Looking for the best SUV? Check out which models are selling best

The market for SUVs continues to thrive with this versatile vehicle suiting many drivers and lifestyles. Offering options for work and play, families and friends, and a great vehicle for a road trip. With the holiday season looming, many buyers will likely be on the lookout for the best SUV for their road trip, or to update their current vehicle for the new year. So how do buyers find that elusive best SUV? With the annual car awards as judged by motoring experts not announced until early 2025, buyers may take direction from what other buyers are purchasing – the car sales reports.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) releases the motor vehicle sales figures each month and lists the top sellers overall, and for a number of vehicle categories including SUVs. For October, the Toyota RAV4 continued its run as the top selling vehicle overall and presents one of the most versatile SUVs for buyers to consider.  We provide inspiration and ideas for buyers in search of the ideal SUVs and how they can purchase their choice with the best motor vehicle finance.

October Car Sales Report

In its report of October’s motor vehicle sales results, the FCAI revealed that sales have topped the 1 million unit mark for the year. While the market overall is easing, October 2024 was the second-best result for this time of year on record.

An interesting point noted by FCAI Chief Executive Tony Webber, is the increase in new models of plug-in hybrids in the SUV segment. A segment traditionally dominated by diesel and petrol vehicles. While hybrids are selling well, sales of battery-electric vehicles overall, have slowed.   

Best SUV Models by Recent Sales

In the monthly sales figures, results for SUVs are broken down into a number of price categories with the top 3 for each category reported.

In the light category, the very popular Mazda CX-3 topped the sales charts, followed by the Toyota Yaris Cross and Suzuki Jimny. In the small category, under the $45k price point, the Hyundai Kona was the best-seller, followed by the MGZS, and then the Mitsubishi ASX. For small SUVs price over $45k, buyers were most attracted to the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, and the Mercedes-Belz GLA.

If a medium sized vehicle is more your type of vehicle, the top 3 in the under $60k category were the RAV4, Kia Sportage and the Mitsubishi Outlander. For those with a bit more to spend, the over $60k category top sellers were Tesla Model Y, Lexus NX, and the Porsche Macan.

Moving up in size to the large category under the $70k price mark, the Ford Everest was the top seller ahead of the Isuzu MU-X and in third the Toyota Kluger. For a large SUV over the $70k price point, consider top sellers the Land Rover Defender, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE wagon.

If you’re interested in a larger vehicle the Toyota LandCruiser was the top seller for under $120k, second top seller the Nissan Patrol, and the third, the Kia EV9. With a price tag over $120k, buyers were drawn to the Lexus GX, the BMW X7, and the Lexus LX.

Top Selling Models and Brands Across All Categories

Wondering where the SUVs ranked in overall sales? As mentioned, the RAV4 was the top selling vehicle for the month, followed by the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Ford Everest and Isuzu D-Max. More SUVs also made the top 10 top sellers including the Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Kona.

Buyers drawn to particular brands may be interested in the top 10 best-selling auto brands for October. As usual, Toyota remains number one, with Ford nudging out Mazda to take second spot. Next came Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, MG, Isuzu Ute, GWM, and Volkswagen. The results cover passenger cars, SUVs, light commercials, utes and sports models.

Best SUV Finance Options

If one of the latest best-selling SUVs, appeal to you, it’s not too late to obtain financing to secure a vehicle in time for an end-of-year road trip. Buyers seeking the best SUV to suit their road trip plans or lifestyle can secure the best rates on car finance and fast approval through Jade Car Loans. We provide loans for both private and business buyers.

A Secured Personal Car Loan will suit most private buyers of new SUVs. Businesses looking at SUVs as an attractive balance for work and lifestyle, can select from Chattel Mortgage, Leasing or Commercial Hire Purchase. All are secured loans with the vehicle accepted by the lender as suitable loan collateral. Rates are fixed and individually sourced to ensure the most affordable financing is obtained.

Buyers trying to decide on SUVs with different price tags can use our Car Finance Calculator to compare loan repayment estimates on the different models. If stock is limited on the model you are considering, secure financing ahead of your dealership visit to be in a position to say YES on the first test drive.

If looking to buy the best SUV in your price or size range, contact Jade Car Loans 1300 000 003 for the best finance offers.

DISCLAIMER: IN REGARD TO MISREPRESENTATIONS AND ERRORS CONTAINED IN THE MATERIAL AS PRESENTED, LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED. THE DETAILS AND CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR CAR BUYERS AND INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESS SEEKING FINANCE PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION. THIS IS NOT PROVIDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION. ANYONE THAT CONSIDERS THAT NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE ABOUT THEIR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS SHOULD SEEK THEIR OWN FINANCIAL ADVISOR.