Which car should I buy?

Finding the right vehicle to suit your lifestyle isn’t easy, but these four options are ideal for those with a passion for adventure.

Finding the right new ride for you and your family isn’t easy, but our expert can help you get in the right car.

THE QUESTION

We want to change our 2015 Toyota HiLux SR5 for something more efficient, comfier and safer. We’d like an SUV or wagon that goes well on an unsealed road but don’t need low-range 4x4. It must tow 2000kg as our camper trailer is 1800kg unladen. We have two boys so it must be safe and carry surf boards and bikes. We’d prefer an economical petrol, hybrid or plug-in, but not diesel. Budget’s around $60,000.

Charles Domin, Noosa Heads

Charles is looking to move on from his Toyota HiLux.

ANSWER

The vehicles to suit are pricey, in high demand and have long waiting lists. Positively, your HiLux is an in-demand used car worth between $45-60,000. Your required tow rating limits choice but this selection will improve your drive experience and hopefully reduce fuel bills. Note all need pricier 95 petrol bar the Subaru.

CHOICES

The Toyota Kluger Hybrid has excellent fuel economy. Pictures by Mark Bean

TOYOTA KLUGER GX AWD HYBRID, ABOUT $59,700 DRIVE-AWAY

Hybrids that can tow 2000kg are rare, but the new Kluger hits your target and budget. Ride quality is pillow like, and it handles well for a big unit, feeling safe and robust. The 184kW/242Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid returns 5.6L/100km (combined) and 6.0L/100km (city) – heaps better than the Kluger 3.5-litre V6’s 8.8L and 11.8L/100km. But the Hybrid can’t match the V6’s power and torque. The GX includes seven seats, comprehensive active safety, 8-inch touchscreen, five USB ports, tri-zone climate and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. There’s a five year/unlimited km warranty and services are only $1250 for five years.

SUBARU OUTBACK AWD TOURING, ABOUT $54,000 DRIVE-AWAY

The Subaru Outback will go further off-road than any of the other options. Pictures by Mark Bean

It’s not as frugal as the Kluger but the rugged Outback offers acceptable 7.3L/100km economy. My test returned 6.1L/100km on the highway. Its 2.5-litre petrol offers only 138kW/245Nm so it may struggle to haul your trailer, but X-Mode gives impressive off-roading ability. It’s a superb, 2000kg tow rated all-rounder that’s more like a large wagon than SUV, while its 213mm ground clearance is only 3mm off your HiLux’s. There’s acres of space and the rear seats both recline and heat. Goodies in this flagship include heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, an electric sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, 11.6-inch infotainment screen, excellent safety, a power tailgate and roof bars ready for boards. The boot is 522 litres, which is smaller than the Kluger’s 552 litres. Warranty is five years/unlimited km and services cost $2449 for five years.

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ALLTRACK 162TSI, ABOUT $55,500 DRIVE-AWAY

The Passat Alltrack has an excellent engine.

The non-SUV choice holds classy appeal. This AWD wagon tows 2200kg – albeit with a low 90kg tow ball limit – while the 162kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol (returning 8.1L/100km) gives good towing guts. Its low 173mm ground clearance limits your unsealed work, but there’s an 8-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, strong active safety, adaptive chassis control and tri-zone climate control. The rear space is excellent, while the family will like the large 650-litre boot and low roof height for loading boards. Warranty is five years/unlimited km and a five-year service pack is $2400.

WILDCARD

SKODA KODIAQ 132TSI STYLE, $52,990 DRIVE-AWAY

The Skoda has plenty of space and a grunty engine.

Just updated, Skoda’s AWD Kodiaq looks slick and is better on-road than the other SUVs. It tows 2000kg, albeit with a 100kg ball limit. The 132kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol returns 8.2L/100km, but you’ll appreciate its extra torque when towing. You get a 9.2-inch touchscreen, digital dashboard and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also radar cruise control and a power tailgate, but it’s another $6500 for a Luxury Pack bringing proper active safety and heated/ventilated leather seats. There’s excellent second-row passenger space, a huge 765-litre boot and seven seats. Warranty is five years/unlimited km, while five prepaid services are $1800.

VERDICT

If economy’s key, the Kluger Hybrid is the king but you’ll wait a long time for one. The Outback’s my pick, as it’s almost $6000 cheaper, has the most equipment and goes further off-road thanks to constant all-wheel-drive. I worry its engine may struggle with your trailer at times, but the 200kg tow ball limit is reassuring.

Originally published as Which car should I buy?