Best family SUVs coming to Australia in 2024 and 2025

UPDATED December 11, 2024:

Medium and large SUVs, favoured by families for their generous space and practicality for all things child-related, are some of Australia's most popular car segments.

In 2025 there is going to be more to choose from than ever before, with new brands entering the market, as well as major updates coming for those who have been around the block a few times, too.

With luxury and performance in there too, no matter the budget there's plenty to put on the shopping list for any family. Here's what to expect...

Australia has waited three years for the Audi Q4 e-tron since it launched in Europe, but it's finally – almost – here.

However, good things come to those who wait, and the Australia-bound model will benefit from new updates now available overseas that bring more power, a longer driving range, and revised suspension.

The 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron mid-size electric SUV will be priced from $88,300 plus on-road costs – or an estimated $95,000 drive-away, slotting in between the small Audi Q3 and mid-size Audi Q5 in size.

Four variants will be available, across two model grades – the rear-wheel-drive 45 and all-wheel-drive 55 quattro – with either regular 'wagon' or sleek Sportback body styles.

The bigger brother to the Q4 e-tron, the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron is an electric mid-size SUV with up to 625km of rated driving range.

Unlike its smaller sibling, the Q6 is not quite so late to our shores, with the car hitting European showrooms in 2024 ahead of an Australian arrival in early 2025 – though the Q6 is up to two years late due to unprecedented delays with its electric-car platform and software.

Two versions of the five-seat Q6 e-tron will be available initially, both powered by dual electric motors with all-wheel drive, and a 94.9kWh battery pack.

As a premium mid-sized family SUV with five seats, the Q6 e-tron features a 526-litre boot and a 64L frunk.

The second generation of Audi's Q7 large luxury seven-seat SUV will be in its 10th year on sale in 2025, with its latest update arriving in local showrooms in the third quarter of 2024.

Pricing is slightly up over last year's model, starting from $117,284 before on-road costs, accounting for the revised styling and some technology and safety upgrades too.

Meanwhile, the facelift of the large, five-seat Q8 has also recently arrived in Australia, with fresh styling and price increases too.

Now kicking off at $143,415 before on-road costs for either the 50 TDI quattro S line or 55 TFSI quattro S line, prices are up $4515 and $3115 respectively over the outgoing version.

Not to be confused with the Q8 e-tron electric car, the Q8 line-up gets a plug-in hybrid in the form of the 60 TFSI e quattro S line.

The new 2025 BMW X3 is set to arrive in Australia slightly earlier than previously planned, now due here at the back end of 2024 with prices now starting from $84,500 before on-road costs.

For 2025 the model range has been cut to two petrol-powered variants, though the line-up gains fresh looks and more power.

Its sibling, the Sealion 6, a similarly-sized plug-in hybrid launched in Australia in May and is sold as the Seal U overseas.

Although not yet officially confirmed for our market, it is widely-tipped to come here because it is manufactured in right-hand-drive for other countries.

Powering the Sealion 7 is a choice of 71.8kWh or 80.6kWh battery packs, matched with single or dual electric motors developing up to 390kW.

The all-wheel-drive variant is rated for up to 550km of driving range under the more lenient Chinese CLTC testing, while the long-range, rear-wheel-drive grade shifts to 610km.

Cadillac – owned by US car giant General Motors – is preparing to launch in Australia and New Zealand in late 2024 with the Lyriq large electric SUV.

Pricing for the Lyriq has not yet been confirmed, but it's expected to be in line with rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi such as the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, as well as the Polestar 3.

The first examples are due in showrooms in the final months of this year.

The 2025 Genesis GV70 mid-sized luxury SUV was unveiled earlier this year, with the update bringing revised styling and new technology.

Local pricing is yet to be announced, though is expected closer to its launch in the final quarter of 2024.

It's currently available with a choice of 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.5-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engines.

Leading the changes for the facelift is a 27-inch OLED touchscreen, shared with the GV80.

Kia's hotly-anticipated EV5 fully-electric SUV – set to rival the popular Tesla Model Y – is due in local showrooms at the end of this year following some last-minute delays.

The mid-sized SUV was originally earmarked for a mid-year launch for the base and mid-spec Air and Earth grades, with the top-of-the-range GT-Line set to follow in late 2024, however, all three are now expected at the same time.

It was previously estimated the Kia EV5 – a mid-size SUV built in China – would start from less than $60,000 plus on-road costs, not far off a Tesla Model Y (which is currently $55,900 plus on-road costs).

The Kia EV5 is similar in size to the Sportage, while inside inspiration is drawn from the larger EV9. It will be offered with standard-range front-wheel drive, long-range front-wheel drive, and long-range all-wheel-drive variations.

The EV6 is set to gain a number of features from its closely-related EV9 sibling and Ioniq 5 cousin.

According to a Kia Australia spokesperson, the updated EV6 is due in Australian showrooms between October and December this year, pending any delays.

First to come will be the base Air and higher-spec GT-Line grades, with the top GT model arriving a few months behind.

Leading the changes is a larger 84kWh battery (up from 77.4kWh) good for up to 494km of rated driving range in South Korean testing – which is more stringent than the European WLTP standard.

There remains a choice of rear-wheel drive with one 168kW/350Nm electric motor, and all-wheel drive with dual motors developing 239kW/605Nm.

The popular Kia Sportage medium SUV is being updated for 2025, with a global debut expected in the coming months and an Australian arrival at some point next year.

At this stage very little is known about it because Kia has not yet released any information, however, the front is expected to mimic the design language seen on models such as the EV9, EV5 and Carnival.

The facelift is also likely to resemble that of its recently-updated twin-under-the-skin Hyundai Tucson.

Based on revisions to the Tucson – and other recent Kia models like the Sorento and Carnival – expect the Sportage to receive updated ccNC infotainment software for its 12.3-inch touchscreen, which is also likely to become standard across the range.

The first electrified version of Lamborghini's SUV is due in Australia early next year, following an arrival in overseas showrooms at the back end of 2024.

The plug-in hybrid, most powerful version to date making close to 600kW, will replace the two petrol-only models in the super SUV line-up.

The hybrid is priced from $457,834 plus on-road costs – more than the Urus S ($409,744) but less than the Urus Performante ($465,876).

Lamborghini claims "more than" 60km of electric-only driving range – which is available in all-wheel-drive mode, and speeds up to 130km/h.

Leapmotor, a new Chinese brand launching under the Stellantis banner, is launching in Australia this year – bringing two electric cars for our market.

One of these is the C10 Tesla Model Y-sized SUV, which has five seats and driving range ratings of 410km or 530km from 52.9kWh or 69.9kWh battery packs in its home market under the more lenient CLTC Chinese testing.

However, the version destined for Europe is planned to offer a 420km WLTP driving range rating.

All domestic C10 models use a 170kW/320Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, and claim to be capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.3 seconds, along with a 30 to 80 per cent fast charge in approximately 30 minutes.

Local pricing and specifications for the new entrant are yet to be announced.

The Leapmotor C16 is yet to be officially confirmed for Australia, but it could follow the C10 arriving in our market next year.

It's a large SUV available with plug-in hybrid and fully-electric powertrains, with the latter overseas bearing a CLTC-rated driving range of 520km.

The luxury twin to the new Toyota Prado, the 2025 Lexus GX is due to arrive on our shores imminently – coming in three model grades with a choice of five or seven seats.

Although previous versions have been sold overseas, this will be the first time the model is built in right-hand drive for it to be sold in Australia.

A twin-turbo 260kW/650Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6 will be offered as standard, matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with pricing set to begin at $116,000 before on-road costs.

The Lexus line-up will consist of three grades – the entry-level Luxury, mid-spec Overtrail, and flagship Sports Luxury.

One of Mazda's four 'Large Architecture' six-cylinder SUVs is the 2025 Mazda CX-70 – due by the end of this year.

It is a five-seat SUV similar to the CX-60 introduced last year, but it shares its 'wide-body' design with the seven-seat CX-90.

Australia will be one of the few right-hand drive markets to sell the CX-70, where it will be offered with a choice of 3.3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines from the CX-90, matched with an eight-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

Alongside its smaller CX-70 stablemate, the 2025 Mazda CX-80 is also due to arrive at the end of 2024, though it's a seven-seat SUV based on the CX-60.

The CX-80 is to the CX-60 mid-size SUV what today's CX-8 is to the CX-5 – a long-body version designed to accommodate a third row of seats, but without the wider footprint of a CX-9 or CX-90.

Prices are yet to be announced for the CX-80, however it is expected to command a premium over the smaller CX-60 – which is priced from $59,800 to $85,675 plus on-road costs in Australia.

Australian buyers will be offered a choice of turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combining a 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder with an electric motor to produce 241kW and 500Nm.

All are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and use Mazda’s standard all-wheel-drive system.

Arriving first in petrol form, it is set to be followed by plug-in hybrid and traditional hybrid versions next year.

The all-new model comes standard with dual 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment as well as a full list of advanced safety technology.

Pricing starts from $33,990 drive-away, with three grades offered – the Vibe, Excite and Essence.

Powering the petrol HS is a reworked 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine sending 125kW and 275Nm (up 6kW/25Nm) to the front wheels, matched with a seven-speed 'wet' dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The entire Mitsubishi Outlander mid-sized SUV line-up is due to get a facelift next year, with the biggest changes to be applied to the plug-in hybrid variant.

Mitsubishi also says the upgraded Outlander will also be available with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen.

A second facelift for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport arrived in Australia earlier in 2024, which is expected to be the last before the all-new model arrives in 2025.

Drive understands the new Pajero Sport is on track for showrooms as a model year 2026 vehicle, which would suggest a global reveal in the second half of next year.

Nissan unveiled its new off-road SUV, confirming new looks, a more potent powertrain, and a late-2026 Australian-market introduction.

However, the new Patrol swaps the 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8 for a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 derived from the GT-R supercar. It has 317kW/700Nm at its disposal, while a new automatic gearbox with nine speeds (up from seven) is also added.

For 2025, the Patrol features a more upmarket aesthetic, but remains boxy and tough in its proportions – with safety also a focus.

The third-generation Peugeot 3008 family SUV is due on our shores in early 2025, coming in petrol mild-hybrid form as well as the E-3008 electric version.

The 48-volt mild-hybrid 3008 will be offered locally with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol, also found in the smaller 308 and 2008 models, delivering 100kW/230Nm.

While, from launch, the E-3008 is set to be limited to a standard-range, front-wheel-drive model with a 157kW/345Nm front electric motor and a 73kWh battery pack, delivering 525 kilometres of WLTP-rated driving range.

The 2024 Polestar 3 was the first SUV to be launched by Volvo's electric car off-shoot brand last year, but for 2025 a new entry-level single-motor variant has been added to the line-up.

For those worried about range anxiety, the new Long Range Single Motor – due to open for orders shortly – has a longer WLTP driving range rating of 650km.

The single-motor version is powered by a 220kW/490Nm electric motor on the rear axle, while the existing Long Range Dual Motor has an additional one on the front axle to make 360kW/840Nm combined.

The Long Range Dual Motor, however, bears a driving range rating of 631km on the WLTP cycle. Both utilise a 111kWh battery pack.

Orders are due to open imminently for the new variant, with deliveries already being made to customers in Europe.

Joining its larger Polestar 3 sibling, the Polestar 4 is an electric SUV similar in size to the Tesla Model Y.

The range consists of two variants: the Long Range Single Motor and Long Range Dual Motor.

Since the new model arrived in local showrooms in August, it has already been given a price cut of up to $4700 – now starting $3000 cheaper at $78,500 plus on-road costs for the Long Range Single Motor version in order to put it below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold.

The bigger reduction has been given to the Long Range Dual Motor Polestar 4, which was previously announced at $93,050 but is now $4700 less at $88,350 before on-road costs.

The Porsche Macan line-up is going electric-only for Australia in 2025.

First to come are the Macan 4 and Turbo, followed by a rear-wheel-drive base model simply named 'Macan', and a middle-of-the-range, all-wheel-drive Macan 4S.

Prices start from $128,400 plus on-road costs for Porsche's new rear-drive Macan, $6000 less than the Macan 4 – but still $33,300 dearer than the cheapest version of its petrol predecessor.

The first examples of the Macan base and 4S variants are due in Australia in the first half of 2025 – with orders open now – after the 4 and Turbo commence local customer deliveries by the end of this year.

The 2025 Skoda Enyaq SUV will be the first electric car from the Czech manufacturer, due in Australia in October following delays.

Skoda Australia has confirmed two model grades are planned: a long-range, rear-wheel-drive Enyaq 85, and a high-performance, all-wheel-drive Enyaq RS flagship.

The Enyaq 85 is powered by a 210kW electric motor on the rear axle, and a 77kWh battery pack offering either 576km of WLTP driving range rating in the Coupe, or 565km for the wagon.

Meanwhile, the Enyaq RS develops 250kW from two electric motors and carries 547km and 541km of WLTP driving range ratings in the Coupe and wagon respectively.

Skoda revealed the first new Kodiaq in seven years in 2023, featuring a larger body and new technology – due to arrive in Australia next year.

The second generation of Skoda's largest SUV is now more similar in size to the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-8 and other seven-seaters – and has also gained new technology, fresh styling, and more powerful engines.

Though local pricing and specification have yet to be announced, from launch in early 2025, Australia will be offered a single 150kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Australian model gets seven seats – with a five-seat version available in Europe.

A new generation of the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq RS seven-seat performance SUV has been locked in for Australia by the middle of next year.

While local specification has yet to be confirmed, the most likely candidate under the bonnet is the new 195kW version of Volkswagen and Skoda's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

It is expected to be matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The new Kodiaq RS is due in local showrooms in the second quarter of 2025, following the arrival of the regular version at the end of 2024.

Emerging Chinese car maker Skywell is preparing to bring a new mid-sized electric SUV to our market later this year or early next.

Two out of three variants will use a 72kWh battery with a 400km driving range rating, while the top-of-the-range model is planned for 490km from an 86kWh battery.

In overseas markets, all models are powered by a 150kW front electric motor.

Imported by Australian firm EV Automotive, it is expected to be rebranded as the EVA 5 locally. It's the first passenger car from Skywell, which normally specialises in trucks, vans and buses.

Smart is back in Australia, and no longer as just a micro city-car brand, but three conventionally sized electric vehicles launching for our market.

Following the #1 and #3, the recently-revealed #5 is an adventure-focused SUV and the brand's largest-ever vehicle.

It's due in Australia in late 2025 and will be powered by a 100kWh battery, with a driving range rating of 740km using the more lenient CLTC Chinese testing standard.

Subaru's next-generation Forester medium SUV is scheduled to arrive in Australia in 2025, bringing an upgraded hybrid system alongside a petrol version.

While the Forester is largely just a reskin of the existing model, the hybrid is set to ditch Subaru's in-house technology for batteries and electric motors sourced from Toyota.

Alongside hybrid technology, the Forester will get new safety technology, new infotainment, and a slightly larger body.

Specifications for Australian vehicles are still to be confirmed, though US models are powered by a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder ‘boxer’ petrol engine mated to a continuously-variable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Due in local showrooms between October and December this year, the new Prado continues to feature a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, also found in the HiLux ute, with unchanged outputs of 150kW and 500Nm.

However, it now features a form of 48 volt mild-hybrid tech and paired with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission – replacing the previous six-speed unit.

Starting from $72,500 before on-road costs for the entry-level GX, prices stretch up to $99,990 for the flagship Kakadu – costing on average $10,000 more than its predecessor.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 SUV will be the first electric VW to come to Australia, debuting in ID.4 Pro form.

The ID.4 Pro features a single electric motor, sending 210kW and 545Nm to the rear wheels, with a WLTP-rated driving range of 544 kilometres.

It's due in local showrooms in December 2024, following delays.

Arriving alongside it is the coupe version, the ID.5, also due to launch in December – with a high-performance variant, the ID.5 GTX, leading the model's introduction.

The dual-motor ID.5 GTX carries the same 544-kilometre driving range, but has 250kW/679Nm sent to all four wheels.

Australia will get an all-new Tiguan next year, with buyers able to choose from three turbocharged petrol engines – the 110TSI, 150TSI, and 195TSI – when the new model launches.

The new Tiguan will be offered as a five-seater only in Australia, with the seven-seat Allspace likely to be replaced by the Tayron late next year.

Plans for a future plug-in hybrid variant remain unclear, while the popular Tiguan R has been axed from the local line-up.

The 2025 Volvo EX90 will be the Swedish brand's flagship vehicle, an electric, seven-seat SUV due to arrive in Australia in late 2024.

The successor to Volvo's petrol-powered XC90, the EX90 will be sourced from China.

It will launch in all-wheel-drive form, with two electric motors and a 111kWh battery combining to develop 380kW and 910Nm, capable of up to 600km of claimed driving range on Europe's WLTP test cycle.

The EX90 is the first Volvo to support bi-directional charging, allowing the car's battery to power a home, small electrical devices, or another electric Volvo model.

However, the capability won't be available from launch and will only be for "selected markets".

Another Chinese SUV looking to take on the Tesla Model Y in the electric SUV sales race is the 2024 XPeng G6.

First to arrive will be two rear-wheel-drive variants at the back end of this year, with an all-wheel-drive Performance grade due in showrooms in 2025.

The entry-level G6 Standard Range is powered by a 66kWh battery and 190kW/440Nm electric motor for 435km of claimed driving range in WLTP testing, and the Long Range gets an 87.5kWh battery and 210kW/440Nm motor for a 570km.

The XPeng G9 has been confirmed as the second model coming to Australia from the Chinese firm – an example having been brought over for local testing and previews in recent months.

It's similar in size to a Hyundai Santa Fe or Toyota Kluger, but with five seats rather than seven.

Little else is known about the G9 at this point in time, though its driving range is also rated at 570km on the WLTP cycle, and XPeng claims an all-wheel-drive version will be able to go from 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds.

According to XPeng's importer, TrueEV, it will arrive locally towards the end of 2025.

Zeekr, owned by Volvo and Polestar’s Chinese parent company Geely, is coming to Australia later this year – launching with its 009 people-mover and X small SUV.

However, following closely behind will be its 7X SUV, slightly larger than a Tesla Model Y, using underpinnings from other models in the Zeekr range as well as from Volvo's EX30.

Limited technical information has been published by Zeekr, though Chinese Government documents show there are three model grades available, with the cheapest said to use a 310kW electric motor powering the rear wheels, and a 75kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

A mid-spec variant is thought to combine the 310kW rear motor with a 100kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, meanwhile the top-of-the-range version is listed with all-wheel drive and 475kW using the same battery.

A born-and-bred newshound, Kathryn has worked her way up through the ranks reporting for, and later editing, two renowned UK regional newspapers and websites, before moving on to join the digital newsdesk of one of the world’s most popular newspapers – The Sun. More recently, she’s done a short stint in PR in the not-for-profit sector, and led the news team at Wheels Media.

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