10 Best Medium SUVs Australia 2023

The medium SUV is the most popular car type on the market, and for good reason. They offer an outstanding balance between practicality and style, making them perfect for families or those who need extra space but don’t want to sacrifice aesthetics.

This market is one of the most competitive segments today, but there are some standout models set to make an impact in 2023. Here’s a look at the best medium SUVs coming to Australia in 2023.

1. Subaru Forester

2. Toyota RAV4

3. Mazda CX-5

4. Hyundai Tucson

5. Kia Seltos

6. Nissan X-Trail

7. Honda CR-V

8. Volkswagen Tiguan

9. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

10. Ford Escape

1. Subaru Forester

Ready for an adventure? The new Subaru Forester is better than ever, with more versatility, comfort, and efficiency. It features a 2.5-litre engine and CVT transmission, making it great for tackling country roads and city streets alike. The interior is spacious, with plenty of comfortable seating options, while the exterior has been given an aggressive facelift to make it stand out from the crowd.

Pros

• Impressive next-generation safety features
• Sporty and stylish design
• Spacious interior with comfortable seating options and heated front seats
• Best-in-class fuel economy

Cons

• Not as powerful as some competitors
• Sluggish acceleration
• Loud engine and road noise can be heard from the cabin at highway speeds

See Subaru Forester Listings On OnlyCars

2. Toyota RAV4 

Whether it's the rugged and refined AWD Limited, the adventurous Trail model, or the powerful and sporty Hybrid XSE, everyone can find their perfect Toyota RAV4. It comes with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine, providing plenty of power while still being economical on fuel. And with the stop-and-start engine system, city driving is made convenient.

The interior has been modernised and refined for 2023, offering great comfort and convenience features such as climate control air-conditioning, and satellite navigation.

Pros

• High levels of safety technology
• Great fuel economy
• Comfortable interior
• Tackle tough terrain with high-ground clearance

Cons

• Cabin gets noisy
• Interior could be considered dated

Browse Toyota RAV4 Listings On OnlyCars

3. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 has earned accolades such as the Top Safety Pick+ for the 9th consecutive year, propelling it into the ranks of the best medium SUVs. 

It has a 2.5L SkyActiv 4-cylinder engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and an iconic Sport Design to match. Red stitching accents, a dynamic front grille, and 19-inch black metallic alloy wheels - it certainly makes a statement. But it’s not just the aesthetics and fuel efficiency that make the CX-5 stand out. It also has a whole host of advanced safety features, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, and MyMazda app access.

Pros

• Powerful yet efficient engine
• Luxury interior and comfortable seating
• Attractive exterior styling
• Advanced safety features and technology 

Cons

• Limited cargo space
• Infotainment system lacks touchscreen functionality

Find Mazda CX-5 Listings On OnlyCars

4. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai TUCSON has gone through a revolutionary redesign for 2023. Modern touches such as angular body panels and bold, chiselled surfaces make it an attractive choice in the crowded medium SUV market.

It’s offered with a range of petrol and diesel engine options, plus optional all-wheel drive. Made for city driving, it has a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Step into the TUCSON cabin, and you’ll be greeted with a luxurious, open interior featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster plus a button-type shift-by-wire gear selector.

Pros

• Smooth ride quality
• Range of engine and drivetrain options
• Generous warranty
• Roomy interior

Cons

• Not the most powerful engine in its class 
• Touch-style centre stack controls may be distracting

See Hyundai Tucson Listings On OnlyCars

5. Kia Seltos

The new Kia Seltos is all about tech and safety, featuring a range of driver assistance features such as lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking. It’s powered by either a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol or diesel engine, with the option of all-wheel drive for added grip in slippery conditions. 

Inside, there’s plenty of space for five adults to stretch out and enjoy the ride, and plenty of cargo room. The Seltos also comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and ambient mood lighting.

Pros

• Plenty of features included
• Spacious interior with plenty of storage options
• Distinctive styling

Cons

• Clunky dual-clutch transmission
• Base engine can be sluggish
• Front seats could be more comfortable

See The 10 Best Large SUVs

6. Nissan X-Trail

A family favourite that’s been around for 21 years, the Nissan X-Trail has been given a makeover for 2023. It’s now more stylish and refined than ever before, with a refreshed exterior design and LED headlights, plus a choice of either a 2.5-litre petrol or 1.6-litre diesel engine for added efficiency and power. 

You’ll love the clever storage solutions dotted throughout the cabin – perfect for long road trips. But the most unique feature? The X-Trail’s E-Pedal, which allows you to accelerate and brake using just one pedal.

Pros

• Well constructed cabin
• Up-to-date tech and design
• Seven-seater option

Cons

• Too many alerts from ProPilot
• More expensive than others in the class

Check Out Nissan X-Trail Listings On OnlyCars

7. Honda CR-V

We’d describe the Honda CR-V as an all-rounder thanks to its blend of performance, passenger space and comfort. The latest model has been given a few upgrades, including improved suspension and more efficient powertrains to help keep running costs down.

The honeycomb grille makes a memorable first impression and functions well, too – with an active shutter to enhance aerodynamics. Add on the dependable wheels and Honda Sensing Technologies for peace of mind, and we’ve got ourselves a winner.

Pros 

• Above-average fuel economy 
• Roomy interior 
• Standard active safety tech 

Cons 

• Dated infotainment system
• No diesel engine option

See Honda CR-V Listings On OnlyCars

8. Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is like a family’s second home, filled with clever technology and plenty of space. It’s also one of the better-equipped SUVs in its class, featuring a host of driver assistance systems as standard. There are two petrol engines for you to choose from – both of which are surprisingly efficient – and an optional all-wheel drive system.

Pros 

• Spacious interior with plenty of headroom and legroom
• High levels of safety equipment as standard
• Upscale interior with plenty of high-end materials

Cons

• Infotainment system can be difficult to use
• Ride quality could be improved

Browse Volkswagen Tiguan Listings On OnlyCars

9. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid SUV that’s ideal for city driving, with great range to take you farther out. It combines a 2.4-litre petrol engine with two electric motors to deliver low emissions and excellent efficiency. 

The Outlander PHEV also has plenty of room for passengers and luggage, plus it comes with all the latest driver assistance systems and a protection essentials pack as standard.

Pros

• Low fuel costs
• Excellent safety equipment
• Spacious interior with lots of cargo space

Cons

• Unimpressive interior styling
• Noisy engine when pushed hard

Find Mitsubishi Outlander Listings On OnlyCars

10. Ford Escape

Your perfect escape awaits you. With the Ford Escape’s sleek design, efficient engines and plenty of tech, it’s a great alternative to more traditional SUVs. 

You also get a choice of petrol or diesel powertrains, plus an optional all-wheel drive system for extra grip in slippery conditions. You'll also stay connected with the Escape’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system without being overwhelmed by a complicated user interface.

Pros

• Strong performance from the EcoBoost engines
• Good value for money
• Upscale interior with plenty of tech

Cons

• Cabin full of hard plastics
• Poor handling precision

Final Thoughts 

Whether for road-tripping, commuting or just running errands, these 10 medium SUVs are sure to make an impression on the Australian market in 2023. Varied, just like their owners, they offer a great combination of style, practicality and efficiency that will make them popular amongst many.

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