SUVs To Watch Out For in 2023

It’s a new year and it’s time to get your drive on! In the not-too-distant future, SUVs have a very high chance of becoming the preferred choice of vehicles for many Australians.

If you’re browsing the market for your brand-new car, here is a list of SUVs that will arrive in Australia in 2023, and here is what you should keep in mind before taking a trip down to your local dealership. 

BMW X1 – Q1

BMW has redesigned the X1 SUV for 2023. A new 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is under the hood. The X1 still remains a two-row SUV, but its slightly larger exterior dimensions have translated to more interior space. There's only one trim to choose from, and it comes with standard all-wheel drive. The 2023 BMW X1 is slightly longer, taller, and wider than the outgoing 2022 model.

The EPA predicts that the 2023 X1 should deliver 25 mpg for city driving and 34 mpg for highway driving, which is slightly better than the 2022 model in both metrics. An optional M Sport package adds performance-enhancing features such as an adaptive suspension system and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. BMW's X1 digital dashboard is a crisp-looking single panel that serves as a gauge display and an infotainment screen. All X1s come standard with basic driver-assist features like automated emergency braking and parking sensors. Optional advances in technology include self-parking features and adaptive cruise control with lane-centring. The X1's limited warranty and powertrain protection are standard for the class, but the company sweetens the deal with three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Honda CR - V – 2023

The 2023 Honda CR-V arrives with a complete redesign both for the interior and exterior. Its interior has an attractive design that's inspired by the Civic compact car. A 190-hp turbo-four is the standard engine; a 204-hp hybrid powertrain is optional. Both can be paired with front- or all-wheel drive, regardless of the engine you choose, it delivers a comfortable ride. The new 2023 Honda CR-V SUV has a turbocharged 1.5-hp four-cylinder engine and either front- or all-wheel drive.

For the first time ever, hybrid models are now rated to tow up to 450 kgs. The Sport Touring model hit 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, while the EX and EX-L models go through 0-60 mph in just over 9 seconds. The base EX trim level has a 7.0-inch touchscreen; Sport and Touring models have a 9.0 screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Honda's 2023 CR-V SUV has a bigger touch screen, plus two USB ports for rear-seat passengers and wireless smartphone charging. New safety features include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning. Honda will begin offering free scheduled maintenance on 2023 models, which we anticipate will be included in this year's model.

Range Rover Sport petrol – 2023

The 2023 Range Rover Sport has a similar silhouette to the more expensive Range Rover but with an added dose of attitude. A trio of powertrains, including a hybrid inline-six, a plug-in hybrid and a mega-power twin-turbo V-8 provides you with a variety of choices. The cabin is premium and fitted with desirable tech, including Land Rover's latest Pivi Pro infotainment system and driver-assistance features. All this prestige doesn't come cheap, and the starting price is higher than other deluxe SUVs such as the BMW X5. The Range Rover Sport is available with 3 engines: a 3.0-litre inline-six, a 4.4-litre V-8, or a plug-in hybrid P440e engine.

All models include an eight-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive, and adjustable air suspension. An optional Stormer Handling Pack adds rear-wheel steering and torque-vectoring systems. Land Rover estimates fuel economy estimates of 15 mpg for city driving and 25 mpg for highway driving (P360 and P400 models). Land Rover's Range Rover Sport is available with power-adjustable front seats, optional wing-rest seats, and an integrated air purification system. Infotainment screens are crisp and clear floating above the upholstered dashboard.

The Pivi Pro interface is the company's best attempt at in-car infotainment yet, but it's not without its quirks. A host of driver-assistance features are standard, including automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard and all Range Rover Sports come integrated with Amazon's Alexa. A 29-speaker Meridian stereo system is optional and incorporates speakers in the front and rear headrests. The warranty coverage is about average for its class, but it doesn't include complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Jeep Grand Cherokee five-seater – Q1

The 2023 Grand Cherokee is a two-row SUV. It's as happy with suburban family life as it is trudging through the woods. Three different powertrains are offered, including V-6 and V-8 engines and a plug-in-hybrid system called 4xe. Midrange Limited and Overland trims now come standard with a 10-inch infotainment display with navigation. The Grand Cherokee starts thousands of dollars higher than competitors such as the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade.

The Limited model offers the best mix of features, outperforming the base Laredo with more features. We'd opt for the Lux Tech Group II package, which adds rain-sensing windshield wipers and wireless phone chargers. New 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV has a plug-in-hybrid powertrain and new cabin technology. EPA estimates for the V-6–powered Grand Cherokee are typical of the mid-size SUV segment. It's strictly a two-row SUV, but buyers seeking the third row can upgrade to the Grand Cherokee L. Interior features include quilted leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and high-tech digital displays.

Jeep's Grand Cherokee SUV has a more comprehensive suite of standard safety tech to satisfy the demand for driver-assistance features. Safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Grand Cherokee's standard warranty package has moved toward the premium end of the market, but its standard warranty is basic.

Mercedes-Benz GLC – Q1

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 incorporates some new standard features and fresh options. The GLC coupe also exists for extroverted types. While it's more practical than the brand's traditional C-class sedan, the 2022 GLC 300 is less engaging to drive. The biggest question is whether to stick with its standard rear-wheel-drive layout or get a 4Matic all-wheel drive. The Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is rated at 22 mpg for city driving and 29 mpg for highway driving; the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive model sacrifices 1 mpg for better fuel economy.

The GLC interior delivers an attractive build,  wonderful build quality, and comfortable accommodations. Unfortunately, the GLC is less generous with its limited interior cubby storage and mediocre cargo capacity. The Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV has a versatile infotainment system that benefits from a variety of control inputs. The standard 10.25-inch touchscreen supports MBUX software that responds to voice commands. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard, the most expensive audio system and wireless charging are not. The GLC's crash-test results are based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Mazda CX-60 – Mid 2023

The 2023 Mazda CX-60 will be the most expensive four-door Mazda ever sold in Australia. The new medium SUV range arrives in showrooms in June 2023. Prices start from $59,800 for the entry-level Evolve six-cylinder petrol. With more features and plug-in hybrid power, the 'P50e' Azami costs $87,252 plus on-road costs – second overall only to some variants of Mazda's 1990s RX-7 sports car. The plug-in hybrid Evolve combines a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100kW electric motor, 17.8kWh battery and eight-speed auto for a combined output of 241kW and 500Nm – more than any previous road car in the company's history.

Mazda claims up to 76km of the electric driving range at speeds up to 100km/h (in lenient Australian testing). 2023 Mazda CX-60 Evolve standard features include 18-inch grey metallic alloy wheels, dual-zone auto climate control with rear air vents, a head-up display and wireless smartphone charging. All prices above exclude on-road costs but include Luxury Car Tax. G40e refers to the six-cylinder turbo petrol, D50e to the fuel-efficient diesel, and P50e  to the plug-in hybrid. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (Evolve six-cylinder only; already standard on Evolve PHEV and all GT models).

12-speaker Bose premium sound system, Panoramic sunroof, Power 10-way driver (with two-position memory) and eight-way passenger seats, heated steering wheel with electric adjustment. 20-inch black metallic and machined alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, body-coloured side mirror caps and metallic grille surround. Takumi Package, available on Azami, also adds a 'Bright' interior decoration panel, 'See-Through View for the 360-degree camera' and 'Front cross-traffic alert'.

Lexus RX - Early 2023

The 2023 Lexus RX SUV is on track to hit U.S. showrooms by the end of 2022. A plug-in hybrid version will also go on sale in 2023. Interior accommodations are more deluxe this time around, and the cabin features a large infotainment touchscreen. A three-row variant may join the lineup later or Lexus may launch a new, larger SUV above the RX. The base model is powered by a 275-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

Stepping up to the RX500h F Sport Performance unlocks a punchier 367-hp powertrain. The EPA hasn't weighed in on all of the RX trims yet, but according to Lexus, the most efficient RX model will be the RX350h. The new 2023 Lexus RX SUV is a two-row, five-seat SUV for the first time. A 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen is parked smack in the middle of the RX's redesigned dashboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard but features such as navigation and head-up display are optional.

The RX500h F Sport Performance has more heavily bolstered front seats, black interior trim, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and aluminium pedals. Lexus 2023 RX models have standard driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Lexus's limited warranty matches most of its rivals in this segment and its powertrain warranty surpasses many. Hybrid components get longer coverage, but complimentary scheduled maintenance lasts only one year. The BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60 both offer lengthier terms.

Conclusion

SUVs have become mainstream and they are here to stay, and we’re not just talking about the seven models mentioned above. In fact, there are dozens and dozens more due for release across the next decade in Australia. So, if you’re a fan of high and spacious cars, get ready!

At Motor Matcher, we might just have the SUV that you want and need! With so many used cars to choose from, one of them may be perfect for you. For more information, go to https://www.motormatcher.com.au/.