Buying a shiny new car can bring all the excitement in, but unless you have a very clear idea on the type of car you want and the budget you have to spend, making your selection can quickly become a little less joyful and a lot more stressful.
To make your car selection process run a little smoother, we’re sharing the latest on the most popular cars in Australia.
This will give you a good indicator on the types of vehicles that Aussies find safest, most comfortable, and tailored to the country’s diverse terrain.
With this knowledge under your belt, you can make a more informed choice when picking your own set of wheels.
In 2020 Aussies drove almost 240,000 million kilometres, and more than 927,426 new vehicles have been delivered into Australia this year alone.
Aussies sure do love their cars. Given how big the country is, and just how many kilometres the average vehicle covers each year (12,100km) it’s no wonder vehicles are a top priority for residents.
So, it’s fair to say Australians know a few things about driving, cars and choosing vehicles to best suit the unique needs of this vast country. And there are thousands of different types of cars to choose from.
The question is: out of hundreds of thousands of vehicles, which makes and models have proved the most popular in the country?
Let’s find out.
The latest Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) report shows the most popular car brands in Australia at the end of 2024 were:
Toyota with 18,471 sales through the month of October
Ford with 8,581 sales throughout the month of October
Mazda with 7,656 sales throughout the month of October
Hyundai with 7,086 sales throughout the month of October
Kia with 6,602 sales throughout the month of October
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the most popular cars list reflects three clear trends for car purchasing in Australia.
SUV’s and utes are the vehicle of choice (80% of sales)
Lower emission vehicles are on the rise
Battery Electric Vehicle sales accounted for 41.97% of all vehicle sales in 2024 by June
“Nine of the top ten vehicles sold during September 2024 were from the Medium or Large SUV or Light Commercial Vehicle segments, reflecting a strong and consistent preference among Australian buyers for versatile, spacious, and multi-purpose vehicles. This trend underscores the appeal of SUVs and utes, which continue to dominate due to their practicality, reliability, and suitability for both urban and outdoor lifestyles.” Mr Weber said.
SUV’s are by far the most popular type of car sold in Australia with more than half a million sold at the end of last year.
Class | 2024 TOTAL |
Passenger | 154,287 |
SUV | 636,569 |
Light Commercial | 262,060 |
Heavy Commercial | 71,796 |
TOTAL | 1,124,712 |
With thousands of cars sold every month across the country - and a move towards hybrid models - which cars actually came out top on the popularity list?
Here are the top 5 most popular cars in Australia in October 2024.
The Toyota RAV4 was Australia’s top selling vehicle with 4,841 vehicles sold
The Ford Ranger with 4,757 sold
The Toyota HiLux with 4,523 sold
The Ford Everest with 2,668 sold
The Isuzu Ute D-Max with 2,295 sold
The Toyota Rav4 has hit sales records in Australia for the last six consecutive months. This positions it as a strong contender for the title of best-selling vehicle 2024.
Sales include a mix of hybrids and traditional cars which highlights the transition into electric power for many Aussie drivers.
The Toyota Rav4 is one of the few mid-sized hybrid vehicles available on the market. Due to its popularity there are waitlists on this vehicle throughout the country, but that isn’t stopping Aussie drivers from choosing this as their number one car.
The entry-level RAV4 GX 2WD Hybrid starts at $42,260 before-onroad costs, while the top-tier RAV4 Edge AWD Hybrid is priced at $58,360 before on-road costs.
The current generation of Ford Ranger has only been available in Australia since 2022 but it has taken the ute category by storm.
4x2 and 4x4 models are available in either cab-chassis or pick-up form and in single-cab, super-cab or double-cab configurations.
The Ranger features a strong V6 engine, bigger tray and clever towing and off-road assist systems. It’s these features and more that have earned the Ranger its reputation as the best Ute on the market.
The single cab starts at $38,480 while the dual cab with all the extras goes up to $92,000. That’s a huge difference so be sure to choose a model suited to your specific needs.
The Toyota Hilux is the second ute to earn a place in the top five most popular cars in
Australia - and for good reason. Built to be a workhorse, adventurer, or family dual cab, there’s a range of mods to choose from and this car is made for Aussie terrain - so you can go anywhere.
As far as utes go, the Toyota Hilux certainly looks more stylish than the average. It’s
punchy turbo diesel engine has some power behind it meaning offroad is no issue (4x4 only) and its interior is designed for maximum comfort even when doing the hard yards.
The single cab starts at $28,475 while the dual cab with all the extras goes up to $76,310.
Again, there are plenty of middle-ground options so be sure to check out what it is you really need features-wise.
The Ford Everest is one of Australia’s top-selling large SUV’s and it’s easy to see why. It is one of the better ute-based SUV’s with the latest in standard safety equipment and a strong towing capacity.
This car is perfect for families who like to adventure and features extensive tech internally (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Connectivity etc), spacious and practical seating and can seat up to seven passengers.
Choose from either a 4x2 or 4x4 drive depending on your driving intentions.
The Everest Australia has four options: the entry-level Ambiente, mid-spec Trend, stylish Sport and top-spec Platinum.
Pricing starts at $54,240 before on-road costs in Ambiente rear-wheel-drive (RWD) guise, rising to $59,240 for the four-wheel-drive (4WD) layout.
The Trend 4WD Bi-Turbo Diesel is priced at $67,040, while the Sport is split by drivetrain layout priced at $63,740 and $72,640 each. Top-spec model, the Platinum, is priced at $81,200.
If you’re considering the Isuzu Ute D-Max, you’re in for a treat. This versatile vehicle is designed to tackle both work and play.
The D-Max offers impressive cargo capacity. Plus, it boasts excellent fuel efficiency, so you won’t have to break the bank at the fuel station. Don’t forget to explore the range of features available, from advanced safety tech to comfortable interiors, to ensure it suits your lifestyle perfectly. The D-Max is all about blending practicality with performance.
Prices start at approximately $32,700 for the entry-level D-Max SX 4x2, making it an accessible choice for those seeking a reliable workhorse. For those who want more features and comfort, the mid-tier D-Max X-Terrain is priced around $70,500, offering added tech and a stylish design. At the top of the range, the D-Max Blade 4x4 variant starts at about $78,900 packed with advanced safety features and luxurious touches.
Shopping for a new vehicle? There are a few things to keep in mind to help you make the best choice. Let’s break it down:
Daily usage: Think about how you’ll use the car on a daily basis. If you plan on hauling gear or groceries, you’ll want to pay attention to the boot space.
Fuel efficiency: Fuel consumption matters more than you may realise when you’re in your car-buying bubble. It can have a big impact on your wallet over time, so consider how much you want to spend at the pump.
Features: Lastly, check out the features that come standard and any extras you might want. It’s all about finding the right balance that fits your lifestyle.
Made your selection? Ready to get behind the wheel?
If you’re looking for a safe, speedy and reliable way to get your new car onto your driveway Upmove can help. Find and book trusted car transport services throughout Australia.
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