ACT’s Top-Selling Car of 2025: Buyer Insights and 2026 Win Predictions
The Toyota RAV4 continues to dominate the car sales landscape in Canberra, maintaining its status as the top-selling vehicle in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) for 2025. A recent analysis of new car sales revealed that 949 units of the RAV4 were sold last year, outperforming the second-place Tesla Model Y, which secured 771 sales. The third spot was claimed by the Ford Ranger with 613 units sold.
Top-Selling Vehicles in the ACT
The sales rankings for popular vehicles in Canberra included:
- Toyota RAV4 – 949 sales
- Tesla Model Y – 771 sales
- Ford Ranger – 613 sales
- BYD Shark 6 – 512 sales
- Toyota HiLux – 416 sales
- Hyundai Kona – 398 sales
- BYD Sealion 7 – 322 sales
- Mitsubishi Outlander – 310 sales
- Mazda CX-5 – 290 sales
- Hyundai Tucson – 281 sales
Brand Sales Overview
In terms of overall brand performance, Toyota led with 2,983 sales, followed by:
- BYD – 1,500
- Hyundai – 1,218
- Kia – 1,168
- Mazda – 1,137
- Ford – 1,024
- Tesla – 1,011
- Volkswagen – 854
- GWM – 691
- Subaru – 659
National Car Sales Trends
Across Australia, the Ford Ranger emerged as the top-selling vehicle for 2025, with a staggering 56,555 units sold. The Toyota RAV4 followed closely with 51,947 sales, maintaining its status as a consumer favorite. Toyota’s dominance in the market continued in 2025, with a total sale of 239,863 vehicles, capturing 19.8% of the total market share.
Shift in Vehicle Preferences
This year’s data indicates a shift in consumer preferences, especially in Canberra. Regular petrol vehicles accounted for 31.2% of new car sales, a decrease from previous figures. Conversely, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles saw remarkable growth, with increases of 24% and 62%, respectively.
Who is Buying the RAV4?
Insights from local dealerships reveal that the majority of RAV4 buyers in Canberra are private customers. Mirko Milic, dealer principal at Canberra Toyota, noted that around 70% of RAV4 sales were to private individuals. The popularity of the RAV4 among families and individuals looking for versatility is a significant driver of its sales.
Upcoming RAV4 Enhancements
Exciting developments are on the horizon for Toyota’s RAV4, with the launch of a new model expected in April 2026. The base hybrid model starts at $45,990 and includes upgraded technology and safety features. Furthermore, Toyota will introduce its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option, which combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, offering a 100 km electric driving range.
Predictions for the 2026 Market
The forthcoming RAV4 models are anticipated to generate significant demand due to their innovative features and competitive pricing. Both Milic and fellow dealer Duncan Brede express confidence in the new model’s success, highlighting the anticipated high demand in Canberra’s automobile market.
With the automotive landscape evolving, RAV4’s future performance in the ACT remains promising as both consumers and manufacturers adapt to new technologies and shifting market conditions.
