Luxury SUVs are the most cross-shopped segment in Australia, and the most poorly compared. These five criteria decide satisfaction three years in.
Space that is actually usable
Boot volume figures are measured inconsistently. Second-row legroom behind a tall driver and third-row access with a child seat fitted tell you far more.
Take the pram, the golf clubs or the dog crate to the test drive. Specification sheets have never settled this question.
Towing and touring
Braked towing capacity is only half the answer. Gross combination mass, tow ball download and payload with a full family aboard are where plans quietly fail.
If you tow regularly, this criterion should outrank badge preference entirely.
Running costs over three years
Compare capped-price servicing, tyre replacement at the actual fitted size, insurance quoted on your details, and fuel or energy use against your real annual kilometres.
The gap between two shortlisted vehicles over three years is often larger than the difference in purchase price.
Resale strength
Segment popularity, drivetrain choice and colour drive resale more than most buyers expect. A conservative specification in a common configuration sells faster and stronger.
We model projected three-year value on every shortlist we prepare, because that number is frequently the largest single cost of ownership.