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Best small SUVs and crossovers arriving in 2023

Honda will fill a gap in its line-up between the small HR-V and now larger CR-V with the new ZR-V.

As SUVs and crossover continue to dominate the sales charts, you won't be surprised to learn there are a number of key new models set to arrive in 2023.

It's quite a diverse bunch too, with everything from the priciest of Italian supercars, to a re-named Australian favourite from Subaru.

From Alfa Romeo to Mazda, here are the small SUVs and crossovers coming to Australian dealerships in 2023.

Alfa Romeo Tonale – June

The Tonale will sit under the Stelvio SUV in the Alfa line-up.

Hitting Australian shores in mid-2023, the Tonale sits under the Stelvio SUV in the Alfa line-up and competes with the likes of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus NX and more.

Powertrain choices for Australia are a mild hybrid petrol and a flagship plug-in hybrid variant.

Read more about the Alfa Romeo Tonale

Subaru Crosstrek – May

The Crosstrek adopts a sharper design over the XV.

Time to say goodbye to the XV name as Subaru adopts its North American Crosstrek moniker for its third-generation small SUV that debuts in Australia in 2023.

The Crosstrek adopts a sharper, yet evolutionary design over the model it replaces and only grows slightly in length.

It's underpinned by the familiar Subaru Global platform and will be offered with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with some level of hybridisation.

Read more about the Subaru Crosstrek

Honda ZR-V – Mid-2023

The ZR-V is roughly the same size as a Mazda CX-5.

Honda's newest nameplate, the ZR-V, is expected to fill a gap in the brand's line-up left by the CR-V which has grown for its latest generation. 

The ZR-V - which is confusingly called HR-V in the US - is roughly the same size as a Mazda CX-5 so will compete with small and medium SUVs.

While the American version gets a 2.0-litre petrol engine, the Australian ZR-V is expected to come with 131kW/240Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and 135kW/315Nm ‘e:HEV’ hybrid powertrains.

Read more about the Honda ZR-V

Honda ZR-V

Honda ZR-V
4.2
From
$40,200
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Hyundai Kona - Mid 2023

Hyundai's new-generation Kona has an even more radical design than the current one, but it borrows cues such as the front LED light bar from Hyundai models like the Staria people mover.

It is longer and wider than before and, thankfully, has a longer wheelbase (+60mm) which will mean more interior space.

The new Kona will start to roll into Australian showrooms from mid-2023. There will be a number of drivetrains offered, including an internal combustion version, a performance-focused N-Line, a hybrid version, and a fully electric version.

Read more about the Hyundai Kona

 

Ferrari Purosangue - Late 2023

After years of speculation, Ferrari is finally releasing a SUV.

Iconic Italian marque Ferrari has finally jumped on the SUV bandwagon with the chunky Purosangue that will launch in Australia late in 2023.

It is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 punches out 533kW/716Nm, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 3.3 seconds.

It will take on the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce Cullinan and other hyper SUVs.

Read more about the Ferrari Purosangue

Nissan Qashqai - January

Try as they might, Nissan was unable to get its Qashqai crossover into local showrooms before the end of 2022, so we will start seeing them on Aussie roads from early 2023.

Launching in four grades with petrol power, an e-Power hybrid version will come to market at a later date to top the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross rival.

Given the popularity of the outgoing Qashqai and the huge spike in interest for SUVs, expect this one to add quite a few sales to Nissan's bottom line going forward.

Read more about the Nissan Qashqai

Chery Omoda 5 - March

After a 10-year hiatus, China's Chery has re-emerged and is planning to compete at the affordable end of Australia's new-car market.

Its first offering is the Omoda 5, an MG ZS rival that's priced from less than $30,000 and packed with features. But can it compete with established brands?

Read more about the Chery Omada 5

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross - March

Following a comprehensive update in 2021, Mitsubishi has tweaked its Eclipse Cross SUV, with the ES, LS and Aspire gaining more equipment.

It also gets some subtle exterior design tweaks and a new LS Black Edition that features black styling flourishes.

Read more about the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Hyundai Venue - January

Hyundai has added some extra gear to its boxy Venue SUV, including a 4.2-inch digital instrument display that is now standard across the range.

It also gains better connectivity features, and a rear occupant alert, but prices have also risen - slightly.

Read more about the Hyundai Venue

Mazda CX-3 - September

The Mazda CX-3 is more than eight years old but the popular light SUV is soldiering on for a bit longer thanks to a late-life facelift.

Extra safety gear has been added and prices have gone up too.

Read more about the Mazda CX-3

Mazda CX-3

Mazda CX-3
3.8
From
$26,800
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Volkswagen T-Roc - Q3

Purchasing the T-Roc could see you waiting up to three-months, depending on colour/options. (Image: Tom White)

VW has upgraded its ageing T-Roc small SUV with additional features that were previously part of options packages.

Some grades have increased in price.

Read more about the Volkswagen T-Roc