Possibly you’re New Year’s resolution was to finally get a new car. Well, let us lead you the right way.’ ‘Well, please tell me what to do with your ?
Many cars are attempting to keep themselves above water as more and more auto brands flood the Australian market.
Some of these cars are selling much below what we expect from a Toyota Prado or HiLux, but not every car can sell as well as the one that is sold for. You can buy something that you will never see on every street corner, and possibly get a good deal in the process.
We examined models that had market share in their respective VFACTS segment of less than five per cent for this exercise, and from January 1 to November 30, 2025 examples were delivered over 2000.
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Hyundai Sonata
KGM Korando
Skoda Scala
GWM Cannon Alpha
They also had to be on sale for the whole year, ruling out any recent entrants or discontinued vehicles.
We weeded out older models confirmed that they will be replaced by new generations next year, and any sport car full-size van or other models which compete in the Upper Large SUV over $120k and Upper High car over $100k segments defined by VFACTS.
That left us with a long list of underrated cars… and perhaps some where we know why Australian buyers might be reluctant to take the plunge.
But never mind those, let’s look at the models you need to start buying in 2026.
Max Davies: Cupra Leon
While it’s a niche model, the Leon is – for those who want something special with.
If you could just save the hassle and go for a Volkswagen Golf instead of s, yes, so would you save some money that way. Nevertheless, the Leon is a nice alternative from ‘brand that clearly feels very comfortable with its identity and for that reason it’s worth reading.
Plus, the Leon has just received a substantial update, giving you more reasons to buy one than ever.
We like the Leon Sportstourer VZx, which is one of the few automotive entities still holding onto wagons for fans of this old Golf R Wagon.
It is a minor drawback to the new Leon, which is quite expensive, but it’s just as much for everyone because of its sheer choice across the range that there should be something in all people — at least more so than what was originally said.
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Explore the Cupra Leon showroom
Alborz Fallah: Any Genesis
I’ve said it a long time ago and will keep saying that, go to your Genesis showroom, see their cars at the dealerships or be amazed at how good they are.
It’s a bit of an irony, not that it should be said, but if you are thinking about buying – and have this strange predisposition to Chinese car because some political or ideological reason — just drive one (and tell me how quickly you changed your mind according to merit)?
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Explore the Genesis showroom
Sean Lander: Skoda Karoq
I’m a little bit biased here because I actually bought one in 2025, but it is a fantastic little SUV.
Do not forget to get the 110TSI because it’s punchy and economical (running 5 now). In ours 9L/100km (mainly highway driving), tech-wise but no intrusive safety aids, Skoda dealers are willing to do deals to move stock.
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Explore the Skoda Karoq showroom
Paul Maric: Any Genesis
Any Genesis What is the for Anything Genesis? But if you’re so luxury and upmarket feel like when driving a Genesis, more premium car buyers don’t flock to the brand.
These s are a little more expensive than what you get and have good interiors that don’t want to remove every button in sight.
Why people don’t buy more of them is strange to me.
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Explore the Genesis showroom
Josh Nevett: Skoda Enyaq
Australians are making good buying decisions, as there isn’t too many ‘indie’ cars I need to campaign for. That said, I was in to bat for the Genesis GV70 last year and stand by that; as well as the Skoda Enyaq.
The electric Enyaq SUV is now much more affordable than it used to be, reducing rivals like the BYD Sealion 7, Tesla Model Y and Kia EV5 in base trim (updated for 2025). Certainly, for under $55,000 drive-away you get an attractive European EV with the list of standard equipment and Volkswagen Group support.
Yet, only 313 deliveries were recorded to the end of November. meanwhile, BYD has sold over 10,000 Sealion 7s and Kia EV5 sales 4541.
Although I don’t have a market for an Enyaq, buyers should look to pay up for the Sportline and optional Ultimate Package ($5000), as adaptive suspension is – it goes incredibly long way to address an otherwise choppy ride. Otherwise, the Enyaq is ‘easy to be living with and want for very little’.
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Explore the Skoda Enyaq showroom
Damion Smy: Renault Megane E-Tech
We’re still waiting for the Euro update, so a low-ball deal at. dealer could score you an electric hatch with solid EV range and slick, unique design of ‘everyone tonesty power car on your back? Don’t give up to boring; there’s a deal.
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Explore the Renault Megane E-Tech showroom
William Stopford: Any Genesis
The G70 is a bit old and sucked up, okay, but it’s fun still. The GV60 is expensive but successful EV, it’s just a bit… ugly.
It is hard to beat the combination of refinement, build quality and luxury accommodations that they combine for the GV70, VG80 and G80 as well as their combined blend of sophistication. Then there are the capable petrol and electric powertrains of . All that’s missing is a hybrid, and that’s what’ll be the pipeline for .
I have got a great aftersales package with Genesis cars, it’s just looking for if you can find an issue dealer that isn’t good. The opening of stores with franchise partners is a key factor in Genesis’s attempt to gain some volume as it finally opens up retail locations with partners. The sales of its products have been booming since the disappointment in 2024, although it has not attempted to change with this agency model that could have grown here more quickly.
In the meantime, buy a Genesis and you’re getting one of the best-kept secrets in our market.
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Explore the Genesis showroom
James Wong: Cupra Leon
Yes, I’m dying on this hill.
There’s still a lot of small cars, and the Leon is one of the best of that bunch among those smaller cars. Sporty handling, a driver-focused cabin and European tech make sporty cars feel like an expensive compact car experience for still-mainstream money.
If you buy an original-brand Mazda 3 for less than a lot more money, it’s something that is more distinctive, more efficient and more tech-laden. It’s also something that is becoming increasingly rare in mainstream cars, as Cupra’d bold colour choices are a part of the trend.
It will be the only small passenger car to offer a plug-in hybrid drivetrain option, one with about 120km of EV range, come early 2026. The Spanish hatchback shapes are a fun alternative to the phrase, if you’re looking for something that’s electrified but isn’t an EV or – even – e.g.
MORE:
Explore the Cupra Leon showroom
Ben Zachariah: Honda Accord
A lot of great cars are out there that I’m surprised to not get more sales, such as the Volkswagen Amarok, the KGM Musso and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. But I am shocked by how many people aren’t buying the Honda Accord?
The Toyota Camry and Lexus ES, perhaps the best place to be in between it is an exclusive interior with a great ride, lovely powertrain and slick styling. The lack of heated seats is dumb, though, and the only plausible explanation for its poor sales was that it sold poorly.
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Explore the Honda Accord showroom
Marton Pettendy: Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg is undoubtedly the most underrated new model on sale in Australia today.
In 2018, the third-generation Touareg, which was released in 2018, lives up to its promise of delivering similar luxury, technology and refinement as it has with its Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 sister models for much less money than its predecessors.
But when the Touareg production ends, if you’re in the market for a relatively cheap large five-seat German premium SUV you should act fast.
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Explore the Volkswagen Touareg showroom
Thanks for reading The cars Australians should buy in 2026
