The battle between the HiLux and Ranger to become Australia’s top-selling vehicle was neck-and-neck in 2023.

VFACTS new-car sales data showed the Ford Ranger finally topped the sales charts in 2023, pushing the HiLux into second place after seven years on top.

In the final month, it was a strong lead for the Ranger, with 7767 sales – deliveries, not orders – for the 4×2 and 4×4 models, versus 5143 overall for the HiLux. This allowed it to overtake the HiLux to become the nation’s top-seller.

While attention is always focused on the top players in the Australian new-vehicle market, there’s plenty of competition elsewhere – especially in the top 10.

The all-electric Tesla Model Y proved strong, becoming Australia’s best-selling electric vehicle – and the sixth-highest car overall – with 28,263 registrations.

What were the most popular cars in Australia in 2023?

Here’s the top 10 at a glance. Continue reading for a more detailed explainer!

1. ? Ford Ranger
2. ? Toyota HiLux
3. ? Isuzu D-Max
4. ? MG ZS
5. ? Toyota RAV4
6. ? Tesla Model Y
7. ? Mitsubishi Outlander
8. ? Mazda CX-5
9. ? Hyundai Tucson
10. ? Toyota LandCruiser Prado

The rundown

Here is a broad look at the top-10 vehicles sold in Australia in 2023, and a table for the top-20 vehicles.

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Ford Ranger

The third-generation Ford Ranger – launched in mid-2022 – proved a hit with buyers.

It overtook the Toyota HiLux as Australia’s top-selling vehicle in the final month of 2023 with a margin of 2245 units.

It was already the top-selling 4×4, with 58,261 units shifted in 2023 – rising to 63,356 when 4×2 and 4×4 sales are combined.

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Toyota HiLux

Australia’s top-selling vehicle between 2016 and 2022, the HiLux, was pushed to second following a record-breaking December for the Ranger.

In 2023, 4×4 examples accounted for 48,995 sales of 61,111 in total.

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Isuzu D-Max

The latest-generation Isuzu D-Max rose to third with 31,202 sales (▲ from 24,336).

The D-Max and MU-X ranges have benefited from MY23 updates, which you can learn about here for D-Max and here for MU-X.

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Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 was held back by supply constraints, but a production boost in the second half allowed it to places fourth with 29,627 sales (▼ from 34,845).

While the RAV4 retained its position as Australia’s best-selling SUV, it had a narrow lead over the smaller MG ZS and all-electric Tesla Model Y.

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MG ZS

China’s MG ZS led the popular small SUV segment due to its popularity with fleet companies and affordable pricing.

In 2023, 29,258 examples of the ZS – including the ZST and ZS EV – were been registered in Australia (▲ from 22,466).

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Tesla Model Y

The all-electric Tesla Model Y had a bumper year, beating its Model 3 sedan sibling to become Australia’s top-selling electric vehicle.

In 2023, the mid-size electric SUV was Australia’s sixth best-selling car with 28,769 sales (▲ from 8717) – beating the popular Mitsubishi Outlander and Mazda CX-5.

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Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi’s latest-generation Outlander – first launched in 2021 – followed with 24,263 registrations (▲ from 19,546).

It was updated recently for model-year 2024 with a new paint colour, a permanent Black Edition variant, and a few safety improvements – but price rises up to $1800.

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Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 medium SUV followed with 23,083 sales (▼ from 27,062).

While a boost in unallocated supply at the start of 2023 helped the CX-5 to reclaim its former number-one spot in the mid-size SUV segment, it fell behind the supply-constrained Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander.

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Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson mid-size SUV placed ninth with 21,224 sales (▲ from 17,870).

It was outplaced by the Tesla Model 3 earlier in 2023, but a drop in sales for the electric sedan yet consistent demand for Hyundai’s RAV4 rival has seen it remain in the top 10 in Australia.

Currently available in petrol FWD, turbo-petrol AWD and diesel AWD forms, Hyundai has confirmed a hybrid Tucson will join the local line-up in mid-2024 at the same time as its mid-life facelift.

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Toyota LandCruiser Prado

Australia’s top-selling large SUV, the Toyota Prado, kicked the Hyundai i30 out of 10th place in the final month of 2023.

It marks the first time a passenger vehicle hasn’t appeared in the Top 10 for annual sales in Australia, as buyers continue to favour larger SUVs.

Toyota sold 20,710 examples of the soon-to-be-replaced Prado in 2023, with the brand having high hopes the all-new model due in mid-2024 will further boost its success in Australia.

The Hyundai Kona has been awarded four stars by ANCAP, based on local active safety features and crash test results adopted from partner Euro NCAP.

The four-star rating applies to all Kona variants, including petrol, hybrid and electric, though it was the EV that was subject to destructive testing.

Its rating is derived from the four-star result published by European NCAP in December 2023, when executives said it was “lucky” not to get three stars.

ANCAP notes that the Kona’s test results were mixed, achieving five-star levels of Adult and Child Occupant Protection, but falling short against Safety Assist and Vulnerable Road User criteria.

The latest 2023 ANCAP protocols include heightened requirements for five stars. Penalty points have increased for vehicle-vehicle compatibility, higher scores are needed in Vulnerable Road User protection, and new features including a submergence check (in which the Kona was deemed non-compliant) are required.

Hyundai Australia declined to comment on the Kona’s four-star result.

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Breaking down the score

The Kona scored 80 per cent in Adult Occupant and 83 per cent in Child Occupant Protection, meaning its crashworthiness falls above the minimum standard (80%) for a five-star rating.

ANCAP noted that the Kona performed well in vehicle-vehicle crash compatibility, posing a low threat to other cars. It also scored highly in oblique pole and side impact destructive testing.

However, there were shortcomings for the driver, according to ANCAP’s report: “Protection of the driver’s chest in the full width frontal test was assessed as Weak.”

“The driver dummy was also observed to slip beneath the lap portion of the seatbelt in the full width test with crash forces transferred across the abdomen, and a scoring penalty applied for higher abdominal injury risk”, reads ANCAP’s report.

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Ultimately it was the active safety systems that brought the Kona below ANCAP’s five-star threshold, with a 64 per cent rating against Vulnerable Road User criteria (the five-star minimum was upgraded from 60 to 70 per cent minimum for 2023 protocols) and 62 per cent in the Safety Assist area.

There was no single failure point knocking the Kona down in these tests. Instead, a number of ‘adequate’ scores in individual Safety Assist and Vulnerable Road User tests are what pushed the Kona into the four-star zone.

For Euro NCAP, a four-star safety rating is defined as: “Overall good performance in crash protection and all-round; additional crash avoidance technology may be present”.

ANCAP takes a stricter view, however, describing a four-star vehicle as one that “Provides an adequate level of safety performance yet fell short in one or more key assessment areas. May present a higher injury risk to occupants and/or other road users in certain scenarios or have a reduced ability to avoid a crash.”

The Kona is the latest in a series of less-than-five-star ratings from ANCAP under tighter testing protocols and follows zero-star results for the Mahindra Scorpio and MG 5 in December 2023.

Toyota says it will have good supply of its incoming BZ4x electric car, measured against what it expects of local interest – and it’ll be able to get more quickly if demand outpaces those expectations.

Speaking with Wheels Media, Toyota Australia sales boss Sean Hanley was upfront in saying that the BZ4x’s sales potential is “not going to be massive volume in year one”.

Asked for a number, Hanley said “I think around 1500, but we have the capacity and capability to increase that if the demand’s there”.

That number is a few hundred units shy of Kia’s 1831 EV6 sales in 2023, but well behind Tesla’s 28,769 Model Y sales.

Hanley expanded on the company’s view that, even though the BZ4x is coming later than planned, it will “enter that market in the phase of growth”. In 2023, EVs represented just over 7 per cent of all new car sales, and Toyota expects that to grow to 10 per cent in 2024.

“They’re growing (EVs). No doubt. They grew from three to seven per cent. It’ll probably go from seven to 10 per cent in the new year, right? No doubt,” Hanley said. “The great news is that we’re entering that market in the phase of growth.”

Hanley said the BZ4x will be a crucial step into a new space for Toyota in Australia, along with even more hybrids and – finally – plug-in hybrids (PHEV) “probably by the second half of the decade”. The company also has the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV), although it remains a strictly limited, lease-only offering to approved customers.

“So our multi-pathway strategy has not altered. We’ll just have a choice and we’ll be able to provide cars to customers that are capable, affordable, and practical,” Hanley said. We detailed the company’s position on hybrids in this earlier story.

RAV4 Hybrid to BZ4x EV: The obvious upgrade?

Maybe, but not especially so, says Hanley

Asked if the BZ4x represents an obvious upgrade for RAV4 Hybrid owners, on its green credentials and cost-saving potential, Hanley said “I think there are (BZ4x buyers in the RAV4 Hybrid market), “but there’s a very different price and positioning structure to both those vehicles and ultimately that will play a role”.

One obvious barrier is that the BZ4x will likely start somewhere around $65-$70k, like most rivals in the segment, whereas the RAV4 Hybrid kicks off from just over $40k – although buyers tend to opt for the higher-grade XSE and Cruiser trims at close to and just over the $50k mark.

To address that, Hanley says the brand is “looking at [BZ4x] slightly different to the norm,” with plans to offer a full-service lease model to those who want such a package, beyond the basic option to buy the vehicle outright.

Toyota Finance Australia will provide the all-inclusive lease – not its Kinto car-rental service – and cover “rego, insurance, service, roadside assist and [Toyota Connected Services] connectivity” for the life of the lease. The lease, to be paid monthly, will also include tyre replacement.

“We’re looking at the whole of life costing and the risks involved in buying a BEV and offering customers a solution that takes that risk of resale, and what it’s worth after two or three years, out of the equation,” he said.

“Because one of the things we’re seeing in Europe, China and to some degree in the US, is resale values for BEV is becoming quite challenging and it’s getting very difficult to sell second hand BEVs.”

“This is an education piece.”

“It takes a long time to educate a market,” Hanley said, explaining why the brand is taking this step.

“It’s incumbent on us to educate the market. But also to show the market, what are the benefits of BEV and how do we take the risk out of BEV? One of the greatest risks they have now is around [charging] infrastructure, range, practicality and affordability. How do we, in the short term, get rid of that risk as best we can?”

Current EV owners would argue that while frustrating at times, Australia’s public charging infrastructure is only growing, while home charging means most buyers – those with access to such an option – rarely need to charge anywhere else.

“A BEV, in the whole, is still far more expensive to make”

Detractors, those who need or prefer vehicle types not currently catered to in the EV space, would obviously agree with Hanley.

“But you’ve got to understand that a BEV, in the whole, is still far more expensive to make than a hybrid vehicle or conventional vehicle, so when you asked the question about movement from RAV4 Hybrid to BEV, yes there will be some. It won’t be big, though, because the position is quite different.”

The big question, of course, is whether Toyota will ever dominate EV sales the way it currently dominates the overall market through its petrol and petrol-electric range.

Hey, we get it. With dozens of news and review stories published each week, it can be hard to keep up with all the latest in the automotive world.

Obviously we reckon every story we run is a banger, but if you’re looking for the highlights reel, this is it. Read on and click away!

The New Large SUVs Coming in 2024

Toyota Prado, Hyundai Santa Fe and Skoda Kodiaq are among the new-generation large-SUV big-hitters for 2024.

Toyota caught between a hybrid and a hard place

Toyota has repeatedly said it will have a strong EV line-up available in the next few years, but hybrids remain a top priority – will it stay on top of the market?

Guide: Are EVs good for towing?

Towing with an EV is certainly possible, but there are some compromises and challenges.

Last-ish HSV GTS-R W1 sells for $350k!

One of the last great V8 HSVs has sold for $350,888 at auction.

Hyundai’s Kona EV gets solid pricing

Hyundai Australia delivers a sharper entry price for larger, second-generation Kona Electric, available in two grades with standard or extended-range options.

Isuzu D-Max getting a hybrid option?

48-volt mild-hybrid power is on its way to D-Max and MU-X, according to a Thai magazine.

Chery adds more power for Omoda 5

China’s Chery Omoda 5 small SUV receives more equipment, plus promised 1.6-litre turbo and AWD options.

REVIEW: Peugeot’s compact E-2008 SUV driven

Peugeot’s fully electric compact SUV comes at a premium price.

Australia’s favourite EVs in 2023

The results are in: Australians purchased more EVs than ever in 2023 and Tesla ruled the roost.

The rise of Chinese cars in Australia

The remarkable rise of Chinese-built cars continues, courtesy of MG, GWM, LDV … though also Tesla and Volvo.

New recall notices have been issued, affecting Nissan, Land Rover and Volvo vehicles.

The details of each recall, as published, are posted below.

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• What is a recall?
• What to do if your car is recalled
• Why a car recall isn’t all bad news
• What is a vehicle identification number (VIN)?
• All ANCAP & vehicle safety stories

Lexus has revealed a high-power concept version of its new LBX light SUV at Tokyo Auto Salon 2024.

Though typically associated with value-oriented luxury and reliability, Toyota’s luxury spin-off has had a few massive performance hits over the years – the IS F, GS F, and stunning V10 LFA all come to mind.

On show at Auto Salon is a concept version of the brand’s new LBX light SUV fitted with GR-Four all-wheel drive and the 224kW ‘G16E-GTS’ turbo three-cylinder heart of the facelifted GR Yaris.

That’s more than twice the power of the 100kW hybrid LBX, so if the Morizo RR ever does come to fruition it’ll need a serious chassis and body makeover.

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While the LBX Morizo RR remains a concept for now, rival manufacturers including Audi with the RSQ3, BMW with the X1 M35i, and Mercedes-AMG with the GLA 45 have proven this recipe can be successful.

The Sonic Chrome-coloured LBX RR Morizo was the brainchild of Akio Toyoda (his nickname being Morizo) who wanted a practical, luxurious Lexus in his garage that was still fun to drive.

It wears bespoke front and rear clips with larger intakes to feed the powerful three-cylinder engine and cool its new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The wheel arches have been pumped to house the 19-inch alloy wheels which hide yellow brake calipers. The Morizo RR sits 10mm lower than a standard LBX to improve handling and aero.

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Like the GR Yaris, the LBX Morizo RR concept uses double wishbone rear suspension design rather than the base front-drive car’s torsion beam setup.

Lexus has not confirmed the LBX for production, but it has produced more outlandish vehicles in the past.

Leave your thoughts on the high-performance Lexus SUV in the comments below.

A mean Mitsubishi ‘Triton Snow Shredder’ has debuted at this week’s Tokyo Auto Salon, offering aspiring buyers a look at how their new hero ute could be made to look after it arrives in the coming weeks.

There aren’t many details, or even any more official photos, but the obvious tweaks include a snorkel, LED light bar, a steel bumper up front with a bash plate beneath, rock sliders at the sides, a cargo unit at the rear, bead-lock wheels and largely cosmetic wheel flares above slightly wider guard cladding.

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The brand hasn’t made any comment on whether any of these items will appear as genuine accessories, but we’d be keen to see just about all of it in the Mitsubishi catalogue.

Of course, plenty of TJM accessories have already been showcased, so there’s always that option.

A number of other off-road-styled Mitsubishis have been shown as well, with the Delica unquestionably the most capable in the pack – although I’m very into that Delica Mini.

Check them out below. Which do you like the most?

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Although we anticipate the arrival of a new Skoda Kodiaq in late 2024, the current model is impressively maintaining its graceful aging. And with new model prices a given at this point, the current Kodiaq could have you in your new family SUV for less.

What’s noteworthy is that, in contrast to recently refreshed competitors, the Skoda’s exterior still exudes a youthful and timeless charm.

In our 2023 evaluation for the Best Large SUV under $60k category, the Skoda emerged as the victor, surpassing even brand-new rivals.

However, before we delve into the upcoming update for this seven-seater family SUV, let’s take a closer look at what the mid-level Sportline variant has to offer.

Pricing & Features

The Style kicks off the Kodiaq range, before the Sportline and flagship RS trims– at $56,490 drive-away.

Moving to the Sportline for an extra $500 adds an array of features.

As a base grade the Style is well equipped, with a long list of standard features including 19-inch alloys, 9.2-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, LED day-time running lights, wireless phone charger and an electric tailgate.

The Sportline adds:

• Sports style seats
• Sports style steering wheel
• Black sporty design elements
• Power adjustable front seats
• Black roof rails
• Cornering lights
• 20-inch alloy wheels with unique design

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Powering the vehicle is the well-known 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 132kW of power and 320Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and offers variable all-wheel drive.

The Tech Pack at $3000 adds adaptive suspension, hands-free tailgate and more while the Luxury Pack brings features such as tri-zone climate control, electric leather front seats and massage function seats for an additional $6900. You can even chuck on a panoramic sunroof or leather seats as an extra.

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Safety

The Skoda Kodiaq Style currently lacks a rating from ANCAP, as the six-year window for reassessment has elapsed. However, it previously obtained a five-star rating based on evaluations conducted in 2017.

This rating comprised notable scores, including 92 percent for adult occupant protection, 77 percent for child occupant protection, 62 percent for pedestrian protection, and 54 percent for safety assist.

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Standard safety features are robust and include adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitoring, blind spot monitoring (a recent addition), nine airbags, as well as front and rear parking sensors.

One notable absence is the lane keep assist feature, which may be conspicuous in a vehicle of this size. However, it can be added by opting for the Luxury Pack if desired.

Key Rivals

Examples of notable competitors encompass other well-received seven-seater models:

• Toyota Kluger
• Mazda CX-9
• Honda CR-V
• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Palisade

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2024 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline stands as an outstanding option for individuals in search of a sporty-styled family SUV that seamlessly merges spaciousness and some European finesse.

Remarkably, even as it nears the conclusion of its product cycle, it maintains its competitiveness when compared to more recent rivals.

Its fusion of practical amenities and sophistication positions it as a standout within its category. If you’re in the market for an SUV that harmoniously combines fashion with functionality, the Kodiaq Style should unquestionably be on your list for consideration.

The facelifted 2024 Toyota GR Yaris has debuted with confirmation that the long-rumoured eight-speed automatic will be offered. Australian-spec production will begin later this year.

Since the launch of the GR Yaris in April 2021, there’s been speculation about an automatic transmission, with engineers updating Wheels about its development at the GR Corolla launch.

There was an assumption it would be an Aisin or ZF-sourced torque converter transmission adapted from existing parts, but GR doesn’t do things by halves. Instead, we’ve been served what Toyota calls a ground-up eight-speed ‘Direct Shift’ torque converter automatic in the facelifted version.

Along with the new transmission option (a six-speed manual will continue to be offered) and updated visage, the GR Yaris climbs in grunt by 24 kilowatts and 30Nm, exceeding the GR Corolla’s outputs at 224kW and 400Nm.

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Despite significant hikes in power, the 1.6-litre G16E-GTS turbo three-cylinder remains tractable, with peak power at 6500rpm and peak torque spread from 3250-4600rpm.

Taking advantage of the additional grunt are the eight shorter ratios in the available automatic. Toyota says the transmission has been honed in motorsport through a “breaking and fixing” philosophy.

The goal was to make downshifts as fast and smooth as possible, while also making the driving experience natural. Therefore, the ‘box’s electronic brain takes steering angle, brake force, and driving style into account in automatic mode.

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For the lever, GR has reversed the direction of shifting from normal Toyotas, so pushing forward shifts down a gear in line with natural g-forces.

Opting for the auto adds an extra 20kg to the GR Yaris’s kerb weight, bringing it up to 1300kg.

The remainder of the GR-Four AWD system is unchanged, and it sounds like the open differentials of the regular GR Yaris will be dropped and all examples, like the existing Rallye, will pack Torsen locking differentials front and rear.

There’s no official word on whether the auto will be offered in the GR Corolla, but Gazoo Racing would be silly not to broaden the rally-bred hot hatch’s appeal (and give it extra firepower against the VW Golf R).

The torque converter automatic also features in an LBX concept revealed at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon.

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Following the GR Corolla’s lead, the upgraded GR Yaris gets more drive modes, with Eco, Normal and Sport adjusting throttle, sound and steering characteristics – plus the GR-Four AWD mode selector.

There’s also Circuit mode that uses GPS to detect when the car is on a racetrack – at least in Japan – which deactivates the 180km/h speed limiter (Japan only) and activates an anti-lag feature.

Toyota has directly addressed issues with GR Yaris ergonomics. The bucket seats are set 25mm lower and the steering wheel position has been adjusted.

A new “easier to pull” vertical handbrake will be offered for Japan’s track-focused RC trim level to enable quicker operation by placing it closer to the gear shifter and steering wheel.

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A new centre stack angled 15º towards the driver opens up more space between the infotainment system and mirror to aid visibility.

To enhance stiffness, Gazoo Racing has increased the number of spot welds by 13 per cent, and structural adhesive by 24 per cent.

Visually, the updated GR Yaris is differentiated by a new lower grille with steel mesh designed to be more easily replaceable, and enlarged cooling vents on the side.

These enlarged inlets also feed fresh air to the sub-radiator and cooler for the automatic transmission. This can be enhanced by a factory cooling package option that brings intercooler water spray, among other features – though again, this may be limited to Japan.

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Local timing and pricing are yet to be revealed. Australian examples of the facelifted GR Yaris won’t begin rolling off the production line until late 2024.

Expect a launch in the fourth quarter of this year, or early 2025 for the all-paw pocket rocket.

Korean powerhouse Hyundai has used Japan’s premiere tuning and style show, Tokyo Auto Salon, to showcase new N Performance Parts destined for the options list of the Ioniq 5 N in the near future.

Decked out on an existing Ioniq 5 N to create what it calls the ‘IONIQ 5 N NPX1 concept’, the new N Performance Parts include – at a glance – new wheels and a new body kit to set the flagship EV apart from its regular form.

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Among them are a carbon-fibre front splitter, skirts, rear diffuser and rear wing, while new hybrid carbon wheels are tucked at each corner in front of new “high-performance” brake pads and lowered springs. Specific details on those features, however, have not been offered.

These parts will all be made available later in 2024, followed by a similar range of N Performance Parts upgrades “for all N models”.

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Sound off!

Back to the Ioniq 5 N, N brand vice president Joon Park said buyers can also look forward to the availability of over-the-air updates including sound packs (the current Ioniq 5 N’s surprisingly rorty note is based on the i30 N) and new configurations for the vehicle’s power and ride calibration.

Park says these options “will open a completely new category of EV customisation for an exciting future ahead for the tuning community”.