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There’s no denying that the SUV is Australia’s favourite type of new vehicle. After all, it has accounted for more than half of local sales for a few years now.
So, it should come as no surprise that 2022 is shaping us another huge year for SUVs, especially considering the two most popular models are among those due to be refreshed then.
But before we get into what’s coming and when, bear in mind that the global semiconductor shortage is continuing to wreak havoc, so timing is subject to change. That said, let’s get to it.
Mahindra isn’t a brand you hear much about, but in late 2022, it will be making plenty of noise with the launch of the all-new XUV700 mid-size SUV.
With the all-conquering Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 firmly in its sights, the XUV700 will be looking to make quite the impression on debut.
And with distinctive styling, modern multimedia, strong safety and the choice of turbo-petrol and -diesel power, the XUV700 is already looking competitive.
The second-generation CX-5 mid-sizer is the second best-selling SUV on the market, so when Mazda gets around to updating it in the first half of 2022, plenty of people will be paying attention.
Yep, the CX-5 will look to put the frighteners on the segment-leading Toyota RAV4 with a facelift that not only makes it look more contemporary, but also offers buyers the choice of variant-specific styling packages.
Better yet, the CX-5’s six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission will be retuned for smoother acceleration, while its suspension will be tweaked for a more comfortable ride.
No, this isn’t just another variant of Mercedes-Benz’s smallest seven-seater, the first-generation GLB mid-size SUV. Instead, it’s the all-electric version, dubbed EQB.
Due in the third quarter of 2022, the EQB will launch in EQB350 form, with it packing a 215kW dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive.
More importantly, though, the EQB350 will come armed with a 66.5kWh battery that provides 419km of WLTP-certified range and can increase its capacity from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as just over 30 minutes with a 100kW DC fast charger.
At last, Nissan will release the fourth-generation X-Trail sometime in 2022. The new mid-size SUV has been a long time coming, so expectations are naturally high.
While it will ride on the same CMF-CD platform (that’s now shared with the equally new Mitsubishi Outlander), the X-Trail will be finally be redesigned inside and out.
But the big news is while the X-Trail will retain a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine, it will also offer an ePower series hybrid eventually, with the wheels driven by an electric motor, while a small petrol engine charges the battery while on the move.
As far as all-electric SUVs go, the Tesla Model X is arguably the pioneer, but it will double-down on its efforts in late 2022 with launch of its first facelift.
In fact, the first-generation large SUV’s most significant update yet won’t be short on drama, with it set to introduce a new front fascia and a completely redesigned interior.
However, the new Model X will really stand out from the crowd with its available Plaid flagship with a 761kW tri-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive and 547km of WLTP-certified range. Oh, it will also complete the zero-to-100km/h sprint in just 2.6 seconds.
If Toyota didn’t update the fifth-generation RAV4, it would probably continue to be not only the most popular mid-sizer on sale today, but also the best-selling SUV overall.
But Toyota isn’t resting on its laurels, so the RAV4 will get upgraded for MY22 in the first quarter of 2022. And no, we’re not talking about a full-fat facelift, but rather some running changes.
That said, the tweaks are no less important, as the RAV4 will receive new front lighting and an extended suite of advanced driver-assist systems, including active rear cross-traffic alert, plus plenty of other additional standard equipment.
The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan mid-size SUV has already been given its midlife facelift, so the time has come for the related Tiguan Allspace seven-seater to get its refresh.
Scheduled to arrive in the second quarter of 2022, the facelifted Tiguan Allspace will bring familiar changes to the first-generation large SUV, including a redesigned front fascia with optional Matrix LED headlights.
The Tiguan Allspace is also set to get capacitive steering-wheel and climate controls, as well as Volkswagen’s MIB3 multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Volkswagen will be busy in 2022, with its mid-size SUV, the second-generation Tiguan, due to receive a new flagship in the second quarter. In fact, it will come with a very special performance focus.
Yep, the Tiguan R is finally coming to Australia, and its significance cannot be understated given it will be Volkswagen’s first R-branded SUV sold here.
With the new-generation Golf R hot hatch’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, the Tiguan R will punch out a considerable 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
This isn't the Citroen C5 many have come to know and love. Yes, the all-new C5 X is a mid-sizer, but it's also an SUV. Or perhaps crossover would be a more fitting description.
Either way, the C5 X is due in showrooms in the third quarter of 2022, when it will offer style-conscious buyers the rare combination of a sedan, a coupe and a SUV - but all in one.
The high-riding fastback is expected to be offered with traditional and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the brand's familiar 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, with the latter producing a combined 168kW of power and providing more than 50km of electric-only driving range.
The GV70 mid-size SUV is Genesis' most important model yet, so it's no surprise an all-electric version, aptly dubbed Electrified GV70, is on its way to further shake things up.
In the first half of 2022, the Electrified GV70 will arrive with a dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive and a combined 360kW of power and 700Nm of torque. Those considerable outputs help it to sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
Better yet, the Electrified GV70's driving range is an estimated 400km, and its battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes when using a 350kW DC ultra-fast charger.
The second-generation Lexus NX mid-size SUV is a case of another case of 'better late than never', as it was originally scheduled to launch last year, but its staggered rollout has been pushed to January 2022 due to supply issues.
The new NX is shaping up as the brand's best-selling model, so expectations are high, and with a wide range of powertrain options and grades, it's certainly looking to live up to them.
The big news, of course, is the 179kW NX350h 'self-charging' hybrid, but it will be outmuscled later in the first quarter by Lexus' first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the 227kW NX450h+.
Lexus NX 2022 review: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, NX 450h+ F Sport
As far as family buyers are concerned, the all-new Mazda CX-60 mid-size SUV might be the most important new model release of 2022, with it due late in the year.
After all, the CX-60 has the distinct honour of debuting the brand's new Large Architecture, which supports rear- and all-wheel drive, inline six-cylinder engines and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Yep, the CX-60 sounds a lot like some of the established names in the premium segment, and that's exactly where it will be positioned, well above the mainstream-focused CX-5 best-seller.
Think luxury SUV and the Range Rover probably comes to mind, but the fifth generation of the upper-large model will look to reset the benchmark when it arrives in June 2022.
The new Range Rover might be instantly familiar from the front, but it's anything but at the rear, where it ushers in a distinctive tail-light design for the brand. And inside, the latest and greatest technology is predictably on offer.
When it comes to powertrains, the headline act is the P530 flagship and its 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 engine, which is all but confirmed to have been borrowed from BMW M.
It might not be immediately apparent, but this is the first-generation Skoda Karoq mid-size SUV's midlife facelift, which is set to enter showrooms in the second quarter.
While subtle, the nip and tuck is underscored by a restyled front bumper with a wider air intake, redesigned headlights with split DRLs, fresh alloy wheel designs, an extended tailgate spoiler and slimmer tail-lights.
Engines options carry over, with the entry-level Style and flagship Sportline variants powered by 110kW/250Nm and 140kW/320Nm turbo-petrol four-cylinder units respectively.
Want to know what other 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
Want to know what new models are due in 2023? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- The best new cars coming in 2023
- Best sports cars arriving in 2023
- Best hatchbacks and sedans arriving in 2023
- Best small SUVs and crossovers arriving in 2023
- Best 4x4, off-roaders and light-commercial vehicles arriving in 2023
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