The Daily Sparkz The road test team tested numerous large SUVs this year, including segment classics, updated favorites and new arrivals.
We spent some time with the new Toyota Prado and ended up viewing it as a flawed family wagon, while the similarly positioned new Ford Everest continued to win praise for its more rounded characteristics.
There were plenty of newcomers. Chinese brands like BYD, MG And Chery kept us on our toes by launching several new large SUVs, as did the Japanese and Europeans.
But which large SUV interested you, our readers, the most?
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As 2025 nears its end, we can count down Daily SparkzThe five most viewed large SUV reviews of the year.
For reasons of transparency, all vehicles in this list are large SUVs as defined by the VFACTS sales statistics from the Federal Chamber of the Automotive Industry (FCAI).
5. Ford Everest Sport V6
Even in the face of intensifying competition and looming emissions regulations, Ford continues to set ambitious goals with its locally developed Ranger Ute-based Everest, as deputy market editor Josh Nevett discovered back in July.
Josh Nevett wrote:
“The Sport V6 is perhaps the best choice from this small selection. That in turn probably makes it the best choice among the seven-seat off-road SUVs available.”
“Class-leading turbodiesel torque and towing capacity? Check. Robust exterior design and a functional interior? Check. A comfortable ride and real off-road qualities? Check again.”
“If you’re looking for an adventurous family SUV, you don’t need more than what the Everest Sport V6 has to offer. The Platinum is a premium package but is also $7,000 more expensive, while the cheaper Trend is well equipped but is less attractive without a V6 under the hood.”
“Looking beyond Ford, I’m not convinced there is a better alternative to the Everest. The new generation Prado is expensive, underpowered and imperfectly packaged, while the Isuzu MU-X is disappointed with its engine and cabin technology.
“So Australian families should just buy an Everest and call it a day? It’s not that simple.”
“Everest is aimed at lovers of the great outdoors, not city dwellers who spend their time balancing rush hour commutes with the school run.
“Those who fit the latter description should instead consider car-based seven-seaters that prioritize luxury and efficiency over ruggedness. These options in this price range include the Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-80 and Kia Sorento.”
You can read our full review of the Ford Everest Sport V6 Here
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MORE: Explore the Ford Everest showroom
4.Volkswagen Tayron
Volkswagen replaced the Tiguan Allspace with an all-new model called the Tayron earlier this year, and our contributor Dave Humphreys was at the international launch in Europe so we could see how it compares to its predecessor.
Dave Humphreys wrote:
“Volkswagen has done extensive work to make the Tayron a comfortable and elegant car, even if it’s not exactly what we would describe as an exciting driving experience.
“However, the plug-in hybrid’s greater electric range is a big plus and it is the best powertrain choice for the Tayron.
“It’s just a shame you can’t have it with seven seats.”
You can read our full review of the Volkswagen Tayron Here
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MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Tayron showroom
3. Jaecoo J8
Ahead of the launch of Chery’s lifestyle-focused sister brand Jaecoo in Australia, author Gautam Sharma took the opportunity to preview the J8 seven-seater in Dubai.
Gautam Sharma wrote:
“All in all, the Jaecoo J8 is a sophisticated and well-rounded offering that can hold its own against established players in the seven-seat SUV segment.
“Solid if unspectacular driving characteristics, the J8’s strengths lie in its premium interior ambience (for its price) and its overall refinement.
“We will make a more forceful judgment once Australian pricing and specifications are known.”
You can read our full Jaecoo J8 review Here
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MORE: Explore Jaecoo J8 showroom
2. Toyota Prado GXL
Following the launch, market journalist Max Davies was handed the keys to a seven-seat Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL, a popular trim level and the second cheapest Prado variant currently sold in Australia.
Max Davies wrote:
“The latest version of the Prado is generally a strong offering, but there are a few issues that tarnish the nameplate’s reputation.
“There are some positive aspects, namely the robust design, long-lasting engine and rock-solid Toyota build quality. There is plenty of space in all three rows of seats, which is appropriate for a family vehicle suitable for long-distance mass transport.”
“It’s also decent off-road, even if this GXL class lacks a handful of off-road systems that are reserved for the higher-equipped classes.
“Its interior is light years ahead of the old Prado, and the GXL also offers a significant improvement over the GX, significantly surpassing its position in the Prado rankings.
“But its diesel engine is still harsh and lacks the grunt for a vehicle of this size and weight, and the ride with the standard suspension is too ultimate for our tastes. Since the engine is the same across all model lines, the suspension is the only thing holding the GXL back on the road – leading us to recommend the VX instead.”
“Then there’s the boot situation, which is equally unattractive and impractical and feels like an uncharacteristic Toyota afterthought. Unfortunately, this is somewhat ingrained in the J250 Prado’s DNA, and its more luxurious sister model Lexus GX does better with the same packaging limitations, although it’s not perfect either.”
“The Prado has short service intervals and isn’t cheap either, and we don’t think the GXL justifies its pricing position. The VX pricing makes a little more sense, but there’s no getting around the fact that the Prado is an expensive vehicle in general.”
“Yes, it feels more premium than the Everest and MU-X, but these vehicles are much more well-rounded packages despite being cheaper.
“Ultimately, it’s hard to argue with the 13,406 people who bought a new Prado by the end of May this year. Over the same period, Ford managed 9589 Everest deliveries and Isuzu moved 5785 examples of its MU-X – making the Prado once again the clear favorite among Australians shopping in the segment.
“There is no doubt that the higher-spec Prados do the job better because they meet more chassis hardware requirements, despite having the same packaging compromises. So it remains to be seen whether the GXL continues to be the most popular Prado in the range.”
You can read our full review of the Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL Here
With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new Toyota LandCruiser Prado. Click Here to get a great deal.
MORE: Explore the Toyota LandCruiser Prado showroom
1. Toyota LandCruiser Prado VX
Yes, another Prado review. Deliveries of the new-generation large SUV finally began in late 2024, and news editor William Stopford quickly sourced a mid-size VX for a full review.
William Stopford wrote:
“On paper, the new Prado may not be much different from the previous model, but it feels better, looks more modern and attractive inside and out and has significantly improved technology.”
“However, for a vehicle without additional power and torque and with a higher curb weight, it has suffered a significant price increase. It has also taken steps backwards in terms of interior flexibility, which is annoying.”
“In a vacuum, the Prado probably looks like good value for money given the performance and features on offer. Unfortunately, the large SUV segment is not a vacuum for Toyota and the Prado looks overpriced compared to key rivals.”
“You can get a top-of-the-line Everest with a turbodiesel V6 for a few thousand less. Sure, if you buy the Prado you get the Toyota reputation, a nicer interior, adaptive dampers and a few other new features, but you also get a vehicle with less power and torque, a less practical interior and shorter service intervals.”
“We’ve waited a long time for a new Prado and in that time its competitors have improved dramatically, so much so that we doubt Toyota has done enough to give its ‘Son of LandCruiser’ the upper hand in a very competitive segment.
“But it’s a Toyota, so we expect it will still sell like hotcakes.”
You can read our full review of the Toyota LandCruiser Prado VX Here
With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new Toyota LandCruiser Prado. Click Here to get a great deal.
MORE: Explore the Toyota LandCruiser Prado showroom
