The new SUVs to watch for in 2024

All the new SUVs Australian buyers should check out in 2024

If it’s exclusively an SUV you’re after, the list below doesn’t even represent the entire onslaught headed our way – but they’re the SUVs we reckon Australian buyers should be keeping a close eye on before making any decisions this year.

Here’s what’s due in the year ahead…

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JUMP AHEAD

• Audi Q4 E-Tron
• Audi Q6 E-Tron
• Ford Puma EV
• GWM Tank 500
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
• Hyundai Ioniq 7
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Hyundai Tucson & Kia Sportage hybrids
• Jeep Avenger
• Kia EV5
• Lexus GX
• Mazda CX-80
• Nissan Ariya
• Nissan Patrol
• Polestar 3
• Skoda Enyaq
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Toyota BZ4x
• Toyota LandCruiser Prado
• Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Volvo EX90

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Audi Q4 E-Tron

The Audi Q4 E-Tron mid-size electric SUV is due in Australia in 2024 with a mid-life refresh.

Audi hopes to secure stronger volumes of the Q4 E-Tron in both Sportback and wagon body styles than the trickle of Q8 E-Trons (neé E-Tron SUV) that have arrived locally.

The Q4 E-Tron range, consisting of four models, kicks off at $88,300 for the 45 grade (available in Sportback or wagon body styles) featuring a 77kWh battery, a single 210kW electric motor, a power tailgate, and LED headlights.

The flagship Q4 E-Tron Sportback 55, priced at $109,500 before on-road costs, boasts twin motors with a 250kW total system output, S Line exterior styling, matrix LED headlights, and other additional features.

It competes with the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQC, as well as high-end variants of the Tesla Model Y and related Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5.

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Audi Q6 E-Tron

Audi’s all-electric mid-size SUV rival to the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX3 is due next year.

Underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s ground-up Premium Platform Electric (PPE), shared with the forthcoming Porsche Macan EV, the Q6 E-Tron rides on an identical 2928mm wheelbase to the existing Q8 E-Tron.

Audi has confirmed it will be available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, with the Q6 E-Tron 55 accelerating from 0-100km/h in around six seconds, while the high-performance S flagship cuts it to 4.5 seconds.

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Inside, the Q6 E-Tron will debut a new look for Audi, with an all-new 14.5-inch central touchscreen with 11.9-inch driver instruments, joined by a curved panel running its new ‘E3 electronics architecture’.

A separate 10.9-inch front passenger display is optional to control audio, view videos and more – but includes a privacy layer to prevent distracting the driver.

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2023 Ford Puma ST-Line

Ford Puma EV

Ford Australia has confirmed the Puma will form the basis for its fourth electric vehicle in Australia.

Due to follow the E-Transit, Mustang Mach E and E-Transit Custom EVs later in 2024, the Puma EV hasn’t even debuted in Europe yet – but we know it’ll be underpinned by an evolved version of the Ford’s existing Global-B architecture.

It’s believed the light crossover is being produced in tandem with Europe’s forthcoming small Ford Transit Courier van. Battery and powertrain details will be made public closer to its reveal.

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GWM Tank 500

Like GWM’s electric-focused Ora, Tank is another sub-brand from the Chinese giant.

As the name may imply, it’s focused on rugged SUVs and launched here with the Tank 300 mid-size off-roader in 2023.

Another model is on the cards for Australia: The larger, more distinguished Tank 500.

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The Tank 500 looks to fill the LandCruiser and Prado-sized gaps in GWM’s growing portfolio, with variants ranging in specification and luxury, with converted pricing suggesting between $71k and $84k.

All are powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for a 260kW and 500Nm total system output. Entry-level variants of the Tank 500 overseas gain access to the Tank 300’s smaller 2.0-litre turbo-four, but Australian-spec 500s will likely only be sold with the hybrid V6.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Stiffer, faster, more powerful and engineered to feel like an old-school, petrol-powered performance car: these are the headlines for the first-ever EV produced by Hyundai N.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N packs 478kW and can rocket from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds – putting it in the same league as a Porsche Taycan 4S for power and performance.

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The electric powerhouse is due in early 2024 and will cost $111,000 before on-road costs.

That pricing makes the Ioniq 5 N around $11,000 more expensive than the similarly powerful, but less track-focused Kia EV6 GT – and a whopping $170,000 less than a Porsche Taycan Turbo, which offers similar performance and was benchmarked by Hyundai during the N’s development.

Hyundai is also keen to note that unlike the first year of sales for the regular Ioniq 5, orders for the N model "will remain open for the foreseeable future". The brand will no longer pause sales on any Ioniq 5 variant, including the N.

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The Hyundai Seven concept

Hyundai Ioniq 7

The Hyundai Ioniq 7 is an upper-large electric SUV twin to the Kia EV9.

While the EV9 is due in Australia imminently, the Ioniq 7 is still in development, with a local arrival expected later in 2024.

The seven-seater was previewed by Hyundai’s Seven concept in 2021, and is likely to share powertrains, batteries and a capacious wheelbase with the EV9.

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Hyundai Santa Fe

Bigger and bolder was the clear design theme for the fourth-gen Hyundai Santa Fe.

Due in Australia in the first half of 2024, the all-new Santa Fe retains familiar underpinnings from the outgoing model – but receives a boxy new look/

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The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid will be fitted at launch in Australia, while a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol is expected to follow later. The 2.2-litre diesel won’t carry over, with the new model a petrol-only affair globally.

With increased dimensions, Hyundai has focused on maximising interior space, claiming best-in-class third-row legroom. It has a radical new dashboard with twin 12.3-inch curved screens similar to that seen in the latest Sonata and Kona.

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Hyundai Tucson & Kia Sportage hybrids

The absence of petrol-electric powertrains has left the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage disadvantaged in Australia, where the Toyota RAV4 dominates with its hybrid-heavy line-up.

That’ll change in the first months of 2024. Both Hyundai and Kia have confirmed hybrid versions of the Tucson and Sportage are en route to Australia, sharing the same 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine from the larger Santa Fe and Sorento.

At least two variants are expected for both vehicles, likely centred around existing mid- and top-spec grades and priced above or around the flagship diesel AWD models.

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Jeep Avenger

The Jeep Avenger compact SUV will arrive locally in 2024 as the brand’s first EV.

Due in the second half of the year, the Avenger will rival the Hyundai Kona Electric, Volvo EX30, and Renault Megane E-Tech, with pricing likely to start at no less than $55,000 plus on-road costs.

It is related mechanically to the Peugeot E-2008 and the Fiat 600e, with a claimed range of up to 400 kilometres on the combined WLTP test cycle.

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While it is exclusively front-wheel drive and not designed for off-roading, Jeep’s first pure EV offers 200mm of ground clearance, a skid plate and the requisite plastic body cladding.

Local pricing and features details will be announced closer to its launch.

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Kia EV5

The Kia EV5 mid-size SUV is due in Australia in 2024 to tackle the popular Tesla Model Y.

The first Chinese-built Kia will also face the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the hotly-contested segment.

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Three powertrain configurations are offered: a 64kWh standard range with a front-mounted 160kW motor, an 88kWh long range model with the same motor, and a 230kW all-wheel-drive version.

The initial models will be followed by a high-performance EV5 GT, likely developing nearly 400kW from two motors.

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Lexus GX

Lexus has confirmed the latest GX off-roader – based on the all-new Toyota Prado – will launch in Australia, after a 21-year absence from local showrooms.

It is the first all-new GX in 14 years, with the vehicle heavily related to the forthcoming 2024 Toyota Prado due in Australia at a similar time.

Lexus Australia has confirmed the GX will be “initially” offered with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 – likely with a price tag slotting between the $86,000 RX and $150,000 LX.

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A 2.4-litre turbo-petrol hybrid is expected in Australia later, while it is currently unclear if the GX will offer a diesel option.

Highlights include full-time all-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case, an off-road-focused Overtrail variant, and a modern look inside and out with a 14-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

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2023 Mazda CX-90

Mazda CX-80

The seven-seat CX-80 will be the third ‘Mazda premium’ SUV offered in Australia when it arrives in 2024.

As an extended-wheelbase, three-row version of the CX-60, expect plenty of familiarity – in a larger package.

The CX-60’s powertrains are likely: A plug-in hybrid 241kW/500Nm 2.5-litre, and 3.3-litre inline-six petrol and diesel powerplants teamed with a rear-biased AWD system.

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2023 Mazda CX-60

The turbocharged 3.3-litre petrol straight-six engine features 48-volt mild-hybrid technology making 209kW/450Nm, while the turbo-diesel engine with the same 3.3-litre displacement produces 187kW and 550Nm.

Multiple trim levels and six- or seven-seat options will likely be offered in Australia with prices starting around $65,000 and topping out near or above $100,000 for the flagship plug-in hybrid.

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Nissan Ariya

Nissan Australia’s vital all-electric SUV is no closer to Australia, with the Tesla Model Y rival expected later in 2024 – if not 2025.

The Nissan Ariya midsize electric SUV was confirmed for our market back in 2021, but last year, the brand said its launch is held up by demand and Australia’s relaxed fuel efficiency regulations.

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Globally, the Ariya offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and two different battery sizes, resulting in four different power outputs, ranging from 160kW to 290kW.

The top-rung Ariya E-Force Performance hits 100km/h in just over five seconds, while the most efficient will nudge 500km of range on a full charge.

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New Infiniti QX80-inspired 2024 Nissan Patrol, imagined by Theottle | © Wheels Media

Nissan Patrol

The next-generation ‘Y63’ 2025 Nissan Patrol off-roader is expected to debut next year with a downsized twin-turbo petrol V6.

Previewed by the upscale Infiniti QX80 Monograph, the production Patrol will likely resemble the concept with minor tweaks such as more conventional door frames, side mirrors, and smaller alloy wheels.

A production-ready Patrol prototype shown to US dealers was described as “Range Rover-like” with a more-rugged appearance, including new headlights and tail-lights, and an “all-new”, modernised interior.

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New Infiniti QX80-inspired 2024 Nissan Patrol Warrior, imagined by Theottle | © Wheels Media

It is reported the 2025 Nissan Patrol will swap its naturally aspirated V8 for a downsized 316kW twin-turbo petrol V6 matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The new Patrol, which could adopt the ‘Y63’ codename, will also sport larger screens, updated active safety features, and additional features above the current model launched in 2010.

Local timing is unclear, but it could arrive here at the tail-end of 2024 given the Patrol’s significance in our market.

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Polestar 3

This is the stablemate and platform sibling to the forthcoming Volvo EX90, but with a greater emphasis on five-seater style as opposed to seven-seater utility.

The Polestar 3 is a crossover SUV with a sculpted design, aiming to compete with Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Porsche Taycan Cross.

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Available in two variants in Australia, the 360kW/840Nm Launch Edition long-range and 380kW/910Nm Performance Option, both with a 600-kilometre WLTP range.

The ride quality is expected to be absorbent, with dual-chamber air suspension and adaptive damper set-up. Available locally by mid-2024, it is priced from $132,900 before on-road costs.

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Skoda Enyaq

Skoda Australia has confirmed the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle, the Enyaq, will arrive here, in updated form, in July 2024 – just behind the related Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5.

The local line-up will feature wagon and coupe bodies and be offered in at least two variants: A long-range rear-drive Sportline and the sportier AWD RS. A 'Laurin & Klement' luxury version is also expected to be offered as a range-topping launch edition.

The car we'll be getting has been treated to a recently-unveiled mid-life update, with a new ‘Enyaq 85’ base model with new motors providing 210kW and a 576km driving range (Coupe, WLTP).

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Headlining the Australian range will be the 250kW RS capable of a 5.5-second 0-100km/h sprint time.

Skoda expects the more aerodynamic Enyaq coupe (with a drag coefficient of just 0.234) to be the most popular body style once it goes on sale in Australia.

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Skoda Kodiaq

The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq retains similar MQB underpinnings, but adopts a refreshed look and plenty of new tech.

Bigger and sleeker than the version that came before it, the new Kodiaq will drop into Australia late in 2024 with a single variant from launch, a 150kW petrol-powered AWD seven-seater.

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This variant will rely on the Volkswagen Group’s ubiquitous EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Skoda Australia says it will focus on this single variant at launch and will “evaluate further opportunities” to add to the range. This could include the 1.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, a first for the Czech brand.

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Toyota BZ4x

When Subaru and Toyota got together for the first time, the result was one of our favourite cars of the last decade, the COTY-winning BRZ/86 twins.

Based on the same E-TNGA underpinnings, the Japanese brands have collaborated to develop the Toyota BZ4x and Subaru Solterra mid-size SUVs.

The Solterra is due in Australia imminently, while Toyota is waiting for a mild update unveiled recently in Japan, with first examples due here in February 2024 – pending further delays.

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A front-drive variant will offer a 150kW/337Nm peak output, while all-wheel drive variants have 160kW.

Charging is capped at 6.6kW on AC chargers or 150kW at DC public infrastructure. The BZ4x, with 211 millimetres of ground clearance, also offers Subaru's 'X-Mode' off-road drive mode.

Toyota will need to provide a tempting spec starting at between $65,000 and $75,000 to compete with the popular Tesla Model Y and other mid-size electric SUVs, like the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

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Toyota Prado

The first all-new Toyota LandCruiser Prado in 14 years has debuted with hybrid power, a bigger body, more tech, and an uprated towing capacity.

The latest ‘250 Series’ Prado is related to the new Lexus GX due in Australia next year, and closer than ever to the full-size LandCruiser 300 Series with an identical wheelbase.

A 48-volt mild-hybrid version of the current four-cylinder diesel will be offered in Australia with an identical 150kW and 500Nm.

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It will be matched to a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic, full-time four-wheel-drive, and a starter motor-generator for “improved actual fuel economy" and a “quiet engine startup and smooth initial take-off”.

Under the skin, the Prado rides on Toyota’s latest TNGA-F body-on-frame platform shared with the LandCruiser 300, Lexus GX and LX, and the Tacoma and Tundra utes.

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Volkswagen ID.4 & ID.5

VW's electric ID.4 and ID.5 are set to lead the brand’s local strategy, rivalling the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

At around 4.6 metres long, the ID.4 and ID.5 are bang on the class standard for a mid-size SUV.

VW’s approach here is to offer this fully electric model with up to 512km of EV range, the coupe-style ID.5 model as a sportier alternative, and the updated and re-bodied Tiguan as a petrol-powered option for those who aren’t ready for EV life just yet.

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It offers a decent 543 litres of cargo capacity, and Australian examples are expected to come with a big touchscreen media system, three-zone climate control, LED lighting and big alloy wheels.

​​VW Australia is likely to offer a choice of a single-motor rear-wheel drive version with 210kW/545Nm, while a sportier ID.5 GTX model with all-wheel drive and 250kW is also expected.

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Volkswagen Tiguan

The third-generation VW Tiguan mid-size petrol-powered SUV will arrive late in 2024 or early in 2025.

Inside, it offers a bigger cabin, more boot space and a rethought dashboard design, while there’s a more rounded-edge exterior design.

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A plug-in hybrid powertrain is offered in Europe and other markets, but Australia will stick with a couple of traditional turbo-petrol engines.

You won’t see a new-gen Tiguan Allspace, with that seven-seater to be replaced by a new model – the Tayron expected in 2025 – when the current model finishes its run.

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Volvo EX90

The first electric flagship for Volvo carries some big expectations.

The Volvo EX90 is due in Australia in 2024 as a zero-emissions alternative to the XC90 large SUV.

The EX90 has a rear-biased dual-motor set-up, a 111kWh battery, and a WLTP range of around 600km. It also offers bi-directional charging for external devices or energy back into homes.

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The safety features include LiDAR (light detection and ranging) as a standard feature and a SAE Level 3 driver-assist system.

The car will monitor the driver using cameras and scan the cabin to avoid accidental lock-ins. The interior has premium materials and an elegant design, with a 15-inch central display running VolvoCars.OS, which offers faster upgrades via over-the-air updates.

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