In the days of big SUVs people drove bulky trucks because they had to not because they wanted to. Now they are a style statement with space for the whole family. The target customers for these cars are people who have a lot of stuff to carry or have a lot of people to carry around.
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Most of them are seven Seats and most offer a choice of diesel or petrol engines depending on your budget and preference. Drivers who spend a lot of time on the highway tend to prefer diesel models although gasoline models tend to be less expensive to buy and maintain. These cars aren't designed for off-roading although you can If exploring beaches and remote campsites is your priority buy a more rugged seven-seater like the Isuzu MU-X. People-only vehicles like the Kia Fiesta and Hyundai Staria are also great options if you need to carry seven or eight people but they don't have the automotive look of an SUV on this list. Here are five of our favorites in no particular order.
Skoda KodiaqRATING/10PRICE $52990 to $74990 (before the road)
Kodiaq is an underrated gem. It's one of the smaller cars on this list but it takes up acres of space in its well-trimmed interior with two part-time rear seats in the trunk when you need seven.
The sporty Kodiaq RS is available in three variants. It features the turbocharged petrol engine of the Volkswagen Golf GTI under its hood pumping out 180kW of power and 370Nm of torque.
The lower-end model comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 132kW and 320Nm. Both engines come standard with a dual-clutch transmission.
Kodiaq needs to be chosen carefully. The line offers a range of packages but the most important is the Deluxe package ($6,500 for the $3,700 model on the Sportline) which brings a full range of safety features.
Skoda offers a five-year unlimited kilometer warranty for its range.
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Mazda CX-9RATING/10PRICE $45990 to $73875 (before the road)
The Mazda CX-9 may be one of the older models in the segment but it's still a compelling car.
In typical Mazda fashion no matter which model you choose it has a well-made cabin with plenty of equipment and its focus on the US market means it's one of the more spacious seven-seaters in the segment.
High-spec models feature a new 10.25-inch infotainment system running Mazda's latest interface and the flagship Azami LE features a luxurious six-seat interior with second-row captain's seats.
All versions are powered by a 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine producing 170kW and 420Nm. FWD is standard on all grades except the Azami LE with AWD is also available.
Mazda backs the CX-9 range with a five-year unlimited-kilometer warranty.
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Hyundai PalisadeRATING/10PRICE $55700 to $75700 before hitting the road
Hyundai's flagship SUV looks like a large American truck with seating for up to eight -- a key differentiator in the area of people mobility.
Two engines are offered across three trim levels: a 217kW/355Nm 3.8-litre V6 with front-wheel drive and a 147kW/440Nm 2.2-litre turbo diesel with all-wheel drive. Both engines come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Mid-size Elite and premium Highlander trims offer seven-seat trim and second-row captain's seats (in addition to the standard eight-seat layout) and flagship models offer luxury amenities like Nappa leather upholstery and a modern-cool blind-spot camera system.
The Palisade is backed by Hyundai Australia's five-year unlimited kilometer warranty.
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Kia SorentoRATING/10PRICE $47650 to $80300 (before hitting the road)
The latest version of the Kia Sorento impresses with its upscale design rich tech suite and spacious cabin.
It's growing in just about every way and packs enough features in more expensive model tiers to compete with luxury brands. Especially the top-spec GT-Line is packed with cool tech.
By early 2022 there will be a choice of four engines: 200kW/332Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol 148kW/440Nm 2.2-litre turbo diesel 169kW/350Nm 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid and 195kW/350Nm 1.6-litre turbo plug-in Electric Hybrid.
The V6 petrol is front-wheel drive only the diesel and plug-in hybrid are all-wheel drive and the regular hybrid (coming in early 2022) will offer both FWD and AWD.
Like all Kia models the Sorento comes with a seven-year unlimited kilometer warranty.
Toyota KlugerRATING/10PRICE $47650 to $75400 before the road
Toyota's best-selling seven-seater has recently received a complete overhaul introducing a hybrid option for the first time in Australia.
Like the CX-9 and Palisade the Kluger's focus on the U.S market means it's a roomy SUV with three trim levels and three drivetrain options—there's something for everyone.
A 218kW/350Nm 3.5-litre V6 with front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive optional while a 184kW 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid is only available with AWD.
Combined fuel efficiency of the Kruger Hybrid claimed at 5.6L/100km is class-leading and better than diesel alternatives. Hybrid availability across the range is a key selling point unmatched by any of its competitors.
Inexpensive service and a five-year unlimited kilometer warranty are the highlights.
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