Best-selling cars in Australia for December 2025

Australia’s new-car market closed out 2025 with a solid December performance with over 100,000 cars sold. SUVs and dual-cab utes once again dominated the sales charts, while electric vehicles continued to gain ground among the country’s top-selling models.

According to FCAI VFACTS data, supplemented by Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) figures for EVs, December highlighted a market where traditional best sellers are now being joined and in some cases challenged by battery-electric and electrified alternatives. Here are the top 10 cars sold in December 2025.

Key takeaways

• Toyota RAV4 ended 2025 as Australia’s best-selling car, posting solid year-on-year growth in December with the new-gen coming in 2026.
• Ford Ranger continued its strong run, comfortably retaining second place with a significant rise compared to its sales performance in December 2024. 
• Toyota Hilux remained in the top three despite a notable year-on-year decline, as deliveries are yet to stabilise following the introduction of the new and improved ute launched towards the end of the year.
• Chinese-origin brands continued to gain momentum, led by the BYD Sealion 7 and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, both delivering standout December results.
• Mazda CX-5 and Toyota LandCruiser recorded strong growth, highlighting continued demand for proven, well-established nameplates.
• SUVs and dual-cab utes once again dominated the top 10, reinforcing their grip on Australian buyer preferences.

Segment shake-up

Affordable and mid-size SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Haval Jolion and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro continued to attract private buyers, while dual-cab utes like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max remained staples for trade and regional customers.

The strong debut of the BYD Sealion 7 plug-in hybrid SUV also underscores the growing acceptance of electric SUVs, particularly when paired with competitive pricing and strong perceived value.

Final thoughts

December’s results wrap up a year defined by steady overall growth, intensifying competition and the rising influence of Chinese brands. While long-standing favourites like the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Ranger continue to lead the market, newer entrants and value-driven models are reshaping the sales hierarchy.

With more electrified models and new brands set to arrive in 2026, Australia’s best-seller list looks poised for even greater disruption in the year ahead.