![]() These vehicles don't make the ' verified' list because they just don't measure up in terms of value, warranty/service or performance - or any combination of the above. ![]() SUVs on the ' mediocre' list don't suffer from any of the deficiencies that plague the 'don't buy' category. This means if there is a serious question about reliability, or the ability of the importer of manufacturer to support you if there is a problem, or if the vehicle is likely to represent a serious resale value disaster, it's on the 'don't buy' list. I view investing the kind of cash that vehicles like this command as (in part) a risk-management exercise. To be entered in the ' don't buy' category the vehicle must have a serious deficiency that makes purchasing it a bad idea. The reviewed vehicles are below - I’ve categorised them ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ in relation to usage, but the fundamental three categories are ‘ Don’t Buy’, ‘ Mediocre’ and ‘ Recommended/Verified’.Įven if you’re strongly leaning towards a ‘Don’t Buy’ or ‘Mediocre’ vehicle, I urge you to consider the potential downside, and also to drive at least two of the ‘Verified’ vehicles against the one(s) you’re considering - if only to confirm that you are actually on the right track. If you’re definitely into that hardcore towing or extreme off-roading, you’ll choose a very different ‘right’ SUV than if you need the domestic-duties focussed ‘Swiss Army knife’ of seven-seater wagons. So, in a sense, choosing the right 7 seater SUV depends fundamentally on you, and what you want to do with the vehicle. The vehicle has to be fit for purpose: Your purpose. If you buy the softer style of 7 seater SUV (like a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento) with the intention of crossing the Simpson Desert or towing the QE2, this is also a path to extreme frustration. If you buy the heavy-duty 7 seater SUV (like a Ford Everest or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) it simply is not going to be as well equipped, as nice to drive, or as refined for ordinary driving - around town or on the highway. ![]() If you want to tow a heavy boat (2.5 tonnes or more) or drive through extreme off-road terrain (water more than half a metre deep, steep ascents or descents requiring low-range gearing) then your choice of vehicle will be different than if all you want is a glorified family wagon for the domestic runaround and the occasional family holiday. This is hardly an apples-for-apples choice, right? It highlights the fact that people need to think logically first. Kylie's typical question (above) is interesting because - by whatever tortuous process - Kylie has evaluated one of the market’s least reliable ‘soft’ SUVs (the Freemont) against a trumped-up ute with hardcore off-road ability and heavy towing potential (the Isuzu MU-X). If particular car companies don’t like what I say, I’ll sleep like a baby knowing that this has helped get you into the right vehicle. My reviews are simply my expert assessment of the 7 seater SUV market. I accept no car company advertising revenue or financial kickbacks. These factors weigh heavily on my assessments. This is why I consider things like reliability, resale, and how well the carmaker will support you (and obey Australian Consumer Law) if you experience a problem - either in, or outside, the warranty period. I know that buying a vehicle like this is a big financial commitment - and that’s why a lot of my recommendations are based on things that really matter to actual owners (as opposed to reviewers). Other reviews are all about the drive experience and the features (and keeping car companies happy - more on editorial review corruption here >). I’m a qualified mechanical engineer, and I’ve been reviewing cars for more than 20 years. Just be aware, I don’t review vehicles like anyone else. If that’s you, in the market now, or thinking about it, great. This review of the 7 seater SUV options is aimed at actual buyers in the market now - not car nuts.
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