Explore NUSED™
The all-new way to shop new and quality used cars available to drive away now.
Best SUVs under $40k
1.Hyundai Tucson
8.1
2 badges available
$38,350 - $59,850*MRLP
What we love
- -Smooth, powerful and efficient hybrid system
- -Roomy interior with great technology, big boot
- -N Line package adds worthwhile equipment to base model
What we don't
- -Servicing could be cheaper, with longer intervals
- -Speed limit warning can be annoying, though it’s not hard to turn off
- -Nexen tyres not particularly grippy
2.Mitsubishi Outlander
7.8
5 badges available
$39,990 - $58,740*MRLP
What we love
- -Vastly improved on-road comfort
- -Thumping Yamaha sound system
- -Full-size spare on five-seat models
What we don't
- -CVT still has a disconnected feel
- -No seven-seat option on high grades
- -Minimal visual differences to denote update
3.Toyota Corolla Cross
7.8
4 badges available
$37,440 - $50,990*MRLP
What we love
- -Well-equipped for the price
- -Powertrain is economical and willing
- -Rides rougher roads with aplomb
What we don't
- -Boot is on the small side
- -Cabin needs more storage options
- -Petrol engine can become thrashy when pushed
4.Hyundai Kona
7.7
4 badges available
$32,950 - $71,000*MRLP
What we love
- -Fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain
- -Head-turning looks
- -Very practical for a small SUV
What we don't
- -Sporty looks at odds with unsporting dynamics
- -Price puts it above some (smaller) electric cars
- -Expensive to service
5.Nissan QASHQAI
7.7
6 badges available
$34,665 - $54,365*MRLP
What we love
- -Vibrant Magnetic Blue paint
- -Hybrid versions available for less money
- -Good levels of spec as standard
What we don't
- -Space is tight
- -No powered tailgate
- -Ride can be busy
6.BYD ATTO 3
7.6
2 badges available
$39,990 - $44,990*MRLP
What we love
What we don't
7.GWM Haval H6
7.6
2 badges available
$34,490 - $49,490*MRLP
What we love
- -Plug-in hybrid brings potent performance, EV-only capability
- -Australian-tuned suspension massively improves the driving experience
- -Spacious cabin, sharp price much like regular hybrid
What we don't
- -PHEV not always as responsive as it could be
- -Still too many functions in the touchscreen
- -New suspension not on first batch of PHEVs
8.Kia Sportage
7.6
5 badges available
$38,490 - $60,370*MRLP
What we love
- -Well-priced considering the standard equipment
- -Comfortable and roomy interior
- -Plenty of trim combinations to choose from
What we don't
- -Petrol variants are thirsty
- -Fabric seats in S/SX leave a lot to be desired
- -Hybrid system could be more efficient
9.Geely Starray EM-i
7.5
2 badges available
$37,490 - $39,990*MRLP
What we love
- -Impressive fitout, finish and interior for the price
- -Smooths out speed bumps and potholes around town
- -Looks to be reasonably efficient when the battery is run down
What we don't
- -The driver monitoring system is deeply annoying
- -Soft ride quality deteriorates a bit at higher speeds and through corners
- -It's missing a spare wheel
10.Honda ZR-V
7.5
4 badges available
$37,900 - $54,900*MRLP
What we love
- -Great outward visibility for the driver
- -Premium, high-quality interior feel
- -Attractive entry-level pricing
What we don't
- -Clumsy adaptive cruise control
- -Boot and back seat space are slightly compromised
- -Four-star safety trails best in class
Drive's Best Cars
Drive's team of experts reviews and rates hundreds of the latest models each year to help you find your next new car. Browse our Best Car lists to discover how different models rank against each other and what our team loves and doesn't love about these top-rating vehicles.
* ‘MRLP’ is the manufacturer’s recommended list price as provided by our data provider and is subject to change, so is provided to you for indicative purposes only. Please note that MRLP is inclusive of GST, but is exclusive of any options and does not include on-road costs such as registration, CTP, stamp duty and dealer delivery. Where an MRLP is stated as a price range, this reflects the lowest to highest MRLP provided for that model range across the available variants.
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