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With SUVs accounting for more than half of all vehicle purchases in Australia, the new type of family car is clear.
Manufacturers are keying in on buyer demands, with more and more new car launches consisting of crossover vehicles.
And 2022 is no exception, with our list below showcasing more than 20 SUVs set to launch in Australia in the next 12 months – with just one passenger vehicle that still features jacked-up styling.
Timing issues caused by the global semiconductor chip shortage that plagued the automotive industry in 2021 are set to remain throughout 2022, meaning several vehicles on this list are either delayed beyond initial projections, or could be delayed.
NOTE: To see all the new cars coming to Australia this year, check out our 2022 New Car Calendar story right here.
New family cars arriving in 2022
- Citroen C5 X
- Cupra Ateca
- Cupra Formentor
- Genesis GV60
- Honda HR-V
- Kia Niro
- Mahindra XUV700
- Mazda CX-5
- Mazda CX-60
- Mercedes-Benz EQB
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan Qashqai
- Nissan X-Trail
- Suzuki S-Cross
- Tesla Model Y
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota RAV4
- Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
- Volvo C40.
NOTE: A quarter refers to a three-month period of the year (i.e. January to March).
Citroen C5 X
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Arriving: Third quarter
According to Citroen, its new C5 X flagship combines “the elegance of a saloon, the dynamism of a station wagon and the elevated stance of an SUV”.
The medium-sized hodgepodge can be chosen with a 96kW 1.2-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder, a 134kW 1.6-litre turbo, or a 165kW plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the 1.6-litre engine used in Europe.
Petrol power is a given for Australia, with the PHEV still under local evaluation.
An arrival in the third quarter has been locked in for the 2022 Citroen C5 X, with further details surrounding pricing and specification expected closer to this date.
Cupra Ateca
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Arriving: Second quarter
The oldest model in the trio of Cupra models, the Ateca mid-size SUV will help to assist with sales as the SEAT performance sub-brand makes itself familiar with the Australian market.
Related to the Skoda Karoq, the Ateca is aimed at family buyers looking for an SUV that can cater to both fun and family-friendly sides. Inside, there is ample room for five and a 485-litre boot.
Exclusively available in Australia with a 221kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol sending power to all four wheels, the Ateca can sprint to 100km/h in less than five seconds.
Full pricing and specification details for the 2022 Cupra Ateca 221TSI 4Drive will be announced closer to the second quarter of the year.
Cupra Formentor
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Arriving: Second quarter
The first pure design from Cupra, known as the Formentor, will launch alongside the Ateca and Leon in early 2022.
Three powertrains will be on offer, comprising of a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-four, a 180kW/400Nm 1.4-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and a hotter 224kW/400Nm version of the 2.0-litre mill capable of a 0-100km/h run in 4.9 seconds.
With the aid of a 12.8kWh lithium-ion battery, the Formentor e-Hybrid can travel more than 50 kilometres in electric-only mode, with the PHEV completing the 0-100km/h sprint in a respectable seven seconds.
Each engine will be matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Expect more details surrounding the 2022 Cupra Formentor as we move closer to the brand’s local debut, which is locked in for the second quarter of 2022.
Genesis GV60
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Arriving: First half
Meet the first dedicated electric model from Genesis.
Based on the same E-GMP electric architecture as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the Genesis GV60 adopts the brand’s latest design language, headlined by split front and rear lights.
Expect powertrain options to range between a single-motor, rear-drive model with 168kW/350Nm and a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version with 360kW/700Nm, with up to 480 kilometres of driving range.
Inside, there is a floating centre console, as well as a funky new steering wheel and a crystal sphere gear selector, which can change to a mood lighting system when the car is turned off.
Genesis has confirmed the 2022 GV60 will arrive in the first half of the year, around the same time as the Electrified G80 sedan. Full pricing and specification details will be announced closer to that date.
In addition, another new all-electric Genesis – the Electrified GV70 – will further bolster the family car range of the Korean luxury firm, also in the first half of 2022. You can read more about the GV70 here.
Honda HR-V
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Arriving: First half
Yet another small SUV is set to enter a new generation.
The third-generation Honda HR-V is now sourced from Japan, promising a more-refined package to better compete against recent rivals, such as the Mazda CX-30 and the all-new Nissan Qashqai.
More capacious, safer and offering greater flexibility, the HR-V will be offered with the choice of a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol matched to a CVT automatic, or a new e:HEV hybrid powertrain.
Likely shared with the 11th-generation Civic Hybrid, the HR-V e:HEV (don’t say that aloud) combines a 1.5-litre unit with a set of front-mounted electric motors, with a combined power output of 98kW of power and 253Nm of torque.
Average fuel consumption for the hybrid is expected to sit around the 5.4L/100km mark.
The 2022 Honda HR-V will arrive in Australia during the first half of the year, with Honda Australia keen to launch the hybrid version alongside the familiar petrol model. Local pricing and further specs will be announced in the lead-up to launch.
Kia Niro
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Arriving: Third quarter
The first-generation Kia Niro first launched overseas in 2016 will be short-lived in Australia, with an 'all-new' version set to arrive around 18 months after the nameplate debuted locally.
However, all-new is to be used lightly.
The completely redesigned body is rumoured to sit above carryover powertrains, currently consisting of a 1.6-litre four-cylinder coupled with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor in either regular hybrid or plug-in hybrid format, and a 150kW/395Nm electric motor in the Niro EV.
Influenced by the EV6 and new-generation Sportage, the updated Niro sports Kia’s fresh 'tiger-face' grille design and 'heartbeat' daytime-running lights. There is also an interesting design choice for the D-pillar, which has a contrasting colour in comparison to the rest of the body.
Full specifications for the 2022 Kia Niro, both for the global market and Australia, are yet to be announced, but the model is expected to touch down locally in the third quarter of 2022.
Mahindra XUV700
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Arriving: Second half
The new Mahindra XUV700 is set for Australia, with the Indian marque confirming it will replace the outgoing XUV500 medium SUV.
Local details are largely unknown, but we can expect a large touchscreen system with built-in Amazon Alexa, a Sony-branded speaker setup, and cabin purification filter technology.
Active safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and high beam assist.
International powertrain options comprise of a 147kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, and a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine offered in three states of tune – with the cheapest manual outputting 114kW/360Nm, other manual trims boosted up to 136kW/420Nm and 136kW/450Nm with an automatic transmission.
Both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations are available in India.
Expected to arrive at a higher cost than the outgoing XUV500, which currently starts at $27,990 drive-away, the 2022 Mahinda XUV700 will land in Australia in the second half of the year.
Mazda CX-5 update
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Arriving: March
The updated Mazda CX-5 will touch down in Australia early in the year in a fresh battle against the also-refreshed Toyota RAV4.
First revealed in September, dealer documents seen by Wheels earlier this month have provided our best indication of what is to come for the once top-selling SUV.
A rugged Touring Active variant will be added, while the GT and several AWD trims have been culled from the range, and a new powertrain option is included for the upcoming model-year.
These discontinued options are the CX-5 Maxx petrol AWD, Maxx Sport diesel AWD and Touring diesel AWD.
Each grade will also gain additional equipment, with the range-topping GT SP and Akera variants both picking up a unique look – with gloss black accents on the former, and body-coloured cladding on the latter.
The facelifted 2022 Mazda CX-5 is expected to touch down in Australia in March, with price increases of up to $2000 expected due to the additional standard kit.
More information is expected in the coming weeks.
Mazda CX-60
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Arriving: Second half
The first Mazda SUV based on a new rear-drive architecture is near.
Positioned between the popular CX-5 and the forthcoming CX-80 seven-seater, the CX-60 will become the brand’s first entrant into premium territory, with eyes set on the likes of Lexus.
Under the bonnet, the CX-60 is slated to offer both four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines – some petrol or diesel, some with mild-hybrid technology.
An eight-speed automatic can also be expected across the range.
Recent leaks have showcased our best look yet at the latest SUV from the Japanese firm, with a long bonnet and core styling similar to the not-for-Australia CX-50 revealed in November.
We can expect to see the 2022 Mazda CX-60 in the coming months – likely around March or April – ahead of its local arrival later in the year.
Mercedes-Benz EQB
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Arriving: Third quarter
What do you get when you stretch the Mercedes-Benz GLA? The seven-seat GLB answered that question back in 2019, and now the same applies to the related EQA and EQB electric SUVs.
An all-electric version of the GLB, the model will initially launch in EQB350 guise, which features a 215kW dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive.
The variant has an electric driving range of 419km under the strict WLTP testing standard, with Mercedes-Benz also set to offer a variety of additional powertrains – with battery capacity reaching as low as 66.5kWh.
Thanks to the long 2829 millimetre wheelbase, the EQB can be optioned with three rows of seating, making it capable of carrying seven passengers.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 will arrive in Australia in the third quarter, with pricing and specification to be announced closer to the time.
Additional variants are expected in 2023.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
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Arriving: First quarter
The second-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will join the range alongside the internal-combustion line-up in 2022.
Boasting more power and a greater driving range than its predecessor, the new Outlander PHEV can now travel for up to 87 kilometres in electric-only mode – a 60 per cent improvement over the current 54km.
This increased capability is the result of a larger battery pack underneath the vehicle, with the previous 13.8kWh unit replaced by a 20kWh pack.
Mitsubishi says the output of the front and rear motors is up by “around 40 per cent” over the outgoing PHEV, which utilised a 2.4-litre engine combined with two 60kW electric motors across the front and rear axles.
Pricing and specification details for the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are yet to be announced, although the previous generation saw the electrified grades come in at around $12,500 more than the regular Outlander.
The new plug-in hybrid model will arrive in the first quarter of 2022.
Nissan Pathfinder
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Arriving: Sometime in 2022
It’s out with the old and in with the new for Nissan Australia in 2022, with a fifth-generation Pathfinder joining the line-up alongside an all-new Qashqai, X-Trail and Z.
The large SUV will land in local showrooms next year with seating for up to eight occupants, available solely with a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine matched to a new nine-speed automatic transmission.
It’s expected buyers will be able to choose from either front- or all-wheel drive – the latter with 4WD mode with terrain selector for off-road driving – with pricing likely ranging from around $50,000 to $75,000.
Much like the Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade, buyers can option the Pathfinder with a seven-seater configuration featuring captain’s chairs in the second row, with a removable centre console between.
Technology features include a 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, wireless smartphone charging, and a 13-speaker Bose sound system.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder will be launched in Australia sometime next year, with pricing and specification to be announced closer to its arrival.
Nissan Qashqai
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Arriving: First half
Completely redesigned, the all-new Nissan Qashqai will bring a lighter body and revised powertrain options to the table – with the ageing 2.0-litre mill finally biting the dust.
The first new engine is the 110kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol – found in the outgoing Qashqai in Europe – while buyers can also option hybrid power for the first time.
The electrified powertrain, known as E-Power, features a 1.5-litre turbo that works to power an electric motor driving the front wheels – with a combined system output of 140kW/330Nm.
Launching in the first half of the year with petrol power only, the 2022 Nissan Qashqai will be joined by hybrid variants later in 2022.
Nissan X-Trail
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Arriving: First half
Two years after the fourth-generation X-Trail was revealed overseas, Nissan’s medium SUV entrant will finally go all-new in Australia in 2022.
As before, expect five- and seven-seat options, as well as the same revised 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol mill as its Mitsubishi Outlander stablemate.
However, a fresh powertrain is also coming. Dubbed E-Power, the X-Trail will gain hybrid power to compete against the sought-after RAV4 Hybrid, with a small four-cylinder turbo-petrol charging the battery that exclusively powers the wheels.
The 2022 Nissan X-Trail is slated to touch down in Australia in the first half of the year, with specific timing and pricing to be announced closer to its arrival.
Suzuki S-Cross
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Arriving: Sometime in 2022
The refreshed Suzuki S-Cross sports a fresh new look and updated technology, but retains the same foundations as the outgoing model.
The updated small SUV is expected to retain its 103kW/220Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in Australia.
Suzuki has also added autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert – all previously unavailable on the S-Cross.
The new-look 2022 Suzuki S-Cross will arrive in Australia sometime next year, with further details surrounding pricing, features and specific timing to be announced closer to launch.
Tesla Model Y
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Arriving: First quarter
Coming soon. We’ve been saying it since March 2019, and the Tesla Model Y is still up in the air for the Australian market.
However, pending any further delays, the latest all-electric model from Tesla should touch down in the first half of 2022.
Heavily related to the hot-selling Model 3 sedan, the Model Y is a higher-riding crossover spin-off with greater practicality and room for up to seven occupants.
UK deliveries for the 2022 Tesla Model Y are expected in early 2022, with Australia likely not far behind. Full pricing and specification details are anticipated in the coming months.
Toyota Corolla Cross
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Arriving: Second half
Another year, another new Toyota SUV.
2021 saw the first full year for the compact Yaris Cross, and now another is joining the line-up – the Corolla Cross.
Slotting into the same segment as the Nissan Qashqai, Mitsubishi ASX and Mazda CX-30, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross will be positioned near the C-HR and – as its name suggests – the Corolla hatchback.
Toyota has confirmed the Corolla Cross will be offered with its naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol and 1.8-litre hybrid engines in front-wheel-drive configuration, while AWD variants will be powered by a new-to-Australia 2.0-litre hybrid mill.
The small SUV will also pick up Toyota’s latest infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Expect to see the Corolla Cross on local roads in the second half of 2022, with full details to be announced closer to launch.
Toyota RAV4 update
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Arriving: February
The popular RAV4 will see the addition of three new hybrid variants for model-year 2022, with Toyota adding a new mid-spec XSE trim and the availability of electrification on the flagship Edge for the first time.
Set to arrive in February, we already know full pricing and specification details for the updated 2022 Toyota RAV4 – read more here.
The new XSE grade slots above the mid-spec GXL, adding blacked-out styling, heated leather seats, ambient lighting and an electric tailgate. The FWD hybrid is priced from $42,825 before on-roads, while the AWD is listed at $45,825.
In addition, all RAV4 models have received a minor facelift – with new projector LED headlamps featuring three clear segments on the hybrid, as well as standard LED fog lamps.
There are also refreshed alloy wheel designs on selected variants, as well as illuminated door switches across the range.
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
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Arriving: May
The long-wheelbase Tiguan Allspace will go under the knife in early 2022.
Roughly one year after the smaller Tiguan received identical cosmetic work, the seven-seat Allspace picks up a reshaped front fascia, updated tail-lights and additional technology.
Powertrain options will remain identical to the outgoing model, which includes two turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines (either 1.4-litre or 2.0-litre) and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
However, those keen on the Tiguan R with space constraints are out of luck, with no Tiguan Allspace R planned.
The updated SUV will score a raft of new active safety features and Travel Assist functionality, which enables the car to brake, accelerate and centre itself on the highway at speeds up to 210km/h.
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace will arrive in Australia during May, with pricing and further specs to be announced in the lead-up to its local launch.
Tiguan Allspace news & reviews
Volvo C40
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Arriving: Second half
Say hello to the facelifted Volvo XC40 Recharge… without an X or, in this case, the regular SUV shape.
A coupe derivative to the all-electric XC40 P8 Recharge, the Volvo C40 Recharge is the first EV-only model launched by the Swedish marque.
Highlights include the steeply raked roofline, a reshaped front bumper, Volvo’s Android-based infotainment system, and over-the-air software updates.
With identical motors to the electric XC40, the coupe SUV produces 300kW of power and 660Nm of torque, with an 0-100km/h time of just under five seconds.
The C40 Recharge is fitted with a 78kWh battery pack and has an estimated driving range of 420km, according to the stringent WLTP testing standard.
Solely available online, the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge will go on sale in Australia during the second half of next year.
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