What affordable family car should I buy?

David is after a mid-size SUV that he can rely on for a long time. But which of the many contenders is best suited to his budget?

The question

I’ve owned my 2009 2WD Ford Territory TS auto since new but want to downsize to a four-cylinder SUV. I don’t tow, rarely carry more than one passenger and average 15,000km per year, mainly on the highway. Is it better to go petrol or diesel? I keep cars a long time, maybe five to seven years, and my shortlist is down to a Nissan Qashqai, Nissan X-Trail or Kia Sportage, but I’m open to alternatives. Budget is about $30-35k.

— David Lidlow, Hope Island

Answer

Diesel SUVs are typically more expensive than their petrol alternatives, and your annual mileage isn’t huge so I’d favour a petrol 2WD. You say you like an SUV’s higher seating position and perceived better cargo space, but don’t discount sedans and wagons. As you keep your cars a while, I’d prioritise long warranties and cheaper running costs.

Choices

The Nissan X-Trail is let down by its short service intervals.

Nissan X-Trail ST 2WD auto, $32,990 driveaway

This may be the entry-level X-Trail, but specification is generous enough, and size-wise they’re far more practical inside than the smaller Qashqai. Buying a petrol, 2WD five-seater (instead of seven) makes the drive-away price very appealing. Drive experience, infotainment and modern safety kit aren’t much to write home about but boot space, visibility, storage and exterior styling are plus points. You’ll get 7.9L/100km, which is reasonable. Warranty is 5 years/unlimited but service intervals are every 10,000km, quite short these days. Cost is $1603 for the first 50,000km.

Kia Sportage Si Premium 2.0L FWD petrol auto, $31,990 driveaway

The Kia benefits from a long seven-year/unlimited km warranty. Photos by Thomas Wielecki

Sharp drive-away price, plus you get Kia’s excellent 7-year/unlimited km warranty covering you for your planned ownership. As with the X-Trail, driving thrills are short, while 7.9L/100km is pretty average. Not as roomy inside as an X-Trail but trumps the Nissan for safety with lane-keep assist and front and rear park sensors to go with auto emergency braking. Has better infotainment with 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satnav and JBL Premium sound system, plus you score dual-zone climate control. Services are every 15,000km, costing $1596 for the first 60,000km.

Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD Petrol Auto, $36,320 driveaway

The RAV4 is the newest model on the block having launched just weeks ago.

More expensive, but arguably this is the new mid-size SUV leader and bang up to date as it hit showrooms only a few weeks ago. Great safety with active cruise control, road sign assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and auto emergency braking for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Looks good, drives nicely, spacious and has an 8-inch screen with satnav. Cheap to own with 6.5L/100km fuel economy, five-year/unlimited km warranty and services for the first 4 years/60,000km are an unbeatable $840.

Wildcard

Toyota Camry Ascent Hybrid, $33,372 driveaway

Toyota Camry Ascent Sport hybrid is a must have if you can do without an SUV body.

Let’s drop the SUV idea completely, unless you really need the higher ride height. The new Camry offers decent load space (524 litres against the RAV4’s 580 litres) and for your budget we can get you in the excellent Hybrid version, returning a miserly 4.2L/100km economy. Needs 95 RON fuel though. It will drive better and is quieter and more comfortable than any of your SUV picks. Has a five-year warranty and is just $780 for four years/60,000km of services. Good safety with AEB and lane-departure alert with steering assist, but infotainment is ordinary through the 7-inch screen.

Verdict

Hit your Toyota dealer first to compare the Camry and RAV4. For your circumstances, the Camry Hybrid sedan would be my pick, if you can divorce yourself from SUV life. If not, and the Toyotas don’t cut it, the Kia Sportage looks an excellent all-rounder.