The Top 10: Trending and the Most Popular Cars in Australia

Australia set a new all-time record for new car sales in 2025, with over 1.24 million vehicles delivered. The market continues to evolve, with utes and SUVs dominating the top 10, electric and hybrid vehicles gaining serious ground, and Chinese brands starting to shake things up.

Ford took the crown from Toyota for the third year running with the Ranger, while the RAV4 and HiLux battled it out for second and third place. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the Toyota LandCruiser Prado rocketing up 32 places into the top 10 thanks to its all-new 250 Series redesign.

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The Top 10 Best-Selling Cars in Australia for 2025

1. Ford Ranger - 56,555 Units Sold

The Ford Ranger is Australia's best-selling vehicle for the third consecutive year, and it is easy to see why.

With a massive model range spanning single cab workhorses to the fire-breathing Raptor, there is a Ranger for every buyer. The 2025 lineup introduced a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option - a first for Australian utes - combining a 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for 207kW of combined power and just 2.9 L/100km fuel consumption.

The Ranger offers up to 3,500kg braked towing capacity, a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system with a large touchscreen. Pricing starts from $33,770 for the base single cab.

Its Australian-tuned suspension and comfortable cabin make it just as good on the highway as it is on the worksite.

2. Toyota RAV4 - 51,947 Units Sold

The Toyota RAV4 has climbed from ninth place in 2018 to second place in 2025, and the reason is simple - every RAV4 sold in Australia is now a hybrid.

Toyota dropped the pure petrol option entirely, and buyers have responded with enthusiasm. The 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid delivers outstanding fuel economy of just 4.7 L/100km - meaning fewer trips to the servo and more money in your pocket.

Available in 2WD and AWD, the RAV4 offers up to 580 litres of boot space, a 12.3-inch multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Toyota's renowned reliability. With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and pricing from $38,940, it represents excellent value.

3. Toyota HiLux - 51,297 Units Sold

The HiLux may have slipped from its number one spot to third place, but it remains an icon of the Australian automotive landscape.

Toyota's legendary ute is built on a robust ladder-frame chassis that has proven itself in the harshest Australian conditions. The range includes everything from the no-nonsense WorkMate to the performance-focused GR-Sport, which produces 165kW and 550Nm from its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel.

With up to 3,500kg braked towing, a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and some of the strongest resale values of any vehicle in Australia, the HiLux continues to be a smart purchase. Pricing starts from $33,990.

A new-generation HiLux with 48V mild-hybrid technology is on the way for 2026.

4. Isuzu D-Max - 26,839 Units Sold

The Isuzu D-Max continues to punch above its weight as one of the best value utes you can buy in Australia.

Starting from just $29,370, the D-Max is the most affordable ute on this list. But do not let the price fool you - every D-Max offers 3,500kg braked towing capacity, even with the smaller 1.9-litre diesel engine. That is a standout feature that no other ute in this price range can match.

Isuzu's truck-building heritage shows in the D-Max's build quality and durability. The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel produces 140kW and 450Nm, while fuel economy sits at a reasonable 6.9-8.0 L/100km depending on the engine. It has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating with autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist as standard.

5. Ford Everest - 26,161 Units Sold

The Ford Everest broke segment sales records in 2025 and was named Australia's best off-road SUV at the CarExpert Choice Awards.

Built on the same platform as the Ranger but in a 7-seat SUV body, the Everest gives families the ruggedness and towing ability of a ute with the comfort and space of a large wagon. Every model comes with a 12-inch infotainment screen, up to 3,500kg braked towing, and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Two engine options are available - a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel (154kW) and a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel (184kW). Pricing starts from $61,050, making it a premium but capable family SUV that works as well on the school run as it does towing a caravan across the outback.

6. Toyota LandCruiser Prado - 26,106 Units Sold

The biggest mover on this list - the Prado jumped 32 places into the top 10, with sales surging 166% thanks to the all-new 250 Series.

This is the first full redesign of the Prado in years, and Toyota has delivered. The new 2.8-litre turbo-diesel now comes with 48V mild-hybrid assistance for smoother power delivery. Advanced off-road technology includes Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a disconnecting front anti-roll bar for maximum wheel articulation.

Inside, the Prado has gone upmarket with a premium cabin, large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 3-zone climate control. Ground clearance sits at 235mm with 700mm water wading depth. It tows up to 3,500kg and has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Pricing starts from $72,500 for the GX and goes up to $99,990 for the top-spec Kakadu.

7. Hyundai Kona - 22,769 Units Sold

The Hyundai Kona climbed 10 places into the top 10 in 2025, with sales rising 31%. Its secret weapon is choice - you can buy a Kona in petrol, hybrid, or fully electric.

The base 2.0-litre petrol starts from $32,500, making it one of the most affordable small SUVs on the market. The hybrid model delivers excellent fuel economy at 4.9 L/100km, while the electric version offers up to 505km of range with zero tailpipe emissions.

All models get a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite including lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind spot monitoring. Its compact size makes it easy to drive and park around the city.

8. Mazda CX-5 - 22,742 Units Sold

The Mazda CX-5 remains one of Australia's favourite mid-size SUVs and has been the best-selling vehicle in its segment for over a decade.

Mazda's Kodo design language gives the CX-5 a sleek, premium appearance that belies its mainstream pricing. Starting from $36,950, it offers three engine options - the efficient 2.0-litre (6.9 L/100km), the 2.5-litre, and the punchy 2.5-litre turbo producing 170kW and 420Nm.

The CX-5 stands out for its driving dynamics. Precise steering, a tight turning circle, and Mazda's "zoom-zoom" DNA make it genuinely enjoyable to drive. The interior feels a class above with quality materials and a well-designed layout. It offers up to 2,000kg braked towing on the GT SP model.

9. Mitsubishi Outlander - 22,459 Units Sold

The Mitsubishi Outlander gives families a 7-seat SUV with the option to go plug-in hybrid for significantly lower running costs.

The petrol model starts from $39,990, while the PHEV starts from $57,290. The plug-in hybrid is the real standout - it combines a 2.4-litre petrol engine with front and rear electric motors for 185kW and 450Nm, and can drive up to 84km on electric power alone. That means most daily commutes can be done without using a drop of fuel.

For 2025, Mitsubishi added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a driver monitoring system, and enhanced blind spot intervention across the range. The Outlander has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and a dual 12.3-inch screen setup in all models.

10. Tesla Model Y - 22,239 Units Sold

The Tesla Model Y rounds out the top 10 as Australia's most popular electric vehicle by a wide margin.

Starting from $58,900, the Model Y offers up to 580km of WLTP range in the Performance variant and massive boot space of 938 litres (2,022 litres with seats folded). Running costs are the lowest on this list - charging at home costs a fraction of what you would spend on diesel or petrol.

The Model Y scored the highest safety-assist rating ever recorded by ANCAP in its 2025 testing, with a 5-star overall rating. Tesla's Supercharger network makes long-distance travel straightforward, and over-the-air software updates mean the car actually improves over time.

With a 5-year unlimited-km warranty and 8-year battery warranty, it is a compelling option for buyers ready to make the switch to electric.

Key Trends Shaping the Australian Car Market in 2025

• Utes still dominate. Four of the top 10 vehicles are dual-cab utes (Ranger, HiLux, D-Max, plus the Everest which shares the Ranger platform).
• Hybrids are the new normal. The RAV4 is now hybrid-only, the Prado has mild-hybrid tech, the Ranger offers a PHEV, and the Outlander PHEV can drive 84km on electric power.
• Electric vehicles are here to stay. The Tesla Model Y in the top 10 proves that EVs have moved beyond early adopters. The Hyundai Kona Electric gives buyers a more affordable entry point.
• SUVs continue to grow. Six of the top 10 are SUVs or SUV-style vehicles. Traditional sedans and hatchbacks are nowhere to be seen.
• Chinese brands are rising. While not yet in the top 10, brands like BYD (+156%), Chery (+177%), and Leapmotor (+906%) were the fastest-growing in 2025.

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