Sports Utility Vehicles or SUVs come in different sizes, and based on their sizes, they are categorized as either Compact SUVs, Mid-Size SUVs, or Full-Size SUVs. The usage of the word ‘SUV’ encompasses SUVs, Crossovers SUVs (or CUVs), and minivans in some models which have a relatively similar design. The most significant difference is that the SUVs are built on truck platforms (body-on-frame design) while the minivans and crossovers are built on car platforms (unibody design where the body and the frame are one piece.
SUVs are expensively priced, and acquiring a new SUV will leave a massive dent on your bank account’s balance. Luckily, a good number of the SUVs in the three categories are hardy and durable, making them an excellent buy as secondhand cars from the used-car marketplace in Australia and will cost you a fraction of the cheapest brand-new SUV. Let’s have a look at the top 7 best-value secondhand SUVs in Australia and why they made it to our list. Let’s start from the bottom of the list and end with the top secondhand SUV.
7. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact crossover SUV with an intuitive design that stands out. It comes in either two-row seating (5 seats) or three-row seating (7 seats) models, with the seven-seat model being more expensive. The Outlander 2.0 and 2.4-litre engines give a relatively good fuel mileage even in the AWD and 4WD configurations.
Pros
- The seven-seat layout is a rare feature in compact SUVs.
- It has a roomy interior and a spacious luggage area, which is expandable by lowering the rear seats.
- It runs on a turbocharged diesel engine that gives a refined and smooth drive.
- It has responsive steering.
Cons
- Despite driving on a turbocharged engine, it packs much less power compared to its similarly sized competitors.
- Its safety features are basic.
- It is not a typical vehicle, and it might be hard to find a secondhand one or parts for it.
- The SUV lacks many features available in its competitors, such as the side step, lift kit, modern entertainment system, a winch, and plenty of many accessories offered in higher-trim packs. All the above can only be sourced from aftermarket suppliers.
6. Honda CR-V
Of course, our list won’t be complete without the Honda CR-V, which sells like pancakes in Australia. The compact crossover SUV, although not a favorite to Australia off-road drivers, has won the heart of many city dwellers with its impressive stylish, elegant look. Also, the vehicle cost significantly less to maintain as compared to other SUVs in its category. With a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, it packs 184hp and a torque of 180 lb-ft, and it is an ideal compact SUV for a small family.
Pros
- Elegant both inside and outside
- Outstanding safety score with excellent safety features such as the brake assist and electronic stability control among other things, which are even more refined in newer models
- Commands a good share of the compact SUV market, which means getting a second-hand is easy and the spare parts are readily available
Cons
- Most of CRV’s trims, except the 2.4L variants, feel underpowered.
- Fuel mileage is not as decent except for the turbocharged models which give better fuel economy.
- Annoying noise interference
5. Holden Trailblazer
The Trailblazer is one of the best mid-size SUVs in Australia standing tall with several ultra-modern features such as lane departure warning, automatic headlights and wipers, and a blind-spot warning system. The seven-seater SUV is spacious with a functional size luggage space, and its 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine packs just enough power for a pleasant drive.
Pros
- The six-speed automatic SUV has a manual override for off-road driving or towing.
- It comes with plenty of modern tech and features commonly available in luxury-ranked equals.
- It has a two-speed transfer case that facilitates change from rear-wheel-drive suitable for paved roads to off-road 4-wheel drive.
- The ESC comes with an industrial-fitted trailer-sway control system.
- It gives a relatively good off-road drive.
- It comes with a full-size spare wheel.
- Excellent safety rating (5-star 2016 ANCAP crash rating)
- The cargo space of 235L expands to 878L when the back row is folded.
Cons
- Relatively coarse drive, especially for models with more than 20,000km mileage
- Cabin and wheel vibration when idling
- Fuel consumption is not well defined
- Not as widely recognized as other SUV models in the market
4. Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is a full-size crossover SUV model that mixes a little of everything when it comes to luxury, class, performance, and comfort. It has a uniquely designed interior with a touch of class all round. In terms of safety rating, the CX- 9 outranks its peers with its multiple safety features, including autonomous braking, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX connection points, six airbags, among many other safety features. CX-9 is available in 2006 3.5L engine and 2008 3.7L, 204kW(274hp) engine for the first generation produced from 2006 to 2015, and the turbocharged 2.5L engine for the second generation released in 2016.
Pros
- Spacious 3-row ideal for a family
- High-end luxury look and classy interior
- High ranking in terms of safety
- Rich infotainment in newer models
- Re-tuned features such as the new suspensions, sporty handling capability
- High-performance braking and steering
Cons
- Its has an obscured reverse view.
- Limited cargo capacity
- Climate control performs poorly
- Low towing capability
3. Holden Equinox
The Holden Equinox is one of the latest entries in the Australia SUV market and may not be easy finding a secondhand. The mid-size crossover SUV was developed for the Australian market. Development took over five years but the warm market acceptance it got was all worth it. It is available in 1.5L and 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, and 1.6L and 2.0L turbocharged diesel engines.
Pros
- Since it was developed for the Australian market, it comes equipped with the necessities required by one driving in Australia.
- Being relatively new, it also comes equipped with plenty much of the modern tech in the automotive world, including cruise control, smart key entry, electronic stability control, automatic LED lights, and assistive cameras and sensors among other features and accessories.
- The smaller 1.5L and 1.6L engines are very fuel-efficient.
- Its towing capacity are decent for its size with the bigger engine towing 2000kg and the smaller engine capable of towing up to 500kg.
Cons
- The overall exterior design does not look very pleasing .
2. Nissan Pathfinder
The elegant and comfy looking fourth-generation Pathfinder cannot go unnoticed. The refined transmission facilitates smooth drives. It has stable handling. Overall, this mid-size crossover SUV is among the most comfortable SUVs. Its 3.5L V6 engine gives it reliable power, and it is fuel-efficient on highways and long-distance drives.
Pros
- Above-average reliability rating
- Good towing capability
- Executively comfortable
- Among the most spacious three-row SUV
- Huge cargo space
- Relatively more power in the base model and a higher tow rating
Cons
- The controls are overly complicated.
- The vehicle lacks a significant number of basic automotive tech ad features. For example, the vehicle’s infotainment doesn’t support Bluetooth connectivity.
1. Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser series is one of the most widely-known full-size SUVs and off-road vehicles in the world, and Australia is the leading market for it, accounting for almost 10% of the overall worldwide sales. In 2018 alone, over 42,300 units of Land Cruiser were sold in Australia. Without a doubt, this is a reasonably accessible vehicle in the country, and you can easily find plenty of secondhand Land Cruisers in good shape. The replacement parts are also readily available. It scores high in comfort, safety, and reliability. Its refined luxurious-finish make it an excellent executive vehicle, and its power and four-wheel drive capabilities make it a superb off-roader. Perfect combination, don't you agree?
Pros
- Great off-road performance
- State of the art utility features and exterior and interior look
- Powerful engine with smooth acceleration and stunning performance
- It has a robust suspension system that gives a smooth ride
- Very spacious with big cargo capacity and stunning towing capability
- Remarkable safety features including the pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, radar cruise control, sturdy body on frame design, crawl control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and seatbelt pre-tensioners among many other standard and optional features
Cons
- High selling price due to the premium utilities
- Relatively more prominent in size which sometimes is challenging driving in cities and parking
- Relatively low fuel mileage, 7.0-11km/litre
- Lacks GPS navigation system in the standard features
Any of these 7 SUVs is an excellent secondhand SUV choice but subject to the condition of the particular vehicle that you will get. Seek for slightly-used SUV and avoid the ones with high mileage and mechanical issues. You should ask a mechanic or a car professional to check on the vehicle for any mechanical problems and look into the servicing record before buying one. If you can’t find one, Carpart can link you to the leading car experts in Australia. Subscribe to our blog to keep yourself informed about the happenings in the motor world and much more!