Best Value SUVs 2015

These are the SUVs that should cost you the least to own over three years. This has been calculated by Wheels using fuel economy, maintenance and insurance costs, and the sum you can expect to lose in depreciation. Cars also get points for the length of their warranties. To read about the brains behind the formula, please click here to visit Wheels.

BEST VALUE BABY SUVS

1. Mazda CX-3 Neo

Sub-compact SUVs – we’re calling them ‘baby’ because ‘compact’ now means medium – have sparked the SUV segment in 2015. Mazda’s CX-3 is the coolest looking, and fun to drive. It also offers the best value. Keen pricing works with a resale figure among best in category to make the Mazda unstoppable. Never mind that the front-drive CX-3 won’t venture much further off road than a gravel driveway. It’s one of those rare creations that’s trendy yet sensible, and desirable yet affordable.

2. Peugeot 2008 Active

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3. Ford EcoSport Ambiente

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BEST VALUE COMPACT SUVS UNDER $45K

1. Mazda CX-5 Maxx FWD

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Compact SUVs have become better value as they’ve grown in popularity, improving economy and shedding superfluous features to lower entry costs. In the base CX-5, the smaller 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder works because it also does away with the AWD system of pricier versions, reducing weight and transmission losses. The cheapest CX-5 isn’t the least expensive of the soft-roaders considered for the category, but its resale is the best.

2. Kia Sportage Si

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3. Hyundai Tucson Active

BEST VALUE COMPACT SUVS UNDER $70K

1. Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring diesel

Moving into this higher price bracket served to capture premium SUVs that previously lived in the Premium/Crossover category, but the classy Euros struggled to match the value equation of this high-spec Japanese wagon. At the Grand Touring level, the CX-5 is admirably well equipped with safety and convenience kit, and boasts all-wheel drive, a slick auto and the choice of petrol or diesel motivation.

2. Range Rover Evoque Pure

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3. Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI Sport Quattro

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BEST VALUE MEDIUM SUVS

Kia Sorento Si

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You can buy any number of seven-seat SUVs for less than $40K, which makes them great value in terms of shifting bums on a budget. The Sorento is a tick more, at $40,990, but it retains 64 percent of your initial outlay over the first three years. That’s a great figure, much better than its 9.9L/100km economy (though at least it’s on 91 octane). Some in class are closer to 8L/100km.

2. Hyundai Santa Fe Active

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3. Holden Captiva 7 LS

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BEST VALUE LARGE SUVS

1. Ford Territory TX petrol

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Many in this category major on off-roadability, but the Territory shines on tarmac. It kicks off with a tantalisingly low entry price – the TX wears a $37,490 sticker – and although it’s on the thirsty side (10.2L/100km), it’s happy on regular 91-octane petrol. It’s also among the least costly to insure in class – about $990 per year – and boasts a 12-month service interval. If your big wagon will mainly live on the road, the Ford is a better bet than most 4x4s.

2. Mitsubishi Pajero GLX diesel

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3. Mazda CX-9 Classic