I have a Toyota Kluger on lease which is about to end so I am looking for a new car. My two daughters are older now so I no longer need the practicality that the Kluger affords, however, I find myself wanting a large SUV or car because of their comfort and how they feel on the road. This time I want something with bells and whistles such as leather seats, sunroof and latest safety features. My new lease budget is about $55,000-$58,000. I was looking at something like a used Audi Q5 but was wondering what I can get that’s new and does the trick.

Charlotte, Yarraville, Victoria

Hi Charlotte, your budget is a little low to if you’re after large SUVs, but if you can stretch your dollar a little, the Kia Sorento GT-Line, at $58,990, certainly fits the bill. It feels nice and planted on the road and is brimming with bells and whistles including a huge panoramic sunroof, heated/ventilated leather seats with power adjustments, and active safety tech.

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You can read more about the Kia Sorento GT-Line and the rest of the range with our Kia Sorento Range Review, which includes the Sorento SLi, which is also stacked with features for just $50,490.

Another car worth considering is the Subaru Forester, which is technically a medium SUV but has a nice comfortable ride that makes it feel like a bigger vehicle. The top-spec Forester 2.5i-S is teeming with luxury touches and heaps of safety tech that puts many European cars to shame. Best of all, you’ll get all that for $41,490, or about $45,600 on road, which allows you to score some accessories and save on lease repayments.

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MORE Subaru Forester Range Review

One large car that has all your desires within your budget is the Holden Calais V, which is based on the Commodore and available as a sedan or an SUV-like Sportwagon priced from $53,990.

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MORE Holden Commodore and Calais range review

Based on your budget, desire for luxury and a commanding on-road presence, we’d choose the Calais V Tourer. The European Commodore/Calais hasn’t received much love compared to the Aussie-built versions, but that doesn’t reflect how good they actually are.

Our recommendation: Holden Calais V-Tourer

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