2020 was an unusual year to say the least, but Australians’ preference in vehicles was remarkably stable with dual cab utes, hatchbacks, and SUVs dominating again.
There were only two new entrants among the Top 10 best-selling vehicles in Australia: the Toyota Prado 4WD and the Hyundai Tucson family SUV.
Both sold less than 2019, but still outperformed a weak market where people hunkered down in the first half of the year to see how the COVID-19 crisis would pan out.
The standout performer for the year, and the only popular vehicle to see an increase in sales, was the Toyota RAV-4, which jumped a remarkable 54%.
Below, we round up the ten cars that were most popular with Australian in 2020.
1. Toyota Hilux
Consistently Australia’s best-selling car. This consummate workhorse offers petrol or diesel engines, 4x2 and 4x4 drive types and a choice between single, extra and dual cab bodies with either a pickup tray or cab chassis. Although it faces increasing competition from all major brands and even luxury marques, the HiLux is still the ute benchmark for reliability and utility.
2. Ford Ranger
Bigger and more aggressively-styled than ever before, the Ford Ranger is the rising challenger to the Toyota HiLux. This work ute is sold in a range of sizes and body styles and can serve as anything from a small, 4x2 single cab to extra and dual cab 4x4 utes. Only available in diesel, it can be bought with either a pickup or cab chassis tray.
3. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 pioneered the small SUV market in Australia after its launch in 1994, helping to move Australians from traditional sedans and wagons to soft-roader SUVs. The RAV4 has grown in size into a five-door SUV, and now looks a lot better than it’s boxy, two door predecessors. Buyers can choose between fuel efficient hybrid/petrol powertrain and a diesel engine, as well as two or four-wheel-drive.
4. Toyota Corolla
The definitive small hatchback, Toyota has sold more than a million Corollas in Australia since their launch here in 1967 and 30 million worldwide. Now available as a small-sized hatch and sedan it offers a polished drive experience, fuel efficiency, and much sportier looks.
5. Mazda CX-5
The first Mazda CX-5 only arrived in Australia in 2012, making it one of the youngest vehicles in the SUV category. Despite that, it quickly became almost as popular as the long-time class leaders, the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. It is currently available in two and all-wheel drive, with two different petrol engines and a sporty diesel.
6. Hyundai i30
Since its launch in 2007, the i30 has grown to be one of Australia’s most popular cars, in some years coming in at number 1. The current model is a comfortable family car, mainly due to its large boot, well-appointed interior, Apple Carplay and a host of high-tech safety and driver assistance features. It is available in a Hatchback or a Sedan.
7. Mitsubishi Triton
The Triton is Mitsubishi’s budget competitor to the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. It is available in single and dual cab, two- and four-wheel drive. The entire Triton range uses the same diesel engine. The key to its long-term success is it’s sharp pricing, reliability and class-leading 10-year warranty.
8. Toyota Prado
The little brother of the venerable Toyota Landcruiser, the Toyota LandCruiser Prado is a capable 4WD that is also a competent family car and towing vehicle with seating for seven. The current model has the latest tech with a large media screen, Carplay, and loads of interior space.
9. Kia Cerato
Kia first brought the Cerato to Australia in 2004 as a cheap and cheerful small car. It is now available as a Sedan or Hatchback and successfully competes with more expensive rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30. For a budget car, it looks good and is fun to drive.
10. Hyundai Tucson
Introduced in its current form in 2015, this attractive mid-size sports utility has steadily improved its market share each year, this year cracking the Top 10 overall. Available with petrol or diesel engines and a front or all-wheel drivetrain, the SUV is comfortable, with good handling, a great safety package and a long warranty.
If you are in the market for any of these vehicles, you may need to get finance. At carloans.com.au, our friendly car loan specialists can help you finance your dream vehicle with a great value car loan that is perfect for your needs.