Australian car shoppers are generally a well-researched and intelligent bunch of people, trawling the internet for the best option before plonking down any hard-earned cash. The automotive industry is undergoing a remarkable level of transformation, with electrification, autonomous technology and revolutionary new engines coming to the market very soon. The purpose of this article is to give you, the buyer, an array of upcoming future SUVs to look forward to, in one place, so you can decide if there is a future model worth saving for.

Or to see if it might be worth holding out on a previously planned purchase. Audi’s newest urban baby breaks Ingolstadt’s design mould to usher in a more dynamic and youthful language. Targeting a younger, inner-city demographic, the Q2 features distinctive styling elements such as the blacked-out C-pillar and multi-coloured LED lizard skin interior, in addition to the usual Audi virtues of interior sophistication and efficiency.

41,100 when it arrives in Australia in February. The Q2’s big brother, the new Q5, will bow at the Paris Motor Show this month, sitting on the same VW Group MQB platform. Peugeot’s 3008 evolves from a dorky MPV to a sexy crossover as it migrates to the EMP2 architecture. Due early next year, the car features 1.6-litre, 121kW petrol and 2.0-litre, 132kW diesel engines mated solely to six-speed automatics.

Peugeot’s i-cockpit promises digital ergonomics possibly making it the most innovative French interior since the Citroen C4 Cactus. A GTi version could join it down the track, but hybrids are almost a certainty. Nissan Juke will soon have a direct rival from Toyota in compact SUV class, called the C-HR.

It is the second model on the brand’s TNGA modular platform, which will underpin the vast majority of the brand’s lineup from Yaris to Camry by the end of the decade. The C-HR features coupe-like styling, with a very upmarket interior. Power comes from a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with 85kW and 185Nm, sent through either a CVT or six-speed manual.

VW’s Czech brand hopes the MQB-based Kodiaq will spearhead a return to the US market. Either way, it promises to be one of the brands most succesful models, with an interior that is true to the ‘Simply Clever’ mantra. Land Rover is preparing a swoopier coupe-SUV based on the Jaguar F-Pace’s iQ architecture. It’s expected to be similar to the Range Rover Sport in terms of ability but will have sharper dynamics for jaunting about town.

This is a trend which began with the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe, with coupe-like versions of the Mahindra XUV500, Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne even expected before the end of the decade. Three new Bavarian SUVs are expected soon, all sitting on the CLAR platform that debuted with the G11 7 Series featuring lighter weight materials and more efficient engines.

You can expect evolution in all conceivable areas, with the all-new X7 targeting buyers who want more interior space and luxury than the X5. The new X3 is likely to be lighter weight, and more practical inside, with a proper X3 M performance version known to be in the works. An X2 is also expected in the next couple of years, with the same philosophy as the X4 and X6 but based on the X1’s UKL platform. It’s set to be a more sporty and coupe-esque shape than the mature X1.

Mitsubishi may have lost the plot when it comes to passenger cars, but its ute and SUV game is as strong as ever. Joining the Pajero and Pajero Sport, all-new versions of the ASX and Outlander are expected in the next 18 months. The Outlander is previewed by the GT-PHEV concept (pictured), while the ASX is out and about testing now, inspired by the eX and XR PHEV concepts. Both cars will be more boldly styled with plug-in hybrid tech likely for both.



Ford’s Australian-designed Territory was a masterstroke by the company when it first debuted, but now it begins its descent into euthanasia. Confirmed as its replacement is the five-seat Ford Edge, meaning that for the time being, the seven-seater Everest will have to fill the void left by some Territory variants. Nevertheless, the Edge will be a more modern, compact and efficient SUV with higher-end styling. Internationally, engine choices range from a 2.0-litre diesel with 154kW/450Nm, to a 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 with 224kW and 475Nm. It will depend on whether ours are sourced from Europe or Canada.