Buying a new SUV is a big decision. With more choice than ever before, Australian buyers now have more options across every price point — from affordable family SUVs to premium models packed with luxury features.

The Australian SUV market has changed significantly in recent years. Alongside established favourites like Mazda, Toyota, Kia and Ford, newer brands including Jaecoo, Omoda, GWM and Chery are challenging traditional manufacturers with impressive technology, competitive pricing and generous equipment levels.

Whether you’re looking for the best family SUV, best hybrid SUV, best value SUV, or a premium upgrade, there are more options available than ever before.

To help you find the right vehicle, we’ve rounded up some of the best new SUVs to buy in Australia in 2026 and what makes each one worth considering.

Mazda CX-60 – Best Premium SUV Without the Luxury Price Tag

The Mazda CX-60 is designed for buyers who want something more premium than a traditional family SUV, without stepping into luxury-brand pricing.

Positioned above the popular Mazda CX-5, the CX-60 brings a more refined driving experience with premium materials, advanced technology and powerful engine choices, including petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options.

Unlike many medium SUVs, the CX-60 is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, giving it a more engaging drive while still offering the comfort, practicality and safety features expected from a family vehicle.

For buyers comparing SUVs like the BMW X3, Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC, the Mazda CX-60 provides an alternative that blends premium design with strong value.

Key highlights:

• Rear-wheel-drive platform for a more engaging drive
• Available plug-in hybrid powertrain
• Premium Japanese interior design
• Six-cylinder engine options
• Advanced safety technology

Kia Sportage – Best Family SUV

The Kia Sportage continues to be one of Australia’s most popular medium SUVs, combining practicality, technology and value into a package that suits everyday family life.

With a spacious interior, generous boot space and a strong list of standard features, the Sportage is designed around what Australian families need — whether that’s school runs, commuting or weekend road trips.

Available with petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains, buyers can choose the model that best fits their lifestyle, while Kia’s long warranty provides additional ownership confidence.

Key highlights:

• Spacious cabin and large cargo area
• Hybrid option available
• Kia’s industry-leading warranty
• Modern infotainment and safety technology
• Comfortable everyday driving experience

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Best Hybrid SUV

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid remains one of Australia’s most sought-after SUVs thanks to its combination of fuel efficiency, reliability and practicality.

For buyers looking to reduce fuel costs without moving to a fully electric vehicle, Toyota’s proven hybrid technology provides a simple and reliable solution.

While newer competitors have introduced more technology and bold designs, the RAV4 continues to win buyers through its reputation for durability, strong resale value and low running costs.

Key highlights:

• Proven Toyota hybrid technology
• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Strong resale value
• Practical family-friendly design
• Low ownership costs

Jaecoo J7 – Best New SUV to Watch

The Australian SUV market is changing, and Jaecoo is one of the newest brands attracting attention from buyers.

The Jaecoo J7 combines bold SUV styling with a premium-inspired interior, advanced technology and impressive levels of standard equipment.

For buyers who may have traditionally considered brands like Toyota, Mazda or Hyundai, the J7 shows how quickly newer manufacturers are closing the gap.

With hybrid technology, modern design and competitive pricing, Jaecoo is a brand worth watching as it continues to grow in Australia.

Key highlights:

• Premium-inspired SUV design
• Super Hybrid technology available
• Large digital cockpit
• High level of standard equipment
• Strong value compared with established rivals

GWM Haval H6 – Best Value SUV

GWM has become one of Australia’s fastest-growing automotive brands by offering feature-packed vehicles at competitive prices.

The Haval H6 is a strong contender in the medium SUV segment, delivering a spacious interior, modern technology and hybrid options while competing against popular models like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage.

Rather than competing purely on price, the Haval H6 focuses on giving buyers more features for their money.

Key highlights:

• Hybrid option available
• Feature-packed interior
• Competitive pricing
• Spacious passenger cabin
• Strong warranty offering

Lexus NX – Best Luxury Hybrid SUV

The Lexus NX is a premium medium SUV that combines luxury, technology and efficiency, making it an appealing upgrade for buyers wanting something more refined than a mainstream SUV.

Built by Toyota’s luxury brand, the NX delivers the premium cabin experience expected from a luxury vehicle while benefiting from Lexus’ reputation for reliability and available hybrid technology.

With a comfortable ride, high-quality interior finishes and a focus on quiet, refined driving, the Lexus NX is a strong alternative to European luxury SUVs like the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Key highlights:

• Available hybrid powertrain for improved efficiency
• Premium Lexus craftsmanship and interior quality
• Advanced safety and driver assistance technology
• Quiet, comfortable driving experience
• Strong reputation for reliability and ownership costs

Omoda 9 – Best Technology-Focused SUV

Omoda is one of Australia’s newest automotive brands, and the Omoda 9 showcases how quickly emerging manufacturers are changing expectations around SUV features.

The Omoda 9 offers bold styling, a premium-inspired interior and technology features usually associated with more expensive vehicles.

One of its more unique features is an integrated cabin fragrance system, allowing drivers to customise the atmosphere inside the vehicle — a feature rarely seen outside luxury vehicles.

Key highlights:

• Integrated cabin fragrance system
• Advanced digital displays
• Premium-style interior design
• Hybrid powertrain technology
• Extensive standard features

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro – Best Affordable SUV

Chery has quickly built momentum in Australia by focusing on value, technology and generous equipment levels.

The Tiggo 7 provides buyers with a well-equipped SUV experience at a competitive price, making it an appealing option for those wanting a new vehicle without moving into a higher price bracket.

It also demonstrates how much competition newer brands are bringing to the Australian market.

Key highlights:

• Competitive pricing
• High level of standard equipment
• Modern interior technology
• Long warranty coverage
• Practical SUV design

Ford Everest – Best Family Adventure SUV

The Ford Everest has become one of Australia’s most popular SUVs for buyers who need space, capability and confidence both on and off the road.

Based on the Ford Ranger platform, the Everest combines rugged capability with the comfort and technology expected from a modern family SUV.

With seven seats, impressive towing capacity and available four-wheel drive capability, it is designed for families who want an SUV that can handle everything from daily driving to long-distance adventures.

Key highlights:

• Seven-seat practicality
• Strong towing capability
• Ranger-based platform
• Available four-wheel drive
• Excellent touring capability

Best New SUVs in Australia 2026 Comparison

Find Your Next SUV Deal with Motor Scout

Once you’ve found the SUV that suits your lifestyle, Motor Scout can help you find the right deal.

Motor Scout compares offers from dealers across Australia, negotiates on your behalf and helps make buying your next new car simple.

Whether you’re considering a Mazda CX-60, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Jaecoo J7, GWM Haval H6, Genesis GV70, Omoda 9 or Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Motor Scout helps you compare your options and buy with confidence.

Find your next SUV with Motor Scout and let us help you secure a competitive deal.