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The SUV phenomenon is not slowing down anytime soon, so it’s no surprise high-riding wagons dominate the list of new vehicles set to be released in Australia in 2021.
And local buyers holding out for the latest and greatest won’t be disappointed, as there is plenty of variety on the way, from petrol to hybrid and mainstream to premium. Read on.
The new-generation Toyota Kluger made waves in June with the availability of a ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrain for the first time in the model’s history.
That said, the large SUV was a long time coming, having been revealed way back in April 2019. Needless to say, some will be champing at the bit to get behind the wheel.
The Audi Q5 got its midlife facelift in February, with a redesigned front end introduced alongside seriously cutting-edge OLED tail-lights with three graphics options.
Inside, the new mid-size SUV is harder to tell apart from its predecessor, although in-cabin technology improves via a fresh 10.1-inch touchscreen and an updated multimedia system.
Fancy something with a bit of French flair? Launched in March, the facelifted Peugeot 3008 and 5008 could do the trick thanks to their very bold front-end redesigns.
The five- and seven-seat mid-size SUVs are once again more or less the same model, which means both get an expanded suite of advanced driver-assist systems, among other features.
A MY21 update for the Mazda CX-9 arrived in January, with it focusing on in-cabin technology, namely a larger, 10.25-inch central display and a wireless smartphone charger.
Better yet, a six-seat version of the large SUV became available for the first time, with the special-edition Azami LE returning with a more luxurious 'captain's chairs' twist.
Described as "bigger, bolder and better than before", the new-generation Mitsubishi Outlander will have a lot to live up to when it goes on sale in 2021, that much is clear.
With AEB standard range-wide alongside other advanced driver-assist systems, the mid-size SUV is upping the safety ante, while an improved plug-in hybrid option is a near certainty in the future.
The new-generation Kia Sportage is on its way, with the mid-size SUV to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2021, although it will do so with one key omission: no hybrid option whatsoever.
With neither a self-charging nor plug-in powertrain available globally, the model sticks to its local roots with a range of internal-combustion engines, likely including petrol and diesel.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio got an injection of life when its facelift arrived in June, highlighted by a significantly improved suite of advanced driver-assist systems.
But the new mid-size SUV has even more tricks up its sleeve, including a fresh touchscreen, an updated multimedia system and a redesigned centre console with a wireless smartphone charger.
At long last, the 'WL' Jeep Grand Cherokee will arrive in late 2021, replacing the 'WK2' model that has been around for a decade. Yep, it's been a while.
Critically, the new-generation large SUV is available with five- and seven-seat configurations for the first time in the model's storied history thanks to a new platform.
Few facelifts are as significant as the one the Volkswagen Tiguan got in May, with its front end completely redesigned, while its tweaked rear is a true lesson in subtlety.
What isn’t subtle, though, is the mid-size SUV’s new R flagship (pictured), which is powered by a 235kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine. It will be here in 2022.
The Jaguar F-Pace got facelifted in April, resulting in even sharper looks than before, but the large SUV also got a more comprehensive interior overhaul.
Undoubtedly, the highlight is the new 11.4-inch touchscreen with curved glass, which is complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as part of the tech tour de force.
When the new-generation Hyundai Tucson arrived in May, it challenged all preconceived notions with its bold exterior design and seriously impressive cabin.
However, the mid-size SUV is unlikely to have self-charging and plug-in hybrid powertrains anytime soon, with markets with strict emissions regulations being prioritised for now.
Genesis will release its second SUV, the GV70 mid-sizer, in July 2021, and it's shaping up as one of the most intriguing new models of the year, not to mention important.
The GV70 is tasked with a being a brand-builder, so expectations are high, with it clearly trying to fill both the sports and luxury briefs. Either way, it's already a striking effort.
Haval shook up the SUV segment in April when it released the new-generation H6 mid-sizer, which represents a monumental leap forward over its predecessor.
With a stylish new design, cutting-edge technology, a punchy 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and an expanded suite of advanced driver-assist systems, it's clear the H6 means business.
BMW's X3 and X4 mid-size SUVs will get their midlife facelifts in the fourth quarter of 2021, when the wagon and 'coupe' will get sharper front fascias.
Better yet, the X3 will get an xDrive30e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant for the first time, meaning the model will be among the first to offer petrol, diesel, PHEV and all-electric options.
The Skoda Kodiaq large SUV quickly established itself upon launch, but the time has come for the seven-seater's facelift, with it due in December 2021.
The big news, of course, is the RS performance flagship swapping out its twin-turbo diesel for a single-turbo petrol. Time will tell if it was the right decision to make.
In the third quarter of 2021, the Subaru Forester mid-size SUV will get its own midlife facelift, and you'll be able to easily pick it out from the crowd thanks to its new front fascia.
That said, the Forester will be sticking with its current Australian powertrain line-up (atmo petrol and petrol-electric hybrid), meaning locals will continue to miss out on turbo-petrol power - for now.
Want to know what other new models are arriving in 2021? Check out our rolling coverage below.
- The best new cars coming to Australia in 2021
- Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2021
- Best crossovers arriving in 2021
- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2021
- Best sedans arriving in 2021
- Best electric cars arriving in 2021
Want to know what new models are due in 2022? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- The best new cars coming to Australia in 2022
- Best crossovers arriving in 2022
- Best electric cars arriving in 2022
- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2022
- Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2022
- Best sedans arriving in 2022
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