SUVs have soon surpassed station wagons as New Zealand’s most popular family vehicle. They are large, beautiful, and offer that lovely ‘command position’ – ideal for a family that requires a little bit of everything.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Korea’s automotive products are global challengers, and Santa Fe exemplifies this in a variety of ways. Its touchscreen navigation system, as well as its lane-keeping and intelligent cruise control technologies, are among the greatest in any new car. The Santa Fe also boasts a few other unique features, such as adjustable air conditioning vents for third-row passengers, meaning no ones left out.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is attractive and functional, with a somewhat upscale attitude, and it gives families a big cabin, desirable features, and plenty of kerb appeal. Customers can select between two four-cylinder engines, one of which is a turbocharged 2.5-liter, and front- or all-wheel drive; a hybrid powertrain is also available. However, in whatever configuration, the Santa Fe is a fun car to drive and gets good gas mileage. Those looking for the latest in infotainment technology will be pleased to learn that Hyundai includes a slew of driver-assistance technologies as standard; similarly, those looking for the latest in safety features will be pleased to learn that Hyundai includes a host of driver-assistance technologies as standard as well.
Mazda CX-8 Takami
The CX-8’s main competitive advantage is its comfort. Material quality and interior fit and finish are on par with counterparts from Europe, and this is especially noticeable in top Takami models.
The CX-8 Touring is offered with a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine or a 2.5-litre normally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine. The CX-9 is for those who want the extra punch of a turbocharged petrol engine, as well as a bit greater space. The official fuel consumption is 8.1 litres per 100km, which is pretty average, but we do need to take in the fact that it is a large seven-seater vehicle.
CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 offers everything you would expect in an SUV, but it does it a little better. Sleek styling, first-rate interior materials, cutting-edge entertainment systems, and plenty of grunt in the trunk – especially if you go for the premium variant. Even if you do not, every Mazda CX-5 guarantees a smooth, comfortable ride no matter where you go. And the kids will not be ashamed if they are picked up in one, which is always an extra point!
With its modular chassis and shared drivelines, the CX-5 represents a complete revamp of Mazda’s line-up under the company’s innovative and very successful Skyactiv programme. Along with a mission to reduce real-world fuel consumption, Mazda’s focus is on creating vehicles with the driver in mind. Along with its mixture of quality, refinement, and relative pricing, this has enabled the CX-5 to carve out a significant piece of the congested mid-size SUV market.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Also known as New Zealand’s favourite 7-seater SUV. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine generates 148bhp, which is sent to all four wheels via a CVT automatic transmission. It has a four-wheel-drive system that can shift power between the front and back wheels as needed based on sensors. To improve traction, it can also be locked with a 50 percent split between the two axles.
The midsize SUV is available in a vast – and often befuddling – range of models and specification options, ranging from the most basic four-wheel drive, 2.0-litre four-cylinder model to a sophisticated and elegant plug-in hybrid as well as diesel variant.
The Outlander received a slew of important updates in 2017, including a basic model seven-seater and a safety pack option that includes AEB, lane departure warning, and radar cruise on some variants. At any level, you feel safe. The body dissipates energy and is equipped with seven airbags. Active Traction and Stability Control provide solid and precise road holding. To avoid risks, models VRX and XLS use a camera and laser radar.
Skoda Kodiaq RS
The Skoda Kodiaq RS, which debuted in New Zealand in 2019, serves as the company’s new performance flagship for its award-winning 7-seater. The twin-turbo diesel engine produces 176kW of power and 500Nm of torque, which is enough to give it some oomph. You also cannot help but like those wheels.
Skodiaq is also quite light for a car of its size and type – entry-level five-seater petrol is only 1.5 tonnes – but do not expect it to be particularly fun or agile as a result. It is built on the well-known MQB platform and functions accordingly.
There are four engine options: 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines, as well as two 2.0-litre turbodiesels.
This is a relaxing vehicle that responds best to gradual, measured inputs. It feels robust and well-balanced, with accurate, coherent controls that make piloting the Skodiaq a breeze.
With so many options available in the market for family cars, the above mentioned certainly take the top ratings and are loved by many families.