It’s a question we get at WhichCar By Wheels all the time: what hybrid SUV should I buy?

The choice is expanding but in the Australian market, the Toyota RAV4 is currently the clear sales winner. But there’s no denying that better value options exist, and that’s before the much pricier new RAV4 arrives in 2026.

If you’re after a hybrid family car but prefer to do something different, what options do you have? Here’s the WhichCar by Wheels guide:

1. Hyundai Tucson

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• Price: From $42,850 plus on-road costs
• Drivetrain: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo hybrid, 172kW/367Nm, six-speed automatic, FWD or AWD
• Claimed fuel consumption: 4.9L/100km – 5.3L/100km

The winner of our 2025 Best Medium SUV award, the Hyundai Tucson is a great mid-size hybrid SUV and bests the RAV4 in a number of ways. Its cabin is roomier and higher quality, it’s better value for money with more standard features across the range, its hybrid system is punchier thanks to its turbocharger and its six-speed automatic transmission is more normal to drive than the RAV4’s eCVT.

Priced from $42,850 +ORC, the Tucson hybrid is offered in three models: base, mid-spec Elite and top-spec Premium, with even the base model well equipped. The 172kW 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid drivetrain is refined and punchy, and while its 4.9L/100km combined fuel consumption rating is 0.2L/100km more than the RAV4, it’s still impressively fuel efficient in the real world.

2. Nissan X-Trail

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• Price: From $47,765 plus on-road costs
• Drivetrain: 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo hybrid, 157kW/330Nm, CVT, AWD
• Claimed fuel consumption: 6.1L/100km

While it’s not as well known as a RAV4, nor as fuel efficient, the ‘e-Power’ hybrid system in the Nissan X-Trail is a great system. Instead of both the electric motor and petrol engine powering the wheels, the e-Power’s engine acts as a generator for the battery and electric motor. That makes the driving experience smoother as there’s no hand off between electric and petrol power, and only adds to the relaxing vibe of the X-Trail from behind the wheel.

For the moment, the e-Power drivetrain is only offered in all-wheel drive form and only in higher-spec models, so its $47,765 +ORC starting price looks steep in this company. But even the entry-level ST-L spec features luxury kit like synthetic leather trim and heated front seats, and the X-Trail’s cabin is spacious and noticeably higher quality than the RAV4.

3. MG HS Hybrid+

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• Price: From $40,990 drive away
• Drivetrain: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo hybrid, 165kW/340Nm, two-speed hybrid, FWD
• Claimed fuel consumption: 5.2L/100km

It recently nearly won the 2025-26 Wheels Car of the Year award, placed only behind the excellent Honda Civic, – the MG HS Hybrid+ offers a lot to those wanting a hybrid family car. Firstly, its value equation is excellent: Priced from just $40,990 drive away, the HS is more affordable than any of the 2025 RAV4 models (let alone the 2026 version). It’s also quite well equipped, even in entry-level Excite form.

The HS Hybrid+’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol hybrid drivetrain is not quite as efficient as the RAV4’s (4.7L/100km versus 5.2L/100km), but it is more powerful and more refined as well. The HS’ cabin is good quality throughout, with plusher materials than the RAV4, and on the road, it impresses as well with genuine sophistication in its ride and handling set up. Add in MG’s 10-year (conditional) new-car warranty and it’s a strong overall package.

4. Toyota Corolla Cross

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• Price: From $37,440 plus on-road costs
• Drivetrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid, 146kW, eCVT, FWD or AWD
• Claimed fuel consumption: 4.2L/100km – 4.5L/100km

Recently given a mid-life facelift, the Toyota Corolla Cross is a great alternative to the RAV4 because it follows the same recipe as its sibling, but just with smaller sizing (or, for many of us, how RAV4s used to be sized back in the early 2000s). Not everybody needs a large vehicle and the Corolla Cross is a great product for those wanting something more compact than a RAV4 – but, crucially, still with excellent fuel efficiency.

In fact, the Corolla Cross is rated as low as 4.2L/100km, which is as much as 0.5L/100km less than the RAV4 – but its 146kW power output is only 14kW less. Pricing is also a factor as to why the Corolla Cross is a great alternative to the RAV4: Its $37,440 +ORC starting price is $4820 less than the 2025 RAV4 and a massive $8550 less than the 2026 model, making it a lot more affordable than its larger sibling.

5. Toyota Camry

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• Price: From $39,990 plus on-road costs
• Drivetrain: 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid, 170kW, eCVT, FWD
• Claimed fuel consumption: 4.0L/100km

We’ve arguably saved the best alternative to the RAV4 for last: the iconic Toyota Camry. Sure, it doesn’t have the higher seating position or supposed cool factor of an SUV, but in a lot of ways, the Camry is a superior product to the RAV4. Using a similar 2.5-litre hybrid drivetrain but a generation newer for more power and efficiency, the Camry is insanely fuel efficient for such a large vehicle rated at just 4.0L/100km and that’s fairly easy to achieve too.

Priced from $39,990 plus on-road costs – or $2270 less than the current RAV4 and a massive $6000 less than the expensive new model – the Camry is excellent value for money, and it’s also well equipped across the range. Its cabin is higher quality and more spacious than the RAV4, while its 524-litre boot is also large. The Camry is overall lovely to drive – relaxing and comfortable, but also capable of a bit of fun and certainly a nicer steer than the RAV4. If you’re looking for a hybrid family car, the Camry is undoubtedly one of the best options.

MG Motor Australia has confirmed local pricing and specifications for the all-new MG7, a mid-size fastback sedan aimed at buyers who want something more style-focused than a traditional four-door. The MG7 arrives as a single, well-equipped variant priced at $44,990 before on-road costs, and was just awarded a five-star safety rating by ANCAP with impressive scores in all areas of testing.

The MG7’s headline is its coupe-like fastback profile, a body style that has become rare in the mainstream mid-size market. MG is leaning into the sporty theme with frameless doors, quad exhaust outlets and a deployable rear spoiler. The spoiler can be adjusted through multiple stages, giving the driver some control over the car’s look and aero behaviour.

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Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 170kW and 380Nm. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, supported by an electronic limited-slip differential. MG says the chassis is tuned for predictable handling, and the MG7 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 Michelin tyres.

Inside, the MG7 is pitched as a premium step up for the brand, with soft-touch trim, dual-zone climate control, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a panoramic sunroof. A Bose 14-speaker sound system is standard, as is a head-up display.

Technology is centred around a 12.3-inch touchscreen with both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging, satellite navigation and a 360-degree camera system are also included as standard. MG says the car’s drive modes and electronic suspension settings can be customised, along with exhaust sound and the spoiler’s operation.

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Safety gear includes seven airbags and the brand’s MG Pilot driver assistance suite of safety features. Local vehicle safety agency ANCAP recently crash tested and awarded the MG7 a five-star rating, with impressive scores of 88 per cent for adult occupancy protection, 85 per cent for child occupancy protection, 80 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 81 per cent for safety assist.

The MG7 is offered in Emerald Green as the standard colour. Other paint finishes cost $695 extra, and a Bordeaux Red suede-like interior package is a $695 option.

Like MG’s broader Australian range, the MG7 is covered by a 10-year warranty when serviced through MG dealerships. The brand’s local network now tops 100 outlets, which MG says will support nationwide rollout and servicing as deliveries begin.

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Why the Wildtrak Was the Right Fit for Leigh

For Melbourne gym owner Leigh Whitney, the search for a new ute was all about finding a vehicle that could match his active family lifestyle. After test-driving multiple models and diving deep into 4×4 comparisons, the next-gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak consistently came out on top. It had every feature he wanted, the right blend of capability and value, and a reputation for comfort and usability that suited their five-person household perfectly.

Life With the Next-Gen Ranger

Stepping out of his eight-year-old BT-50 and into the Wildtrak felt like shifting forward a generation. The technology alone — adaptive cruise control, driver-awareness systems, Apple CarPlay and the large central display — transformed Leigh’s day-to-day driving. Whether he’s commuting around Hampton, running errands for his gym Sweat Master, or doing school runs, the Wildtrak feels refined, intuitive and surprisingly easy to manoeuvre.

Family Adventures, Mountain Bikes and Snow Trips

Weekends for the Whitney family revolve around activity — mountain biking, sport, and longer road trips whenever time allows. The Ranger’s tub effortlessly fits three or four bikes, made even easier with the addition of a rack and the electric roller shutter. On bigger trips, everything goes in the back — wet, dirty, bulky, it doesn’t matter — and the Wildtrak never feels weighed down.

Snow destinations like Thredbo, Perisher and Jindabyne are regular stops on their calendar. With five on board and a full load of gear, the Ranger stays stable and smooth, making long-distance runs feel effortless. Now that Leigh has a proper 4×4 — not just a 4×2 — he’s excited to explore more trails in the mountains and make four-wheel driving a bigger part of future trips.

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The Comfort and Tech That Make Long Drives Easy

Compared to his previous utes, the Wildtrak’s ride quality stands out immediately. The adaptive cruise control takes the fatigue out of long drives, while the advanced lighting system — which automatically adjusts to highlight dark patches on country roads — has become a favourite feature for family trips to Sydney. The whole vehicle simply feels designed around effortless travel.

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A Versatile Ute Built for Their Busy Family Lifestyle

What Leigh appreciates most is the Wildtrak’s versatility. It handles weekday errands as easily as it handles long-haul family travel, outdoor adventures and off-road plans. His young son loves the tech and the “cool-factor”, his mates rate the look, and Leigh sees it as a ute that enhances how they live — making every trip smoother, easier and more enjoyable. For a family constantly on the move, the Ranger fits perfectly into every part of the lifestyle they love.

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Why Connor Chose the Ranger

For Connor McNally, an event manager for Cricket Australia, life is constantly moving — early mornings, shifting venues, and quick escapes whenever time allows. When he bought his 2016 Ford Ranger toward the end of the COVID-era market chaos, he needed a ute that was powerful, affordable and ready for anything. The Ranger stood out for its real-world capability: strong towing performance, rear diff lock as standard, and the reliability he could trust day in, day out.

How the Ranger Fits His Work and Travel

Across Melbourne and beyond, Connor uses the Ranger as a mobile workspace. The metal canopy and custom rear setup let him haul equipment between offices and event sites without fuss. But once the work week wraps, the Ranger transforms into his getaway vehicle. With a dual-battery system and fridge running full-time, he can throw a swag in the back, hook up a trailer or take off for a spontaneous winter trip with almost zero prep.

Connor McNally’s 2016 Ford Ranger

Why Connor Chose the Ranger

For Connor McNally, an event manager for Cricket Australia, life is constantly moving — early mornings, shifting venues, and quick escapes whenever time allows. When he bought his 2016 Ford Ranger toward the end of the COVID-era market chaos, he needed a ute that was powerful, affordable and ready for anything. The Ranger stood out for its real-world capability: strong towing performance, rear diff lock as standard, and the reliability he could trust day in, day out.

How the Ranger Fits His Work and Travel

Across Melbourne and beyond, Connor uses the Ranger as a mobile workspace. The metal canopy and custom rear setup let him haul equipment between offices and event sites without fuss. But once the work week wraps, the Ranger transforms into his getaway vehicle. With a dual-battery system and fridge running full-time, he can throw a swag in the back, hook up a trailer or take off for a spontaneous winter trip with almost zero prep.

Towing, Trips and Real-World Capability

What Connor values most is how consistently the Ranger delivers. From towing his 1,600kg boat to running long highway stretches, it feels surefooted and strong — a big step up from other vehicles he’s towed with, including an MU-X. Even in Tasmania’s freezing August weather or South Australia’s 38-degree heat, the Ranger never faltered. And with a lift and plenty of clearance, it’s taken him deep into the kind of tracks he lives for.

Taking the Ranger Further — From Tasmania to the Gibb River Road

Connor’s Ranger has carried him across some of the most memorable corners of the country: the wild west coast of Tasmania, the sweeping beaches of Rapid Bay, and iconic outback favourites like Cash Island, the Gibb River Road and the Dampier Peninsula. Whether he’s travelling solo or with his partner, the Ranger has even doubled as home for month-long stretches — something few vehicles can genuinely handle.

A Dependable Companion for Every Chapter of His Life

At close to 240,000km, with dents and scratches inherited from previous owners, Connor’s Ranger wears its history proudly. To him, that’s the beauty of it. It’s dependable, capable and always ready for what’s next. Whether towing, camping or simply squeezing more adventure into his weekends, the Ranger is the vehicle that keeps pace with every part of his life.

Why the Ranger Was the Clear Choice

For Stuart, owning a ute has always been about more than practicality. It’s about safety for his family, capability for his work, and the freedom to get outdoors whenever the opportunity comes up. After doing his homework, comparing models, and thinking long-term, he landed on a vehicle that ticks every box: the Ford Ranger PX3 XLT 3.2-litre diesel dual-cab — one of the final PX3 models.

Life With the PX3 XLT

Three years in, Stuart’s confidence hasn’t wavered. His Ranger is covered by a five-year warranty, including parts, and he keeps it serviced at the Ford centre in Brookvale.

Most of his driving is close to home on the Northern Beaches. Living in Allambie Heights means short, frequent trips — school drop-offs, commuting to work, and errands within five kilometres of home. But that everyday ease is exactly what he loves. The Ranger feels steady, predictable and comfortable, whether he’s carrying gear, the family, or both.

When the Ranger Needs to Work Hard — It Does

Stuart has put the Ranger to the test with towing, too. One of his standout moments was hiring a 15-foot caravan in Western Sydney and heading up to the Central Coast with his wife and son.

It wasn’t just the towing ability that impressed him — it was the confidence. The 3.2-litre diesel had all the power he needed for overtaking on the highway, and he never felt unsettled or underpowered.

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Taking the Ranger Off-Road — Including the Stockton Beach Sand Dunes

Stuart loves getting the Ranger off the bitumen, and he’s taken it through challenging terrain. A favourite is a track outside Goulburn, featuring steep climbs, river crossings and wombat holes. The PX3 XLT handles it all — stable, capable and fun.

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A Ute That Fits Every Part of Stuart’s Life

For Stuart, the PX3 XLT isn’t just a vehicle. It’s a safe family car, a reliable workhorse, and an adventure-ready 4WD that opens the door to experiences — from local errands to off-road weekends to unexpected dune-driving detours. It’s the capability, comfort and confidence that keep him loving it every day.

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A new record is tipped to be broken this Saturday for Australian cars at auction with a secret one-of-four Holden ute up for purchase and expected to fetch over $1 million.

The HSV GTSR W1 Maloo, with its 474kW supercharged V8 engine, is the most powerful Australian car ever built and one of the last built by Holden before local manufacturing was shut down.

The Holden ute, widely regarded as one of the most collectible modern utes ever produced, is already attracting attention across the nation and internationally. But one of four made, in an iconic colour and with just 26km on the clock in delivery condition and never registered? That’s even more special.

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According to Lloyds Auctions, this example is the only W1 Ute finished in the iconic ‘XU3 Yellah’, the legendary colour made famous by the original VS GTSR.

The sister car to this ute sold for over $1 million at Lloyds Auctions in 2021, setting a record at the time for an Australian-made production vehicle, likely positioning this build #001 Holden ute firmly in Australian record-contender territory this weekend.

“When you combine build #001, ultra-low kilometres, never having been registered and the most iconic HSV colour of all time, you’re looking at a car that represents the absolute pinnacle of Australian performance history,” said Mr. Lee Hames, Chief Operating Officer of Lloyds Auctions.

“We’re seeing continued growth in demand for ultra-rare Australian muscle cars, particularly those with limited build numbers and genuine historical significance,” Mr. Hames said.

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Powered by the legendary 6.2-litre LS9 supercharged V8, producing 474kW of power and 815Nm of torque, this particular Holden ute is the most powerful production vehicle ever built in Australia. Features include a close-ratio Tremec six-speed manual, SupaShock suspension, AP Racing brakes and track-focused Pirelli Trofeo R tyres and it was engineered as a no-compromise performance machine.

This rare Holden ute is available for online bidding now, with the auction closing from 12pm AEST this Saturday, December 20.

Chery Group has signed a strategic five-year partnership with the organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which marks the first time a Chinese automotive manufacturer has entered a full-scale collaboration with one of world motorsport’s most prestigious events.

The agreement, signed on December 13 in Kuala Lumpur between the Exeed brand (not yet offered in Australia) under parent company Chery and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), launches Chery’s “Road to Le Mans” motorsport program and signals its entry into top-tier global endurance racing.

Le Mans is often regarded as one of the pinnacles of motor racing alongside Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship, and is the ultimate test for durability, efficiency and reliability.

Under Chery’s five-year plan, Exeed will progress through three stages:

• Forming an Exeed factory team to contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans, aiming to become the first Chinese manufacturer team to do so;
• establishing a domestic endurance racing series to build technical capability and talent;
• competing in the Asian Le Mans Series

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Will Chery’s product lineup benefit from its Le Mans involvement? As part of the agreement, Chery and ACO will also work together to develop a Le Mans-certified circuit in Wuhu, Chery’s headquarters city in China, to support motorsport development and fan engagement.

Chery said the partnership is focused on technology development rather than branding alone, with “data and learnings from endurance racing feeding directly into future production vehicles, including improvements in powertrain efficiency, durability and reliability” as well as “representing Chery’s broader ambition to transition from vehicle exporter to a global automotive technology player, using motorsport as a proving ground for next-generation innovation.”

Skoda Australia has announced that the Octavia mid-size sedan and wagon and Kodiaq large SUV will be offered with a new mild-hybrid drivetrain in early 2026.

Introduced to lessen fuel consumption in both models, the drivetrain uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to aid both performance and fuel economy. As a result, the Kodiaq now uses up to 5.1L/100km less fuel on the urban driving cycle.

Making the same 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque as the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine currently available in the Octavia range, the new 1.5-litre ‘mHEV’ drivetrain is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – the eight-speed automatic standard with the 1.4T has been shelved. Unlike a Toyota-style hybrid, a mild-hybrid cannot provide propulsion but instead will allow the engine to coast when braking and switch off earlier when coming to a stop.

Skoda claims combined fuel consumption of just 5.1L/100km for the Octavia mHEV sedan (5.2L/100km for the wagon), which is an improvement of 1.0L/100km, while its urban cycle consumption drops by 1.8L/100km to 6.3L/100km.

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The Kodiaq SUV also receives the new drivetrain, but its efficiency gains are larger as it replaces a larger 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that’s paired with an all-wheel drive system. Like the incoming Kodiaq plug-in hybrid, the mild-hybrid is front-wheel drive and replaces the all-wheel drive Select 140TSI. Like the front-drive drivetrain, it’s the first time that the Kodiaq is available with five seats in Australia. The Kodiaq Sportline continues with the 140TSI drivetrain and seven seats as standard.

Compared with the heavier and more powerful Kodiaq Select 140TSI, the Select 110TSI mHEV’s combined fuel consumption drops by 3.0L/100km to 6.0L/100km, while its urban consumption drops from 12.1L/100km to 7.0L/100km. CO2 emissions are yet to be announced.

In tandem with the new drivetrain, the Octavia Select is now equipped with smart keyless entry and an electric tailgate as standard, while its 18-inch wheels have been swapped for 17s for “greater ride comfort”.

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The mid-spec Octavia Sportline has been discontinued and replaced with a new Select Signature Package, which adds black or tan leather trim, electric front seats with heating/ventilation/massaging, head-up display, Matrix LED headlights, tinted windows and larger 18-inch wheels.

Meanwhile, the Kodiaq Select 110TSI mHEV – which is likely to be priced lower than the 140TSI – swaps leather trim for cloth, and now features redesigned 19-inch alloy wheels. It too is available with a new Signature Package, which adds leather interior in black or tan, automatic parking, 360-degree camera, power adjustable front seats (driver power adjust already standard) with memory and massage functionality, kick-to-open functionality for the electric tailgate and a Canton sound system.

Skoda will announce local pricing and specifications for the mild-hybrid Kodiaq and Octavia models when they’re released in early 2026.

MG faced a conundrum for Wheels Car of the Year this year. The judging team had asked for the IM5 to be delivered for consideration, with a crucial caveat: the judges wanted the entry-grade IM5 Premium, which would give the new electric sedan from MG a better shot at competing with the rest of the entrants. The Premium rings the till at $60,990 driveaway.

Unfortunately, the MG Australia team couldn’t get its hands on an IM5 Premium in time and asked that the IM5 Performance be considered instead. Price is a huge barrier for any brand to overcome, especially a brand new to the market in this country. MG has a foothold, but sub-brand IM is just starting out. As such, the IM5 Performance, which costs $80,990 drive away, was going to be hampered in a COTY field that was – on average at least – much more sharply priced.

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The Performance model to be assessed by the COTY judges, then, packs some serious, Tesla Model 3-rivalling heat. AWD via two electric motors, with a 0-100km/h claim of 3.2 seconds, and a claimed range of 575km. With 200kW and 320Nm available from the front motor, and a meaty 372kW and 500Nm from the rear motor, the IM5 Performance should be fast – and it was.

The IM’s styling is classy, the swoopy lines hiding some of the cabin space on offer and making it appear smaller than it is. You get a raft of standard equipment across the range, with a whopping 26.3-inch touchscreen dominating the middle of the cabin. It’s got beautiful, clear graphics, easy functionality and wireless smartphone connectivity as well. Interestingly, the judges noted the lack of DAB or AM radio as a negative, with only FM included in the system as standard. The tech tour de force continues with a second 10.5-inch screen for major control functions like AC, mirrors, seats, safety and driver assist systems.

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As an all-round driver, the IM5 Performance is a serious weapon – comfortable, capable and way faster than you’ll ever need. Check out Reindler’s verified 0-100km/h time (pg 49) if you don’t believe the MG claim. This is a fast sedan in the real world – faster even than it is on paper. Morley noted the ride being better than expected, while Robinson and Gover both remarked, “It’s fast, really fast”.

For the judges though, the issue centred around price. In a field where the average price is significantly below the ask of the IM5 Performance, the judges couldn’t look past it for a brand that is new to the market. If your budget stretches to the Performance, the judges are happy for you to consider it, given just how formidable it is.

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However, if MG had been able to provide the base model as requested, the IM5 would certainly have gone deeper into the COTY judging rounds. It’s fair to say that even in more affordable guise, it’s not an overall Wheels COTY winner, but it is an impressive and capable entrant from a brand looking to establish traction in the Australian new car market.

Specs

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The Kia EV3 was expected to be one of the serious contenders for Car of the Year in 2025. After all, it had already been crowned as World Car of the Year in 2025…

The EV3 looks good, with Kia’s edgy signature styling meaning it doesn’t have to just rely on its adventurous light display on the nose of another anodyne EV.

Any way you look at it, it is a landmark car for Kia and the pivot point for the brand on its battery-electric journey. If the EV3 can fire properly – it’s doing around 250 sales a month but not remotely threatening to jump to Tesla numbers, as yet – then it will become the genuine entry point for the brand as more people plug in.

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But that is a lot of ‘ifs’, with plenty of other hidden ‘buts’ and ‘maybes’… And, whether Kia fans like it or not, the EV3 didn’t even bounce to the front of the EV class in COTY ’25. The Tesla is more efficient, the Polestar is more polarising, and even the Hyundai Inster turns more heads. So, what to make of the EV3?

Kia began its electrification adventure with the EV6, and won Wheels COTY in 2022 thanks to the car’s impressive combination of efficiency, design and driving enjoyment. It was intended, from the get-go, to have a focus on the sporty side of driving – although it’s not as flat-out fun as the Hyundai IONIC 5 N which bagged its own COTY crown last year.

After the EV6 came the larger EV9 and the mid-sized EV5, aimed at Aussie families making the move to battery power with a mid-sized budget. But the latter arrived late Down Under, because the quality standards expected by Kia Australia were not achieved by the Chinese factory producing the EV5. There were plenty of complaints and noticeable changes, but it’s still not great.

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Dynamically, too, the EV5 was a let-down. Despite the best efforts of Aussie suspension guru Graeme Gambold, it is heavy and ponderous, and not nearly as enjoyable on the driving front as the EV6. Or plenty of other EV hopefuls…

Now it’s time for the EV3 and this year’s COTY contest. As background before heading into testing, it was understood the EV3 is a good car in the give-and-go of normal family motoring. It is quiet, nicely comfy, and has good range even with the basic battery and motor. At COTY, it was one of six full EV runners in this year’s judging, not as small or cheap as the Inster, or as big and costly as the IM5.

Still, it’s nicely priced and the size is good. A claimed range of 604km for the long-range battery pack also makes an impressive impact and shows where all EV contenders need to be headlining. There are three model grades – Air, Earth and GT-Line – with two battery sizes and a choice of front or all-wheel drive. None of that stuff is unusual in the EV world, where shoppers are often looking for the best package for their individual needs.

The starting price is good enough for Kia and Korea, at $47,600, but even the sub-$50k opener is not a serious threat to the Chinese brands who are making the big numbers in showrooms. It also costs $53,315 to jump up to the sweet spot in the range – the EV3 Air model with long-range package. Going all-in on the dual-motor and all-wheel drive GT-Line can take the price beyond $65,000. Which is a lot.

And that means it must compete with Tesla, never an easy job despite the downturn in support for Elon Musk’s cars through 2025.

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The mid-level Air Long Range is the car for COTY and the headline numbers are an impressive 604km of claimed range, 150kW/283Nm in the engine room, and an 81.4kWh lithium-ion battery.

Kia claims 7.4 seconds to run to 100, fair enough, but it also weighs in at 1930kg and that’s a lot to be moving around. It’s a 5-Star safety car and comes with a seven-year warranty, which also applies to the battery.

Taking a more considered look at the EV3, it does stand out in the long line of COTY SUVs because Kia’s latest design language is a definite attempt to present something different in an ocean of big boxes.

Inside, it’s clean and minimalistic – although not as plain as a Polestar or Tesla – with nice low lip to the windscreen that means good forward visibility. Kia has made great use of the space between the comfy front seats as, unlike the confusing ‘bench seat’ in the larger EV5, there is a giant storage bin.

The EV3 ticks all the usual boxes for USB charging and has a well-integrated dashboard display that blends two screens into a single display. Thankfully, not everything is hidden in a touch screen.

But the ADAS systems can be intrusive, which is a surprise after the work Kia has been putting into calibrating the driver-assistance package in other models. Some even have a one-touch ‘kill’ button for the really annoying stuff, but not in the EV3. It’s a nice place to sit, with cabin and boot space similar to the combustion Seltos in the Kia range, again, like just about every other EV in the class.

Dynamically, the EV3 is a disappointment at Lang Lang. It feels heavy from the get-go, with over-sporty suspension settings on a vehicle – without the GT-Line aspirations – which is aimed at daily commuting and family holidays.

It also takes encouragement, too much encouragement, to lean into corners and – despite sitting flat with its big battery – is not engaging or enjoyable. Push it to find the limit and it refuses to answer the steering with any enthusiasm.

Over Lang Lang’s lumps and bumps, it also judders and shimmies. They might be extreme conditions, but everything in testing is copied from the real world. And so, just like that, the EV3 is sidelined from its top three aspirations.

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Specs