Best SUVs to Buy in 2020

Best Small SUV's Melbourne

There are such a large number of small SUVs available now that it can be very difficult to choose what’s best for one’s needs.

Yet while they all seem to blend together, there are upsides and downsides to each. Among the upsides to all SUVs listed here are that they have 5-star ANCAP crash test safety ratings, wonderful gas mileage, and enough space for a family and their gear. Whether one’s main priorities are technology, safety, efficiency, performance, or space, there is a small SUV to suit those purposes.

Harvey Milder, the founder of Find a Car For Me has experience getting clients deals on many SUV’s and as a result, is in a good position to recommend the best ones to clients. If you wish to get the best SUV to buy for yourself or any other type of car, please contact Find a Car For Me by email or phone. For more information on our car buying service in Melbourne, please click here.

Mitsubishi ASX

The Mitsubishi ASX is one of the oldest small SUVs available right now, having been around in more or less its current state since 2010. This means that the interior is less than cutting edge as compared to the other competitors.

Despite this, the little Mitsubishi has a an interior that features up-to-date technology, good performance, and the highest possible crash test rating from ANCAP.

It also has an excellent new car warranty at 7 years demonstrating Mitsubishi’s confidence in the car. Truth be told, the design of the ASX is so old that most of its bugs should be ironed out by now.

As with many other small SUVs, the rear seat is cramped for adults, but the said rear seat does fold down to allow for extra cargo space. It also represents excellent starting at $24,990 (at time of writing) which helps to explain its popularity in Australia.

The ASX might lack rear space, but it does not lack in interior technology.

Best SUV To Buy - Mitsubishi ASX
Best SUV To Buy – Mitsubishi ASX

Mazda CX-5

Starting at $31,990 the Mazda CX-5 is one of the more expensive options here. However, for your money the Mazda CX-5 provides you with one of the better drives in its class.

Fun to drive specifically, and fun to be in. The CX-5 has a more straightforward interior layout than other small SUVs, while not lacking any entertainment options such as Apple Car play, Android Auto, and several USB ports. There is even a fighter jet like Heads Up Display available on certain models.

While other SUVs are becoming more like living rooms on wheels, Mazda has purposefully made the CX-5 just a bit sportier than the competition, in having a cockpit setup with a similar simplicity to their legendary sports cars.

The price of the CX-5 might not suit everyone, but it is an excellent buy.

Best SUV To Buy - Mazda CX-5
Best SUV To Buy – Mazda CX-5

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is about style, and safety. The rear seat may be cramped, but the interior is plush and is matched with elegant styling.

The crash test ratings might be the same as others on this list, but the standard list of active and passive safety features on this car are truly superior to the competitors. Features like lane keeping assist and driver attention alert are all standard even on the S base model which starts at $28,990.

Complementing its accident avoidance features are is the styling. Kia says the lines were inspired by modern fighter planes, and with small SUVs this shape is among the best to the eyes available. The styling is enhanced by the standard fitment of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Style and safety are an excellent combination.

Best SUV To Buy - Kia Sportage
Best SUV To Buy – Kia Sportage

Honda HR-V

Often overlooked in this segment is the Honda HR-V. Because of this, it means that you can get a car with top quality for a little more than the price of a Mitsubishi ASX.

The Honda HR-V is classic Honda, in the modern era. Classic Honda means lightweight, with excellent build quality and first-class engineering. All this leads to wonderful efficiency, reliability, and usability.

This user-friendliness extends into the interior, which has just about every audio input under the sun, including USB, AUX, Bluetooth, and HDMI.  The HR-V also warns you when you need to add more air into your tires.

The HR-V offers the convenience of being able to enter the car and start it without taking needing to take your key out of your pocket. This is fantastic particularly when you have your hands full of shopping and potentially young kids.

More importantly, classic Honda means outstanding build quality and reliability. The engine sips fuel, and does so whether in the city or out cruising, due to the HRV’s lightness. Furthermore, the Honda 7-year warranty should provide plenty of confidence.

The rear of the little SUV is also easier to fit a pram in than several other choices on this list.

Ease of use and high quality should not be overlooked.

Best SUV To Buy - Honda HRV
Best SUV To Buy – Honda HRV

Suzuki Vitara

I am often surprised that I do not see more Suzuki Vitara’s on the road. And this is because they are the cheapest option out of all the cars that I have written about in this article. Starting at $23,990 the Japanese built Vitara offers similar pricing to a hatchback.

That said, the Suzuki Vitara is a little basic in some ways, but at almost a third the cost of some higher end competitors, the lack of frills is just fine.

There are some other caveats with that price, however. The Vitara uses more fuel than other small SUVs, and does not offer more legroom or cargo space than what is average for this type of vehicle. This is due to the fact that the Vitara is a little smaller than its competitors. This means that it makes the most sense for an inner-city buyer.

While the performance of the base model is adequate, Harvey always steers customers towards the turbo engine options as they provide an excellent compromise of performance and fuel economy. However, these are significantly more expensive than the base model. Maybe a slightly used turbo would be the pick here.

Also, the Suzuki lacks some of the active safety gear that is offered by some of the competitors. That said, it still achieves a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

In any case, the Vitara is a wonderful budget option.

Best SUV To Buy - Suzuki Vitara
Best SUV To Buy – Suzuki Vitara

Hyundai Kona

With its slim line headlights, the Hyundai Kona is the slick and cool new kid on the block when it comes to small SUVs.

Introduced only a couple years ago, the Kona comes with Hyundai’s awesome five-year warranty, a boat load of technology, and good performance. The cost of this all-round capability is literal cost. While something like the Vitara can be had for $23,990, the most stripped-down Kona starts at 26,000 new and climbs steeply from there in price.


Hyundai has also used low quality materials on the interior of the Kona meaning that the interior ambience is compromised somewhat.

And the Kona’s back seat is cramped enough to only really be comfortable for small children.

When price and space are less important than technology though, the Kona is a good choice.

Best SUV To Buy - Hyundai Kona
Best SUV To Buy – Hyundai Kona

Toyota C-HR

Whenever I recommend the Toyota C-HR to anyone, the first thing they do is point out that it has a small capacity engine.

However, the performance from that engine is quite strong. And that’s only the beginning.

The Toyota C-HR is about the cutting edge, compared to other current small SUVs. Offering a hybrid option sets it apart from other SUVs in this list, and that is before mentioning a fully electric version that will soon be available overseas.

The styling is deliberately ultra-modern, an attempt to dramatically differentiate the C-HR from every other modern small SUV. It succeeds at this, as while most SUVs blend together, the C-HR stands out in any setting. More importantly, the interior quality and style really is second to none but it does not offer as much room as some of its competitors.

With excellent resale values, this car is a favorite of Harvey.

Technology and style combined are worth a look.

Best Used Small Sized SUV For Teachers Toyota CH-R
Best SUV To Buy – Toyota C-HR

When it comes to finding the best SUV to buy, while there may be many choices, understanding one’s requirements helps narrow the field. What could help further is engaging the services of a local Melbourne car broker. Find a Car For Me offers clients an easy way to get the best deal on a car. Harvey will find the best car for your needs and will then get the best price. Please see the car buying services page for more information.

For more information, please contact Find a Car For Me by email or phone.

Find used cars Melbourne

Best New and Used Cars for Teachers under $25,000

Best Cars For Teachers Melbourne

Harvey Milder has been a car broker for decades, buying and selling cars for clients both in Melbourne and interstate. He has also been offering a teacher’s car buying service (and a corresponding teachers’ car selling service) specifically since his student days.

Harvey has a top-notch ability to tailor the right car to academic lifestyles, budgets and individual needs, developed over many years as a used (and new) car broker both in Melbourne and across Australia. Harvey also understands teachers needs perfectly thanks to his experience in the teaching environment during his own part-time academic career.

Harvey can hook teachers up with their dream cars, at dramatically reduced costs. He helped one of his own lecturers buy a beautifully maintained 3-year-old Alfa Romeo at 30% of its new price, a bargain the client had never imagined was possible. Harvey fondly recalls his joyful face on receipt of that car.

Harvey has been approached repeatedly regarding his teachers’ car buying service and his teacher’s car selling service. For this reason, he has decided to share his advice as to the best buys for academic staff in 2020 (priced at $25,000 and under). These include both used and, where price permits, new cars in all categories. Here are his top tips.

The Best Small Cars for Australian Teachers

New: Volkswagen Polo

Look no further than a Polo for a premium car at a small price, with excellent fuel efficiency. For a decade, the Polo has eclipsed all competition in its class. It offers strong performance for its size, thanks to the punchy 3 cylinder turbo-charged engine, which provides you with excellent fuel economy.

The base model 70TSI Trendline starts at $17,990. It includes a large touchscreen with Apple car play and Android Auto, as well as all the safety gear. However, it’s the small touches that make this car such a joy to travel in. For example, all four windows have auto up/down and can be operated using the remote control on the key just like an expensive prestige car. The plush ride quality is outstanding, exceeding all expectations for this class of car.

The Volkswagen Polo offers it all. It’s a car that meets the demands of both the head and the heart.

Best New Small Sized Car For Teachers Volkswagen Polo
Best New Small Sized Car For Teachers Volkswagen Polo

Used: Suzuki Swift

Many of my clients find this a surprising recommendation as Suzuki is not one of the larger automotive companies in Australia. However, it is a sensible one, due to the many merits of modern Suzuki Swifts.

The flimsy feel of late 20th century Swifts is long gone, replaced by a solid car which retains both the legendary reliability and lightweight feeling of the Suzuki brand. Even in base models, this car is a gift that keeps on giving.

However, I will always recommend the GLX Turbo and especially the Suzuki Swift Sport. At this stage these two models have experienced a healthy dose of depreciation, particularly the GLX Turbo. Both models possess all the active and passive safety equipment expected for their class, and offer fun and youthful styling with lots of interior space, as well as excellent performance levels while using the smallest amounts of fuel.

If you’ve got a bit more budgetary flexibility and love to drive, I highly recommend the sport model for its brisk acceleration and smooth handling, thanks to sports tuned suspension and complimented by sports seats. It offers fuel efficiency and a really great city and country driving experience.

Best Used Small Sized Car For Teachers Suzuki Swift
Best Used Small Sized Car For Teachers Suzuki Swift

The Best Small/Medium Cars for Australian Teachers

New: Toyota Corolla

Like the Volkswagen Polo in the previous category, the Toyota Corolla has, in more recent years, stepped up to become more of a premium offering in its class. Tasteful, angular lines define the dashboard, and the car offers precise steering and with a driving experience that far eclipses earlier Corolla models.

Toyota car have always offered unrivaled reliability, and the Corolla is no exception. As such, Toyota’s in general are relatively easy cars to sell once you’re ready to move on to your next car.

I have to add that it’s not easy to find a brand-new Corolla that fits into the $25,000 budget. That said, it’s still possible, and I’ve seen it personally.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Volkswagen Golf VII here, but I also don’t recommend the purchase of a new car that’s about to cease production, at least not in the absence of an unbeatable deal.

Best New Small to Mid Sized Car For Teachers Toyota Corolla
Best New Small to Mid Sized Car For Teachers Toyota Corolla

Used: Ford Focus Mark IV

The Ford Focus has a strange tendency to be forgotten about on the used car market, despite getting rave reviews by journalists. It’s been touted as being one of the best cars for handling in its class, as well as being extremely well-equipped for its price.

It’s likely that the transmission issues experienced by some Fords in years gone by have contributed to the Focus getting frequently overlooked. However, the models I recommend have well and truly moved past any such problems. Better yet, from a buyer’s point of view, this lingering reputation means that the Ford Focus has a really weak resale value. That makes it possible to buy a one-year-old focus in new condition for the price of a brand-new Volkswagen Polo.

The base model Focus Trend offers a fuel-sipping 3 cylinder engine that punches above its weight plus a great stereo to complement its excellent handling and ride quality. Clearly, the effort has been put in by Ford to make good on the past issues.

Furthermore, the tasteful styling sits on an all new chassis. This means you can be sure that the car has benefitted from Ford’s latest research and development efforts.

The Ford Focus really is too good a bargain to turn down. Especially since it comes with a 5-year warranty.

Best Used Small to Mid Sized Car For Teachers Ford Focus
Best Used Small to Mid Sized Car For Teachers Ford Focus

The Best Mid-Sized Cars for Australian Teachers

New: Holden Commodore

Again, some readers are likely to find this a surprising choice for best mid-sized car within the listed price range. However, as Holden has recently announced that importation of the Commodore and the Astra will cease, prices have dropped dramatically, and it’s now possible to get a new Holden Commodore for the same price as a new Volkswagen Golf.

For that price, you’ll get Holden’s signature excellent styling, keyless entry and start plus Advanced Park Assist. The latter means that the car that parks itself, even in the base model.

On top of all that, the Commodore includes advanced safety features like lane departure warning, meaning you’ll be notified if you cross over lanes. It also has forward collision alert, which is a mechanism that senses an oncoming head-on collision and stops the car. Pretty fancy.

The car also drives beautifully.

The only real downside is resale values, which will be low due to Holden’s decision to withdraw from the Australia market. However, the impact of that will be mitigated if you get a good deal on a new vehicle and intend to keep your Commodore for 5 years or more.

Best New Mid Sized Car For Teachers Holden Commodore
Best New Mid Sized Car For Teachers Holden Commodore

Used: Ford Mondeo

The Mondeo offers the exact same value equation as the Ford Focus in the previous category. As with the Focus, it provides the feel and driving experience of a far more expensive car than it is. The Ford badges are the only clue that you are not driving a German vehicle.

Just look at the front styling! Or the overall styling for that matter; it really is a champagne experience on a beer budget. The Mondeo has plenty of interior and boot space and can be had with a petrol or a diesel engine. As such, fuel consumption will not be an issue. 

The pick of the range would have to be the top spec Titanium for its airbag equipped seatbelts, driver fatigue warning system, heated front and rear seat plus the massive sunroof, which is standard.

After 2 or 3 years, the Mondeo Titanium sells for around half of its new price, making it a similar price to a new Toyota Corolla. For this reason, it should never be bought new, but it makes for a very sensible second-hand purchase.

Best Used Mid Sized Car For Teachers Ford Mondeo
Best Used Mid Sized Car For Teachers Ford Mondeo

The Best Small SUVs for Australian Teachers

At the time of writing, there are no brand-new cars that I can recommend within the $25,000 maximum budget, so will review the best used choice.

Used: Toyota CH-R

I absolutely love this car.

It wasn’t exactly love at first sight, though. The styling is stunning, but my initial view was that the value proposition was poor, because it only has a 1.2 turbo.

Yet, when I drove one, I realised that it was a game-changer for the small SUV class.

In years gone by, small SUVs were something of a necessary evil. You might have needed one to accommodate a small family, but it meant sacrificing your desire for a stylish car that drives well.

The CH-R has changed all that. I was incredulous at how well it handled and found I could take it around all types of corners with ease. The chassis was just that good. The interior quality was also lovely – comparable to a Lexus – with beautiful details, such as the diamond shapes cut into the headlining, the materials used on the dashboard and that brushed metal gear shifter.

The 1.2 turbo, as it turned out, felt like it was up to the task. While this is not a high-speed car, I never felt that I was left wanting for much more power around the city.

I was driving the base model, and found it to be extremely well-equipped. Blind spot warning is a standard feature. The thick, leather-bound steering wheel felt great in my hands.

Resale values for this car are quite high, so it’s not the best value in this class, but in my view, it’s nonetheless the best buy in its class.

Best Used Small Sized SUV For Teachers Toyota CH-R
Best Used Small Sized SUV For Teachers Toyota CH-R

The Best Mid-Sized SUVs for Australian Teachers

Again, at the time of writing, there are no brand-new cars that I can recommend within the $25,000 maximum budget, so will review the best used choice.

Used: Honda CR-V (RW)

For a long time, it seemed like Honda was asleep at the wheel. Having been regarded as pseudo prestige cars during the late 20th century, with their top quality and super high-tech vehicles at the time, Honda then failed to release anything special for about 15 years post-millennium.

However, the 2017 release of the new CR-V changed all that. It was evident at first sight that this was a return to form for Honda. The quality and design of the dashboard was that of a far more expensive car. The CR-V was also one of the first cars in its class to provide a small turbo-charged engine for fuel efficiency, an indicator that Honda was beginning to re-embrace its old identity as a technological leader, too. It has excellent handling, a great ride and comfortable seats, to boot.

Like the Toyota CH-R, it’s a stylish car and works well for family transportation needs.

The market has been slow to catch on to the high quality and all-around excellence of the CR-V, so it’s priced a lot lower than its competition.

With Honda’s legendary reliability, the CR-V will bring you and your family many great years of motoring.

Best Used Mid Sized SUV For Teachers Honda CRV
Best Used Mid Sized SUV For Teachers Honda CRV

The Best Sports Cars for Australian Teachers

At the time of this writing, there are no brand-new sports cars that I can recommend within the $25,000 maximum budget, so will review the best used choice.

Used: BMW 2 Series Coupe (220i)

The BMW 2 series is, admittedly, a bit older than some of the other sports cars at this price point. However, being one of the final BMW rear wheel drive cars that is still relatively new, I determined that it deserves top spot on my list, despite the fact that only the 220i is a realistic buy within the $25,000 budget.

The recommended 2 series remains a current model, despite a recent facelift. It rides a lot like a luxury car, except when you’re turning corners, of course. Like all BMWs, the 2 series is more than capable of taking corners quickly.

There are also rear seats which fit adults comfortably enough for shorter trips and can carry luggage for weekends away.

Admittedly, the 220i isn’t the fastest car in the range, but it should have enough pace for most people seeking a sports car. However, its stylishness – both interior and exterior – more than compensates for its average acceleration. That said, if you can spare an extra $2 – 3,000, the BMW 228i will possess everything I have written about with the extra pace that the chassis deserves.

The 220i will cost you more to service than a Japanese car. However, this car is an absolute pleasure to own, and people will think it’s worth twice as much as you actually paid.

Best Used Sports Car For Teachers BMW 220i
Best Used Sports Car For Teachers BMW 220i

To find out more about how Find a Car For Me can get you the best deal, please contact us by email or by phone.

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