Large SUV/4WD: Australia's Best Value Cars 2017

Love the great outdoors? These high-riding family wagons will get you far away from the big smoke.

1st: Hyundai Santa Fe Active CRDi

A mix of ute-derived separate-chassis machines and upsized monocoque SUVs makes up the Large SUV/4WD grid, and it’s the latter style of big family wagon that fills the top two spots. The Hyundai Santa Fe is a flash machine in its upper spec levels, however the value case is at its strongest in the entry-level Active. The good build quality, decent dynamics and highly functional cabin come standard across the range.

The 440Nm turbo-diesel uses just 6.6L/100km on the official combined cycle – less than any rival within striking distance, and enough to offset the cost of diesel, which is higher, on average, than unleaded. The base manual Santa Fe also sheds less to depreciation than its competitors, by being a bit cheaper, with a superior three-year resale than most. A generous five-year warranty and Budget Direct insurance of $795 per year seals the win.

2nd: Kia Sorento Si CRDi

The turbo-diesel base Sorento uses a bit more fuel than its immediate Korean rival (which has virtually the same engine), but the standard auto contributing to this extra thirst will make for a nicer urban drive.

3rd: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX

Mitsubishi’s base-spec, body-on-frame wagon has the value basics sorted, with sound 57 percent three-year resale, a crude but economical turbo-diesel with eight-speed auto, and a five-year warranty.

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