Australia's Top-Selling Car: Unveiling The Leader

what is the number 1 selling car in australia

Australia has a large market for cars, with around 1 million vehicles sold each year. In recent years, the country has seen a shift towards Utes and SUVs, with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger being the top-selling vehicles in 2024 and H1 2025. However, the Toyota Corolla was the best-selling car in the world in 2022, and the Toyota RAV4 has also been a top-selling vehicle in Australia in 2024 and 2025. With a range of options available, from electric to hybrid and small SUVs to dual-cab Utes, the Australian car market is dynamic and ever-changing.

Characteristics Values
Number 1 selling car in Australia Ford Ranger
Date H1 2025
Share 4.8%
Change from previous year -15.6%
Number 2 selling car in Australia Toyota Hilux
Number 3 selling car in Australia Toyota RAV4
Number 4 selling car in Australia Toyota Prado
Number 5 selling car in Australia Isuzu D-Max
Number 6 selling car in Australia Ford Everest
Number 7 selling car in Australia Mazda CX-5
Number 8 selling car in Australia Mitsubishi Outlander
Number 9 selling car in Australia Hyundai Kona
Number 10 selling car in Australia Toyota Corolla

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Utes and SUVs dominate the market

Utes and SUVs have dominated the Australian car market in recent years, with Toyota and Ford models consistently ranking as top sellers. In 2020, the best-selling cars in Australia were utes, with the Toyota Hilux taking the top spot for six months of the year. The Ford Ranger was also a popular choice, ranking first for the remaining six months.

The Toyota Hilux has been a consistent favourite, with sources stating it was the best-selling car in Australia in 2024 and 2025. The Ford Ranger has also maintained its popularity, ranking as the best-selling car in Australia for H1 data in 2025.

SUVs have also seen a surge in popularity, with over 50% of new vehicles sold in this category in July 2024. The Toyota RAV4, a midsize SUV, has performed well, delivering its highest monthly result in July 2024. The Mazda CX-5, another SUV model, has also been a strong contender in the Australian market, selling over 2,600 models in June 2024.

While utes and SUVs dominate, small cars like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30 have also made their way into the top 10 best-selling vehicles in Australia. The Toyota Corolla, in particular, has been a popular choice, offering multiple model types, including hatch, sedan, and hybrid options.

The Australian car market is dynamic, with various models and brands vying for the top spot. While utes and SUVs currently lead the way, it remains to be seen how the market will evolve with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and other emerging trends.

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Toyota is the most popular car brand in Australia. In 2024, Toyota led the sales race, delivering 20,771 vehicles, ahead of Ford, Mazda, Kia, and Mitsubishi. Toyota's popularity in Australia is evident in its strong sales performance, with 77,009 vehicles delivered in the year-to-date tally.

Toyota has created several crowd favourites, such as the Hilux, which has been one of the best-selling cars in Australia for several years. In 2024, the Toyota Hilux was the top-selling car in Australia, alongside the Ford Ranger. The Hilux has earned a reputation as a tough and reliable dual-cab ute, appealing to both fleet buyers and private buyers.

The Toyota Corolla is another popular model, named the best-selling car in the world in 2022 with 1.12 million total sales. In June 2024, the Corolla sold over 2,200 units, offering multiple model types, including hatch, sedan, and hybrid versions. The Corolla provides a range of features, such as a 2.0L Dynamic Force direct injection petrol engine, Active Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert.

The Toyota RAV4 is also a top-selling model in Australia, leading the market in July 2024. The RAV4 is a midsize SUV that delivers high sales figures, outperforming competitors like the Ford Ranger.

Toyota's success in Australia can be attributed to its diverse range of vehicles, including SUVs, utes, and small cars, that cater to various consumer needs and preferences. The brand's strong sales performance and popularity among Australian buyers solidify its position as the country's most favoured car manufacturer.

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The Ford Ranger is a top-selling model

The Ford Ranger has undergone several design iterations since its debut. The current generation offers two configurations on a 127-inch wheelbase: a 2+2 door SuperCab with a 6-foot bed and a 4-door SuperCrew with a 5-foot bed. The Ranger continues to be offered only as a crew cab, with either a five-foot or six-foot bed. Two engines are available: a 270-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 315-horsepower twin-turbo V-6. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and are available with either rear- or four-wheel drive.

The Ford Ranger's cabin has a modern look, featuring a digital gauge display, textured dashboard trim, and honeycomb-patterned air vents. The Ranger comes with a standard 10.1-inch infotainment display, but buyers can upgrade to a larger 12-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and additional features such as in-dash navigation and satellite radio are offered. The Ranger also includes basic driver-assistance features, with more advanced technology available at higher trim levels or through option packages.

The Ford Ranger has a Raptor version designed for off-road performance, offering a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The Ranger Raptor is a great choice for those seeking a combination of off-road capability and normal truck functionality. The Ranger's high-level Lariat trim offers a luxurious interior with power-adjustable leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and a premium sound system. With its various configurations, modern features, and strong performance, the Ford Ranger has established itself as a top-selling vehicle in Australia.

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The Corolla is renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability, making it an excellent option for those seeking a compact car. It offers a comfortable ride without compromising on style, with its sleek silhouette and sporty stance.

One of the standout features of the Corolla is its fuel efficiency. With an average of up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway, it is designed for cost-effective driving, perfect for city commutes and long road trips alike. The Corolla Hatchback, in particular, boasts impressive fuel economy, contributing to its popularity.

The Corolla also offers a range of affordable options, with a base price that is accessible to first-time buyers and those on a budget. Even the highest-end trim, the XSE, offers superb value for money, coming in at under $30,000. Additionally, the Corolla is known for holding its value, with low-mileage, two- and three-year-old models often reselling for about 70% of their original price.

Toyota's reputation for engineering excellence ensures that the Corolla is built to last. Many owners report their Corollas running smoothly even after crossing the 200,000-mile mark, a testament to the vehicle's reliability. The Corolla also comes equipped with advanced safety features, such as Toyota Safety Sense, providing added peace of mind on the road.

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While the Ford Ranger was the best-selling car in Australia in 2025, with the Toyota Hilux coming in second, hybrid and electric models are becoming increasingly popular. This is due to a growing awareness of the impact of carbon emissions and advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology. According to the Australian motor car industry database VFACTS, eight per cent of new car sales in September 2022 were electric.

Hybrid cars offer a good midpoint between fuel and electric, combining a fuel engine with an electric motor, and sales are expected to keep growing until they peak in 2027. They are particularly efficient during city driving, as they are powered by the electric motor when accelerating from a stationary position and travelling at low speeds. When cruising, hybrids are powered mainly by the combustion engine, which is where it works most efficiently.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are run primarily using a large, battery-powered electric motor that can be charged by plugging it into an electrical source. PHEVs do have a petrol or other combustion engine, but this is only used when the battery power in the electric motor is depleted. The larger battery and plug-in feature of a PHEV mean that, unlike a conventional hybrid (HEV), it can operate solely on electric power for around 40 to 60 kilometres. As 73% of commuters in Australia travel less than 20 kilometres to work each day, this means that most people can complete their daily commute on pure electric power.

While hybrid cars are generally more expensive than their petrol-engine counterparts due to the added cost and complexity of electrification, prices have been decreasing in recent years, with hybrids becoming a "mainstream viable alternative" for consumers.

Frequently asked questions

The Ford Ranger was the best-selling car in Australia in 2025, with the Toyota Hilux coming in second place.

The Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling car in Australia in 2024, with the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux also performing well.

The Toyota Corolla was the best-selling car in the world in 2022, with 1.12 million sales.

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