New family SUVs you need to keep an eye on in 2026

The medium SUV segment in Australia is one of the highest-volume and most hotly contested new car segments. 

Some of the biggest names in the segment, like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, are due for renewal in 2026.

Beyond the most popular models, a range of other significant new medium SUVs are on the way. Here’s what to look out for if you’re looking for your next family SUV.

The new-generation Audi Q5 range debuted in 2025, and in 2026, a broader range will see all-wheel drive petrol and plug-in hybrid variants added to the line-up.

Audi’s premium medium SUV offers a choice of mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, or a PHEV option, with a high-performance SQ5 available for drivers looking for more engagement.

The all-new BMW iX3 could be one of the most important new models in BMW’s history.

Rather than an electric version of an existing platform, the second-generation iX3 debuts a dedicated electric vehicle platform that will form the foundation of a range of new models from the brand.

Due around mid-2026, with full Australian pricing and specifications expected closer to the on-sale date, the iX3 will be BMW’s answer to vehicles like the Audi Q6 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ.

Pitched as a more value-oriented model, the Sealion 5 will slot in below the Sealion 6, offering buyers a plug-in hybrid that goes toe-to-toe on price with entry-level petrol-engine SUVs from established brands.

Cadillac’s all-electric line-up in Australia is set to grow with the introduction of the Optiq.

Building on the American luxury themes established in the larger Lyriq, the Optiq will offer a more affordable price, and open the Cadillac brand up to a broader range of buyers. Despite the smaller size, materials and features won’t be diminished, with a comprehensive list of standard equipment.

Deepal’s Australian line-up already includes the S07 medium SUV, but a second model will provide a slightly more compact alternative, and a slightly different style.

While Deepal calls the S05 a ‘compact SUV’, it’s about the same length as a Toyota RAV4. As Deepal’s most affordable model, the S05 sharpens the Chinese brand’s value in Australia and helps raise awareness of the fledgling brand locally.

Australia’s newest brand enters an already competitive market, slotting the Aion V electric SUV into a cutthroat segment in a battle against similarly priced Chinese EV rivals.

Two variants are available initially, rated for 510km of driving range and a long list of standard features, giving the Aion V a near-luxury level of equipment for a mainstream price as GAC attempts to get a foothold in the Australian market.

Mild, though it may be, an update to the Genesis GV60 EV will keep the dedicated-electric medium SUV fresh in the face of a broad range of competitors.

The interior scores an eye-catching 27-inch single screen, as seen on other Genesis models. Under the skin, a new larger-capacity battery improves range.

After launching in late 2025, the refreshed Haval H6 range covers more bases than ever before with an expanded range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.

GWM’s medium SUV range now incorporates the Haval H6, coupe-style Haval H6 GT, and the aggressive-looking Haval H7 Hybrid. The Haval Raptor, another model previewed but not confirmed for Australia, could also potentially join the range during the year.

Honda’s one-two medium SUV punch is set to get an update, with both the upper-medium CR-V and slightly smaller ZR-V set to get overhauled.

Honda’s plans for both models include a wider range of hybrid models, the availability of hybrid power with all-wheel drive for the first time, and a more modern connected infotainment platform. Honda’s updated range is set to arrive in the first quarter of 2026.

The Hyundai Tucson may be Hyundai’s most popular mid-size SUV, but the technology powerhouse is the hydrogen fuel-cell Nexo.

In 2026, a new generation Nexo will arrive in Australia, but it won't be for everyone. Hyundai wants to show its technological might, and the Nexo is one of just two hydrogen cars sold in Australia, alongside the Toyota Mirai.

Limited refuelling infrastructure means, for now, the Nexo is reserved for fleets and as a demonstration vehicle, but Hyundai continues to invest in hydrogen tech as an alternative to battery electric vehicles.

Mazda’s top-selling model, and Australia’s second-best-selling Medium SUV, will enter its third generation in 2026.

A bigger interior and boot will address criticisms of the outgoing model, and Mazda has updated safety systems and interior interfaces. While the platform carries over, and the engine is familiar, a hybrid model is set to join the range later, giving the CX-5 an answer to rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota.

Set for a full reveal later in 2026, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is one of the few three-row medium SUVs on the list.

In its new generation, the GLB will feature a more spacious interior and more comfortable accommodation for passengers in all three rows of seats.

A new platform underneath supports combustion and electric propulsion, but the full line-up of engines will be announced closer to launch.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology brings a dedicated electric vehicle counterpart to the existing combustion-engine GLC range.

The electric GLC will be offered with unique styling to set it apart from petrol versions. Inside the available Hyperscreen interior sees a massive 39.1-inch display span the entire dash. 

Following updates to the petrol-powered Outlander in 2025, the plug-in hybrid range is set to receive the same range of technology and handling improvements.

Although only a minor update, the Outlander PHEV will not only get interior and styling changes, but crucially adds a bigger battery, enabling a longer electric-only driving range. The circa-100km EV range brings the Outlander up to date with a growing number of long-range PHEV models from China.

The Nissan X-Trail range is set for a mid-life update, which will see minor styling revisions arrive alongside improved infotainment with connected features.

The range of variants available will be reduced slightly, potentially leaving room for Nissan to add a more off-road-oriented model, similar to the Rock Creek variant offered in Japan.

New styling, more efficient electric motors, a bump in power, and significant price reductions signal the first major update to Subaru’s electric SUV.

The Solterra, a shared model with Toyota, mirrors the changes Toyota will introduce on the bZ4X.

Toyota’s electric bZ4X medium SUV, twinned with the Subaru Solterra, will get the same comprehensive overhaul, with more powerful motors, significant revisions to efficiency, and a higher-capacity battery enabling longer range.

Toyota will also expand its electric vehicle line-up with the bZ4X Touring. Slightly larger than the bZ4X, the Touring will offer more interior space to increase its appeal to Australian families.

Australia’s most popular medium SUV gets a new generation. Not all-new, with a reworked chassis underpinning it, but a detailed enough revision that there are no common exterior parts between the previous model.

As before, the RAV4 retains an all-hybrid engine line-up, and for the first time in Australia, a plug-in hybrid model will be available. In another RAV4 first, a GR Sport flagship model will be offered, bringing a sporty flair from Toyota’s performance division.

Family Cars Guide

Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.

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