Top-selling SUVs in Australia for July 2025

Australia’s obsession with SUVs continued to surge in July 2025, with strong momentum across almost every segment. Whether it’s light urban crossovers, value-packed mid-sizers, or go-anywhere family wagons, SUV buyers were spoilt for choice, and they showed up in droves. While household names like Mazda, Toyota, and Hyundai continued to dominate, July also revealed interesting shifts, especially with emerging brands making quiet but meaningful gains. 

Tesla’s grip on the premium electric SUV market tightened even further, and BYD’s dual-pronged Sealion strategy continued to pay off. With preferences leaning heavily toward practicality, badge appeal, and greener options, the month’s numbers are a clear indicator of where Australia’s SUV market is headed.

July sales at a glimpse

Light SUVs

The Mazda CX-3 continues its reign as the favourite in the light SUV segment, clocking 1,293 sales in July. Despite growing competition, it remains a go-to option for urban drivers seeking practicality in a compact form. The Toyota Yaris Cross followed with 958 units, while the Hyundai Venue, another affordable city-friendly option, rounded off the podium with 655 sales.

Small SUVs under $45k

Chery made a strong impression this month, with the Tiggo 4 leading the pack at 2,065 units, marking one of the brand’s biggest monthly performances. Its mix of affordability and decent feature set is resonating with budget-conscious Aussie buyers. The Hyundai Kona wasn’t far behind at 1,903 units, enjoying a solid post-facelift run, while the GWM Haval Jolion maintained its steady climb with 1,687 sales.

Small SUVs over $45k

Premium small SUVs saw more subdued volumes, although the BMW X1 maintained the lead with 554 units. The recently redesigned Toyota C-HR came in second with 506 sales, offering a bold new look that’s drawing attention. Volkswagen’s T-Roc followed closely with 458 units, appealing to buyers looking for European flair in a compact package.

Medium SUVs under $60k

The Toyota RAV4 continued its dominant streak, topping this segment with a massive 4,415 units, nearly doubling the sales of its closest competitor. The improved supply has helped Toyota recover significantly. The Hyundai Tucson (1,914) and Mitsubishi Outlander (1,869) completed the top three, both maintaining strong momentum in this highly competitive segment.

Medium SUVs over $60k

In the premium mid-size category, the Tesla Model Y narrowly edged ahead with 555 sales, narrowly beating the Lexus NX (552) and the Mercedes-Benz GLC (536). Although Tesla’s overall deliveries declined due to shipment delays, the Model Y continued to hold its position in the luxury EV segment. Lexus and Mercedes continue to battle it out with hybrid and ICE options that remain strong contenders.

Large SUVs under $80k

Family haulers were led by the Ford Everest, which saw 2,425 units delivered, a 12.2% gain year-on-year. The all-new Toyota Prado wasn’t far behind, posting 2,339 sales after a major product update. The Isuzu MU-X came in third, with 1,635 units sold, maintaining its position as a rugged yet value-packed alternative for towing and off-road adventures.

Large SUVs over $80k

Among the higher-end large SUVs, the Land Rover Defender proved the most popular with 429 units. Despite its price tag, its off-road pedigree and distinctive styling make it a favourite among enthusiasts. The BMW X5 followed with 254 sales, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE secured 232 units – both continuing to attract buyers who want luxury, tech, and performance in one package.

Upper Large SUVs under $120k

The Toyota Land Cruiser Wagon remained the undisputed leader in this segment, with 1,406 units, proving its reputation as a reliable outback tourer remains unchallenged. The Nissan Patrol held on with 508 sales, while the new Kia EV9, still in its early days, registered 25 units – showing that there’s room for growth in the full-size electric SUV market.

Upper Large SUVs over $120k

At the very top end, the Lexus GX led the niche segment with 106 units, followed by the BMW X7 (90) and the Lexus LX (72). While sales volumes are modest, they reflect steady demand from buyers seeking high-end capability paired with luxury and status.

Where July stood against June

Compared to June, overall SUV sales in July remained strong but showed a slight seasonal dip, likely due to EOFY activity winding down. While some top performers, such as the Tesla Model Y and Mazda CX-5, maintained their positions, others, like the Hyundai Kona and Ford Everest, experienced minor shifts in rankings. Notably, BYD’s Sealion duo continued to build on the momentum gained in June, with growing visibility in the medium SUV category.

Quick takeaways 

• Toyota still dominates across most SUV segments, with the RAV4 and Land Cruiser Wagon leading their classes by a wide margin.
• Chinese brands are rising fast, with Chery’s Tiggo 4 topping the small SUV <$45k segment and GWM Jolion maintaining strong sales.
• Hyundai maintains its position in multiple categories, particularly with the Kona and Tucson consistently performing well.
• Premium SUV buyers are split, with tight competition between Tesla, Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz across medium and large luxury segments.
• Ford and Isuzu thrive in the large SUV space, thanks to the Everest and MU-X – both benefiting from Australia’s love for off-road-ready family vehicles.
• EVs are making their mark slowly, with the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model Y establishing a presence in higher-priced segments, although volumes are still modest.