Lyla Lindsey
Australians have a diverse range of vehicles to choose from, with SUVs, hatchbacks, sedans, coupes, convertibles, wagons, and utes all available on the market. While SUVs remain the most popular category, there is a growing interest in electric cars, with Hyundai's EVs recognised for their safety. With new car prices at an all-time high, value for money is a key consideration for buyers. This has led to an increase in competition among car manufacturers, with brands like Toyota, Ford, MG, and Hyundai vying for top spots in various segments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Car prices | More expensive than ever |
| Car type | SUVs, hatchbacks, utes, sedans, coupes, convertibles, wagons, vans, electric cars |
| Popular car models | Toyota Hilux, Hyundai i30, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, MG ZS Hybrid, Ford Ranger, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Jaguar, Audi e-tron GT, Volvo S60, Mazda MX-5, Porsche 911, BMW, Porsche, MG QS, Skoda Octavia, Hyundai hatch, Mahindra XUV700, Lucid Air |
| Car considerations | Value for money, features, fuel economy, practicality, drive, safety, reliability, cost of ownership, performance, size, budget, style, electric |
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Best small SUVs under $35,000
With new car prices on the rise, value for money is a chief consideration for many looking to purchase a new vehicle. However, there are still plenty of options available for those seeking a small SUV under $35,000 in Australia.
One of the most popular options is the MG ZS Hybrid+, which combines a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an 11.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. Starting at $26,990, the ZS and ZST models from MG Australia offer excellent value for money, with a range of features including an 8-inch infotainment system, rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, and Apple CarPlay.
Another contender in this segment is the Hyundai Kona, which offers class-leading space and a more powerful engine than its rivals, with 110kW/180Nm of torque. The Kona has a starting price of $32,000, and while it may lack some of the convenience features of its competitors, it makes up for it with a larger cabin and a lower price tag.
For those seeking a more compact option, Ford's smallest SUV, the Puma, is a great choice. Priced at $33,190, the Puma offers a range of convenience features, including factory navigation, voice control, and LED ambient interior lighting. While the Puma may not have as much storage space as its competitors, it still works well as a small family SUV, offering a versatile boot with a variable-height floor and underfloor storage tub.
Other options in the Australian market under $35,000 include the Kia Seltos, which offers excellent value for money with its base-model starting just over $30,000, and Toyota's first small SUV, the Corolla Cross, which offers stylish design and hybrid technology.
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$14.92 $15.95
Electric cars
There are several affordable EV options available in Australia, with prices starting from around $32,000. Leading manufacturers offering affordable EVs include BYD, GWM, and MG. BYD, the fastest-growing "new energy vehicle" company in the world, offers the BYD Dolphin Essential, which is currently the cheapest EV available in Australia. GWM, one of the first Chinese brands to enter the Australian market, offers a range of vehicles, including the Ora electric car and the Haval plug-in hybrid SUV. MG, a well-known automotive brand, offers the MG ZS SUV, which was the second most popular passenger car in Australia in 2024. Other affordable EV options include the Geely EX5 and the Chery Omoda E5.
In addition to these affordable options, there are several luxury and high-performance electric cars available in Australia. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 electric large SUV is the most expensive Hyundai ever sold in the country. The Lucid Air luxury sedan has set a Guinness World Record for the longest drive on a single charge in an electric vehicle. Audi has also entered the Australian market with its e-tron GT electric sports sedan, which offers impressive performance and is expected to compete with the Porsche Taycan.
Kia, another popular automotive brand in Australia, offers a range of electric vehicles, including the EV5, EV3, and EV9. The EV5 offers advanced safety features and tuning specifically for the Australian market. The EV3 is a compact and nimble small SUV with a stand-out design and advanced technology. The flagship EV9 is a 7-seat SUV equipped with pioneering technology, combining sophistication and versatility. Kia's electric vehicles offer instant acceleration response, greater stability, and require less maintenance compared to petrol and diesel engines.
Overall, the electric car market in Australia is growing, with an increasing number of options available to consumers, ranging from affordable small cars to luxury high-performance vehicles. With the support of the Australian government and the increasing availability of charging stations, electric cars are becoming a more viable option for Australian motorists.
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Hybrid SUVs
Toyota has been a prominent player in the hybrid SUV space since the early 2000s, with its Corolla Cross and Yaris Cross models. The Corolla Cross, in particular, has gained popularity and is often compared to competitors like the MG ZS Hybrid+. The MG ZS Hybrid+ stands out as the best buy in the small SUV segment this year, offering excellent value, features, fuel economy, and overall driving performance.
Another notable option in the small SUV category is the GWM hybrid medium SUV, which pairs a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an 11.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. This model represents GWM's entry into the competitive Australian market.
Looking ahead, Subaru is set to release the 2026 Forester Hybrid, which will go head-to-head with the Toyota RAV4. Additionally, the 2026 Mahindra XUV7XO is expected to take on the Toyota RAV4 and Haval H6, offering a cut-price option for families.
For those seeking a more premium option, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 electric large SUV has made its debut in Australia, although it comes with a higher price tag. Meanwhile, the 2026 Volvo S60 and V60 Cross Country have been discontinued in Australia, with the brand focusing on the upcoming flagship ES90 electric sedan.
In summary, the Australian market offers a diverse range of hybrid SUV options, from established brands like Toyota and Subaru to newcomers like GWM and MG. With various price points, features, and efficiencies, there is a hybrid SUV to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
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Dual-cab utes
The Ford Ranger has been the top-selling vehicle in this category for the past few years, ending the seven-year reign of the Toyota HiLux in 2023. The Ranger boasts impressive features such as a powerful engine, good fuel economy, and strong residual values. Other popular options in the dual-cab utes category include the Isuzu D-MAX, which offers excellent towing capacity and a spacious interior, and the Volkswagen Amarok, which is known for its sleek design and powerful performance.
In 2024, the Mitsubishi Triton emerged as a strong contender, offering great value with its upgraded engine, improved interior, and enhanced load-carrying capability. The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior and the Toyota HiLux GR Sport are also worth considering for their off-road capabilities.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Kia Tasman is set to make waves in the Australian market. With its powerful 2.2L turbo diesel engine, impressive towing capacity, and spacious interior, the Tasman promises to be a comfortable and capable dual-cab ute.
With a variety of options available, buyers can choose the dual-cab ute that best suits their needs, whether it's for work, leisure, or family use.
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Hatchbacks
Kia offers a range of hatchbacks tuned for Australian streets, combining practicality, styling, and performance. The Kia Picanto, Australia's best-selling micro car, features sleek exteriors and spacious interiors. The Kia K4 Hatch provides exceptional handling capabilities and a premium interior designed for all adventures.
The Honda Civic, an all-hybrid car in Australia, is another popular hatchback option. However, its price is a significant consideration for buyers. The Suzuki Swift 2025 is another hybrid hatchback model available in Australia, offering a unique design and improved fuel efficiency.
Chinese automotive company BYD has also expressed interest in bringing its Seagull EV to Australia. This budget-focused five-door hatchback is already being produced for the UK market, and its introduction to Australia could provide a cost-effective option for buyers.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best small SUV options under $35,000 in Australia include Toyota's first small SUV, the Corolla Cross, and the Yaris Cross. The MG ZS Hybrid+ is another great option, offering excellent value for money and winning Wheels' Best Dual-Cab Ute 2025 in the Under $50K category.
Australia has seen a growing interest in electric cars, with the Hyundai IONIQ 9 electric large SUV making its debut as the brand's most expensive model in the country. The Lucid Air luxury sedan has also set a Guinness World Record for the longest drive on a single charge. Audi's e-tron GT electric sports sedan is another notable mention, offering impressive performance and competing with the likes of Porsche Taycan.
Australians have a strong preference for SUVs, with sales surpassing all other new vehicle types combined. Medium SUVs are the most popular within this category, but there are also small, large, luxury, electric, and hybrid SUV options available to cater to different preferences and budgets.
Hatchbacks are known for their fuel efficiency, and popular models in Australia include the Hyundai i30, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda 3. Utes, such as the Toyota Hilux, are also popular among Australians and offer good fuel economy. If you're specifically looking for fuel efficiency, consider electric vehicles, as Australia is witnessing increasing sales and improved drivability, affordability, and choice in this segment.
While hatchbacks and traditional four-door sedans remain popular in Australia, there is a growing interest in electric vehicles and SUVs. Additionally, Chinese carmakers like BYD, Chery, GWM, and MG are gaining traction in the Australian market, offering unique options such as the JAC T9 4x4 ute and the MG ZS Hybrid+.
