Buying a new car in Australia in 2026 isn’t just about the price sticker; it's about understanding how much you will really pay for the vehicle and how prices vary by brand and model. With Australia recording over 1.24 million new car sales in 2025, the third consecutive year of growth, buyers now have more choice and more factors to consider than ever before.
This guide digs into the average new car price in Australia in 2026 for the top five brands and includes detailed pricing tables for every major model from each brand. It also explains how prices are influenced by market trends, vehicle types, and the shift toward SUVs, utes, hybrids, and EVs, all of which shape what you’ll pay.
According to VFACTS data, the top five brands in Australia by sales volume are:
- Toyota
- Ford
- Mazda
- Kia
- Hyundai
We’ll use this ranking as the foundation for our analysis.
How New Car Prices Are Calculated in This Guide
Before we look at the numbers, it’s important to understand how car prices are represented in this article:
- Prices shown are typical manufacturer recommended retail prices (MSRP) before on-road costs such as registration, dealer delivery, and taxes.
- We cover entry-level, midrange, and top trim prices so you can see how price increases within a model line change your budgeting.
- A brand average price is calculated based on the model price bands and typical sales mix; for example, a brand with strong SUV and ute sales will have a higher average.
Real purchase prices can vary by dealer, options selected, finance, and local incentives.
Australia’s New Car Market Snapshot
Before diving into specific brands, it’s worth noting the broader trends shaping car prices in 2026:
- SUVs and utes once again dominate sales, with models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota RAV4 among Australia’s most popular vehicles.
- Compact car sales have slowed as customers shift toward larger vehicles.
- Hybrid and electrified vehicles are increasing in number but still make up a smaller share of total sales relative to petrol and diesel models.
These trends affect price averages because larger SUVs and utes typically sell for more than smaller passenger cars.
Toyota Car Price in Australia 2026
Toyota continues to be Australia’s best-selling brand by a wide margin, with nearly 240,000 vehicles sold in 2025. Its lineup includes a broad range of body types from city cars to large SUVs and utes, meaning Toyota’s average price reflects this diversity.
Toyota average new car price (2026): $55,000
Toyota’s wide product range, from affordable Corolla models to premium SUVs and rugged utes, means its brand average is high but balanced between mainstream and higher-priced vehicles.
Ford SUV and Ute 2026 Prices in Australia
Ford is strongly associated with utes and SUVs in Australia. The Ford Ranger remains one of the nation’s best selling vehicles.
Ford average new car price (2026): $62,000
Ford’s average price is quite high because of the popularity of its utes and SUVs, many of which are priced above the compact car segment.
Mazda Car Prices in Australia 2026
Mazda’s strategy focuses on mainstream cars and mid-sized SUVs known for stylish design and driving dynamics.
Mazda average new car price (2026): $47,000
Mazda’s average sits in the mid-range because its lineup skews toward passenger cars and mid-sized SUVs rather than heavy utes.
Kia Car Price in Australia 2026
Kia’s pricing strategy focuses on strong value for entry- and mid-range buyers. It also includes electrified models that add diversity to the range.
Kia average new car price (2026): $41,000
With some of the cheapest new car prices in Australia, Kia’s average is lower than the other mainstream brands, making it attractive for budget buyers.
Hyundai Car Price in Australia 2026
Hyundai offers a wide range from value small cars to larger SUVs and has strengthened its offering with electrified versions in several segments.
Hyundai average new car price (2026): $44,000
Hyundai’s range spans accessible everyday cars and larger SUVs, keeping its average price competitive.
Brand Comparison: Average New Car Prices Australia 2026
Key Insights
- Ford sits at the top because its portfolio includes high value utes and large SUVs.
- Toyota’s strong SUV and ute lineup boosts its average, despite having lower-priced hatch cars.
- Mazda’s mid-range focus keeps it squarely in the middle.
- Hyundai and Kia cater to value buyers with competitive pricing in entry and mid segments.
Remember that these are brand averages; your actual price will depend on the specific model, trim level, extras, and dealer offerings you choose.
What This Means for Australian Buyers
Understanding brand averages and model price ranges helps you narrow your car budget before visiting dealerships. Here’s how you can use this data:
- Entry level buyers should focus on brands with lower starting prices like Kia and Hyundai.
- SUV and family buyers might find better value from Mazda and Toyota, which combine volume pricing with strong resale values.
- Work and heavy-use buyers looking at utes may see Ford and Toyota as obvious options but should factor in higher average costs.
Beyond Purchase Price: Total Cost of Ownership in Australia
The price you pay for a new car is just part of the ownership story. Typical ongoing costs such as fuel, insurance, registration, servicing, and maintenance add up over time.
Recent surveys estimate households spend a significant portion of their weekly budget on car running costs, including fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
A representative weekly breakdown might look like this:
This table highlights that while the purchase price is front of mind, the largest ongoing cost over time often comes from finance and fuel.
Why Prices Keep Rising in 2026
Multiple forces in the Australian market are driving higher new car prices:
- SUV and ute demand: Larger vehicles often cost more than small cars.
- Advanced technology: New safety and infotainment systems increase base prices.
- Hybrid/electric adoption: Electrified models often cost more up front than petrol equivalents.
Market experts have noted that average new car prices in Australia climbed above the mid-forties in recent years and continue to rise as buyers choose more equipment and technology.
Practical Advice for Buyers in 2026
Here are key tips to make smarter decisions when shopping for a new car:
- Start with a budget ceiling: Use brand averages to set a realistic target before comparing models.
- Compare drive-away prices: MSRP is a starting point, but ask for full drive-away quotes.
- Consider total ownership cost: Depreciation, insurance, servicing, and fuel matter as much as purchase price.
- Check upcoming releases: 2026 will see new SUVs and hybrid options that may offer better value or new technology.
Conclusion
In 2026 the average new car price in Australia varies significantly by brand, reflecting the types of vehicles most in demand and how brands position themselves in the market.
- Ford leads with the highest average price due to utes and larger SUVs.
- Toyota sits in a strong middle ground with broad appeal across segments.
- Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia provide value oriented choices across small cars and SUVs.
