Mid-size SUVs are all the rage in the Australian automotive landscape.
While many associate the sun-baked country with crew cabs, midsize SUVs are actually selling in greater numbers, with nearly 300,000 new examples finding new homes this year.
As such, Daily Sparkz Readers checked out our crossover coverage in 2025. However, some models attracted more attention than others.
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back at our most viewed midsize SUV reviews of 2025.
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Spoiler alert: Chinese newcomer models are heavily represented and bestsellers like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 are mysteriously missing!
For reasons of transparency, all vehicles in this list are medium-sized SUVs as defined by the VFACTS sales statistics from the Federal Chamber of the Automotive Industry (FCAI).
5. Subaru Forester Hybrid
European correspondent James Fossdyke traveled to the English Midlands to launch the new Subaru Forester, one of Australia’s most popular mid-size SUVs, in the UK.
Changes for the latest Forester included a new hybrid system, although James drove a British-spec model with a 2.0-litre boxer engine.
James Fossdyke wrote:
“If you value robustness, reliability and off-road capability, the Forester is still the right car for you.
“It now looks better and is more comfortable than before, but if getting away from the tarmac is less important and you just want a family SUV that feels semi-premium and is pleasant to drive, there are better and more sophisticated options.”
You can read our full review of the Subaru Forester Hybrid Here
With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new Subaru Forester. Click Here to get a great deal.
MORE: Explore the Subaru Forester showroom
4. Geely EX5
Geely contributed to the influx of Chinese electric SUVs by launching the EX5 in February, and then deputy marketplace editor Jack Quick was present at the first national media event in Bowral, New South Wales.
Jack Quick wrote:
“This car is all about perspective. Stepping into one from an internal combustion engine vehicle, it will surprise you with its silence (apart from the Mr. Whippy-esque pedestrian warning noise) and brisk low-speed acceleration. You’ll also find the packaging refreshing, as there’s no powertrain to take up second-row space.
“However, compared to other competing electric vehicles, there is little to set the Geely EX5 apart from the ever-increasing crowd. The technology is eerily reminiscent of a Tesla, except there is a digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, there is no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at launch, and the clunky look and limited paint color palette do it no favors.”
“I appreciate the great effort that Geely has put into local suspension tuning, which is a step in the right direction that several competing Chinese brands have not yet taken.
“Although the company claims to have made changes to the suspension, like many Chinese cars, it is still very wrong about comfort. I would be interested to see how the Chinese model performs on Australian roads, just for comparison.
“The fact that this car is also front-wheel drive doesn’t help from a driving dynamics perspective. Many rear-wheel drive competitors are much more rewarding on winding roads.
“The front wheels of this car can be overwhelmed with the amount of power and torque they have to send to the road, and you can tell Geely has dialed back the initial throttle response to compensate for this.
“Ultimately, the level of Australian interest in this car may well depend on pricing. The leaked figures are extremely promising, but we reserve judgment until we receive confirmation of this.”
You can read our full review of the Geely EX5 Here
With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new Geely EX5. Click Here to get a great deal.
MORE: Explore the Geely EX5 showroom
3. Zeekr 7X
Chinese manufacturer Zeekr is starting to gain a foothold in Australia, and the 7X mid-sized electric SUV promises to speed up the process. Senior staff member Matt Campbell traveled to China for a short trip and was impressed.
Matt Campbell wrote:
“This will be one of the most enticing new electric models to hit the busy midsize SUV market this year.
“It has the right technology and specifications, an outstanding design and enough desirable features to make it a very attractive proposition compared to some of its current mainstream competitors.”
You can read our full review of the Zeekr 7X Here
With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new Zeekr 7X. Click Here to get a great deal.
MORE: Discover the Zeekr 7X showroom
2. World Sea Lion 7
BYD launched its flagship model in Australia earlier this year – the Sea lion 7 Electric SUV. Marketplace journalist Max Davies traveled to South Australia for the local launch in the form of an eye-catching presentation ahead of the LIV Golf Adelaide 2025 tournament.
Max Davies wrote:
“All in all, the Sealion 7 is a pretty good car. Obviously it’s not an SUV that stands out for its external beauty or interior layout, as there are many elements here that are found in many other electric SUVs.
“So its strength lies in its function. In our relatively short time with the car, we hardly found any functions that would bother us in the long term, and while things like speed limit warnings can pop up, it’s not too difficult to deactivate them.”
“Everything is easy functionsand the integration of various elements such as physical vents and a handful of real buttons make it easier to operate the car while driving – especially compared to the Model Y and Deepal S07 mid-size SUVs, which only have a screen.
“Then there’s the driving experience. BYD has done a good job of preparing this car for Australian roads and whether there was a concerted effort to optimize it locally or not, it’s impressive solidity.
“Its taut suspension gives it a first-class driving experience that won’t tire you out. Power delivery is also smooth, the steering feels as it should, and there’s a strong balance between straight-line performance and everyday usability – particularly noticeable on the Premium.”
“The only real problems with the Sealion 7 are the strange “flywheel effect” of the accelerator pedal, its previously unknown real-world efficiency, and the fact that the performance flagship really isn’t worth the extra money. A much more compelling value proposition is the Premium, as it has more range and an already extensive list of standard equipment.
“BYD’s latest Australian model has plenty of space, drives well, doesn’t cost too much and doesn’t annoy you with poorly planned user interfaces or incessant beeping and beeping.
“They could do a lot worse than the Sealion 7 Premium, and at launch we think it makes more sense than the upcoming Model Y.”
You can read our full BYD Sealion 7 review Here
With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new BYD Sealion 7. Click Here to get a great deal.
MORE: Explore the BYD Sealion 7 showroom
1. World Sea Lion 6
The Sealion 6 received its first major update this year, bringing Australia-specific suspension tuning and revised pricing across the range. Senior contributor Matt Campbell got behind the wheel of a top-of-the-line premium vehicle to find out if these changes were for the better.
Matt Campbell wrote:
“If you want a mid-size SUV and are not sure whether going all-electric is the right thing to do, then the Sealion 6 could be the best option for you.
“It has a useful EV lineup, plenty of features and technology, and comes equipped with this type of smarts at a more affordable price than any other midsize SUV.
“It’s no wonder it’s the best-selling PHEV on the market. It deserves it.”
You can read our full BYD Sealion 6 review Here
With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new BYD Sealion 6. Click Here to get a great deal.
MORE: Explore the BYD Sealion 6 showroom
