Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – 7.9/10
Why it’s a great choice:
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The RAV4 Hybrid consistently leads the pack in terms of sales due to its trusted petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. It offers an official fuel consumption average of just 4.7L/100km for the two-wheel drive, or 4.8L/100km for the AWD. There’s also a spacious cabin that can accommodate two adults and three kids with ease, while the 580L boot is perfect for family outings. Toyota’s standard Safety Sense suite ensures maximum protection on the road as well.
Speaking of which, the RAV4 is very easy to drive, offering friendly visibility around the front pillars and a decent view through the rear windscreen. That’s because it uses a fairly conventional box-style layout with an upright cabin orientation. Conversely, the RAV4’s exterior design is perhaps more rugged and utilitarian compared with some of the sportier, more futuristic designs in this class. It just depends on your priority. Here, practicality and convenience seems to be placed ahead of flamboyance and style. In a good way.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – 8.0/10
Why it’s a great choice:
Hyundai’s Tucson is now available with a hybrid powertrain option. Interestingly, it pairs a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor assist setup. Why is this interesting? Well, most hybrids today incorporate a non-turbo engine, often of fairly low power and torque. Whereas the 1.6T offered here offers strong low-end torque on its own.
That’s not just a benefit in terms of performance, but if you’re hauling all the family and maybe even towing, the Tucson steams up long steep hills on the highway with less effort compared with a non-turbo hybrid. It also comes with a six-speed automatic, while most rivals use a CVT automatic. Basically, this feels more conventional to drive and more engaging compared with most hybrid contenders. But it’s not the most efficient, with an official average of 5.3L/100km – excellent, but not quite as good as some competitors.
The latest model is pretty big for the segment, offering great comfort and space inside, with 582L of boot space in AWD hybrid form. Hyundai also offers one of the highest towing capacities for this class and for a hybrid, with a braked rated of 1900kg
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Mazda CX-60 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) – 8.3/10
Why it’s a great choice:
Mazda’s premium CX-60 PHEV combines luxury with practicality. Its 2.5L petrol-electric hybrid system offers an EV range of 76km thanks to its 17.8kWh battery. With a combined output of 241kW, it is the most powerful hybrid option in this list. But it is one of the more expensive options, starting from around $73,600 for the entry Evolve PHEV.
With a clear focus on premium inspiration, this is one of the nicer SUVs to drive and be in, in this list. The interior is very well presented, with quality trimmings at every corner. It is quite spacious as well, although the centre hump on the floor intrudes on middle-seat legroom a bit more than some. But it’s going to be totally fine for kids.
Mazda’s latest safety suite means this is right up to the date in terms of being able to protect you and your family in the event of an accident. Like all SUVs listed here, it has been awarded the full five-star seal of approval by ANCAP.
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Tesla Model Y – 9.0/10
Why it’s a great choice:
The Tesla Model Y is a high-tech, fully electric SUV designed for modern families. With a range of up to 533km (AWD Long Range variant), it is ideal for busy families. And Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network means you can travel around without the worry of finding a location for a quick top-up.
Its minimalist interior offers substantial cabin space, with an open and airy vibe, while tech fans will love the huge touch-screen on the dash which can present a wide range of information and entertainment experiences. There’s also an impressive 971L of boot space available, or up to 2158L if you fold down the rear seats – perfect for trips to Ikea.
Tesla offers an entry RWD model priced from just $55,900, which is very attractive in the current electric vehicle market. But, if you’d like to treat yourself, even the top-spec Performance model, with its mind-blowing 0-100km/h time of 3.7 seconds, is priced reasonably low at $82,900.
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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – 8.7/10
Why it’s a great choice:
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a standout for its family-friendly versatility. Its 20kWh battery delivers an impressive 84km of electric range, while the 2.4L petrol engine ensures long-distance capability. On the official test cycle the average consumption is just 1.5L/100km. But it’s worth keeping in mind the official WLTP test (what most vehicles are tested under) runs for only 30 minutes, which means this is going to be relying on that battery charge for most of the testing period.
In the real world, you could technically charge this every night or every second night and never use any fuel, as this can run in full electric mode including at highway speeds. This is not possible in a conventional hybrid like the RAV4. However, with a bigger battery on board the Outlander is pretty heavy, weighing in at over 2100kg. That can impact handling feel and slightly influence tyre wear compared with lighter-weight rivals.
These are hardly hiccups considering the sheer versatility on offer. And it’s all wrapped up in a large (for its class) body that accommodates heaps of passenger space. You can even opt for a seven-seat layout, which is not common in this specific class.
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