SUVs now dominate Australian new car sales. In 2025, six of the top fifteen best-selling vehicles in Australia were SUVs — a dramatic shift from just a decade ago when sedans and hatchbacks led the charts. Australians are drawn to SUVs for their higher driving position, versatile cargo space, all-wheel-drive availability, and ability to tow a trailer or carry the whole family in comfort.
But with dozens of models on the market across three distinct size categories, choosing the right SUV can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise, presenting Australia's best-selling and best-value SUVs for 2026 — organised by size, backed by real 2025 VFACTS sales data, and with the specifications you actually need to make a decision.
Whether you're after a compact city-friendly SUV, a mid-size family workhorse, or a large 7-seat people mover, BuyFleet can source fleet pricing on every model listed here through our national dealer network.
Best Small SUVs in Australia 2026
Small SUVs offer the practicality and raised ride of an SUV in a more compact, city-friendly package. Starting from around $24,000, they're often the first-choice upgrade from a hatchback.
Hyundai Kona
The Kona is Australia's most versatile small SUV, offering both a 2.0L petrol and a fully electric variant with around 400km of real-world range. The all-new generation boasts a significantly upgraded interior with a widescreen dual-display setup. Strong resale values and Hyundai's 5-year unlimited km warranty make this a smart buy for city drivers who want SUV versatility with the option to go electric. Boot space is 374 litres — competitive for the class.
Get a Kona quote →Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 sits between the Mazda2 and CX-5 in Mazda's lineup, targeting buyers who want a premium-feeling compact SUV. Interior quality is exceptional for the price — Mazda's "less is more" design philosophy creates a genuinely upmarket cabin. The 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine is smooth and eager. AWD is available on upper grades. At 430 litres, the boot is practical for couples or small families.
View Mazda SUVs →MG ZS
The MG ZS remains one of Australia's most affordable new SUVs, starting from around $23,000 drive-away for the petrol variant. Feature-for-price value is hard to match — you get an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, reversing camera and front/rear parking sensors at a price point where competitors offer far less. The MG ZS EV version offers an affordable electric entry point. 7-year warranty adds confidence.
View MG models →Best Medium SUVs in Australia 2026
Medium SUVs are the most competitive segment in Australian motoring. These five-seat family vehicles offer the ideal balance of space, economy, safety and value — explaining why they dominate the national sales charts.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is Australia's undisputed SUV king — and it's now sold exclusively as a hybrid. That's remarkable: nearly 52,000 hybrid SUVs sold in a single year, making Australia one of the world's most enthusiastic RAV4 hybrid markets. With real-world fuel economy averaging around 5.5–6.0L/100km, an 580L boot, strong 5-star ANCAP safety, and Toyota's legendary reliability, the RAV4 is genuinely hard to fault. Available in 2WD and AWD configurations across GX, GXL, Cruiser and Edge grades. Towing capacity of 1,500–2,000kg depending on variant.
Get a RAV4 fleet quote →Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 remains Australia's favourite non-hybrid SUV, offering a level of interior refinement and driving engagement that its mainstream rivals struggle to match. Available with a 2.0L or 2.5L Skyactiv-G petrol engine, or the turbocharged 2.5L for GT and Akera grades, it delivers a genuinely premium experience without premium pricing. AWD is available from the Maxx Sport grade up. Fuel economy around 7.0–8.5L/100km. Compare CX-5 vs Tucson vs Sportage →
Get a CX-5 fleet quote →Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander punches well above its weight. It's one of few medium SUVs that offers genuine 7-seat capability at an accessible price — starting from around $38,000 for the 5-seat petrol, and around $50,000 for the PHEV variant with 83km of electric range. The Outlander PHEV continues to be one of Australia's best-selling plug-in hybrids, offering dramatic fuel savings for buyers with home charging. See our 7-seat SUV guide →
Get an Outlander quote →Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai's Tucson offers one of the broadest powertrain choices in the medium SUV segment — petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid — all with the same sleek, contemporary exterior. The interior is a genuine highlight, with a wide curved display screen on upper grades that rivals premium European alternatives. Boot space is 539L in 5-seat form (hybrid variants slightly less). PHEV variant offers 62km electric range. Full CX-5 vs Tucson vs Sportage comparison →
Get a Tucson quote →Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage rounds out Australia's top five medium SUVs with a strong combination of value, style and technology. Like the Tucson (which shares its platform), the Sportage is available in petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Kia's 7-year unlimited km warranty is a standout at this price point. The panoramic curved infotainment display on upper grades is genuinely impressive. Hybrid variant returns around 6.3L/100km combined.
Get a Sportage quote →Subaru Forester
Every Subaru Forester comes with Subaru's acclaimed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive — no 2WD option, no added cost for AWD. This makes the Forester uniquely appealing for buyers in regional areas, on hobby farms, or who regularly encounter unsealed roads. Eyesight driver assistance suite is comprehensive and well-regarded. The e-Boxer mild hybrid on upper grades improves efficiency without adding complexity. Strong towing of up to 1,500kg.
Get a Forester quote →Best Large & 7-Seat SUVs in Australia 2026
Need 7 seats, serious towing capacity, or genuine off-road capability? These large SUVs deliver space and capability that medium SUVs simply can't match. See our full 7-seat SUV guide →
Toyota LandCruiser Prado
The all-new 300 Series Prado is Australia's best-selling large 4WD SUV and one of the country's most sought-after vehicles. The completely redesigned 2024+ Prado brings a new twin-turbo diesel engine, multi-terrain monitor, E-KDSS electronic suspension, and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. Towing is 3,500kg braked. 7-seat configuration available. Resale values are exceptional — often holding 70-80% value after 3 years. A serious vehicle for serious buyers.
Get a Prado fleet quote →Toyota Kluger
The Toyota Kluger is the flagship 7-seat SUV for buyers who want comfort, technology and hybrid efficiency without off-road ambitions. Available exclusively as a hybrid, it returns around 5.8L/100km — remarkable for a 7-seat SUV this size. Generous third-row space, large 1,101L boot with third row folded, and Toyota Safety Sense across the range. A refined highway cruiser that works equally well as a school-run SUV and a caravan-towing family vehicle.
Get a Kluger quote →Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento competes directly with the Kluger and Santa Fe but undercuts both on price while matching them on specification. Available in petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid — the PHEV variant with 67km electric range makes particular sense for families doing regular school and weekend runs. Third row seating is genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips. Kia's 7-year warranty is a significant advantage in this price bracket.
Get a Sorento quote →Top SUVs at a Glance — 2025 VFACTS Data
| Model | Category | 2025 Sales | From (approx) | Powertrain | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | Medium | 51,947 | ~$40K | Hybrid only | Fuel economy, reliability |
| Toyota Prado | Large 4WD | 26,101 | ~$66K | Twin-turbo diesel | Off-road, towing, resale |
| Hyundai Kona | Small | 22,769 | ~$33K | Petrol / EV | EV option, value |
| Mazda CX-5 | Medium | 22,742 | ~$35K | Petrol | Driving quality, interior |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | Medium/7-seat | 22,459 | ~$38K | Petrol + PHEV | 7 seats, PHEV value |
| Hyundai Tucson | Medium | 20,145 | ~$37K | Petrol / Hybrid / PHEV | Powertrain choice |
| Kia Sportage | Medium | 19,137 | ~$35K | Petrol / Hybrid / PHEV | 7-year warranty |
| Subaru Forester | Medium | 15,179 | ~$38K | All-AWD | Standard AWD, safety |
*Sales data from VFACTS 2025 full-year results. Prices are approximate drive-away and vary by state, grade and dealer.
BuyFleet tip: All SUVs listed above are available through BuyFleet's national dealer network at fleet pricing. If you're buying for business with an ABN, you may also be eligible for GST credits and instant asset write-off. Explore finance options →