When buying a new car, warranty coverage is one of the most underrated factors shaping the ownership experience. It doesn’t just protect against unexpected repair costs; it delivers peace of mind, long-term value, and confidence that a brand stands behind its product.
In 2026, Australian buyers are spoilt for choice, with several manufacturers offering warranty programs that stretch well beyond the industry standard. From decade-long coverage to unlimited-kilometre policies, these brands are raising expectations around durability, reliability, and customer support.
Whether you’re a high-mileage commuter, family buyer, rideshare driver, or long-term owner, warranty length and coverage can dramatically reduce running costs while increasing resale value and long-term satisfaction.
Here are the top 5 carmakers with the best warranties in Australia in 2026, and why their coverage stands out.
Nissan – Longest Warranty by Mileage
Nissan’s 5-year unlimited-kilometre standard warranty, extendable to 10 years/300,000 km when serviced through authorised dealers. It remains the most generous kilometre-based coverage offered by any mainstream manufacturer in Australia. For drivers who rack up serious mileage, this policy provides unmatched long-term protection.
Rather than simply extending time, Nissan has focused on total distance, ensuring high-usage drivers such as commuters, regional buyers, fleet operators, and rideshare drivers receive meaningful real-world benefits. The result is a warranty that genuinely reflects how Australians use their cars.
| Nissan | |
|---|---|
| Standard warranty | 10 years/300,000 km |
| Battery warranty | 8 years/160,000 km |
| Standard vehicle warranty | 5 years/unlimited km |
| Paint & anti-perforation | Industry-standard protection |
| Additional perks | Capped-price servicing programsRoadside assistance packagesExtended coverage when servicing within the dealer network |
MG – Best Time-Based New Car Warranty
MG continues to set the benchmark for time-based warranty coverage, offering a class-leading 10-year warranty that significantly reshapes expectations in the affordable and mid-size car segments.
Its combination of long-term mechanical coverage, strong battery protection, and generous corrosion warranties gives buyers rare peace of mind, particularly at budget-friendly price points. MG’s warranty strategy plays a major role in its rapid rise across the Australian market.
| MG | |
|---|---|
| Standard warranty | 10 years/250,000 km |
| Battery warranty | 7 years/150,000 km |
| Standard vehicle warranty | 7 years/unlimited km |
| Paint & anti-perforation | 7 years/unlimited km |
| Additional perks | Long roadside assistance coverageCapped-price servicingStrong dealer-backed ownership programs |
Mitsubishi – Long-Term Ownership Champion
Mitsubishi has built its Australian reputation on durability and long-term reliability, and its 10-year warranty reflects that philosophy. Covering up to 200,000 km, it provides substantial peace of mind for families, adventurers, and regional drivers alike.
The Japanese brand’s focus on rugged engineering and proven reliability pairs perfectly with extended warranty protection, making Mitsubishi a favourite among long-term owners.
| Mitsubishi | |
|---|---|
| Standard warranty | 10 years/200,000 km |
| Battery warranty | 8 years/160,000 km |
| Standard vehicle warranty | 7 years/unlimited km |
| Paint & anti-perforation | Industry-standard protection |
| Additional perks | Extended roadside assistanceTransparent servicing programsStrong dealer coverage nationwide |
Omoda – Very Long Warranty for New Entrants
Omoda has entered the Australian market aggressively, and its 8-year unlimited-kilometre warranty sends a powerful message of confidence. Few brands offer such expansive protection, especially for new-market entrants.
Unlimited kilometre coverage removes usage anxiety altogether, appealing strongly to rideshare drivers, frequent travellers, and families planning long-term ownership.
| Omoda | |
|---|---|
| Standard warranty | 8 years/unlimited km |
| Battery warranty | 8 years/unlimited km |
| Standard vehicle warranty | 8 years/unlimited km |
| Paint & anti-perforation | Industry-standard coverage |
| Additional perks | 8 years roadside assist & servicing support |
GAC – Premium Warranty with Unlimited Distance
GAC arrives in Australia with a strong ownership proposition, led by an 8-year unlimited-kilometre warranty for its EV range and competitive long-term coverage for its petrol and plug-in hybrid models.
The brand’s focus on battery durability, combined with comprehensive mechanical protection, positions GAC as a serious contender for buyers prioritising peace of mind.
| GAC | |
|---|---|
| Standard warranty | 8 years/unlimited km (For PHEV & ICE – 7 years/unlimited km) |
| Battery warranty | 8 years/200,000 km |
| Standard vehicle warranty | Competitive market coverage |
| Paint & anti-perforation | Industry-standard protection |
| Additional perks | Roadside assistance programsEV servicing packagesLong-term support programs |
Why does a warranty matter when buying a car in Australia
Warranty coverage directly influences ownership satisfaction, long-term affordability, and resale value. In Australia’s demanding driving environment, characterised by long distances, harsh climates, and varied road conditions, extended warranty programs provide critical peace of mind.
A strong warranty can:
- Reduce unexpected repair expenses
- Improve resale value
- Encourage long-term ownership
- Provide confidence in brand reliability
- Simplify budgeting through predictable running costs
With modern vehicles becoming increasingly complex, particularly through electrification, battery systems, and advanced electronics, extended warranties now play a bigger role than ever in protecting buyers from costly repairs.
Final thoughts
The carmakers with the best warranties in Australia of 2026 demonstrate a clear shift towards longer, more comprehensive ownership protection. Brands like Nissan, MG, Mitsubishi, Omoda, and GAC are redefining what buyers should expect when investing in a new vehicle.
From kilometre-focused coverage to unlimited-distance programs and decade-long protection, these warranties transform ownership from a calculated risk into a confident commitment.
In a market filled with choice, warranty coverage has become a decisive factor. For many Australians, it may now be just as important as performance, design, and price, proving that peace of mind is one of the most valuable features any car can offer.
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