Best Family SUVs in Australia 2024
Independent side-by-side comparison of the five family SUVs Australians actually shortlist — scored on value, safety, efficiency and long-term ownership. No dealer sponsorships, no rebadged press releases.
Pricing indicative NSW metro Nov 2024. Book a Test Drive quotes typically come in below list — ask for a live drive-away.
How we scored them
We weighted four things Australian families actually buy on: real drive-away price (not RRP), independent ANCAP safety data, official ADR combined fuel figures cross-checked against RedBook real-world numbers, and three-year residual value from Glass's Guide.
No manufacturer paid to be here. Book a Test Drive is an independent car broker — we source across the full national dealer network, so we have no reason to push one badge over another.
1. Toyota Kluger Hybrid GXL — the safest default
If you can only shortlist one, this is it. Seven adult-usable seats, 5.6 L/100km real-world, and the strongest resale in the segment. The hybrid drivetrain has now been in market long enough that reliability data is boringly good.
Downsides: interior feels a generation behind Hyundai and Kia, and stock is still tight on hybrids. Expect a 2–4 month wait unless you take a broker allocation.
2. Kia Sorento Sport+ Diesel — the tower
Braked towing capacity of 2,000 kg makes the Sorento diesel the pick for caravan and boat families. Seven-year Kia warranty, roomy third row, and a punchy 2.2 L diesel that returns ~7 L/100km on the highway.
The hybrid Sorento is a strong alternative if towing isn't a priority — but the diesel is the smarter buy for regional Australia.
3. Hyundai Santa Fe Elite Hybrid — the newest safety tech
The 2024 Santa Fe was redesigned around the latest ANCAP protocol and scored 89% adult occupant protection. Blind-spot view monitor, remote parking, and a genuinely useful third row put it ahead on tech.
Interior styling is polarising — some love the boxy Land Rover look, some don't. Test drive it before you commit.
4. Mazda CX-60 GT — premium feel, five seats
If you don't need seven seats, the CX-60 GT delivers a genuinely premium cabin at $10k below the German rivals it's benchmarked against. RWD-based AWD, straight-six petrol, and a PHEV option that returns 2.1 L/100km if you can plug in nightly.
Not for growing families — no third row, and the ride is firmer than the Kluger or Santa Fe.
5. Nissan X-Trail e-Power Ti-L — the EV-adjacent option
Nissan's e-Power system drives the wheels with an electric motor at all times, with a small petrol engine acting purely as a generator. Result: EV-like acceleration and smoothness without range anxiety.
Only five seats in the e-Power trim (the seven-seat X-Trail is petrol-only), and it's the best pick for families doing mostly urban kilometres.
Which one should you actually buy?
City / suburban family, two kids: Nissan X-Trail e-Power or Mazda CX-60.
Growing family, three kids + long drives: Toyota Kluger Hybrid.
Tow a caravan or boat: Kia Sorento Diesel.
Want the newest tech and safety: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.
Once you've shortlisted, use us — Book a Test Drive is an independent Australian car broker. We source across 200+ dealers, negotiate drive-away pricing, arrange finance if you need it, and deliver nationwide.
Family SUV FAQs
What is the best family SUV in Australia in 2024?
For most Australian families, the Toyota Kluger Hybrid and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid are the strongest all-rounders — seven seats, 5★ ANCAP, and under 6 L/100km real-world. Choose Kluger for long-distance reliability, Santa Fe for the newest safety tech.
Which family SUV is safest?
All five in this guide carry a current 5★ ANCAP rating. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe was tested under the newest ANCAP protocol and scored highest for adult occupant protection (89%) and safety assist (87%).
What's the most fuel-efficient 7-seat SUV?
The Toyota Kluger Hybrid and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid both post an official 5.6 L/100km combined — the two most efficient seven-seat SUVs on sale in Australia in 2024.
Which family SUV holds its value best?
Toyota Kluger leads three-year resale in the seven-seat segment (typically 68–72% retained), followed by Mazda CX-60 and Kia Sorento. Choose Toyota if resale is a priority.
Can Book a Test Drive get me a better price on any of these?
Yes. We're an independent Australian car broker with fleet-level pricing across 200+ dealers. Tell us which SUV you're shortlisting and we'll come back with a drive-away quote — typically thousands below advertised.
Should I buy petrol, hybrid, or diesel for family use?
Hybrid if you're mostly city / suburban (Kluger, Santa Fe, X-Trail e-Power). Diesel if you tow regularly or do 25,000+ km highway per year (Sorento). PHEV (CX-60) only if you can plug in at home nightly.
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