- Australia’s car market is increasingly diversified, with more than 1.2 million new vehicles sold in 2025.
- Toyota retained a commanding lead, selling roughly one in five new cars nationwide.
- Utes and midsize SUVs still dominate, but hybrids and EVs are taking a growing share of sales.
From four wheel drives to old-school collectables, Australians have long had an affinity with cars, likely in large part due to the nation's previous identity as a major car manufacturer. That position is no more, with Holden and Toyota shutting down their Australian factories in 2017, following in Ford’s 2016 footsteps.
Today, Toyota and Ford remain Australia's favourite car brands (vale, Holden). Many newer brands have joined the ranks in recent years, including recently-emerged BYD (Build Your Dreams) and GWM (Great Wall Motors).
Here are the top 10 car brands in Australia based on the more than 1.2 million new vehicle sales occurring in 2025, according to FCAI data.
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The rise of EVs and hybrid vehicles
Australia has continued to adopt battery-powered cars since their introduction, with battery electric vehicles accounting for more than 8% of all new cars sold in 2025 and more than 100 models available to buyers.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, meanwhile, counted for over 16% of new cars sold last year.
"The growth of battery electric vehicle market share has been anaemic, increasing by 1.1% over the past two years, well below earlier projections.
“Many consumers are choosing hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles as a practical transition toward lower emissions.
"While the industry is investing heavily in battery electric technology, uptake ultimately depends on consumer readiness and the availability of reliable public recharging infrastructure.”
Australia's 10 most popular car brands and models
1. Toyota
Toyota was Australia's most popular car brand in 2025, by a long way. It commanded 20% of the new car market, selling nearly 240,000 units. Its most popular models in December were:
- Toyota RAV4
Toyota’s midsize SUV is said to offer a practical blend of space, fuel efficiency, and everyday comfort with plenty of hybrid options. - Toyota HiLux
Toyota’s ute is aimed at tradies and four-wheel-drive buyers. - Toyota Landcruiser
Toyota’s large four-wheel-drive option is marketed for touring and off-road driving, with a reputation for durability and strong resale value.
2. Ford
The second-most popular car brand in Australia sold nearly 95,000 units in 2025, with only one model - the Ranger - making it into the nation's 10 best sellers in December.
- Ford Ranger
Ford’s Ranger ute is positioned as both a work vehicle and lifestyle four-wheel drive.
3. Mazda
Mazda was the third-most popular car brand in Australia in 2025, selling just under 92,000 vehicles and taking about 8% of the new car market. Its most popular model in December was:
- Mazda CX-5
Mazda’s midsize SUV is aimed at buyers after a mainstream family car, with a focus on everyday practicality.
4. Kia
Kia sold just over 82,000 vehicles in 2025, accounting for around 7% of the new car market. No Kia models appeared in the national top 10 in December, with sales likely spread across its broader range, which include:
- Kia Sportage
Kia’s midsize SUV is positioned as an all-rounder for families, sitting in one of Australia’s most competitive segments.
5. Hyundai
Hyundai sold more than 77,000 vehicles in 2025, capturing roughly 6% market share. Like Kia, it didn’t place a model in the national top 10 in December, with demand seemingly spread across multiple nameplates, including:
- i30
Hyundai’s small car is a long-standing choice for commuters, typically competing on practicality and ease of ownership.
6. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi sold a little over 61,000 vehicles in 2025, taking about 5% of the market. None of its models made the national top 10 list in December, though its most renown models include:
- Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi’s midsize SUV is geared toward families and tends to be compared against other mainstream seven-seat-capable options in the segment.
7. GWM
GWM sold close to 53,000 vehicles in 2025, representing around 4% of the new car market. Its model that appeared in the national top 10 in December was:
- Haval Jolion
GWM’s small SUV is positioned as a budget-friendly option in the crowded small-SUV segment, competing largely on price and inclusions.
8. BYD
Low-cost EV manufacturer BYD sold just over 52,000 vehicles in Australia in 2025. Its model that appeared in the national top 10 in December was:
- BYD Sealion 7
BYD’s electric SUV is pitched at buyers who want an EV in a family-friendly format.
9. Isuzu Ute
Isuzu Ute sold more than 42,000 vehicles in 2025, accounting for around 3% of the new car market. Its model that appeared in the national top 10 in December was:
- Isuzu Ute D-Max
Isuzu’s ute is geared toward buyers who want a work-ready vehicle with four-wheel-drive capability, sitting in the same broad market as the HiLux and Ranger.
10. MG
MG sold a little over 41,000 vehicles in 2025, giving it around 3% market share. No MG models made the national top 10 list in December, but options include:
- MG3
MG’s light hatch is positioned as a budget-friendly runabout, typically competing on price and basic practicality.
