OzRoamer 2022 AWD SUV under $45,000 COTY Award

This is a very crowded category with many manufacturers chasing this growing demand. Many models are 2WD only (mostly front wheel drive) and while they are suited to the urban environment, they are not suited to the adventure philosophy we have here at OzRoamer.

To that end we only appraise AWD models.

This does mean that some excellent vehicles such as the Peugeot 2008 GT and Mazda CX-3 (that is over 95% FWD sales) missed out on contention

Contenders included Toyota CH-R, Hyundai Kona, Suzuki Vitara, VW T-Roc, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Subaru XV.

Our final three nominees are:

• Subaru Forester
• Kia Seltos AWD 1.6T
• SKODA Karoq 140TSI Sportline Auto AWD

Subaru Forester – Winner

Subaru Forester – In the world of mid-size AWD SUVs the Subaru Forester stands alone with its Symmetrical AWD system and Boxer engine. The latest generation was launched late in 2018 with significant midlife upgrades in mid-2021.

Subaru Forester Model Range

Subaru Forester comes in seven model variations. Five of these are simply specification variations with the one engine and transmission choice. The other two, Hybrid L AWD and Hybrid S AWD, come with a hybrid engine.

The entry model pleasantly comes with all of the important safety features as standard. Obviously as you go up through the models you get extra features. More details of the model walk can be found HERE

The level of safety features found on the top model is class leading.

Subaru Forester General Thoughts

With a conservative yet styling design the Forester sits slightly between sizes in the small and medium SUV market. It looks bigger than it feels outside and yet feels bigger inside than it looks.

The mid 2021 makeover included revised headlight, fog light, front bumper and grille treatment, which keeps the design fresh.

In addition there is improved EyeSight driver assist technology, enhanced suspension and off-road technology and a long list of cosmetic refinements.

Retuned front suspension coil springs and dampers improve ride comfort, steering responsiveness and handling, along with revised X-Mode capability for improved off road handling

The interior has an updated instrument panel, 8 inch touch screen and a clever feature which is motion controlled air conditioning.

Inside the driver is well catered for even in the entry model with comfortable seats and excellent driver ergonomics. Obviously the higher specked models have greater comfort features.

There is plenty of room for the front occupants, enough room for my 190cm tall frame to sit in the rear seats and boot room is excellent.

Forester was the first vehicle built on Subaru’s new global platform and its shows. The level of responsiveness while providing a smooth and quiet ride is class leading.

Forester Engine and drivetrain choices

There is a choice of two engines.

The Forester is powered by a 2.5L engine that produces 136Kw and 239Nm running through a 7 step CVT and permanent AWD.

This is a good combination, especially now that the SGP that provides class leading ride, handling and dynamics. It’s comfortable and smooth on road but off road is where the Forester excels.

For adventurous buyers that want to detour from the main roads the Forester provides class leading ground clearance of 220mm which is actually more than a Toyota HiLux. Throw Active Torque Split Symmetrical AWD and the revised X Mode for more control and you have yourself a car that provides the best of both worlds.

In early 2020 Subaru introduced a mild hybrid version that features an e-Boxer power – a 2.0 litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine linked via Motor Assist to a high voltage lithium ion battery.

The four cylinder 2.0 litre engine produces 110 kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The electric motor produces 12.3 kW of power and 66 Nm of torque, and is self-charging, via kinetic energy captured by regenerative braking and coasting.

Forester Final Thoughts

Forester is the best AWD SUV in its segment and a winner of multiple OzRoamer COTY awards amongst others.

Forester offers buyers a blend of true adventure ability along with excellent ride and handling and a premium interior.

Forester MY22 Pricing*

*Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorized Subaru dealer.

Subaru Forester Best Model Pick

We have chosen the 2.5i-S model as it is still very reasonably priced and comes with the full complement of safety and comfort features. It’s the one we would buy ourselves.

 *MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options.

*Towing and Off Road capability is measured relative to other vehicles in the class. It is not to be used as a measure against vehicles in other classes.

Kia Seltos 1.6T AWD – Finalist

Kia’s Seltos shows that Kia continues to produce excellent SUVs. It is a stylish, well equipped SUV that has seen instant sales success.

There is no denying the Seltos sports an attractive exterior design. The front facade is reminiscent of the Kia Soul but mercifully the rest of the vehicle is less angular and a smoother, European-esque design flair has been bestowed upon the Seltos.

Sharp lines through the sides and towards the rear windows help keep it feeling modern and it’s in the rear we see an edgy tail light design.

Inside the Seltos is spacious, comfortable and in the two AWD versions, well equipped. One standout feature is the large 10.25 inch centre screen on the upper models and a full suite of safety features.

Rear seats are spacious for the size and the boot room provides copious space.

Seltos comes in four models, S, Sport, Sport+ and GT Line.

The AWD versions combine the 1.6L Turbo petrol engine producing 130kW of power at 6,000rpm and 265Nm of torque @ 1,500-4,500rpm. They come with a 7 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Active AWD (Part-time with lock mode). This is the Sport + and GT Line models only

The AWD Seltos is let down a little by its pairing to a 7 speed DCT which is rather jerky as most dual clutch transmissions are.

Despite having seven variants in the Kia Seltos range, what I think would be the perfect combination, a 2.0L AWD CVT, is unfortunately not an available combination.

Pricing for the Seltos AWD versions starts at $39,790 RDAP for the Sport+ through to $45,290 RDAP for the GT Line.

Think of the Seltos with AWD as an added safety feature rather than being too adventurous.

Kia Seltos is a strong finalist amongst a crowded field.

SKODA Karoq 140TSI Sportline Auto AWD – Finalist

ŠKODA is often a brand that is overlooked amongst many more common names. That would be a mistake as the Karoq in AWD format is a good looking, spacious urban based SUV with some clever design ideas.

The Sportline features a black accented body kit and full LED adaptive headlights, a multifunction sports steering wheel, leather upholstery and stainless steel pedals. Virtual Cockpit is standard as is Adaptive Cruise Control, Apple Carplay and Android Auto

Inside it is reminiscent of the VW family sharing many visible components. Being the Sportline version the interior is comfortable, with many luxury features. The driver’s instruments are clear and crisp and the central screen amongst best in class.

There is plenty of room for the passengers and it comes with Varioflex, the fixture that enables the complete removal of the back seats.

With rear seats fitted and fully pushed back, the KAROQ’s luggage compartment affords 479 litres. Push these seats forward and the space increases to 588 litres. Fold them flat and you have 1605 litres. Take them out – a task easily accomplished – and there’s a massive 1810 litres to fill.

The Karoq 140TSI Sportline 4×4 comes with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that transfers 140kW and 320Nm to the road via a 7-speed DSG transmission, 19 inch alloys and all-wheel-drive. Drive Mode Select is standard. Like all DSG transmissions it’s a little jerky around town but smooths out on the open road.

Its AWD system and ground clearance make it ideal for wet, snow or icy conditions rather than an adventure vehicle.

Price for the only AWD model the Karoq 140TSI Sportline 4×4 starts at $45,990 MLP* but can escalate rapidly with options.

As part of the VW group, ŠKODA provides excellent value for money and clever design features.

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)