Our 5 SUV picks for hauling loads on the larger side
For some states around Australia it's time to get out to the Swedish furniture giant for more than their supremely delicious meatballs. Seriously though, try them when you’re there - every bite is inexplicably better than the last.
But right now, it might be just a little difficult (read: impossible) to fit it into your two-seater Smart car. So what do you do?
Upgrade to something bigger, of course! An SUV oughta get the job done. However, like all things in life, not all SUVs are built the same. To simplify your search, we’ve gone ahead and put together our top 5 picks for SUVs that’ll handle the most awkward-shaped flat-packs from Ikea you can throw at them (plus a lot of other stuff, too).
Taking into consideration not just how much space is available in the boot and overall rear area when the back seats are folded down, but also the styling, value for money and included features and tech, here are what we reckon are the top 5 SUVs for you to choose between right now (in no particular order).
1. Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series
Needless to say, the LandCruiser is a household name for unwavering reliability. No matter what you throw at it, it’ll just keep on chuggin’. And though the 200 Series is now making way for the upcoming (and highly anticipated) 300 Series, whether you buy a 200 now or hold off a few months for the newer model, you’re getting a vehicle that will never let you down. Packed with an abundance of tech to make the drive safer and more comfortable as well as an abundance of features, even in the base models, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a worthy opponent.
And when you throw in the fact that it provides a verging-on-ridiculous 2345 litres of space with the second-row seats folded down and third-row seats out of the picture, you’ll have zero issues fitting whatever flat-pack furniture you need to lug back home.
Prices start at $80,873* for the base model LandCruiser 200 Series.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe
This entry may surprise some of you who are right now thinking ‘A Hyundai? Seriously?’.
And I get your trepidation to a degree; historically they’ve been the car brand that was closest tied to the sound ‘meh’. But a lot’s changed in the last few years, friends. There has been something of a renaissance with the lineup of Hyundai vehicles.
And the Santa Fe, with its 2041 litres of boot space (with the second and third row seats down), uniquely rugged looks, plethora of tech (e.g. 10.25” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, etc.) and surprisingly decent grunt found in both the 2.2L turbo-diesel and 3.5L petrol engines, this is most definitely a Hyundai you’ll love to drive.
The base model Santa Fe is priced at $49,188* , but we can get you a great Hyundai new car deal right now.
3. Mazda CX-9
Stepping up to the plate is a model variant in one of Australia’s most popular vehicle lines, the CX series, is the Mazda CX-9. A 7-seater that boasts a very generous 2016 litres of cargo room - when all the seats behind driver and passenger have been folded flat, of course - plus a very economical (quoted) 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres fuel consumption via its 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and you can see why it’s such a top seller.
Starting from $47,990* for the front-wheel-drive Sport, it’s a solid choice as an all-rounder and we're sure to find you a great Mazda deal right now.
4. Ford Everest
If you’re someone who likes to get off the beaten track every now and then, and want a vehicle that’s incredibly capable both on- and off-road while delivering heaps of cargo space, it’s difficult to go past the Ford Everest.
Not only are you going to be able to fit 1796 litres’ worth of stuff in the back with the second and third row seats folded down, but will also love just how capable the Everest is no matter what kind of surface you’re driving on. Including everything from active park assist to front and rear parking sensors, over 3-tonne towing capacity (with trailer sway control) and so much more, it’s easy to see why it’s a favourite in Australia’s 4WD community.
Oh, and it looks like a beast too.
Prices start at $55,162* for the 3.2-litre turbo diesel RWD Ambiente, but we highly recommend forking out a few grand more and opting for the 2-litre bi-turbo diesel 4WD Trend for $67,974* Check out our latest Ford deals today!
5. Audi Q7
For those of you after a bit of luxury and sophistication mixed in with the capability factor, the Audi Q7 could be just what you’re looking for.
It’s a 7-seater with a pretty damn impressive amount of power - up to an explosive 250kW (0.100 in 5.9 seconds) from its 6-cylinder turbo with Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology. But that’s only the beginning of what it offers. Even the base model’s exterior and interior styling are top-shelf; it’s undeniable that this vehicle looks absolutely stunning front to back.
And exiting Ikea with all the flat-packs you need won’t stir a hint of panic in the Q7 either; you’ve got 2050 litres of space to fill up (with the second and third row seats flat).
You do pay for the privilege for the Audi Q7 - it’s got a starting driveaway price of just under $120,000*.
Give the hassles a wide berth and search for your new car at carconnect now
If you’ve made a decision and are ready to buy your new SUV, skip past all of the stresses and anxieties that come with negotiating and purchasing directly through a dealership and let us take care of everything for you.
With a nation-wide network of dealers at our fingertips, we’re able to put out a tender for you and receive their best possible prices for your new vehicle - whatever make and model you’re after. Then it’s up to you to decide which you’re happiest with, arrange payment and we can even take care of delivery to your home or place of work.
Yes, it really is that easy!
So what are you waiting for? Search for your new car today.
For any questions or if you’d like further information about how we can help you, please call us on 1300 880 008 or use our online contact form to send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.
