Best-selling SUVs in Australia for April 2025

While SUVs remain a strong presence in the Australian market, their grip may be loosening in some segments. The Toyota RAV4, one of the country’s best-selling SUVs, saw a sharp 35% drop in sales in April 2025, falling behind utes like the HiLux and Ranger. Large SUVs such as the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest held steady, with just one unit separating them, indicating ongoing demand for spacious, off-road-capable vehicles. However, plug-in hybrid SUVs were hit the hardest, with sales plummeting by over 60% after a key tax break ended on March 31. Models like the BYD Shark 6 and Sealion 6 saw significant declines, highlighting the vulnerability of emerging SUV tech to policy changes.

 Here are the top-sellers for April, based on the latest data from VFACTS:

April sales at a glimpse

Light SUVs

Mazda CX-3 maintained its leadership in the Light SUV category with 1,053 units sold, well ahead of the Toyota Yaris Cross, which finished second with 834 units. The Suzuki Jimny followed with 685 sales, still remaining popular amongst Aussies.

Small SUVs under $45k

The Hyundai Kona took the lead in the small SUV segment under $45,000 with 1,605 units, closely followed by the MG ZS with 1,587 sales. The GWM Haval Jolion rounded out the top three with 1,423 sales, proving to be a strong competitor in this price-conscious segment.

Small SUVs over $45k

In the premium small SUV category, the BMW X1 was the front-runner with 571 sales, leaving the Volkswagen T-Roc (375) and the new Kia EV6 (336) behind. German brands continue to dominate this space for those looking for a more upscale offering.

Medium SUVs under $60k

Toyota’s dominance continued in the medium SUV category with the Toyota RAV4 securing the top spot with 3,808 units sold. The Kia Sportage (1,701) and Nissan X-Trail (1,615) completed the top three, showing that Australians continue to favour well-rounded and reliable choices for family SUVs.

Medium SUVs over $60k

In the premium medium SUV space, BMW X3 was the leader with 497 sales, followed by the Lexus NX (462) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (455). Despite fluctuating interest in luxury vehicles, these models continued to attract premium buyers seeking comfort and performance.

Large SUVs under $80k

The Ford Everest was the star in the large SUV category under $80,000, selling 2,234 units. The Toyota Prado followed closely with 2,233 sales, while the Isuzu MU-X, which is a strong contender in the off-road and family SUV market, took third with 1,223 units sold.

Large SUVs over $80k

For those after a premium large SUV, the BMW X5 led the segment with 393 sales, followed by the Land Rover Defender (350) and the Range Rover Sport (194), with both British brands showcasing their luxury and off-road capabilities.

Upper Large SUVs Under $120k

The Toyota LandCruiser Wagon was the top seller in this category with 1,022 units sold, a clear favorite for Australians who demand rugged off-road performance and seating for larger families. The Nissan Patrol Wagon (541) secured second place, while the Land Rover Discovery (37) lagged behind in this competitive market.

Upper large SUVs over $120k

The BMW X7 dominated the high-end luxury SUV space with 116 sales, ahead of the Lexus GX (91) and the Lexus LX (71), which shows that large, luxury SUVs continue to attract those seeking the ultimate in performance and prestige.

Quick takeaways

• Toyota RAV4 still leads medium SUVs with 3,808 sales, but its drop from 4,321 last month shows pressure from rivals and shifting buyer preferences.
• Chinese brands are holding strong in budget-friendly segments. MG ZS (1,587) and GWM Haval Jolion (1,423) continue to challenge established players in the small SUV < $45k category.
• Heavy-duty SUVs remain popular. The Ford Everest (2,234) and Toyota Prado (2,233) topped large SUVs under $80k, showing strong demand for off-road-capable family vehicles.
• Luxury SUVs are still selling well. BMW leads across multiple price points — with the X1, X3, X5, and X7 each topping their respective segments.
• Hybrids are slipping. Plug-in hybrid SUV sales dropped, likely influenced by the end of the FBT exemption. Consumers may be rethinking value for money.
• Compact crossovers remain in demand. Mazda CX-3 (1,053) and Hyundai Kona (1,605) both show that Australians still love their small, city-friendly SUVs.
• Upper-large SUVs are gaining ground. The Toyota LandCruiser (1,022) and Nissan Patrol (541) showed continued strength in premium off-roaders, especially with local towing needs.

April 2025 SUV Market Insights (vs March)

• Light and small SUVs slowed down– Budget-friendly models like MG ZS and Mazda CX-3 saw fewer sales, hinting at buyer hesitation or seasonal dip.
• Chinese brands held strong but dipped– MG and GWM still placed well, though their numbers dropped from March.
• Medium SUVs stayed dominant– Toyota RAV4 led again, but all top sellers in this segment saw reduced numbers.
• Large SUVs surged– Ford Everest and Toyota Prado were nearly tied, showing consistent demand for tough, family-ready SUVs.
• Luxury and heavy-duty SUVs gained– BMW X5, Lexus GX, and LandCruiser saw higher traction, especially above the $80k mark.
• Electrified SUV interest cooled– EV and PHEV models fell off the top charts, likely due to supply issues or reduced incentives.

As Australia’s love for SUVs continues to soar, these top performers are setting the pace for the rest of 2025, offering everything from compact city crossovers to luxurious off-road machines. The diversity in choices reflects the growing demand for high-riding vehicles that cater to various lifestyles and budgets.