BYD’s premium performance division, Yangwang, has made global automotive history with its U9 Xtreme electric supercar officially recognised on the Nürburgring Nordschleife production car leaderboard. The record-breaking lap time of 6 minutes and 59.157 seconds establishes it as the fastest production electric vehicle ever to conquer the world’s most demanding racetrack — and the first EV to complete the circuit in under seven minutes.

In addition to its Nürburgring success, Yangwang confirmed that the U9 Xtreme recently achieved a top speed of 496.22 km/h, a feat that backs its claim as the world’s fastest production electric car but also rivals the outright speed benchmarks of traditional internal-combustion supercars.

The U9’s “dual first” distinction — for both speed and lap record — signals the continuing rise of China’s electric performance engineering on the global stage.

Yangwang executive Hu Xiaoqing said the official certification followed a private session at the German circuit on October 10, 2025, where conditions were far from ideal. Despite light rain and restricted track time, the team managed a final flying lap that clinched the record. Hu added that the drivers had not tested the U9 Xtreme for more than three weeks prior to the attempt, suggesting that with additional sessions, the car might have gone even faster.

The U9 Xtreme’s performance was validated by TÜV Rheinland in cooperation with Nürburgring officials, confirming the car’s compliance with production standards. Yangwang emphasised that the U9’s technology diverges significantly from conventional supercars, using an advanced quad-motor system, a lightweight aerodynamic body, and software-tuned torque vectoring designed to optimise stability and precision at high speed.

German professional racer Moritz Kranz, who has logged nearly 10,000 Nürburgring laps in his GT career, piloted the record-setting run. His experience proved critical in managing the immense acceleration and cornering forces generated by the 1000kW-plus EV.

Yangwang says the U9 Xtreme’s development and testing program will continue, with further refinement expected as part of its mission to redefine high-performance electric mobility. The achievement not only marks a milestone for BYD’s engineering prowess but also establishes China’s first production supercar to be officially listed among the Nürburgring’s elite performers.

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the G 63 Offroad PRO – a purpose-built variant engineered for drivers who demand both uncompromising off-road performance and high-end luxury. Priced at $383,900 (MRLP) and now available to order, this new flagship enhances the already formidable G 63 platform with advanced suspension technology, specialised drive modes and professionally equipped off-road hardware.

At the core of the Offroad PRO is AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL, featuring active hydraulic roll stabilisation tuned specifically for rough terrain. Larger piston diameters and expanded pressure reservoirs deliver greater axle articulation and superior wheel control, allowing the vehicle to remain composed over rocks, sand dunes or rutted tracks.

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Mercedes-AMG has also introduced two exclusive terrain-response systems to give drivers precision control over traction and body stability. The first, AMG Traction PRO, provides seven levels of adjustable braking torque management at each wheel, helping maintain grip across mud, gravel and uneven ground.

The second, AMG Active Balance Control, lets drivers adjust roll stiffness in three selectable stages – LOW, MID and HIGH – matching suspension dynamics to low-speed boulder crawling or high-speed desert running.

The Offroad PRO rides on 20-inch matte black AMG 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres developed specifically for this model. Additional protection includes heavy-duty rear mud flaps and full rubber matting throughout the cabin and cargo area.

A PROFESSIONAL roof rack with continuous aluminium plate decking is designed for secure load carrying and can be accessed via a mounted rear ladder, emphasising the G 63 Offroad PRO’s outback-ready credentials.

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Inside, however, the luxury appointments expected of a Mercedes-AMG are all present . The cabin features an AMG Performance steering wheel in premium Nappa leather, integrated with multifunction controls. The latest-generation MBUX system includes augmented reality navigation, while entertainment is delivered via a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

Additional convenience touches such as wireless smartphone charging and temperature-controlled cupholders underline the dual character of the vehicle: equally at home in the outback as it is in the city.

Combining iconic AMG performance with advanced off-road capability, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 Offroad PRO brings serious off-road grunt to the G-class.

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Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has announced a series of detailed updates for the GR Corolla, promising sharper handling, improved cooling and a more immersive driving experience when the upgraded model lands in Australian showrooms in early 2026.

Drawing on insights from Toyota’s extensive motorsport involvement, including Japan’s demanding Super Taikyu Series endurance races, engineers have fine-tuned the GR Corolla to deliver even greater performance and control for drivers who like to explore the car’s limits.

The key structural upgrade involves a 74 per cent increase in the use of structural adhesive, now totalling more than 32 metres throughout the chassis. The reinforcement is focused around the underbody and rear wheel arches to better withstand the intense vertical and lateral forces experienced during high-speed cornering and track driving.

Toyota says the enhanced rigidity improves stability and steering response while deepening the connection between driver and machine – whether on a racetrack or a daily commute.

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Engineers have also addressed thermal performance with the addition of a new high-speed intake duct. Opening under heavy throttle, it channels cooler outside air from the front grille directly into the turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. This helps maintain stable operation during extended high-load driving, ideal for spirited or track use.

Inside the cabin, the 2026 GR Corolla gains a nine-speaker JBL® premium audio system – up from eight speakers – thanks to the inclusion of a subwoofer in the cargo area for deeper, cleaner sound reproduction.

Toyota has also refined the Active Noise Control system to reduce unwanted engine and road noise, while introducing Active Sound Control for the first time. This feature enhances the engine note according to throttle input and drive mode, offering three selectable sound profiles with adjustable volume levels.

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The GR Corolla continues to pack a punch with its 221 kW / 400 Nm turbocharged engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is channelled to all four wheels through Toyota’s GR-Four system with limited-slip differentials, ensuring maximum traction and agility.

Pricing and detailed specifications for the upgraded GR Corolla will be announced closer to its Australian launch in early 2026.

A 1964 Peel P50 microcar – best known globally for its unforgettable appearance on an episode of Top Gear – has sold at auction for $85,000 by Donington Auctions, after it was found undisturbed in a Gold Coast garage.

The tiny three-wheeler, hailed by the Guinness World Records as the smallest production car in history, has fascinated enthusiasts for decades and this latest result reflects both its rarity and cultural significance.

Originally produced on the Isle of Man in the early 1960s, the Peel P50 was designed for one adult occupant and a shopping bag, powered by a modest 49cc single-cylinder engine. It had no reverse gear – owners were instead expected to lift and manoeuvre the car using a handle attached to the rear. Its compact design, weighing just 59 kilograms, made it as much a conversation piece as a mode of transport.

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This particular example, chassis D533, is an extraordinary barn find with single-family ownership for 49 years. It was purchased by a microcar enthusiast in the UK in 1976 for just £750 (A$1545), before being shipped to Queensland in 1988, where it remained hidden away in storage for nearly four decades.

Despite being repainted brown from its original Dragon Red, the Peel retains its originality and comes complete with its original buff logbook, confirming its early registration in Manchester in 1964.

Fewer than 50 Peel P50s were ever produced, and only around 27 are believed to survive, making this one of the world’s rarest microcars. Its fame skyrocketed after Jeremy Clarkson famously drove one through the BBC offices on Top Gear, squeezing into lifts and navigating tight corridors – an appearance that cemented its place in popular culture.

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The model offered at auction is currently non-operational but appears complete, offering an exciting restoration opportunity for the successful buyer.

Included in the sale was a trove of historical documents, including customs papers, MOT records and correspondence with the Peel Register and National Motor Museum.

With values for authentic Peel P50s climbing steadily – one example sold in the US in 2016 for more than US$170,000 – this $85,000 result underscores the enduring appeal of one of motoring’s smallest giants. For collectors seeking the ultimate conversation starter, the Peel P50 remains in a class of its own.

Toyota has officially revealed the Land Cruiser FJ, a new model designed to reintroduce the spirit of simplicity, durability and adventure that helped make the Land Cruiser a global icon more than 70 years ago. However, while the model is destined for international markets,

Toyota has confirmed the FJ is not currently planned for Australian sale. In a move that may hint at future possibilities, the FJ name has been registered locally, suggesting Toyota is keeping its options open.

The Land Cruiser FJ becomes the fourth pillar in the Land Cruiser family, joining the flagship 300 Series, rugged 70 Series and lifestyle-focused 250 Series unveiled earlier this year. Inspired by the original BJ of 1951 – the first motor vehicle to reach the sixth station of Mount Fuji – the FJ carries forward the Land Cruiser legacy of trust and toughness, with an emphasis on approachability and enjoyment.

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Toyota says the FJ has been developed around the theme of “Freedom & Joy”, designed to offer the capability of a true Land Cruiser in a smaller, more flexible package. Developed using global customer feedback, it promises the durability, reliability and go-anywhere performance expected from the nameplate, but in a form designed to be accessible to new generations of drivers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The new model features distinctive retro-inspired styling with a boxy silhouette, chamfered edges and a rectangular motif that blends traditional Land Cruiser DNA with modern functionality. Front and rear bumpers are modular and removable to enhance repairability and allow owners to personalise their vehicle. Round headlights, MOLLE panels for attaching outdoor gear, and a wide range of optional accessories further emphasise its adventure credentials.

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Inside, the FJ adopts a horizontal dashboard layout designed for maximum visibility and intuitive off-road operation. Toyota Safety Sense technology is included to support safe driving in all terrain conditions.

Despite its compact footprint, the FJ’s shortened wheelbase provides excellent off-road manoeuvrability and a tight 5.5-metre turning circle. Its platform has been refined from Toyota’s IMV architecture, enabling class-leading approach angles and wheel articulation on par with the legendary 70 Series.

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Set to launch in selected markets from 2026, the Land Cruiser FJ is part of Toyota’s renewed global push to make the Land Cruiser family more diverse and lifestyle-oriented.

Although Australian availability has not been confirmed, Toyota’s local trademark registration for the FJ indicates that the model could be considered for the Australian market in future, should demand and production availability align.

For now, off-road enthusiasts will be watching closely—because the spirit of the FJ may yet find its way Down Under.

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Since October 8, Western Australia has activated full enforcement of its new artificial intelligence road safety camera program, issuing fines after an extensive eight-month warning period revealed widespread non-compliance on the state’s roads.

During the trial phase, AI-enabled cameras monitoring key locations across Perth and regional areas detected more than 380,000 road safety breaches, with 65,000 warning notices issued to motorists for violations such as phone use, speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt correctly.

Authorities say the warning period successfully prompted behavioural change, with a 40 per cent drop in offences recorded between February and September. However, drivers will now face penalties of up to $1000 and four demerit points for using a mobile phone illegally, speeding, or not complying with seatbelt laws.

The system uses advanced AI cameras mounted on fixed and mobile trailers capable of detecting multiple offences simultaneously. These cameras can identify drivers using mobile phones, handling objects, failing to wear their seatbelt properly, or travelling at excessive speeds. They are also able to detect unregistered vehicles, monitor heavy vehicle speed limits and assess whether trailers or caravans are being towed legally.

During the trial, 114,800 drivers were detected wearing a seatbelt incorrectly, 158,000 were caught using a mobile phone, and 100,000 were found speeding. Authorities also reported dangerous behaviour such as children travelling unrestrained in front seats and drivers seen using drugs or drinking behind the wheel.

One motorist was reportedly captured committing more than 80 separate offences within just a few months.

The rollout comes amid mounting concern over road safety in WA. The state has recorded its highest road fatality figures in nearly a decade, with 148 deaths so far this year, a 6 per cent increase on 2024.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the new enforcement measures are intended to change habits, not just raise revenue.

“If you’re caught in the first week, you really need to question your ability to drive safely,” he said. “Wearing a seatbelt or putting down your phone is a conscious decision.”

Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said penalties were now necessary to protect lives.

“Every time you drive, you make choices that can end in tragedy. These cameras are about saving lives, not catching people out,” he said. “Slow down, buckle up and put the phone away.”

AI-based road camera technology is already in use across several Australian states, generating substantial reductions in risky driving behaviours. WA authorities say they expect similar improvements as full enforcement is now underway.

Chery has revealed what it calls the world’s first ‘7-Seat Transformable Multi-SUV’, an innovative vehicle designed to adapt to the many roles modern families play – traveller, worker, adventurer or commuter.

Unveiled in China at the 2025 Chery User Summit, the vehicle reimagines what an SUV can be, introducing a new ‘mobile home’ philosophy built, Chery says, on user feedback gathered from around the globe.

At the heart of the concept is Chery’s ‘6=1’ configuration principle, which allows a single vehicle to transform into six unique layouts by reconfiguring internal seating and removing the rear hatch. This flexibility, according to Chery, enables the vehicle to meet 99 per cent of mobility needs for large families, tradespeople and outdoor enthusiasts.

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In ‘Large 7-Seat SUV Mode’, the vehicle stretches over 4.9 metres in length with an exceptional interior height of 1,284mm. The cabin is tall enough for a young child to stand upright and designed to allow elderly passengers to enter effortlessly – delivering on Chery’s vision of comfort-focused mobility for multiple generations in one family.

For work or active lifestyles, the SUV can switch into ‘Double-Cab Pickup Mode’ using a quick-release mechanism. This opens a 600-litre cargo bed equipped with tie-downs and adjustable dividers to carry surfboards, tools, flowers, tents or equipment. It removes the age-old compromise between carrying people or payload.

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Outdoor explorers are catered for with ‘Camper Mode’, which supports an ecosystem of accessories including roof tents, awnings, entertainment screens and external power outlets. Chery says this mode is engineered to inspire road trips, off-grid living and flexible travel experiences.

This ambitious development is the culmination of over 300 days of global field research conducted by a dedicated team of 20 experts. Chery says the project represents a new era of user co-creation, where customers play an active role in shaping how vehicles are designed and used.

The production version is expected to launch internationally in the third quarter of 2026, though Australian timing remains unconfirmed.

The Mazda CX-80 is the most important model in the brand’s premium push, expected to be the biggest seller thanks to the family-friendly flexibility of three rows of seats in an extended mid-size package.  

The scope of Mazda’s ambition is best expressed by the range-topping Azami SP, which trades practicality for luxury with its middle-row captain’s chairs and two-tone interior. Can it tempt those who bought a CX-8 into digging a little deeper into their pockets? 

Price and equipment 

Pricing for the Mazda CX-80 covers a broad spectrum. You can score a petrol CX-80 Pure for $56,990 at the time of writing thanks to a current driveaway offer, while at the other end a plug-in hybrid Azami with the SP package is nudging six figures once on-road costs are applied. 

The flagship Azami grade starts at $74,400 (+ORCs) for the petrol G40e, a figure that compares quite favourably to the $69,560 (+ORCs) Mazda asked for the CX-8 Asaki before it was discontinued in 2023.  

If you want to mirror our test car, however, you need to add $2000 for the diesel engine, another $995 for the Artisan Red paint (though blue, beige and black are available at no cost) and $5000 for the SP package for a total of $82,395 (+ORCs). 

That SP package replaces the three-across middle row with a pair of heated and ventilated separate seats with their own centre console, along with quilted tan Nappa leather seat upholstery, a suede dash, two -tone steering wheel, black 20-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior highlights. Full details of the CX-80 Azami’s feature list can be found below. 

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Pricing

*plus on-road costs 

Mazda CX-80 Azami standard features 

• 20-inch wheels 
• Adaptive LED headlights 
• Body coloured wheelarches, lower cladding and exterior mirrors 
• Courtesy lamps 
• Panoramic sunroof 
• Hands-free power tailgate 
• Keyless entry and start 
• Nappa leather seat upholstery 
• Power adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats 
• Heated outboard rear seats 
• Heated steering wheel 
• Dual-zone climate control 
• Head-up display 
• 150W AC outlet 
• 12.3-inch TFT LCD instrument display 
• 12.3-inch infotainment display 
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• AM/FM/DAB+ radio 
• Satellite navigation 
• 12-speaker Bose stereo 
• Wireless phone charger 
• Mazda Connected Services 
• Rear window sunshades 

Safety

The Mazda CX-80 carries a five-star ANCAP rating from 2023 with impressive scores of 92 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 84 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 83 per cent for safety assist. 

Mazda CX-80 safety features 

• Eight airbags, including third-row curtain 
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection 
• Reverse AEB 
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert 
• Blind-spot monitoring with safe exit warning 
• Adaptive cruise control with steering assist 
• Driver monitoring 
• Emergency lane keeping 
• Lane-keep assist 
• Front and rear parking sensors 
• 360-degree camera with see-through bonnet function 

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Interior, practicality and boot space 

Step inside the Mazda CX-80 Azami SP and the price premium over the previous CX-8 is understandable. It’s a very swish cabin, especially in six-seat guise, with the quilted tan leather, heating and cooling for the front two rows of seats and lashings of suede across the dash and door cards. 

In SP guise those in the middle row will be just as comfortable as those in the front, arguably more so, but even in standard seven-seat form there is plenty of space with a split bench that can also slide forward and aft. 

Access to the third row isn’t too difficult and there is even enough room for adults back there as long as they aren’t too claustrophobic, especially if those in the middle row don’t mind sacrificing a little legroom. 

With all three rows in place there is a quoted 258 litres of storage space, which on the plus side is only measured to the top of the seat backs so it’s enough for quite a few shopping bags, though on the downside the figure includes the underfloor storage space and speaking of which, there is only an inflation kit, not even a space-saver spare. 

Drop that third row and there’s 566 litres of space (once again to the top of the seat back and including underfloor storage) but it’s a sizeable area that even a family trip away may struggle to fill.  

With both rear rows down and measured to the ceiling, there is 1971 litres of storage which is pretty gargantuan, but note in SP guise the rear centre console sticks up and prevents the floor being flat, limiting practicality. 

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Performance and fuel economy 

Mazda’s new inline six-cylinder turbodiesel is a good way to satisfy both the heart and the head. With a healthy 187kW/550Nm it has impressive performance with a relatively cultured growl under hard acceleration, yet its combined fuel consumption claim is just 5.2L/100km. 

Real-world use isn’t far off, either, the figure oscillating between 5.5-5.7L/100km over a week of varied driving. What’s interesting is that this is around 20 per cent better than the larger but identically engined CX-70 driven the week prior. 

Despite revisions, however, the eight-speed automatic transmission, which uses a multi-plate clutch arrangement in place of a typical torque converter, still suffers from indecision in selecting gears and poor refinement when it figures it out.  

Kudos to Mazda for its engineering ambition in creating its own bespoke gearbox, but an off-the-shelf unit from ZF or similar would make for a smoother, more premium experience. 

Mazda also touts the CX-80 range as all-hybrid, but it’s important to note the turbocharged petrol and diesel models are 48-volt mild hybrids. 

On the road 

There’s a bit to unpack when discussing the Mazda CX-80’s on-road behaviour. Like most Mazdas, it’s clearly been developed by people who enjoy driving, evidenced by the meaty steering, impressive balance and accuracy for an SUV, and the rear-biased all-wheel drive system. Whether intentional or not, there’s a clear BMW influence in the way it drives. 

Unfortunately, the good is overshadowed by the flaws now associated with this platform. Typically, wheelbase and tyre profile all aid ride quality, so how a car with a 3120mm wheelbase and 50-profile tyres can be this fidgety and unsettled is quite a mystery.  

Like the smaller CX-60, the CX-80 has undergone extensive suspension revisions, including the removal of the rear anti-roll bar, upgraded subframe bushings, softer rear springs with greater travel and firmer shocks, and its behaviour over larger bumps is compliant and well controlled, but it also constantly feeds road imperfections back to the occupants in a way that pokes holes in Mazda’s premium aspirations.  

However, there is a caveat here. Without wishing to excuse the car’s flaws, I do wonder how many of the target market will know and/or care? Those who value a car’s dynamics – Wheels readers, in other words – will take issue, but your typical family SUV buyer will probably be too enamoured with the premium presentation of the interior and exterior to focus on such foibles.  

Service and warranty 

Warranty coverage for the Mazda CX-80 Azami is five years or unlimited kilometres and the same applies to roadside assistance. Service intervals are shorter than usual at 12 months or 10,000km and it is expensive, costing a hefty $3367 over the first five years or 50,000km. 

To provide some context, the Hyundai Santa Fe has identical intervals but costs $2425 over the same period, the Kia Sorento has 12 month/15,000km intervals and costs $2637 while the Toyota Kluger has the longer intervals and costs just $1400 over the first five visits. 

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Verdict: should I buy a Mazda CX-80 D50e Azami? 

There’s a lot to like about the Mazda CX-80 Azami. If you discount the SP package, which looks quite nice with the tan leather but is of questionable value to family buyers, the price hasn’t actually risen that much compared to the old CX-8 but you get a six-cylinder engine, much better dynamics, a premium interior and the latest tech. 

Unfortunately, the ride quality and transmission refinement are still not up to par, but it’s probably worth a test drive to see if you find them too objectionable. 

The CX-80’s biggest rival may come from within. From the CX-80 Azami D50e’s base price of $76,400 (+ORCs), another $3400 scores the larger CX-90 GT, which loses a little bit of equipment but counters with more space and a better (though still firm) ride.  

Otherwise, if you’re prepared to sacrifice a bit of glitz, a CX-80 GT D50e scores you a frugal, practical, well-equipped and (generally) polished family SUV that still rewards the keen driver. 

Specifications

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Maserati has confirmed pricing, specifications and local arrival timings for its eagerly awaited 2026 MCPura supercar, which will arrive in Australian showrooms early next year – just six months after its global unveiling.

The new MCPura, successor to the acclaimed MC20, will launch with two body styles: a closed-roof coupe and an open-top convertible known as the Cielo. Both models will be produced in limited numbers, with strong early interest expected from collectors and new buyers alike.

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In Australia, the coupe will be priced from $450,000 plus on-road costs, while the Cielo will start from $520,000 plus on-roads. Maserati Australia and New Zealand General Manager Grant Barling said the initial allocation would be strictly limited.

“We know Maserati enthusiasts have been waiting for the MCPura since it was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July,” Mr Barling said. “We are delighted to secure a limited number of vehicles for our first production orders, and interest has already been strong from both loyal Maserati customers and those new to the brand.”

The MCPura is manufactured in Modena, Italy – the historic home of Maserati – at the Viale Ciro Menotti factory. This facility also produces the GT2 Stradale and will soon build the GranTurismo and GranCabrio, reinforcing Modena’s status as the home of Maserati’s supercar engineering and craftsmanship.

Central to the MCPura’s performance is a lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque chassis – the same high-strength, low-weight material used in Formula One. Beneath the rear engine cover lies Maserati’s in-house developed Nettuno 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, producing a formidable 463kW and 720Nm.

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This powertrain – the first Maserati-developed engine since 2000 – incorporates patented F1-derived pre-chamber combustion technology with twin spark plugs, contributing to a blistering 0–100km/h time of just 2.9 seconds.

Maserati claims equally impressive stopping performance, with the MCPura capable of braking from 100km/h to a standstill in just 33 metres, thanks to race-tuned suspension and high-performance braking systems.

Signature butterfly doors feature across both variants, enhancing the car’s dramatic presence while revealing exposed carbon-fibre sections of the chassis – a visual reminder of its racing DNA. The exterior colour range now includes more than 30 finishes, with select areas of bodywork intentionally left uncovered to highlight the carbon-fibre construction.

The MCPura Cielo adds an extra layer of exclusivity with its innovative PDLC (polymer-dispersed liquid crystal) glass roof – the first in its class able to switch from opaque to transparent in a single second. This allows occupants to enjoy open-air ambience even when the roof is closed.

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Maserati’s Chief Operating Officer Santo Ficili said the car symbolises the brand’s future while celebrating its Modena heritage.

“Modena is not just our headquarters; it forms part of our identity,” he said at the model’s unveiling. “From there, we proudly tell the story of Italian excellence and luxury.”

With Australian deliveries locked in for early 2025 and allocations strictly limited, Maserati says the MCPura is poised to become one of the most exclusive and sought-after supercars in the country.

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When it comes to medium SUVs, practicality is king – and nothing speaks to real-world usability more than boot space. Australian buyers, whether loading prams, golf clubs or camping gear, are demanding more storage without sacrificing performance, technology or safety credentials.

Using data from our recently awarded Best Medium SUVs 2025, we’ve ranked the top 10 medium SUVs by their boot capacity with all seats in place – while also spotlighting what else each model brings to the table.

And it’s the Tesla Model Y (below) that tops the charts by a substantial margin. With a massive 938 litres of storage – plus its electric drivetrain, cutting-edge infotainment and over-the-air updates – its popularity is understandable, despite Elon. Plus its seats-folded capacity stretches to 2022 litres, proving it’s built for both lifestyle and efficiency.

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In second place, the Volkswagen Tiguan offers 615 litres of boot space, paired with European refinement, turbocharged powertrains and advanced driver-assist systems. The Mercedes-Benz GLC also ranks highly, combining upmarket luxury with spacious practicality, appealing to buyers who want premium features without stepping into a full-size SUV.

Chinese newcomers like the GWM Haval H6 (below) are punching above their weight by offering space and lots of standard features and tech at hard-to-ignore price points.

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For families, the Honda CR-V and Skoda Karoq deliver excellent cargo versatility alongside reputation for reliability and safety. The Hyundai Tucson (below, overall winner of the Wheels Best Medium SUV 2025), with hybrid availability and a 1903-litre folded capacity, positions itself as one of the segment’s best value propositions while the Kia Sportage – offering similar space – adds bold design and one of the longest warranties in the industry, making it a standout for buyers seeking peace of mind.

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The ever-popular Toyota RAV4 comes in next, ahead of the updated model arriving in Australia next year. Performance lovers will gravitate to the BMW X3, which combines a strong 570-litre boot with sporty dynamics and a premium cabin.

With boot sizes now a major deciding factor in SUV purchasing, these rankings highlight how manufacturers are balancing everyday practicality with advanced drivetrains, luxury appointments and cutting-edge safety technology.

Top 10 Medium SUVs by Boot Space (Seats Up)