A number of comments have asked "What about Car XYZ?" The video says very early on that we tested 14 cars and these are the top five, but if you want to read details on the other nine and why they didn't make it to video stage, you can do so here www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/best-mid-size-suv-2024-the-other-contenders-145500/
The best SUVs in this class are from Mazda , CX5 and CX50 . By skipping them you are embracing your car knowledge so watching your channel is a waste of time , good bye.
I am so satisfied with my RAV 4 hybrid (2023). It is currently giving me 5.4 L/100 KM, which is just fantastic. Keen to see if Toyota brings in the RAV 4 PHEV with a 200 km range on just electric power. 😀
4 weeks ago I’ve got my KIA Sportage PHEV SX (in Europe GT-Line), fully loaded version, just the metallic colour was extra. It’s not really a bargain but the equivalent is a premium like SUV that gives you the premium feeling from A to Z. I think I did the right thing buying this one.
Let's be honest. Beyond all the gimmicks and fancy stuff thrown in to lure buyers- what matters most in a car is the engine, transmission, ride/handling and reliability- that's where Japanese cars shine compared to Korean Cars and Toyota is the leader followed by Mazda and Honda which are equally good after it. Proud owner of a RAV4 Edge Hybrid here - love it! Only gripe is the CVT being loud when you accelerate uphill.
Review incorrectly states that the Honda CR-V VTi L7 has a 360 degree camera though no current Honda CRV models come with a 360 degree camera, it’s not even an option! Reversing camera only. Lack of a 360 degree camera, especially on an all new CR-V model range, could be a deal breaker for some people.
@@BluePandaa284 Personally, for Japanese and Korean car makers, engine noise will always be an issue in comparison to German makers. But this is also due to the fact that German cars generally have bigger engines. It's like asking an athlete to take a jog. Nonetheless, I think the diesel sportage (I have it) doesn't make too much sound. It rides very comfortably and can sit at 100km/hr which still allows me to talk to a passenger without raising my voice (normal voice sound). If you hammer the throttle from a red light, I think all cars will start roaring. The engine is also more responsive if you were to put it in sport mode.
The Mazda brand has shifted its marketing to try and target a more "luxurious" market despite its reputation as a Japanese (reliable) car maker. The CX5 has a lot of tech and the materials are exceptional for a midsize SUV. However, all cars tested in this video are classed as "midsized." Meaning, actually, the CX5 is unfortunately smaller than a lot of its competitors whilst offering quite a high price tag. It's probably closest in dimensions to the Honda ZRV, which also offers more or less the same tech (heating steering wheel, heated back seats). The CX5 however has a HUD and a larger infotainment system. I think it really just what floats your boat. If you want a less family friendly sized car because you prefer the quality of the interior, then the CX5 is definitely the way to go. But the majority of people prefer a car with slightly subpar technology but for bigger size. In this case: Nissan X trail, Kia Sportage, and Toyota Rav 4. Midsize SUVs are generally perfect for newly starting families, and so some of the technology the CX5 offers (such as heated rear seats) are not as relevant compared to the actual dimensions of the car. The CX5 is also comparitvely slow, which means consumers often opt for the turbo line, which also has poor fuel economy. But again, ultimately, everyone is free to have their own personalized score sheet and if you weigh some parts more than others, there's no reason why the CX5 can't be your winner :))
@@TravelFreeBird exactly! very well explained why Mazda is not on that list, I cant find any reason why people buy it except some people like design, how it looks like.
The mere fact that the RAV4 offers less interior features than the competition and still outsells them all to become the No. 1 best-selling SUV worldwide just goes to show how superior Toyota's reliability is. Their brand value is simply unmatched.
Where Tesla has developed 'The Cult Of Tesla' with their evangelical follower's always reminding everyone "I bought a Tesla", Toyota has their 'sheeple' who blindly follow them due to a carefully crafted reputation for reliability and resale (the best spin Doctors a marketing budget can buy). But what lies behind the cloak of reputation. Design? It's subjective, but what exactly is Toyota's design language? It's amazing how a car can have weird angles and shelf like tail lights but at the same time be as bland as an Aussie families spaghetti bolognaise from the 1970's. It's like the worldwide Taxi Industry drew up blueprints for the ultimate utilitarian passenger delivery apparatus and Toyota stole the plans and built the Camry. Practicality? Have you opened a rear door on a Corolla? It opens about as far as George Costanza's wallet when it's his turn to pay. The highest selling small car in the world for decades is nearly impossible to get in to the back of . . . and yet it's favoured by older people. Why? Because someone said Toyota has a good reputation.
@@planetcountryradio8622well I'm my country they're thousands of 1990s corollas on the road currently about 50 % of the cars are corollas simply because they work and give very few problems and parts are easy to come by
This was a great video - although would love more explanation on why the Tucson had to “drop out at the last minute”… couldn’t find it in the linked article either.
@@wosamosman9814 I live in Victoria and often travel to Tassie and Canberra in the dead of Winter. In no case are heated seats needed. I've spent much time in Alaska and far northern Europe and Briton. Only there are heated seats appreciated. Thanks for posting,
I really like my Sportage Hybrid SX prestige, and it does have a heated steering wheel. But I guess different markets get different versions. The US doesn't get the diesel.
I really don’t understand why the Honda ZRV was included in this comparison. It is measurably smaller, especially in boot capacity, than the other genuine midsize SUV’s. Surely the only accurate way to categorise SUVs is by size. That definitely disqualifies it.
The ZR-V is categorised as a mid-size SUV so warranted inclusion and we're glad it was. As the video explains, its smaller dimensions don't really penalise it in terms of interior space and while the boot is a little smaller, it's still very practical. Size may discount it for some people, but it'll be more than adequate for most.
Regarding Nadine's throw-away comment that the X-Trail e-Power would (and IMO definitely does) address the shortcomings of the boat-anchor 2.5 fitted to conventional X-Trails. The e-Power X-Trail (and Qashqai) do not have a "petrol power-train". This is a misleading statement from a person who clearly hasn't done her homework, because the e-Power drive-train is all electric. The 1.5 litre 3 cylinder VCR petrol engine is not part of the power-train. It is purely a generator and plays no mechanical role in propelling the car. Nissans e-Power system whilst revolutionary (and widely misunderstood and misrepresented) in Australia, has been powering cars in Japan since 2017. However, I agree that the 2.5 engine in 'conventional' X Trails is a sad relic in this company. I believe that Nissan are taking the you-know-what by even thinking they can get away with this ancient power-plant in 2024. Which is why I bought an X-Trail e-Power...Just saying...
Styling is everything for me… And the two Hondas are the winner.. Kia is good too but a little over the top.. I wish with all that winner features, Rav 4 could have used a better exterior styling, the worst is Nissan which doesn’t even try to excel in this category.
How did X-Trail with asthmatic 2.5 NA engine and CVT transmission got 16 out of 20 in performance section of this review on your website, same as CX5 2.5l turbo? 😂
We had every intention of getting a Forester. My friend owns a dealership but I didn't care for the seats. Too narrow and too short in the seat. They could use some power too. The Ascent was super comfortable but my sister's eats gas and the turbo 4 just doesn't cut it.
While everyone says diesel should be banned, what does it mean that diesel engines are champions in all car comparison videos? I think Australia is quite confused about diesel cars.
According to Carsales other competitors, the ride quality is also poor, the engine is underwhelming in both performance and efficiency and rear seat space is relatively tight. 😢😢😢
Mitsubishi Outlander is not included? Isn't ZRV is a small SUV? I am sorry to say, review is not good enough to find a perfect mid size SUV car. If I were to review, I would select top 5-7 models excluding those which are not updated (face lift or new models) recently including EU models as well. And my review would be based on following things: 1) Practicality, style and design 2) Cost of ownership and on going maintenance, 3) safety, reliability and long term reliability 4) Fuel efficiency 5) Technology and other extra features. Days are gone where people buy foolishly due to high cost of everything.
The Mitzi failed in terms of comfort and overall engine performance, the Nissan is a better package especially with refinement and comfort however smaller.
Outlander was tested but didn't make the top five, check out the article in the pinned comment for the verdict on that. As for the CX-90, that's far, far too big and expensive to be included here. If you mean CX-60, again that's beyond the price point.
You can read about the other contenders in more detail here: www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/best-mid-size-suv-2024-the-other-contenders-145500/?__source=editorialArticle&driver_crosssell=editorial.in.article.link
What do they mean by "the hyundai tucson fell over at the last minute"? Does that mean they couldn't test it? I'm quite curious to hear how the tucson would stack up
The Forester is not in the top 5? It's one of the best all round medium sized SUV on the market. Sure it's getting a little long in the tooth and a new model is due next year but it could compete against this lot without to much fuss. Go a little off the beaten track and I know what I would want to be driving.
Really, no Mazda CX5, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander and VW Tiguan! Seriously, this isn't the best mid size suv. PS. Having two Hondas just sums it all up - not fair.
All those cars were tested bar the Escape, which is no longer offered in Australia sadly, and the Tucson which is just about to be updated. Check out the article in the pinned comment for how they performed and why they didn't make the top five.
Maybe in the 2025 if you wait and get the next gen model, and if an only if, it’s an XT 2.4T version. CR-V wins easily for space and arguably style and it is nippy & frugal in E:HEV hybrid form, the ZR-V is better to drive but lacks space and sunroof and is butt ugly, performance from the X-Trail E:Power AWD twin electric motor is mind blowing for a plump mid size SUV and will easily blow away any of these other cars. Kia Sportage with a problematic 1.6T and dual clutch auto manual ….. yeah nah. RAV-4 is obviously great but archaic. If you’re renting one …. go the X-Trail E:Power …. it’s great fun and smashes the Outback XT in a sprint up to at least 80km/h. E:Power X-Trail 0-100, 6.5 sec, 2.5L X-Trail 10 sec.
thanks for review.. Why aren't you giving specs for boot space in liters..? not even in a table? saying this boot is slightly larger than the other car ,doesn't mean much.
They are given in their respective reviews, which you can find here: Kia Sportage: www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/kia-sportage-2022-long-term-review-137914/?__source=editorialArticle&driver_crosssell=editorial.in.article.link Honda ZR-V 2023: www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/honda-zr-v-2023-review-141650/?__source=editorialArticle&driver_crosssell=editorial.in.article.link Toyota RAV4: www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/toyota-rav4-xse-2wd-hybrid-2022-review-138672/?__source=editorialArticle&driver_crosssell=editorial.in.article.link Nissan X-TRAIL: www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/nissan-x-trail-2022-review-138586/?__source=editorialArticle&driver_crosssell=editorial.in.article.link Honda CR-V: www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/honda-cr-v-2023-review-142962/?__source=editorialArticle&driver_crosssell=editorial.in.article.link
Does the Rav 4 edge hybrid have heads up display? Im curious about the baby forerunner coming out as well.. Reliability and parts is a go for Toyota for me.. Kia does have the nicer dash however. I wish Toyota made a diesel hybrid mid suv…
@@carsales I guess the Kia is still there at #1 or #2 but without a diesel variant. It really is a niche engine and when they are just used as family transport in the burbs, the longer term reliability becomes a real money drain. Even though the interior of the RAV4 is looking a little tired these days, hybrid economy and ride comfort are still far too compelling vs a petrol Sportage and it's fuel use.
Unfortunately, it hasn't changed in a long time, but the new gen coming up looks very promising, especially since it will have a toyota hybrid variant, which will make it extra competitive .
Ain't this biased? Where is the MG HS, the Chery Tiggo Pro 7, the Haval H6 or the H6 GT and the Mahindra? Or a few others like the Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Kodiak etc? Most unbiased review ever!
Funnily enough, watching the video answers your question. There's no MG HS press car, the Chery Tiggo Pro 7 wasn't made available, the Haval, Tiguan and Karoq were all tested and didn't make the final five. As for the Mahindra, it's in a much different price class.
I have looked at and driven all your top 3 my choice would be 1st RAV4 2nd Kia sportage 3rd ZRV. I HAVE ORDERD an XSE RAV4 10 months ago, yes the waiting time would turn a lot of people off.
The Outlander was tested but didn't make the top five, you can read why in the article in the pinned comment, but long story short poor ride quality and packaging.
