It’s a familiar story. You watch back-to-back model pages, and as you continue, it seems harder to pick one family SUV that ticks all your requirements and desires.
2026 saw EV sales break records and Chinese SUVs rise like they are on a huge festival sale. It’s almost 2027, and we thought, why not detail some upcoming family SUVs in Australia that are yet to arrive in showrooms here in 2026.
This guide maps expected SUV drive-away prices and practical family features to help you build a shortlist and decide whether to buy now or wait for the next year.
Upcoming new Australian family SUV launches at a glance
Here is the organised breakdown of the new and upcoming family SUVs, categorised across their critical specifications, local pricing, and family-oriented practical features and uses.
| Model | Seats | Powertrain | Price | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 GWM Haval H7 | 5 | Petrol HEV or PHEV; standard AWD | $45,990 – $53,990 drive-away | Budget-conscious families wanting an adventurous, boxy look with all-wheel drive stability |
| 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero | 5 or 7 | 2.4L bi-turbo diesel | $68,490 – $84,990 plus on-roads | Regional touring, heavy 4×4 off-roading, and towing (up to 3,500kg) |
| Lepas L6 EV | 5 | Pure electric; 65kWh battery | From $47,990 plus on-roads | Suburban families looking for an affordable entry point into full EV ownership with a 440km driving range |
| 2027 Kia Seltos Hybrid | 5 | Petrol hybrid with e-AWD system | $37,990 plus on-roads | Metro families wanting a compact, highly fuel-efficient daily city runabout with smart traction |
| 2027 Smart #5 | 5 | Pure electric, 800V architecture | $58,900 plus on-roads | Tech-forward families wanting a premium, spacious European EV with rapid fast-charging |
| 2027 Cadillac Lyriq EV | 5 | Dual-motor pure electric; up to 459kW | From $90,000 plus on-roads | Driving enthusiasts wanting pure sports-car speed wrapped inside a spacious luxury family cruiser |
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE | 5 or 7 | Diesel, Petrol, or PHEV | From $142,300 plus on-roads | Premium buyers seeking top-tier cabin technology, flexible seating layouts, and prestige |
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS | 7 (dedicated 3 rows) | Mild-hybrid petrol or diesel | From $142,300 plus on-roads | Large or extended families needing maximum, uncompromised cabin space and luxurious long-distance comfort |
Also read: 2027 BYD Atto 2 DM-i becomes Australia’s cheapest PHEV SUV
Most anticipated mid-size family SUVs
These five-seat new SUVs offer a decent balance of cabin and boot space, with three out of the five mentioned being fully electric while the other two being hybrid cars.
2027 GWM Haval H7
The 5-seat GWM Haval H7 has already started arriving in Australian showrooms. It is structurally based on a comfortable, car-like unibody platform (shared with the H6) but features a rugged, boxy exterior style heavily inspired by the Tank 300, and sits on the larger side of the mid-size SUV segment.
The H7 now adopts the GWM’s “Hi4” intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) as the standard, paired with an unexpected mechanical locking rear differential and 210mm ground clearance for light off-roading. The Chinese SUV comes with a 1,500kg braked towing capacity, a 580mm wading depth, and 8 dedicated terrain driving modes.
The H7 SUV hits a very specific sweet spot as it gives kids and parents the cool, boxy aesthetic of a 4WD without the harsh, bouncy ride or poor fuel economy of traditional off-roaders. Its interior shoulder and legroom are excellent for growing teenagers, and the Vanta trim also includes rear window sunshades and ventilated seats.
| Haval H7 variant | Price | Key specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Lux Hybrid 182kW HEV AWD | $46,990 drive-away | 19-inch alloys, 15.6-inch touchscreen, black synthetic leather seats, 8-speaker audio, sunroof, wireless phone charger, full-size spare |
| Lux PHEV 320kW PHEV AWD | $50,990 drive-away | Adds the 33.7kWh battery, DC fast charging capability, and 6kW V2L power output |
| Vanta Hybrid 182kW HEV AWD | $49,990 drive-away | Adds black-out exterior trim, heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 10-speaker sound system, and rear passenger window sunshades |
| Vanta PHEV 320kW PHEV AWD | $53,990 drive-away | Combines the Vanta features with the high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain |
Its PHEV versions offer a claimed 137km of EV range, which means you can do daily school runs without petrol, and the battery also provides juice for the occasional camping through its 6kW V2L feature. If you have a larger family, you can wait for a dedicated 3-row 7-seat variant until next year.
The older Haval H7 holds a maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating and the 2027 generation is yet to be rated. It also features:
- 7 airbags as standard
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Emergency Lane Keeping
- 360-degree camera system
- Advanced AEB
- 2 ISOFIX points on outer rear seats
- 3 top-tether anchor points
Three child seats can comfortably fit across the second row of the H7 SUV. The SUV also comes with a generous 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and 5 years of roadside assistance.
Lepas L6 electric SUV
The 5-seat Lepas L6 EV, arriving here in November, is for a tech-savvy family who wants an entry-level premium option without the hefty premium car badge price tag. It runs a 160kW single-motor, front-wheel-drive layout optimised for smooth suburban delivery and offers a 440km WLTP range with 11kW of AC and up to 120kW DC fast charging.
The L6 focuses on cabin legroom over raw boot depth, and its 323L boot space jumps to 1255L when the rear seats are folded down, plus there is an extra 99L dual underfloor storage. The cabin gets a 13.2-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The L6 launched here as a single variant priced from $47,990 before on-roads and is eligible for FBT exemptions on novated leases.
It features two ISOFIX anchor points and three top-tether points, but fitting three child seats side-by-side can be a tight squeeze. The SUV also gets:
- 7 airbags
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind Spot Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Speed Sign Detection
- 360-degree Around View Monitor
- Remote park assist
- Power tailgate
The L6 SUV comes backed by an extensive 8-year/200,000km high-voltage battery warranty, 7-year capped-price servicing structure, and complimentary roadside assistance.
2027 Kia Seltos Hybrid
The second-gen Kia Seltos, just arriving on the showroom floor, has gone larger and hybrid-only, and comes with a bold-new design inspired by the larger Telluride. It’s powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a motor with a 6-speed DCT and produces 113kW to 133kW.
The new-gen Seltos range now kicks off at $37,990 and goes up to $52,870 for the GT-Line HEV, both before on-road costs.
Its cargo capacity has grown by 38 litres to a total of 536 Litres with the rear seats up, and it expands to 1,441L with the rear seats down. It now gets the space-saver spare tyre underneath the boot floor. The second row is now flatter and more comfortable with reclining seats, rear directional climate vents, and a centre armrest and cupholders.
| Seltos Hybrid variant | Key specifications |
| S (Base) FWD | Dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays, AEB, Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0, and Lane Keep Assist. |
| Sport FWD | Adds upgraded interior soft-touch materials, sat-nav, and alloy wheels. |
| Sport+ / GLS FWD | Adds Smart Key, Kia Connect OTA updates, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance. |
| GT-Line e-AWD | Panoramic sunroof, premium Harman Kardon sound, Head-Up Display, Blind Spot View Monitor, and heated/ventilated front relaxation seats. |
It has two ISOFIX anchors and three top-tether points and can comfortably fit two child seats. The Korean SUV also gets:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keep/Follow Assist (LKA/LFA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance
- 360-degree Surround View Monitor
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
The new-gen Seltos comes backed by a 7-year unlimited-kilometre factory warranty, though the hybrid battery components carry a separate 150,000km cap.
Readers also asked: 10 of the best family SUVs for under $50K
2027 Smart #5 electric SUV
The all-new Smart #5 electric SUV, which arrives here this month, is a mid-size family vehicle co-developed by Mercedes-Benz and Geely with a premium and adventure-ready driving experience. The upcoming 5-seat EV with a 100kWh battery supports DC fast charging of up to 400kW and is also V2L capable, and the base variant offers up to 590km WLTP range.
Its cabin features a multi-screen entertainment package in the front, along with ample legroom and a premium comfort feel. The boot space is well engineered, with 630L capacity with rear seats up, up to 72L frunk, and 34 storage points for tablets, bottles, toys, etc.
| Smart #5 variant | Price | Key specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Pro+ RWD | $58,900 before on-roads | 100kWh battery, 590km range, 800V platform (400kW DC fast charging), V2L functionality, AMD V2000 multi-screen display |
| Premium RWD | $63,900 before on-roads | Adds Sennheiser premium audio system, smart Pilot Assist driving safety suite, and upgraded Mercedes-Benz cabin styling |
| Brabus dual-motor AWD | $73,900 before on-roads | Performance tune, up to 540km range, model-specific sporty design details, and AWD traction |
The upcoming family electric SUV boasts a five-star Euro NCAP rating and offers excellent child-seat installation points: 2 ISOFIX, 2 top tether points, and a width that can comfortably support 3 side-by-side child seats. It also includes:
- Child presence detection
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Front/rear cross-traffic alerts
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Emergency steering assist
- Lane-keep assist
- A comprehensive multi-camera parking suite
The Smart #5 is backed by a 5-year/150,000km warranty, 8-year/150,000km battery and high-voltage components warranty, and 5 years of roadside assistance.
2027 Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV
The Cadillac Lyriq-V, hitting the local showrooms in late 2026, serves as the flagship model of Cadillac’s all-electric SUV lineup in Australia and is positioned as a luxury family crossover. The two-variant lineup offers you a premium driving experience with American styling and EV performance.
It supports 130kW DC fast charging, is quick and offers a unique dynamic ride comfort with adaptive dampers while riding on huge 22-inch wheels. This EV is practical too; it boasts 1722L of boot space with the rear seats folded and features a brake regeneration tweak for a smoother stop-and-go experience.
| Cadillac Lyriq variant | Price | Key specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Lyriq Sport 384kW AWD | $90,000 before on-roads | 102kWh battery, 503km WLTP range, 21-inch wheels, 33-inch curved display, premium AKG audio system |
| Lyriq-V 459kW AWD | $99,000 before on-roads | 0-100km/h in 3.6s, 471km range, 22-inch wheels, Brembo front brakes, adaptive sport suspension, V-Mode performance selector |
The cabin also gets active noise cancellation paired with a 19-speaker AKG audio system and a huge 33-inch 9K curved display for entertainment. The performance family EV lacks the front storage, though.
The electric SUV features 2 ISOFIX points and 2 child-seat tether points and it also gets:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind-Zone Steering Assist
- HD Surround Vision and Automatic Parking Assist
The Cadillac Lyriq-V comes with the Cadillac Confidence warranty and support package: 5-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty, 5 years of roadside assistance, and 24 months or 24,000km service intervals.
Readers also asked: Top 5 cheapest hybrid large family SUVs under $70,000
Family off-road touring SUVs
Only three family SUV models, arriving here before 2027, have the option of seven seats, and one of them comes from the reliable, value-packed Japanese brand, Mitsubishi, and the other two are Benz models.
2027 Mitsubishi Pajero
The all-new Pajero is making a comeback by December 2026 with a modern, heavily engineered ladder-frame chassis shared with the Triton platform, but overhauled for family comfort. It can supposedly handle heavy-duty family adventures and towing with its 2.4-litre 4N16 bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150kW / 480 Nm, and this is paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission.
It features the Super Select II 4WD system and a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, which can easily tow large caravans or boats, and a payload capacity of 750- 800 kg. This SUV has a ground clearance of 228mm and an 800mm water wading depth.
The ride in this SUV is much smoother thanks to 7 terrain driving modes, and your kids can easily access the 3rd row with the 2nd-row tumble feature, and the last row also gets ceiling air vents.
| Pajero variant | Price | Key specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Pajero GLS 5-seat | $69,490 before on-roads | 18-inch alloys, cloth upholstery, digital instrument cluster, full suite of active safety tech, Super Select II 4WD |
| Pajero GLS 7-seat | $69,990 before on-roads | Adds a 3rd row of seats with dedicated roof-mounted air vents and cup holders |
| Pajero Exceed 7-seat | $79,990 before on-roads | Adds a premium leather-appointed interior, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and upgraded 9.0-inch multi-around monitor |
| Pajero GSR 7-seat | $84,990 before on-roads | Black-out exterior styling package, unique sports alloy wheels, premium audio, heated and ventilated front seats |
The GLS trim offers waterproof black fabric seats, a 12.3-inch or 14.3-inch central screen, enormous 519L third-row folded cargo space, and the SUV now gets a standard powered, top-hinged tailgate.
The new, wider Pajero can easily fit three child seats abreast across the second row supported by two ISOFIX anchor points and practical 3 top-tether anchor points on the 2nd-row seatbacks; it also has:
- Front-centre airbag, full-length 3rd row side curtain airbags
- Child presence detection
- AEB
- Blind Spot Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Intelligent speed limiter
The Japanese automaker offers a 10-year or 200,000km warranty if you get your SUV serviced at an authorised company dealer.
We have also written detailed blogs comparing the upcoming Pajero with the Ford Everest, Toyota LC300, upcoming Nissan Patrol Y63, and Isuzu MU-X.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Going into the luxury family SUV territory, the upgraded Mercedes-Benz GLE raises the bar for premium family hauliers in Australia with a new look, a digital cabin overhaul, the MB.OS, and the efficient powertrain; the new German SUV now packs over 3,000 new or revised components.
The core diesel and petrol variants are scheduled to land in local showrooms within 2026, while PHEV and AMG models are expected to arrive next year.
There is no doubt about this SUV’s comfort, but its highlights are the wide MBUX Superscreen, up to 3,500kg braked towing capacity, and predictive cloud suspension feature.
| Variant | Powertrain | Price (before on-roads) | Key specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLE 350d 4Matic | 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo Diesel(210kW / 650Nm) | $142,300 | Updated 48V mild-hybrid engine, 3,500kg towing capacity, luxury seating material, standard 4Matic AWD |
| GLE 450 4Matic | 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo Petrol(280kW / 560Nm) | $152,000 | Mild-hybrid layout with a new electric compressor, 0-100km/h in 5.3s |
| GLE 450e 4Matic | 3.0L Inline-6 PHEV(240kW / 540Nm combined) | $159,500 | 25.72kWh battery, 106km pure electric range (WLTP), 60kW DC fast-charging (10-80% in 29 mins) |
| GLE 580 4Matic | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8(395kW / 750Nm) | $195,000 | Flagship V8 variant featuring a new flat-plane crankshaft to meet strict emissions targets |
The SUV even offers a flexible 7-seat option with electrically adjustable rear seats, but the layout is tighter compared to boxier large SUVs. The ICE models offer 630L of boot space.
The GLE retains its robust architecture, which historically scored a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and provides 2 secure child seat ISOFIX points and 3 top tether points. But three child seats do not fit as comfortably side-by-side as in the new Pajero. Its highly optimised MB.OS-backed safety suite includes:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Advanced lane-keep assistance
- Evasive steering assist
- Proactive cross-traffic monitoring
- 360-degree camera
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE is covered by a 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, 5 years of roadside assistance, and service is required every 1 year or 25,000km.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Only the core 6-cylinder petrol and diesel variants of the heavily updated Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup are arriving in local showrooms this year, followed by an AMG and Maybach variant in 2027. The 3-row flagship SUV brings revised styling, advanced driver assistance, and the wide MBUX Superscreen.
The luxury SUV has all of its seats fully power-adjustable with easy entry and exit in the back, and it also offers acoustic silence. However, the 3rd row seems a little tight for adults or taller teens.
| Variant | Powertrain | Price (before on-roads) | Key specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLS 450 4Matic | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Petrol(280kW / 500Nm) | $181,900 | 48V mild-hybrid setup, 7 seats, 9-speed automatic, 4Matic AWD, MBUX Superscreen |
| GLS 450d 4Matic | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Diesel(270kW / 750Nm) | $188,900 | High-torque long-distance tourer, 48V mild-hybrid system, maximum 3,500kg braked towing capability |
The ride quality is obviously amazing with the cloud-based Airmatic air suspension and its MB.OS backed 27 sensors offer advanced driver assistance and safety. Like the GLE, this SUV also carries the historical 5-star ANCAP rating and new-generation ADAS.
The boot offers 355L volume with the rear seats upright and up to 890L capacity with the 3rd row folded; all the seats in the 2nd and 3rd row fold or slide at the touch of a button. The GLS lineup is backed by the same warranty package as the GLE.
Should you buy or wait?: What Cars24 Australia says
We would suggest you buy a family SUV now if you want massive end-of-the-year dealer discounting and you have already shortlisted a model after all the required research, testing and crazy family discussions. And you should wait for the next year if you are fine with your current car and you prioritise space, advanced safety tech, or cutting fuel bills. Next year is seeing a huge wave of electrified and affordable models, from the towing-giant Patrol Y63 to value-packed Chinese three-row SUVs.
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