When it comes to shopping for a family SUV under $50K in Australia, buyers are spoilt for choice. From the ever-reliable Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester to feature-packed newcomers like the Chery Tiggo 7, the segment is stacked with models that bring plenty of bang for your buck.
You can choose from a feature-packed compact SUV to an entry grade three-row SUV for that kind of budget. Our assumption is that you’re looking for the most bang for your buck so we’re mainly looking at the mid-size SUV segment where middle and higher grade trims fall within the $50,000 price bracket.
These are the top 10 SUVs representing that under the $50K mark, value doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means finding the right mix of features, efficiency, and everyday usability.
| Model | Price Range (Drive-Away) |
| Toyota RAV4 | $42,260-$58,360 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $36,740-$55,650 |
| Kia Sportage | $37,990-$60,370 |
| Nissan X Trail | $36,990-$59,265 |
| Subaru Forester | $43,490-$55,990 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $38,100-$59,600 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | $44,990-$70,490 |
| Chery Tiggo 7 | $29,990-$41,990 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | $39,990-$57,990 |
| MG HS | $35,990-$45,990 |
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is Australia’s best-selling SUV, with a price range starting at $42,260, and is available exclusively as a hybrid. Combining a 2.5L petrol engine with an electric motor, it produces up to 163kW while keeping fuel use as low as 4.7 L/100km. It offers 580L of boot space that can be very beneficial for small families, a spacious cabin, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite with adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist. With a 5-star ANCAP rating, low running costs, and strong resale value, the RAV4 remains a top pick for families wanting reliability and efficiency. There is a new-gen Toyota RAV4 heading for Australia in coming months, but it might carry a premium for its upgrades and it also brings a plug-in hybrid option.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.5L Hybrid-petrol |
| Power | 160-163kW |
| Torque | 203Nm |
| Transmission | Continuously-variable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 4.7-5.7L /100km |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,600 x 1,855 x 1,685mm |
| Seats | 5 |
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5, priced between $36,740 and $55,650, is celebrated for its dynamic handling, premium interior, and strong safety record. Powertrain options include 2.0L and 2.5L petrol engines with FWD or AWD drivetrains. The cabin is family-friendly, featuring intuitive infotainment and comfortable seating for five. Boot space reaches 442 litres, expanding for larger cargo. Safety is robust with a 5-star ANCAP rating. The CX-5 strikes a balance between sporty driving and comfort, and daily usability, making it a top choice in the mid-size SUV segment. Like the RAV4, a new-gen CX-5 is due to launch sometime in 2026, so you either get good deals on the outgoing units or hold off to buy the updated Mazda SUV.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L / 2.5L Turbo petrol |
| Power | 115kW |
| Torque | 200Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 6.9-8.2L /100km |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,550 x 1,840 x 1,680mm |
| Seats | 5 |
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is one of Australia’s most popular mid-size SUVs, priced between $37,990 and $60,370 drive-away depending on the variant. With sleek styling, advanced safety, and plenty of cabin space, it’s designed with families in mind. Engine options include a 2.0L petrol, a 1.6L turbo petrol, and a 2.0L diesel, paired with smooth automatic transmissions. Inside, the Sportage delivers a high-tech experience with dual 12.3-inch displays on higher trims, wireless smartphone integration, and premium finishes. Its 543-litre boot ensures excellent practicality for weekend trips or school runs. Safety is another strong point, with a 5-star ANCAP rating, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control as standard.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L Petrol/ 1.6 Turbo Petrol/ 2.0L Diesel |
| Power | 115-132kW (petrol) /137kW (turbo)/ 137kW (diesel) |
| Torque | 203Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto/ 7-speed dual-clutch/ 8-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 6.3-8.1L /100km |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,660 x 1,865 x 1,660mm |
| Seats | 5 |
Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail remains a trusted name in the family SUV market, priced from $36,990 to $59,265 drive-away. With its roomy cabin, advanced driver-assist systems, and smooth ride quality, it’s well-suited for families needing space and reliability. The latest X-Trail offers both a 2.5L petrol engine and Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid option, delivering improved efficiency and performance. Inside, it impresses with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and flexible seating with sliding rear seats. The X-Trail also boasts one of the largest boots in its class at 585 litres. Safety is front and centre with ProPILOT driver assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. It even offers the choice of a 7-seat configuration in budget, but that third-row is for small children only and maybe an adult if absolutely necessary.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.5L Petrol / 1.5L e-Power Hybrid |
| Power | 135kW (petrol) / 150kW (hybrid system) |
| Torque | 244Nm (petrol) / 330Nm (hybrid) |
| Transmission | Continuously-variable automatic (petrol) / e-Drive auto (hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 6.1-7.8L /100km |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,680 x 1,840 x 1,725mm |
| Seats | 5 (7-seat option on some trims) |
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a long-standing family favourite in Australia, with pricing between $43,490 and $55,990 drive-away. Known for its practicality and all-terrain capability, the Forester comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD and a 2.5L petrol engine. For those seeking better fuel economy, there’s also a mild-hybrid option. Its cabin is spacious and user-friendly, with an 8-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and excellent visibility. Families will appreciate the 498-litre boot, wide-opening rear doors, and robust build quality. With a 5-star ANCAP rating, EyeSight driver-assist system, adaptive cruise control, and lane centring, the Forester prioritises safety and dependability, making it a strong contender in the under-$50K SUV category.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.5L Petrol / 2.0L Hybrid-petrol |
| Power | 136kW (petrol) / 110kW (hybrid system) |
| Torque | 239Nm (petrol) / 196Nm (hybrid) |
| Transmission | Continuously-variable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 6.7-7.4L /100km |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,640 x 1,815 x 1,730mm |
| Seats | 5 |
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a mechanical cousin to the Kia Sportage, offering a blend of sharp design, comfort, and practicality. Prices start at $38,100 drive-away, making it an appealing option for families who want value with modern tech. Under the bonnet, buyers can choose between a 2.0L petrol, a 1.6L turbo petrol, or a fuel-efficient hybrid producing up to 132kW combined. Inside the Tucson, it impresses with a spacious cabin, digital instrument cluster, and a large 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Boot capacity is a family-friendly 539 litres, expanding to over 1,800 litres with seats folded. Safety is equally strong, with a 5-star ANCAP rating and Hyundai’s SmartSense suite for driver assists.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L petrol/ 1.6L turbo petrol/ 1.6L turbo petrol hybrid |
| Power | 115-132kW |
| Torque | 192-264Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic/7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 5.3-8.1L /100km |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,650 x 1,865 x 1,665mm |
| Seats | 5 |
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan brings a sophisticated edge to the mid-size SUV segment in Australia, blending upscale cabin design with practical family utility. Now starting from around $44,990 and climbing to $70,490 for the top model. Engine choices include a 1.4 L turbo petrol delivering roughly 110 kW and 250 Nm, and a stronger 2.0 L turbo petrol (150 kW / 320 Nm); both are paired with smooth automatic transmissions and offered in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Inside, the Tiguan doesn’t disappoint—with a premium interior offering a massive 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen, wireless smartphone mirroring, tri-zone climate control, dual wireless chargers, and up to 652 L of boot space (expanding to 1650 L with the rear seats folded). Families will appreciate its solid safety foundation, including IQ.DRIVE systems and a towing capacity around 2,500 kg.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.4L Turbo petrol / 2.0L Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 110kW (1.4L) / 150kW (2.0L) |
| Torque | 250Nm (1.4L) / 320kW (2.0L) |
| Transmission | 6-speed / 7-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 7.6-7.7L /100km |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,734 x 1,859 x 1,689mm |
| Seats | 5 |
Chery Tiggo 7
Of the various China-origin car brands on the rise in Australia, Chery is making waves with its line of value-packed SUVs like the Chery Tiggo 7. It stands out for delivering exceptional value and the 2025 lineup begins at just $27,990 and peaks at around $41,990 for the top-tier model. It’s one of the only cars here to offer a highly efficient plug-in hybrid variant in this budget. Under the hood, every variant is powered by a 1.5 L turbo-petrol engine generating 108 kW and 210 Nm, mated to a slick 6-speed automatic; front-wheel drive is standard. Families will appreciate the generous 626 L boot capacity (expandable to 1,672 L). The Tiggo 7 packs in features like a dual 12.3-inch LCD display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety systems delivering a 5-star ANCAP rating.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo petrol/ 1.5L Turbo-petrol + hybrid |
| Power | 108kW/ 150kW (hybrid) |
| Torque | 210Nm/ 310Nm (hybrid) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 6.9L /100km |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,513 x 1,862 x 1,696mm |
| Seats | 5 |
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander ranges from $39,990 to $57,990, with 2.5L petrol or 2.4L PHEV options. It offers up to seven seats and practical boot space (477 litres, expandable), ideal for larger families. Hybrid variants can travel ~80 km on electric power alone. Inside, the cabin features touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and user-friendly controls. The Outlander balances efficiency, versatility, and reliability, making it a practical family SUV with low running costs and modern technology.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 2.5L Petrol/ 2.4L PHEV |
| Power | 135-185kW |
| Torque | 245-450Nm |
| Transmission | Continuously-variable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 7.5L /100km (petrol) / 1.5L/100km (PHEV) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,710 x 1,862 x 1,745mm |
| Seats | 5-7 |
MG HS
The MG HS offers strong family appeal with trims ranging from $33,990 to $45,990 drive-away. It’s powered by a 1.5L turbo petrol and also offers PHEV options at the top end. Inside, the HS boasts a roomy cabin, panoramic sunroof, 10.1-inch infotainment screen, and advanced driver-assist tech. Boot space is generous at 448 litres, expanding with foldable seats, making it versatile for daily family use. Sary is a highlight with a 5-star ANCAP rating, multiple airbags, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The HS combines stylish design, modern tech, and practical space, positioning it as a well-rounded mid-size SUV that appeals to growing families seeking value and features.
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo petrol (PHEV option) |
| Power | 119kW |
| Torque | 250Nm |
| Transmission | FWD (petrol)/ AWD (hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | 7-speed DCT |
| Fuel Economy | 7.3L /100km (petrol)/ 1.7L /100km (PHEV) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,574 x 1,876 x 1,664mm |
| Seats | 5 |
Which family SUV under $50K is right for you?
At the end of the day, picking a new SUV as the family car isn’t just about comparing price tags—it’s about how well the car fits your lifestyle. Under $50K, you’ll find models that punch well above their weight, each with their own strengths. If you decide to browse the used car market, you can find even more amazing options for that budget.
Some, like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, carry a reputation for long-term reliability. Others, like the Tiguan or Tucson, lean into tech and refinement, while SUVs such as the Outlander and X-Trail stand out for versatility and space. If you’re after a sharp deal, the MG HS and Chery Tiggo 7 bring heaps of features without breaking the bank.
The key is to weigh up what matters most—be it fuel economy, safety kit, or family-friendly practicality. With so many solid options, Aussie buyers don’t need to fork out premium money to get a ride that’ll keep the whole crew happy for years to come.
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