2025 CAR OF THE YEAR

Space and versatility are big plus-points for SUVs, which offer superior load space to equivalent sedans and the extra ride height that many drivers and passengers covet. Sure, SUVs may not feel as poised through corners when driven assertively and their bluff body shapes reduce fuel efficiency but many prefer them for their space, utility and sense of security. Let’s take a look at the broad range of SUVs that are 2025 Car of the Year finalists according to the NZ Motoring Writers Guild.

Cadillac Lyriq
Three years after its US launch, Cadillac’s first fully-electric model has finally made it here in factory right-hand-drive with all-wheel-drive. Dimensions are big (five metres long, 2700kg kerb weight, 3.1m wheelbase) but the Lyriq is also big on quality accoutrements, refinement, performance and driving dynamics. Compared with other luxury EVs, it appears decent value at around $125,000, and more so with heavy discounting in its launch phase. The exterior design is certainly distinctive while the vast cabin boasts traditional touches with a contemporary design twist. The range claim is 530km. Expect more EVs from Cadillac soon with smaller Optiq and larger Vistiq models confirmed for RHD markets.

Subaru Forester
The sixth-generation Forester promises no-nonsense capability and a cabin that emphasises durability over luxury. It’s the first to feature Subaru’s hybrid technology and the new range comprises three hybrid and three petrol-only variants. Generations of owners have bought Foresters for the traction, generous ground clearance and advanced safety features, and this one is as user-friendly as ever. It’s also a more eye-catching proposition inside and out and the entry-level model has gained a significant boost in specification.
In the hybrids, the ‘e-Boxer’ system combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWh battery, delivering a 32 per cent increase in power and greater low-down response. It’s a smoother powertrain, too, and delivers a potential driving range of over 1,000km per tank.

MG QS
MG left British ownership 20 years ago and has recently been one of the high achievers in the industry, showing its potential as part of the Chinese SAIC Group. The modern era of success has been very apparent in right-hand-drive markets where sheer value and strong warranties have defined MG’s offer. The MG4 EV is a previous COTY winner and is a daily sighting on Kiwi roads. The MG range has since expanded rapidly to include a full suite of SUVs with each newcomer demonstrating improvements in function and materials. Biggest of the bunch is the petrol-only QS, a genuine seven-seater that is well equipped and priced from $49,950.

Geely Starray EM-i
Geely was the first privately-owned carmaker to emerge from China and has been in the automotive space for nearly three decades. It offers two medium-sized SUVs in New Zealand, the fully-electric EX5 and this slightly bigger plug-in hybrid that measures 4.74m in length (about 100mm longer than a Toyota RAV4). The Starray’s plug-in powertrain comprises a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor with a good-sized 18.4kWh battery. It delivers over 80km of pure-electric running and an overall range of nearly 1000km. Deliveries began in September with most buyers opting for the high-spec Starray Inspire priced at $49,490. At this level you get a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front seats with driver memory, wireless charging, a powered tailgate, head-up display and 16-speaker audio system by Flyme.

Mini Aceman
Aceman is an all-electric model that slots neatly in between Cooper and Countryman lines. Many buyers will find it to be right-sized for urban use at 4.08m long. It’s easy to park in congested streets and great visibility and modest width mean there’s no excuse for kerbing one of the expensive alloys. Aceman only offers an acceptable 300L of luggage space but fold the rear seats flat and you get 1000 litres.
As you’d expect in a new Mini, the driver assistance suite and safety systems are super-comprehensive and a substantial kerb weight cements a feeling of great security. Pick of the bunch is the top-spec JCW variant with superb sports seats (including massage and memory functions for the driver), a panoramic glass roof, heated leather steering wheel and harman/kardon sound system. Its battery enables a maximum range of 355km.

Nissan Ariya
Following the huge success of the Leaf, Nissan’s second global EV has moved upmarket. Ariya features bold looks and clever packaging and its surprisingly luxurious cabin does a great job of isolating wind and road noise. The sleek, modern exterior has plenty of Japanese influence and that sloping roofline still manages to preserve rear accommodation. Nissan’s chief dynamic aim was to make the front-drive Ariya secure and stable at speed. The electric powertrain is suitably refined and intuitive to drive, encouraging relaxed driving to help achieve a maximum range of about 400km. The entry point is the Engage model launched in late 2024 at a special introductory price of $59,990.

Kia EV3
The reigning World Car of the Year was a sure-fire finalist for our Car of the Year. The fully-electric EV3 somehow blends a compact footprint (length is 4.3m) with family-friendly space yet it feels very grown-up on the road, more like a well-honed, mid-size SUV. An enduring impression of comfort makes it a competent long-distance conveyance. Keen drivers will find there’s no compromise in dynamic ability and no cause for range anxiety with 600km possible if you opt for the 81.4kWh battery pack.
Typical EV benefits include a flat floor for excellent passenger room, a large load space beneath the rear hatch and extra storage under the front bonnet. Three screens across the dash suggest there’s a lot of tech to get your head around but the displays are clear and intuitive to navigate and there’s a pleasing array of physical controls such as useful toggles for climate control and a row of multimedia shortcut buttons. Pricing starts at $55k.

Mercedes-Benz G580
Mercedes hopes the all-electric G-Wagen will emulate the success of last year’s COTY winner, the Merc E-Class saloon. In the G580, four-wheel drive comes via four 108kW electric motors that each power one wheel and drive through their own reduction gear. For off-roading, each has a lower-range gear, selectable from inside the cabin when the G580 is in neutral. What Mercedes says gives it the off-road edge over ICE equivalents is a redesigned rear axle, the four motors that provide instant (and incredible) torque, and a wading depth of 850mm.
With coil springs and adaptive dampers, the G580 feels heavy in terms of ride composure and steering but its true 3200kg weight is disguised once you’re rolling at speed. Acceleration is effortlessly smooth and so, too, is the braking. Expect about 450km of range.

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz (fully-electric MPV) and Audi A5 round out this year’s group of 10 COTY finalists.