Best Medium SUV Under $130K: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Claims CarsGuide Category Win
The Best Medium SUV Starting Under $130,000 category at the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year Awards proved just how competitive Australia’s premium SUV market has become.
With petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric contenders all battling it out, the judging panel faced one of its toughest decisions yet. After extensive testing, debate and deliberation, three standout SUVs rose to the top:
- BMW X3
- Porsche Macan
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
And when it came time to name the winner, one vehicle stood above the rest — the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
A Hotly Contested Premium Segment
CarsGuide’s shortlist for this category featured an impressive range of global talent, including the Audi Q4 e-tron, Genesis GV70, Lexus NX and more. It was described by the judges as a “hotly contested and surprisingly emotional process” — a testament to just how strong this segment is.
In the end, the final three represented the very best of modern medium SUVs, blending performance, comfort, innovation and value under the $130K mark.
Runners-Up: Premium Excellence
BMW X3
The latest BMW X3 earned runner-up status thanks to its sharp pricing, strong hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, and consistently engaging driving experience. Four generations in, it remains one of BMW’s most important models and continues to resonate strongly with Australian buyers.
Porsche Macan
The new electric-only Porsche Macan impressed judges with its bold design, cutting-edge 800-volt architecture and class-leading dynamics. While its pricing and EV-only direction sparked debate, there was no denying its engineering brilliance and luxury appeal.
Winner: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Ultimately, it was the Hyundai Ioniq 5 that claimed the Best Medium SUV Under $130K title — a win that reinforces its reputation as one of the most influential vehicles of the modern era.
“From top to bottom it’s an excellent range,” said CarsGuide News Editor Dom Tripolone. “When you've got Porsche chasing you down trying to replicate you, that means a lot.”
Why the Ioniq 5 Took the Crown
The judges highlighted several key reasons behind the Ioniq 5’s victory:
- Timeless, retro-inspired design that continues to stand out years after launch
- Exceptionally spacious and flexible interior, setting benchmarks others have followed
- Outstanding ride comfort and chassis balance, delivering calm refinement or engaging performance when required
- Advanced EV technology, offering efficiency, rapid charging and everyday usability
- Ioniq 5 N, which adds genuine high-performance excitement rarely seen in this segment
Despite recent price adjustments, the panel agreed the Ioniq 5 still represents outstanding engineering value — especially considering how far ahead of the curve it was when first introduced.
A Category Win That Cemented Its Legacy
Winning Best Medium SUV Starting Under $130K confirms the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s place as one of the defining vehicles of the 2020s. It’s not just an excellent electric SUV — it’s a benchmark that competitors are still trying to catch.
Experience the Hyundai Ioniq 5 at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee
If you’re considering a premium medium SUV that blends cutting-edge electric performance with everyday comfort and standout design, the award-winning Hyundai Ioniq 5 deserves your attention.
Visit Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee to explore the Ioniq 5 range and discover why CarsGuide named it the best medium SUV under $130K for 2026.