According to data collated by CarExpert from the Electric Vehicle Council’s monthly report and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries’ (FCAI) VFACTS report, the Australian new-vehicle market recorded its best July on record with 108,577 vehicle deliveries, representing a 4.2 per cent increase compared to July 2025. While petrol remained the overall powertrain of choice, electrified vehicles—comprising electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids—accounted for 48.4 per cent of the total market.
Toyota Maintains Dominance Amid Surging Chinese Brands
Toyota secured its traditional spot at the top of the sales charts in July 2026, delivering 20,409 vehicles despite a 6.0 per cent year-on-year decline, according to the FCAI VFACTS data. The Japanese manufacturer sold nearly three times as many vehicles as second-placed BYD, which logged 7857 deliveries—a 70.5 per cent increase from the previous year. BYD previously noted that its tight June gap behind Toyota was an anomaly unlikely to be repeated immediately, but the brand maintained a healthy margin over third-placed Kia, which recorded 6553 sales, down 11.5 per cent.
Pro Tip: When evaluating new vehicle trends, examine both monthly VFACTS data and broader powertrain shifts, as hybrid and PHEV adoption rates continue to reshape traditional segment boundaries.
Model-Specific Battles: RAV4 and HiLux Lead the Charge
At the model level, the Toyota RAV4 led the entire Australian market in July with 5,564 deliveries, driven by full lineup availability and a notable uptake in plug-in hybrid variants, which accounted for nearly 40 per cent of its deliveries. Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux reclaimed its crown in the 4×4 ute segment over the Ford Ranger, posting 4,119 sales to the Ranger’s 3,827 and taking second place overall on the monthly charts.
Tesla experienced a sharp delivery surge, finishing seventh overall with 4,778 units—a 421.0 per cent jump compared to a softer July 2025. According to independent tracking, Tesla’s performance was bolstered by the rollout of the stretched Model Y L, which recorded 2,429 deliveries and was counted separately as a large SUV, alongside 2,215 standard Model Y deliveries.
Did You Know? China has solidified its position as Australia’s primary source of new vehicles, with Chinese brands accounting for 38,555 deliveries in July—a 93.0 per cent year-on-year increase—led by strong showings from BYD, Chery, GWM, MG, and newcomer Geely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the best-selling vehicle in Australia in July 2026?
According to industry data, the Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling vehicle in July 2026 with 5,564 deliveries.
How much did the Australian new-vehicle market grow in July?
The market grew by 4.2 per cent compared to July 2025, reaching a record 108,577 total deliveries.
What market share did electrified vehicles capture?
Electrified vehicles, including EVs, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, accounted for 48.4 per cent of the total new-vehicle market in July.
To explore more automotive insights and detailed sales breakdowns, check out our latest reviews and segment analysis.
Keep reading