The best cars, SUVs, EVs and utes coming to Australia in 2024

The best new cars, SUVs, utes and EVs arriving in 2024

Cadillac Lyriq

The Cadillac Lyriq is the first arrival in a promised range of electric-only vehicles from the storied US luxury brand. The Lyriq is expected to launch with a high-spec 373kW dual-motor, all-wheel drive model and could launch with a price tag as high as $150,000 when it goes on sale in the second half of the year.

Manufacturers have traditionally stripped out the cabins of EVs in favour of keeping the price more accessible, but Cadillac is promising the same plush feel and dare-we-say bling that buyers might reasonably expect from a vehicle bearing its name. The Cadillac Lyriq will be equipped with high-tech gadgets including an impressive 33-inch electronic dashboard, 19-speaker sound system and a host of comfort features and finishes.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is significantly larger than its last iteration and will herald a new era in family recreational SUVs when it arrives in Australia early this year.

With a bold new exterior, the new Hyundai Santa Fe has been designed from the rear forward, with a spacious third row and large rear door opening heralding a much more accessible space and promising a better connection with the outdoor. Hyundai says it meets owners' desires to be more connected with nature when taking the Santa Fe on day trips or away camping.

Engine options are yet to be confirmed but expect to see a fuel-efficient hybrid among the available powertrains. Pricing for the new Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to increase from the current range of $50-70,000 plus on-road costs.

MG Cyberster

Proving Chinese EVs need not be utilitarian, MG is following the critical acclaim for its MG4 electric hatchback with the arrival of the MG Cyberster in the second half of this year. The electric convertible sportscar pays obvious homage to the UK-built soft top MGs roadsters of the 1960s and 70s. 

Expect range of up to 501km (based on China's test regime), from the 231kW rear-wheel drive entry model equipped with 64kWh battery. Sportscar performance is guaranteed from the dual-motor all-wheel drive model which offers acceleration to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds, but will it handle like a classic, and be priced like one? We can’t wait to find out.

Kia EV5

Joining the critically acclaimed Kia EV6 and Kia EV9 large SUV in 2024 will be the Kia EV5 electric SUV. It is set to hit the sweet spot as an all-electric compact SUV.

This five-seater SUV accelerates Kia’s position as a leader in electric vehicle technology as the company heads towards its goal of 1 million electric vehicles sold worldwide annually by 2026. Similarly sized to the popular Kia Sportage, the EV5 will be manufactured in Kia’s Chinese plant and is likely to be available as a standard model with 64kWh battery, 160kW motor and promising up to 530km range (based on China’s CLTC test),

We may also see a more powerful dual-motor model with range extended to 720km from an 81kWh battery.

China sourcing should see the Kia EV5 competitively priced on a par with its Chinese-made rivals such as the BYD Atto and Tesla Model Y.

BYD Seal U

Electric SUVs will be coming thick and fast in 2024 and the BYD Seal U should be one of the first to arrive in March or April. It’s anticipated that Australia will receive the plug-in hybrid version initially. As the fifth vehicle to join the BYD range here, we can expect it to be competitively priced and a serious entrant to the market. 

The BYD Seal U will sit in the hugely popular medium SUV segment and is larger than the Toyota RAV4 hybrid and the BYD Atto 3 which was Australia’s third best-selling EV last year.  With 3 million electric vehicles sold worldwide last year, BYD is making serious inroads into the global automotive market and Australia, where it recently launched the BYD Dolphin and BYD Seal.

Mitsubishi Triton

The sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton launches in February with a new bi-turbo diesel engine which generates 150kW and 470Nm. It increases towing capacity, and load carrying capability over the previous model.

Backed by the industry’s only ten-year conditional manufacturer’s warranty, Mitsubishi will need to come up with the goods if it is to come close to toppling the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu Ute D-Max from their top three positions in the sales chart.

Equipped with Mitsubishi’s stand out super all-wheel drive system, the Triton is likely to be a very competent off-roader and tradie vehicle, but needs to meet the lifestyle expectations of affluent ute buyers as the segment moves upwards, as does the price.

Polestar 3/Polestar 4

Two new Polestar models will join the line up in 2024. The Polestar 3 is the brand's first SUV and will arrive mid-year, while the Polestar 4 combines SUV levels of space with coupe styling. Polestar 4 will be the fastest production car the brand has introduced so far, with maximum power output of 400kW from the dual-motor model. It will accelerate to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.  A long-range single motor model producing 200kW promises range of up to 600km (WLTP). 

Expect plenty of Scandinavian style from Polestar 4 as it focuses on greater use of circular and low-carbon materials, with recycled PET materials used throughout the cabin including a new tailored knit used on the upholstery, and welfare approved Nappa leather on higher end variants.

Volkswagen ID.4, ID.5, ID. Buzz, and Touareg R eHybrid

After numerous delays and false starts, 2024 is finally set to mark the arrival of Volkswagen’s EV range which includes pure electric models and the first plug-in hybrid model in the form of the Volkswagen Touareg R.

We’re particularly excited about the arrival of the iconic Volkswagen ID. Buzz – a stylish all-electric reworking of the classic Kombi that will seat up to seven occupants. But let’s not overlook the ID.4 mid-size SUV and the ID.5 coupe as two vehicles that should hit the mark for existing Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan drivers looking to trade up to an EV with a familiar brand name. The importance of these vehicles to Volkswagen cannot be understated as they play catch up with the industry's newcomers such as Tesla and BYD.

Audi Q4 e-tron

Launching mid-year, the Audi Q4 e-tron will arrive as an SUV and Sportback coupe, and will be about the same size as the Audi Q3. A premium electric offering, we expect the Q4 e-tron to offer similar comfort and trim levels as its conventionally powered siblings with strong and easily recognisable exterior styling.

While exact specifications are yet to be announced, the Audi Q4 e-tron offered in Australia is set to at least include the top spec 250kW 55 Quattro Sport model as previewed on the Audi Australia website. In the UK, where it is already on sale, that model is equipped with an 82kWh battery with a range of upto 520km (WLTP) and is on sale for the equivalent of around $110,000.

Jeep Avenger

The 2023 European Car of the Year, the Jeep Avenger will be the first electric vehicle to join the Jeep line up in Australia when it launches here in the second half of the year.

Featuring familiar Jeep styling and sharing technology with the Peugeot e-2008, the Avenger is a compact SUV equipped with a small 54kWh battery promising 400km range. The front-wheel drive Avenger is powered by a single 115kW and is set to find its home in the urban environment in preference to more rugged terrain, with which Jeeps are typically familiar.

As the market for small SUVs increase in competition, the Poland sourced Jeep Avenger will need to be sharply priced to compete with the larger, and very capable $48,011 BYD Atto 3.

Toyota Prado

The fifth-generation 2024 Toyota Prado  is set to arrive in the third quarter of this year. Featuring a new boxy exterior design, the new Prado will be powered exclusively by a 48-volt mild-hybrid version of the current model’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

An established, robust favourite in regional Australia, the Prado will be available as both a five and seven-seat vehicle. Model lineup, specifications and pricing are expected closer to launch and we expect interest in this vehicle to be high. Toyota will no doubt be hoping to avoid the significant wait times endured by Toyota Landcruiser buyers over the last two years.

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