As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back on the cars that wowed the CarExpert test team in 2024.
BYD Atto 3
And what better place to start than the mid-sized SUV market segment? As well as being Australia’s biggest by sales volume, it’s also hotly contested with a plethora of options from manufacturers near and far.
We’ve had the chance to drive plenty this year, and these are the five that topped our score charts over the calendar year.
Some of these models have been reviewed on multiple occasions this year – in that scenario, we’ve featured the variant that achieved the highest rating.
These models all compete in the medium SUV category, as defined by VFACTS sales statistics published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
Prices are based on each manufacturer’s configurators for a Victorian postcode, which should give you a representative estimate of what the average buyer will end up paying.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 
Volkswagen Tiguan R
| CarExpert rating | Victorian drive-away price | |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | 8.4 | $46,990 – $66,525 |
| BYD Atto 3 Extended Range | 8.4 | $47,261 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan R | 8.4 | $74,990 |
| Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid | 8.3 | $63,794 |
| Honda CR-V e:HEV RS | 8.3 | $60,400 |
Hyundai Tucson
The new Hyundai Tucson Hybrid tops the 2024 CarExpert review charts with a rating of 8.4/10.
It scored particularly well for interior practicality and space (9) and technology infotainment (9), and has no standout weaknesses.
Specifically, we praised the Tucson Hybrid for its punchy performance, good efficiency and refined on-road manners.
Compared to the best-selling Toyota RAV4, our review concluded that electrified variants of the Tucson are better to drive, nicer to look at and sit in, and also offer superior technology.
In HEV form, the Tucson is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain producing 172kW of power and 350Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
It’ll consume a quoted 5.3L/100km on average, and only requires base 91 octane unleaded petrol.
You can read our full review of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid here.
| Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert rating | 8.4 |
| Victorian drive-away price | $46,990 – $66,525 |
Interested in buying a Hyundai Tucson? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
BYD Atto 3
BYD cracks this list with the Atto 3, an SUV that stands out from the rest for myriad reasons.
For one, it’s the only electric vehicle (EV) in our top five. It’s also the only model from a Chinese challenger brand.
The Atto 3 in Extended Range guise scored 8.4/10 thanks to top-tier ratings for technology infotainment, value for money, and fit for purpose.
We found it to be a terrific option for those who want a mid-sized SUV that’s relatively easy to live with, offers a decent amount of range, and delivers tech and equipment that some ICE models simply don’t come close to.
Instead of an internal combustion engine, the Atto 3 has a front-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor producing 150kW and 310Nm.
The Extended Range variant has a 60.48kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, good for 410km of driving range based on WLTP testing.
You can read our full review of the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range here.
| BYD Atto 3 Extended Range | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert rating | 8.4 |
| Victorian drive-away price | $47,261 |
Interested in buying a BYD Atto 3? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything BYD Atto 3
Volkswagen Tiguan R
Reviewed back in January, Volkswagen’s hotted-up Tiguan R also managed to score 8.4/10 as a performance SUV bargain.
We were particularly impressed by the performance and value of this fast flagship, even if it’s a little pricey on the servicing front.
Australian models come decked out with luxury levels of features and tech, as well as dynamic capabilities that can keep some sports cars honest.
The tried and tested EA888 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine makes 235kW of power (over 5600-6500rpm) and 400Nm of torque (2000-5600rpm) in the Tiguan R, in which drive is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed wet-type DSG dual-clutch automatic.
Our Tiguan R is slower than the one sold in Europe and the UK, but it’s otherwise hard to knock what is an excellent all-rounder.
You can read our full review of the Volkswagen Tiguan R here.
| Volkswagen Tiguan R | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert rating | 8.4 |
| Victorian drive-away price | $74,990 |
Interested in buying a Volkswagen Tiguan R? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Volkswagen Tiguan
Toyota RAV4
Australia’s best-selling mid-sized SUV just missed out on the podium placings, but our expert reviewers still rank it highly within a crowded segment.
The top-spec RAV4 Edge Hybrid scored 8.3/10 back in August, performing best in the safety (9.2) and fit for purpose (8.8) categories.
Much like it has been for a few years now, the interior is blocky and user-friendly.
From a driving perspective, the RAV4 is a very comfortable car to cruise in the highway in, with poised steering and compliant suspension.
The flagship Edge is now only offered with a hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain, setting it apart from other variants in the range. Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors, producing a combined 163kW.
Power is sent to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Low fuel consumption is one of the RAV4’s strengths – Toyota claims it will sip just 4.8L/100km.
You can read our full review of the Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD Hybrid here.
| Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert rating | 8.3 |
| Victorian drive-away price | $63,794 |
Interested in buying a Toyota RAV4? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V
While other cars on this list stood out in a particular area, the hybrid Honda CR-V was a picture of consistency in achieving its 8.3/10 score.
It excels from a cost of ownership standpoint and, when compared to the RAV4, the CR-V is more enjoyable to drive, while still offering supple ride quality and a refined experience behind the wheel.
An attractive, practical cabin, competitive technology, and cheap servicing round out the CR-V’s list of attributes.
The CR-V e:HEV RS mates a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, producing combined outputs of 135kW and 335Nm.
Even in Eco mode, this hybrid SUV still proves punchy and we were able to match its claimed 5.5L/100km combined cycle fuel economy.
You can read our full review of the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS here.
| Honda CR-V e:HEV RS | |
|---|---|
| CarExpert rating | 8.3 |
| Victorian drive-away price | $60,400 |
Interested in buying a Honda CR-V? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Honda CR-V
Honourable mentions
MG HS – 8.3
MG’s brand-new mid-sized SUV arrived in September to critical acclaim.
The new HS is a drastic improvement on the outgoing model – it’s larger, more practical, more efficient, and packed with all the latest tech. It’s also far better to drive, with refinement to make some European manufacturers nervous.
Safety tech has been improved too, which means you won’t be inconvenienced by poorly calibrated systems.
You can read our full review of the MG HS here.
BYD Sealion 6 – 8.3
Another newcomer this year was the BYD Sealion 6, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV with the Mitsubishi Outlander firmly in its sights.
As it turns out, we adjudged the Sealion 6 to be the better car. BYD’s newest family model blends a practical SUV interior package with a capable plug-in hybrid system that should dispel any range anxiety fears.
It’s sharply priced even in flagship Premium form, and boasts a flexible cabin with family-friendly space and cargo-carrying capacity.
You can read our full review of the BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD here.
Honda ZR-V – 8.3
This list wouldn’t be complete without the Honda ZR-V.
Tested in flagship e:HEV LX guise, the ZR-V offers quite a number of premium and plush-feeling interior finishes, as well as plenty of standard equipment.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain is the pick of the engines, too. You have to pay for the privilege though, as our top-spec tester comes in at $54,900 before on-road costs.
You can read our full review of the Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX here.
