Here are the top 5 SUVs to consider right now

We share our thoughts on what we think to be the five best SUVs on sale right now.

When any Malaysian talks about buying a new vehicle, the first vehicle ‘type’ that is considered is most often a ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ (SUV) and this is why we are seeing more ‘car based’ SUVs coming from car manufacturers year after year,

Even sports car icon Ferrari is looking at releasing an SUV after seeing the immense success of the Porsche Cayenne and the iconic ‘Corolla’ name is now sitting proudly at the rear of an SUV.

So, let's look at 5 of the top-selling SUVs in Malaysia right now, and we are not looking at luxury or sporty SUVs instead let’s look at affordable SUVs for the average Malaysian to buy with affordable monthly payments. 

First, let's explain the rules. There are some car based high riding vehicles that have been tagged by the manufacturers as being an SUV is this is simply a marketing gimmick to get ‘simple-minded’ car buyers into thinking they are getting a proper ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ (SUV), when in fact, they are only getting a hatchback car that has been raised a little and fitted with larger wheels and higher profile tyres to give the ‘impression’ of being taller. 

So, to start, we cannot ignore the popularity of the Perodua Aruz which is a 7-seat SUV that has been selling well for 3 years now and commands a good market share, despite being overshadowed by its direct rival from China. 

 Yes, the Proton X70 SUV revived the fortunes of the Proton brand and gave Geely an easy entry into ASEAN and beyond with a slightly aged product. Still, it was well designed and was fitted with the cabin technology that comes from a smartphone. Just recently the X70 received its first facelift and a new engine variant, a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine that is shared with the Proton X50. 

So, let's put aside the X50 as this is more a car-based vehicle like its direct rival the Perodua Ativa. Both the Ativa and X50 are far from being SUVs and they are more passenger cars. 

Move up the price point a little and you get the current segment best seller, the Toyota Corolla Cross. Launched less than a year ago, this all-new model has brought Toyota back into the top spot which it lost to Honda a few years ago. The order book for the Corolla Cross keeps rising.

Meanwhile, its direct rival is the Honda HR-V and after 7 years of sales success, an all-new Honda HR-V has just been unveiled and only weeks after bookings opened it is seeing runaway success like its older sibling. The previous HR-V has 111,000 Malaysian customers and this new HR-V in slightly more than a week has got more than 5,000 bookings and counting.

So, we have shared with you 4 popular affordable SUVs in the Malaysian market right now. So, which is the 5th? It is the ‘shark’ inspired Mazda CX-5. This is Mazda’s best-selling vehicle globally and also in Malaysia and it continues to surprise its dealers with Malaysian customers wanting to take a unit home. A few variants are available and all are popular despite strong opposition from the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester. 

So, now you know which SUV makes sense for the middle-class Malaysian and you. 

Also read: 5 Most fuel-efficient cars in Malaysia today