As the year comes to a close, we’re looking back on the cars that wowed the CarExpert test team in 2024.
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Kia Sorento
This time around we’re focusing on large SUVs, the staple vehicle of families across Australia.
New for 2024, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-80 both made a splash on arrival, earning the praise of our team. Meanwhile, familiar nameplates also impressed.
We’ve had the chance to drive plenty this year, and these are the five that topped our score charts over the calendar year.
Some of these models have been reviewed on multiple occasions this year – in that scenario, we’ve featured the variant that achieved the highest rating.
These models all compete in the large SUV under $80,000 category, as defined by VFACTS sales statistics published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
Prices are based on each manufacturer’s configurators for a Victorian postcode, which should give you a representative estimate of what the average buyer will end up paying.
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Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid -
Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel
| Model | CarExpert Rating | Victorian drive-away price |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel | 8.4 | $84,647 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD | 8.4 | $60,689 |
| Kia Sorento | 8.4 | $54,090 – $80,189 |
| Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 | 8.3 | $81,904 |
| Mazda CX-80 | 8.3 | $60,182 – $80,189 |
Hyundai Palisade
We couldn’t split the top three large SUVs in this year’s ratings, so the Hyundai Palisade features first alphabetically.
It’s a hefty unit with a hefty price tag, but the Hyundai Palisade is a solid choice if you look past the annoying safety tech.
Scoring an 8.4/10 overall, the Palisade faired best in the value for money, safety and fit for purpose categories, and only dropped below eight for performance.
Inside, Hyundai’s SUV flagship is luxuriously appointed and well-laid out, which means it’s both comfortable and pleasing to the eye.
And intrusive safety systems aside, the Palisade does everything you’d expect it to when you’re driving around town or in the city. The cheaper versions will get you by just fine, but if cosmetics are your thing it’s hard to look past the stealthy Black Ink.
Our tester was powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 147kW of power and 440Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is quoted at 7.3L/100km.
You can read our full review of the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel here
| Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Black Ink AWD diesel | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert rating | 8.4 |
| Victorian drive-away price | $84,647 |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mean blacked-out exterior | Annoying driver assist tech |
| Tough diesel powertrain | No wireless Apple CarPlay |
| Plenty of space inside | A bit pricey |
Interested in buying a Hyundai Palisade? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Santa Fe
A pair of Hyundais top our ratings, with the Santa Fe also scoring 8.4/10.
Launched this year, each member of the new Santa Fe range made a positive impression on our team, but the base front-wheel drive variant proved to be the pick of the lineup.
Offering a suite of features and tech with seven seats for $55,000 before on-road costs, the Santa Fe Hybrid scored highly for value for money (9), technology infotainment (9), and fit for purpose (9).
Indeed, the Santa Fe Hybrid is very well rounded. It’s spacious, well-featured, relatively efficient (5.4L/100km average fuel consumption) and offers good on-road performance from a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that makes 172kW and 367Nm, sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai’s aftersales program stacks up with rivals too, so there’s plenty to love.
The main drawback we noted was polarising looks, as the boxy new design won’t be for everyone.
You can read our full review of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD here
| Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid FWD | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert rating | 8.4 |
| Victorian drive-away price | $60,689 |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharp pricing, value | Short 10,000km service intervals |
| Refined, efficient hybrid drivetrain | Looks will no doubt polarise |
| Much improved interior space | Needs an extra gear |
Interested in buying a Hyundai Santa Fe? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sorento
Rounding out the tied trio for first place is the updated Kia Sorento, which scored 8.4/10 at launch back in January.
The Sorento excelled in the technology infotainment (9), fit for purpose (9), and handling dynamics (9) categories, without displaying any real weaknesses.
With heaps of space, sharp looks, and a luxurious feature list higher up the range, we were happy to recommend variants right across the lineup, from the base model up to the flagship GT-Line.
Mid-life upgrades address key areas for improvement on the old model, namely the infotainment tech and adding some of the more desirable features previously reserved for the GT-Line further down; while the retuned steering and chassis makes for an even more engaging drive.
Although several powertrains are offered, the diesel is the pick for all-round drivability and efficiency, producing 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque.
You can read our full review of the Kia Sorento here
| Kia Sorento | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert rating | 8.4 |
| Victorian drive-away price | $54,090 – $80,189 |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| New infotainment tech is top-notch | Annoying ‘Speed Limit Assist’ |
| Retuned chassis makes a good thing great | No developments to drivetrains |
| Versatile cabin is extra plush in GT-Line spec | HEV and PHEV still a few months away |
Interested in buying a Kia Sorento? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Kia Sorento
Ford Everest
The ute-based Ford Everest fell just short of besting the field in this year’s ratings, but it offers a very different set of attributes to aforementioned rivals.
In Sport 4×4 V6 trim, the Everest stands out from both a safety (9) and fit for purpose (9) standpoint, while also offering strong performance and ride comfort.
It blends impressive road manners with idiot-proof off-road technology, and a healthy dose of towing ability to boot.
The almost-range-topping Sport is a smart spec, with the pick of the two engine options. Under the bonnet lies a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 producing 184kW and 600Nm, mated to a 10-speed auto and full-time four-wheel drive.
While it’s not the most efficient lump, the engine is good for 3500kg braked towing capacity, positioning the Everest Sport as a capable weekend hauler.
The tarted up interior in the Sport also helps to justify its steeper sticker price when compared to other variants in the range.
You can read our full review of the Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 here
| Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert rating | 8.3 |
| Victorian drive-away price | $81,904 |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Refined drive despite off-road focus | Service pricing is up |
| Torquey V6 remains a segment standout | Feels ute-based inside, despite the price |
| Improved interior technology since launch | Missing equipment that should be standard |
Interested in buying a Ford Everest? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Ford Everest
Mazda CX-80
Mazda’s all-new seven-seat SUV arrived back in November, and it was an instant hit with a score of 8.3/10.
The CX-80 immediately stood out as a practical vehicle with plenty of interior space, and it presents well too.
There are loads of configurations available via various trim grades and powertrain options, which means there’s likely to be a CX-80 that will suit your needs well.
Its price is compelling too, given it undercuts the smaller yet related CX-60 and adds seven-seat capacity as standard.
The only potential flaw for some buyers could be ride comfort, but the CX-80’s relatively sporty dynamics, upmarket interior and robust performance tend to make up for that – especially in six-cylinder petrol and diesel guises.
You can read our full review of the Mazda CX-80 here
| Mazda CX-80 | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert rating | 8.3 |
| Victorian drive-away price | $60,182 – $80,189 |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive pricing | Questionable ride quality |
| Genuinely upmarket interior | Highly strung PHEV powertrain |
| Beefy petrol and diesel engines | Cheap-ish lower-grade instrument clusters |
Interested in buying a Mazda CX-80? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mazda CX-80
