It’s AFL Grand Final season and we’re celebrating some of AFL’s best with some of 2026’s impressive SUVs. Whether you’re searching for an all-rounder, an affordable hybrid, or something with room for the whole team, there’s a four-wheel match for every footy fan.
All-round ability. Perfect form.
The Kia Sportage is a versatile mid-size SUV that brings style and charisma to the everyday drive. Like the AFL’s Hawks, it is proven, powerful when required, and – much like key player Blake Hardwick – does a bit of everything exceptionally well.
The Sportage has a muscular aesthetic featuring a long, strong and athletic physique. Inside is spacious, with a second row that even Rory Lobb would find comfortable. Boot space is generous at 586L, or fold the seats down for a cavernous 1,872L.
There’s a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen across the range with Kia’s Over-The-Air updates and wireless smartphone connectivity. The Hawks would no doubt appreciate the heated steering wheel on those cold Melbourne winter mornings.
Under the hood, you have the choice of turbo diesel or petrol Hybrid options. Both efficient options and tuned in Australia to make every drive feel like you’re on home ground. AWD is available with a selection of drive modes to suit the way you like to play, as well as Terrain Mode which automatically optimises traction, stability and control.
For a real crowd-stopper, Remote Smart Parking Assist on the GT-Line lets you start and manoeuvre the vehicle into and out of tight spaces with as much precision as the Wizard making his way through traffic.
With looks, tech, and some unbeatable moves, the Sportage – like the Hawks – is a tough contender to go all the way in 2026.
Carry the whole team. Look good doing it.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the head-turning family mover SUV with seven seats, generous space and solid performance. Big, powerful and built to carry the load, it’s a natural match for AFL reigning champions the Brisbane Lions.
Like the Lions, the Sante Fe has gathered an impressive trophy cabinet, winning CarsGuide Car of the Year 2026 – Overall Winner & Best Large SUV under $100K, and Drive Best Seven-Seat SUV under $60K in 2026.
A true team player, the Santa Fe is packed with thoughtful features like a dual access centre console that provides handy storage for both front and back row, and a dual wireless charging pad in Elite and Calligraphy model grades – no more fighting for possession with your passenger.
With a huge 642L of boot space, it has the carrying capacity of Will Ashcroft. There’s room for training kit for the whole team.
Spacious and family-friendly, yes – but the Santa Fe doesn’t sit on the bench when it comes to clever tech. The top spec features a UV-C sterilisation tray in the glovebox. And Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance helps keep an extra eye out when you’re reversing in a packed post-match carpark.
Like the Lions, the Santa Fe adapts its play to the game, with a smart power tailgate that automatically raises the tailgate with adjustable opening speeds.
A large SUV with the heart of a Lion – the seriously capable Santa Fe is heading straight for the top of your shortlist.
Two modern contenders punching well above their weight.
The Chery Tiggo 7 is a relative newcomer to the SUV Market, and – like the Adelaide Crows – that isn’t stopping their domination. Don’t underestimate this combination – they’re in the top six for a reason.
The Tiggo 7 is affordable and accessible off the line, but that doesn’t mean scrimping on features. It has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and comes with a 7-year unlimited km warranty and capped price servicing.
Standard safety features include Traffic Jam Assist, Speed Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection. For safety and reliability, you’re as covered as the Crow’s backline.
The Ultimate model has a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, 50W wireless charging pad and 360-degree camera. All for a price that feels like you’ve just scored the winning goal.
A perfect match of tough, capable and extremely well rounded.
What makes the Subaru Forester as formidable as the Dockers in 2026? It’s the full team line-up. Symmetrical AWD, 220mm ground clearance, petrol and hybrid options, X mode and a superior safety suite that earns it a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
An adventure specialist with serious capability, the Subaru Forester is built to go wherever the weekend takes you – whether that’s the Grand Final game or simply a weekend out of dodge. Available as a hybrid with up to 1,000km of range, it’s got legs almost as long as Luke Jackson.
What’s X mode, you ask? Subaru’s off-road secret weapon adjusts the Forester’s systems to maximise traction and help you tackle slippery, uneven or challenging terrain. In Dockers terms, it’s like pressing a button and unleashing Hayden Young on your midfield when things get tough.
Subaru EyeSight® comes standard – an advanced safety technology suite that monitors your surroundings and supports safe driving through warnings, braking and steering intervention.
The Forester also has a super practical interior made for real-life adventures, with large storage areas, excellent sun visors and wipe-clean seats. Because you never know what game day will bring.
Experienced. Dependable. Knows exactly how to get the job done.
There’s a lot the Volkswagen Tayron and the Geelong Cats have in common. Substance. Quality. Refinement. Flexible and practical without making a fuss about it. Whatever comes up, they just get on with the job.
The Tayron is a large SUV with 5 or 7 seat flexibility, up to 885L of boot space, up to 2,500kg towing capability and 4MOTION all-wheel drive options. Like the Cats, it covers all bases – including driving performance. The sporty R-Line puts the boot in with up to 195kW and 400Nm. That’s some serious power, even by Bailey Smith standards.
As distinctive as the Cat’s stripes, Tayron wears the VW home kit with pride, with a glowing logo, light strips front and back, illuminated door handles and ambient lighting. It also knows how to make an entrance, with approach to unlock and a hands-free tailgate that opens with a swipe of your foot – for when you’re caught out holding the ball.
Inside, the Tayron keeps the whole team comfortable. The Elegance features 12-way ergoActive heated and ventilated front seats with three-position memory, while the back line is kept happy with heated seats for the outer rear passengers, too.
Then there’s the tech. A 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, 5-star ANCAP safety rating and IQ.Drive driver assistance including Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and Lane Assist. A defensive line-up as strong as the Cats’.
Like Geelong, the Tayron doesn’t rely on one standout feature – it’s every part working together that makes it a strong choice.
