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There are many factors to consider when choosing the best car for your needs. Whether you're looking for a small, medium, or large car, an SUV, sedan, or ute, there are many options available in the Australian market. Safety, storage space, power, road performance, fuel consumption, and electric range are all important aspects to keep in mind when making your decision. With new car prices on the rise, value for money is also a key consideration. In recent years, electric cars have gained popularity in Australia, offering drivability, affordability, and a growing range of choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Car Type | Small, medium, or large; SUV, sedan, hatchback, ute, or electric/hybrid |
| Price | Affordable options available under $35,000 |
| Safety | High safety ratings, advanced driver-assist features, and airbag configurations are important |
| Power | Fuel efficiency is important; consideration for petrol, hybrid, or electric |
| Road Performance | All-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or front-wheel drive depending on intended use |
| Storage | Spacious cabin and boot space |
| Fuel Consumption/Electric Range | Fuel-efficient engines with good fuel economy |
| Reliability | Resale value and warranty are important considerations |
| Drivetrain | Multiple options including hybrid and electric |
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Best small cars
Small cars are a great option for many Australian drivers due to their practicality, ease of manoeuvring, fuel efficiency, compact size, nimbleness, and spacious interiors. Here is a list of some of the best small cars in Australia:
Hyundai i30
The Hyundai i30 is a great all-rounder in the small car segment. It is known for being practical, well-equipped, and reasonably priced. It also offers features like dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging pads, and blind-spot monitoring. The i30 is perfect for families as it is spacious and practical.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a reliable small car, scoring 89/100 in the Warrantywise 2024 report due to its minimal repair costs. It offers incredibly low fuel consumption, making it a fantastic city car. The Yaris also includes excellent safety features such as lane-keeping assist, hill start assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is one of the best small electric car options in Australia. It includes great safety technology, such as forward collision avoidance assist and adaptive cruise control, as well as heated front and back seats. While the range is not as extensive as larger cars, the Nissan Leaf is a practical and luxurious small car.
BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 is a newer name in the Australian electric car market, offering a lot of features for a lower price point. These features include wireless phone charging, LED daytime running lights, and autonomous emergency braking.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 delivers a premium driving experience with excellent handling and a high-quality interior. It is ideal for drivers seeking refinement and performance, with advanced safety features and a stylish design.
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift is an excellent city car, offering outstanding fuel economy and nimble handling. It has a compact size but provides ample interior space. The Swift is known for its reliability and affordability, making it a great first car.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class combines luxury and practicality, bringing sophistication to the small car segment. It boasts a beautifully crafted interior with high-quality materials, cutting-edge technology, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The A-Class delivers a smooth and refined driving experience with a range of engine options balancing power and efficiency.
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Best medium cars
Medium cars offer a balance between size, drivability, and practicality, filling the gap between small cars and large SUVs. If you're in the market for a medium car in Australia, here are some of the best options to consider:
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is Australia's best-selling SUV, offering an excellent combination of affordability and performance. With a fuel-efficient hybrid engine, a starting price of just over $40,000, and six grades to choose from, it's easy to see why the RAV4 is a popular choice. It boasts a tough exterior, a logical interior layout, and new technology, such as a 10.5-inch touchscreen. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid is an excellent option, with a price of $48,910 (plus on-road costs), a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric engine, and a five-star safety rating.
Honda CR-V, HR-V and ZR-V
Honda offers three mid-size SUV options in Australia: the CR-V, HR-V, and ZR-V. While the CR-V and ZR-V are quite similar, they cater to different buyer priorities. The ZR-V is half a size smaller, making it more compact without sacrificing practicality. Honda is currently offering an eight-year warranty for buyers of these SUVs.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a versatile SUV that looks like a regular car but has the capabilities of an all-wheel-drive vehicle. It offers good grip and road clearance, making it suitable for various terrains. The upcoming 2025 model promises even more exciting features.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple offering from the Japanese brand since 2003. It is one of the few SUVs in its class to offer three rows of seats and a choice between all-wheel or front-wheel drive, as well as diesel, hybrid, or petrol options.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is another popular family SUV in Australia, offering a blend of build quality, materials, technology, and driving qualities. It has evolved from a "cheap and cheerful" option to a semi-premium choice, providing good value for money.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a stylish mid-sized SUV, now in its fourth generation. It combines a striking exterior design with a more restrained interior, resulting in class-leading space. The Hyundai Tucson offers three engine options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, a 1.6-litre turbo four, and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel.
When choosing a medium car, consider factors such as price range, fuel efficiency, interior styling, passenger and cargo space, and safety features. These options provide a range of choices to suit different budgets, preferences, and needs.
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Best large cars
If you're looking for a large car, you might want to consider an SUV. Here are some of the best large SUVs in Australia:
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is the largest SUV in Hyundai's range and is packed with luxury features. It offers eight seats, which is a big advantage over many rivals. It's priced from $66,800 plus on-road costs ($72,686.20 driveaway in Victoria).
BMW X5
The BMW X5 has maintained its reputation as one of the best large luxury SUVs over 25 years in Australia. The 2025 BMW X5 is priced from $134,900 plus on-road costs ($153,106 driveaway in Victoria). Standard equipment includes ambient interior lighting, a powered tailgate, and convincing faux leather upholstery.
Lexus GX550
The Lexus GX550 is luxurious, refined, and talented both on-road and off-road. It has a 260kW 3.5-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine and is priced from $116,000 plus on-road costs ($131,178 driveaway in Victoria).
Ford Everest
The Ford Everest is a great option if you're looking for a large SUV with off-road capabilities and seating for seven. It's well-tailored to Australian conditions and shares its underpinnings, engine, gearbox, and talents with Ford's best-selling Ranger.
Toyota LandCruiser
The Toyota LandCruiser is excellent for tackling all kinds of terrain and bringing space, reliability, and cruising comfort.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is a spacious, tech-smart, seven-seater SUV with a powerful fuel-efficient engine. It's also comfortable to drive and offers a range of driver-assist safety features.
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Best family cars
There are many options available for families looking to purchase a car in Australia, with the best choice depending on the family's needs and lifestyle. Here are some of the top contenders for best family car:
SUVs
The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is a popular choice for Australian families, with large, three-row SUVs being key to the family mix in the country. The Kia Sorento is a seven-seater SUV with a seven-year warranty, a beautiful interior finish, auto-braking, and impressive versatility. The Mazda CX-9 is another seven-seater SUV that offers a powerful fuel-efficient engine, a spacious interior, and a strong suite of driver-assist safety features. The Toyota Kluger is also a popular choice, offering high-tech features, solid safety gear, and impressive towing ability. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a medium-sized SUV that provides spaciousness beyond its exterior dimensions. For those interested in electric vehicles, the Kia EV9 has set the standard in this segment, providing Australian buyers with an electric alternative to traditional SUVs.
People Movers
The Kia Carnival is Australia's favourite people mover, offering seating for up to eight passengers along with their luggage. It features electric sliding side doors, a 627-litre boot, and flexible seating arrangements. The Ford Tourneo, a people mover version of the Ford Transit Custom van, is another option in this category.
Utes
Utes are no longer exclusively associated with tradies and have become a popular choice for families in Australia. The Ford Ranger is a dual-cab ute that was the best-selling new passenger vehicle in Australia in 2023. The Toyota Hilux is another popular option, known for its economical work capabilities and off-road performance.
Sedans
While the popularity of sedans is decreasing, some families may still prefer this style of vehicle. The BMW 3 Series offers a classy interior, an attractive exterior, and a stirring yet economical engine package.
When choosing a family car, it is important to consider various aspects such as safety, storage, power, road performance, fuel consumption, and electric range, to ensure the vehicle meets your specific needs and requirements.
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Best electric cars
Australia's electric car market is rapidly evolving, with a growing number of options for buyers. Electric cars are becoming more drivable, affordable, and accessible. Here is a list of some of the best electric cars available in Australia:
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is an excellent choice for those seeking a dual-motor electric sedan without breaking the bank. With a base MSRP of $64,900, the Model 3 offers incredible value for money and was named Chasing Cars' Best EV of 2024. It boasts a long range and has improved significantly over its predecessor.
Hyundai IONIQ 9
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is Hyundai's smallest EV offering, but don't let its size fool you. This large SUV provides effortless torque, silent motoring, and a large battery power source, making it perfect for off-roading adventures. However, it comes at a high price, being the most expensive Hyundai ever sold in Australia.
BMW i4
The BMW i4 is a luxurious electric sedan that offers impressive value for money. While it may not be as affordable as some of its competitors, it provides a smooth driving experience and is packed with features and technology.
Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 is a flagship electric vehicle that offers a unique blend of performance and value. While it has ambitions to dominate its segment, it faces tough competition from rivals like the BMW i4.
BYD Sealion 7
BYD has experienced record sales in Australia, driven by popular models such as the Sealion 7. BYD offers affordable electric vehicles that rival Tesla in terms of sales. Their cars provide excellent value, and their solid-state battery technology continues to improve.
When choosing an electric car in Australia, consider factors such as price, range, charging infrastructure, and the features that are most important to you. The electric car market is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay informed about the latest offerings to make the best decision for your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best SUVs in Australia. It has the grip and road clearance of an all-wheel-drive vehicle, but looks like a normal car. The Toyota RAV4 is another popular SUV in Australia, and is available as a hybrid. The Toyota Kluger is another SUV that is popular with Aussie families, with its spacious interior and impressive towing ability.
The Mazda MX-5 is considered the best affordable sports car in Australia. The Nissan Juke is another SUV that is great value, with its stylish design and extra safety systems. The MG ZS Hybrid+ is a good choice for a small SUV, with its impressive value, fuel economy and practicality.
The BMW 3 Series is a sporty family sedan with a classy interior and exterior. The Mazda CX-9 is a sporty and comfortable large SUV, with a powerful fuel-efficient engine.
The Toyota Hilux is a popular ute in Australia and is on track to become Australia's best-selling new vehicle by the end of 2022. The Ford Ranger is another top-selling ute in Australia, particularly the XLT variant.
