Buying guide
Find the Best AWD SUV in NZ for Under $60k
Looking for a capable AWD SUV without the premium price tag? We've rounded up Aotearoa's best options for under $60,000.
12 May 2026
For many of us in New Zealand, a vehicle needs to be more than just a way to get from A to B. It’s a weekend adventurer, a family hauler, and a trusty companion for navigating winding roads and wild weather. When it comes to safety and stability, all-wheel-drive (AWD) is a game-changer. It's important to note that the AWD systems in these SUVs are designed to improve on-road grip on surfaces like gravel, snow, or wet tarmac, rather than for extreme off-roading, which typically requires a dedicated 4WD system with low-range gearing.
But you don't need to spend a fortune to get great on-road assurance. We've explored the market to find the best AWD SUVs available right now for under $60,000.
The Kiwi Classic: Subaru's Lineup
When you think AWD, you probably think Subaru, and for good reason. Their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is the real deal, offering constant power to all four wheels for outstanding grip.
- Subaru Forester: The Forester is like your favourite pair of hiking boots – practical, reliable, and ready for anything. It’s built with adventure in mind, offering great visibility, a spacious interior, and Subaru's EyeSight safety technology as standard. It feels right at home on a gravel road heading to a remote beach.
- Subaru Outback: If you need a bit more space, the Outback is essentially a stretched-out Forester with a wagon-like body. It’s perfect for families who need to load up gear for a weekend away, offering a comfortable ride and the same go-anywhere capability.
The Stylish Contender: Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is often praised for its sharp looks and premium-feeling interior, but its i-Activ AWD system makes it a worthy contender for the safety-conscious buyer too. Unlike Subaru's full-time system, Mazda's is an on-demand system. It runs in front-wheel-drive for efficiency and only sends power to the rear wheels when it detects slip. For everyday driving on tarmac, with the occasional trip to the ski fields, the CX-5 provides a sophisticated and secure ride. It blends style with practicality, making it one of the most popular SUVs on our roads.
| Model | Key Strengths | Best For | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | Toyota RAV4 | Unbeatable fuel economy with the hybrid AWD option, legendary reliability. | Unbeatable fuel economy with the hybrid AWD option, legendary reliability. | The eco-conscious driver who wants low running costs. | The eco-conscious driver who wants low running costs. |
| Kia Sportage | Kia Sportage | Bold design, packed with the latest tech, and an excellent warranty. | Bold design, packed with the latest tech, and an excellent warranty. | The tech-savvy buyer who wants a modern look. | The tech-savvy buyer who wants a modern look. |
| Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai Tucson | A close cousin to the Sportage, offering similar cutting-edge tech and a comfortable, quiet ride. | A close cousin to the Sportage, offering similar cutting-edge tech and a comfortable, quiet ride. | Those who prioritise a comfortable and feature-rich cabin. | Those who prioritise a comfortable and feature-rich cabin. |
The competition in this space is fierce, which is great news for buyers. These are a few other models worth a look.
The Verdict
So, what's the best choice?
- For the adventurer who regularly faces tricky on-road conditions, the full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in a Subaru Forester
- For the driver who spends most of their time in the city but wants that AWD assurance for occasional trips, the Mazda CX-5
- For those focused on low running costs, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is in a class of its own for fuel efficiency. Just remember that the vehicle's purchase price and any finance costs are also key parts of its total cost of ownership.
Ultimately, the best SUV is the one that fits your life. We recommend taking a few for a test drive to see what feels right for you and your whānau.
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