine can get.

During my test, I saw peaks as high as 20L per 100km. That’s a hungry motor, but no prizes go to anyone who could have guessed that.

The star feature goes to the 14-inch touch screen that sits up on the dash and will have all of your friends ‘oohing and ahhing’ as they would with an 80-inch TV you bought just in time for Grand Final Day.

It’s a blend of old school luxury (leather and metal) and technology (in the form of lighting and plenty of screens).

There’s 542L of boot space here, and a maximum of 1678L with all the seats folded down.

That’s plenty of room for a midsize SUV, and will get you plenty of places when you need to haul extra equipment along with you. Additionally, making room by folding the seats is easy, thanks to pull tabs in the back that automatically fold the seats flat.

I really wish brands included 40:20:40 seating in their cars more often, because that 60:40 split in the GV70 really took away from this being the ultimate road trip car for four people.

Hands down, this Genesis gets my strongest recommendation as a luxury family car.

Ignore the lust of a carbon fibre cladded, sports exhaust-fitted shouty ‘sports’ SUV, and treat yourself to a luxury driving experience.

The GV70 makes me reevaluate packaging sports cars in with a luxury car; I don’t think that it has to be the case. If you require two cars, a fun hot hatch should quench that sports car thirst.

*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.

A class leading luxury electric SUV that needs a little more range – It’s not just the bright matte copper paint that impressed me the most about this electric Genesis. I believe Genesis has just dropped one of the… Read more

best midsize luxury EVs you can buy, and I’m not sure if anyone really noticed.

Genesis offers impressive build quality for a relatively new luxury brand, but what else would you expect from a car this expensive?

The exterior build quality is wildly accurate with the placement of trim and body panels. Move onto the inside, and you could close your eyes and feel like you’re in something that could easily be double the asking price of this EV.

Priced from $127,800 before on-road costs and incentives, the GV70 is well within the realm of the luxury SUV and luxury EV segment. This matte paint will add $2000 to your price tag too.

It’s over $45,000 more than the equally brilliant GV70 twin-turbo petrol V6, but that’s only an option if you prefer gas stations over charging stations.

You also get the choice of 5 years complimentary charging with Charge Fox EV chargers, or a free installation of an AC fast charger for your garage. I’d pick the AC charger.

The warranty is 5 years/unlimited kilometres, and 8 years/unlimited kilometres for high voltage parts. Service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.

Servicing is complimentary for 5 years, and if you live within 70km of a Genesis Studio, your car will be picked up and a service loan car will be provided until your car is ready to be dropped back to you.

In addition, you’ll also get 10 years roadside assist and map updates, which is important, seeing as charging station locations are stored here.

The sound isolation inside the GV70 Electrified is next level.

Aside from the usual sound deadening and silent cabin you’d expect in a luxury EV like this, Genesis have added active sound cancellation. Just like a pair of over-ear headphones, the car will play opposite frequencies to the outside world to enhance cabin quietness.

On top of that, this Infinity-branded audio system is possibly the best complement to this cabin’s silence.

You have some presets to adjust the sound to how you want it to fill the interior, but it’s simply one of the best ways to listen to your music in the level of detail you could only get with a set of high quality headphones.

Miss engine sounds? Don’t worry, Genesis has got you covered with a selection of generated sounds to mimic the sound of a futuristic electric motor.

Regenerative braking can be adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel, and it operates perfectly. It’s not quite as aggressive as I’d have liked in its highest setting, but I preferred to leave it in Auto and let the car decide what's best.

Here’s the fascinating part: you get a max output from a set of dual electric motors of 360kW (482hp) and 700Nm. This power is reserved for Boost mode, which is activated for 10 seconds at a time via the large ‘Boost’ button on the steering wheel.

That’ll catapult this GV70 to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. It feels every bit as fast as that figure sounds. Power is dialled back for Eco, Comfort and Sport, but aside from Eco mode, you won’t feel like you need more power than what’s offered outside of Boost mode.

The presentation of the crystal rotary shift dial adds to the cabin look and feel; it has a great weight to it as you twist the car into gear.

A single forward gear is used in the GV70, and it's an intoxicating feeling to simply sail at a range of speeds without interruption from any gears.

The selection of drive modes in the GV70 really help transform this SUV from lounge room to performance SUV.

In Eco and Comfort, the car effortlessly coasts over the road and will neatly make its way through corners. That lower centre of gravity thanks to that battery pack really enhances the grip and body roll here too.

The car will also read the road ahead via a set of cameras onboard and prepare the suspension for any speed bumps or potholes in the road - something you don’t see often at this price.

The biggest benefit when buying this EV is its battery pack. It’s a 77.4kWh battery that runs on a 800V battery architecture system - the same tech you’ll find in something like a Porsche Taycan. It’s a more efficient battery, making it quicker to charge and slower to discharge.

The claimed consumption is 19.2kWh per 100km. Around the city you’ll see figures as low as 17kWh per 100km, while on the highway you’ll be cresting 20kWh per 100km.

The claimed range is 445km (WLTP), with a real world range closer to 400km as indicated by the vehicle itself.

Charging can take as little as 18 minutes when charging from 10 to 80% from a 350kW charger. There aren’t many of those, so if you encounter a 50kW DC charger instead, it’ll take you just over an hour to recharge to that same level.

A massive 12-inch touchscreen sits atop the dashboard, and the driver gets a traditionally designed 3D capable digital display. You can interact with the infotainment with a dial or by reaching just a little further forwards to physically touch the screen.

You’re also getting a heads up display and a display for your climate controls.

There’s 503L of boot space with the second row up, and 1678L with that row folded. There’s another 22L under the bonnet thanks to the inclusions of a frunk (or a froot, if that's what you prefer to call it).

And guess what, there’s a spare tyre! Under the boot floor you get a space saver spare, which is very rare to find in modern day EVs. It’s plenty of space to fill up for a road trip and move around any bulky items (like a push bike) if needed.

Need an electric SUV that feels like a normal car, but doesn’t compromise in any form? Well, the GV70 Electrified gets the highest recommendation for me.

Yes, you are spending more money than a standard GV70, but you’re an early adopter of EV technology. It’s a somewhat future-proofed setup that also comes with stress free aftercare support too.

You can get less expensive EVs that come close to how luxurious this feels, but they can’t quite compete with the overall package Genesis is presenting with this - dare I say - class-leading family electric SUV.

*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.

Great deal – With $1000 factory bonus cash back it was a great guy. I love the fact that it’s the same size as my previous car, Kia Cerrado hatch, except it’s… Read more

just hire.’s so much easier to get in an out of Wynyard got physical issues. It’s great on the open road very quiet. Very stylish interior and exterior. It’s great that the boot can drop down to give extra depth. It was a pity it didn’t have a centre console with the flip lead but I bought one that was very easy to install. I’m looking forward to many years of motoring in this little beauty.