Most Popular Cars in Australia in 2021

Here we are 2022. One of the most anticipated things about a new year is finding out the most popular cars for the previous year. Yes, it is official, the results are in!

2021 presented many challenges to Australian Car Buyers, Manufacturers and Dealers alike with many unable to source car stock due to continuing Covid lockdowns and the astronomical rise of used car prices.

Some good news, the Australian Car Sales Market has bounced back on the dire sales numbers of 2020, showing a 14% growth. In 2021 Australian’s bought 1.04 million new cars compared to 2020’s 916,968. Even with the strong sales numbers, many new car buyers are still experiencing long wait times to receive their vehicles.

2021’s top selling cars list does include some of the common assailants, but some will surprise you.

Here are the Top 10 selling Cars in Australia in 2021.

Top 10 Selling Cars in Australia in 2021:

1. Toyota Hilux: 52,801
2. Ford Ranger: 50,279
3. Toyota RAV4: 35,751
4. Toyota Corolla: 28,768
5. Hyundai i30: 25,575
6. Isuzu D-Max: 25,117
7. Mazda CX-5: 24,968
8. Toyota Prado: 21,299
9. Mitsubishi Triton: 19,232
10. MG ZS: 18,423

Source: FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries)

Top 10 Selling Manufacturers in 2021:

1. Toyota: 223,642
2. Mazda: 101,119
3. Hyundai: 72,872
4. Ford: 71,380
5. Kia: 67,732
6. Nissan: 41,263
7. Volkswagen: 40,770
8. MG: 38,025
9. Subaru: 37,015
10. Isuzu Ute: 35,734

Source: FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries)

Let’s take a look at the vehicles in a bit more detail.

1. Toyota Hilux

It would come as no surprise to see the Toyota Hilux continue its dominance on the Australian Car Market. 2021 is the fourth year in a row that the Hilux has topped the Australian vehicle sales and it would be a safe bet to predict that will continue in 2022.

The Toyota Hilux comes with 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel, 4x4 dual cab, ARB bull bar, air conditioning, power steering, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, cruise control, dual airbag package, ABS, bonnet scoop, multi-function control screen, Bluetooth connectivity, roof racks, tow bar and side steps.

Looking for a Toyota Hilux? Check out Shop for Cars range of new and used Toyota Hilux's here.

2. Ford Ranger

Only slightly trailing the Toyota Hilux, the Ford Ranger has kept its spot as the second most popular vehicle in Australia. One thing that stands out with 2021’s sales numbers is the Ford Ranger significantly closed the gap on the Hilux and only trailed by a mere 2,000 sales.

The Ford Ranger comes with 2.0 litre Turbo Diesel engine, automatic 4x4 dual cab, climate control, power steering, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, cruise control, dual airbag package, ABS, keyless start, fog lights, multi-function control screen, mobile phone connectivity, reversing camera, parking distance control, satellite navigation, tow bar, leather upholstery, trailer brakes, heated seats, and alloy wheels.

Find a new or used Ford Ranger on Shop for Cars here.

3. Toyota RAV4

Sitting tightly in 3rd position is the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 has continued its success in the Australian market and lays claim to the most popular SUV in the market for 3 years running. Even though the Toyota RAV4 kept its 3rd position it did slightly fall short of its 2020 sales numbers.

The Toyota RAV4 comes with 2.7 litre engine, power steering, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, cruise control, ABS, keyless start, fog lights, multi-function control screen, mobile phone connectivity, safety cameras, satellite navigation and alloy wheels.

Search for a Toyota RAV4 on Shop for Cars today.

4. Toyota Corolla

The Corolla continued to sit tightly in the number 4 position in 2021 which further underlines Toyota’s dominance in Australia.

The Toyota Corolla comes with a 1.5 litre engine, alloy wheels, power steering, power mirrors, central locking, cruise control, dual airbags, ABS, Toyota Safety Systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and multi-function steering wheel.

Shop for a Toyota Corolla on Shop for Cars here.

5. Hyundai i30

Rising a position is the very popular Hyundai i30. The Hyundai i30 has had a rapid rise in the last 3 years with 2021 showing a 7% growth in sales. If Hyundai continues that growth in 2022 it will dethrone the Toyota Corolla as Australia’s most popular small car.

The Hyundai i30 comes with a 1.6 litre engine, alloy wheels, air conditioning, power steering, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, cruise control, dual airbag package, ABS, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Looking for a Hyundai i30? Search Shop for Cars's range of new and used i30s here.

6. Isuzu D-Max

Another fast riser, the Isuzu D-Max didn’t even feature in 2020’s top 10 list! In 2021 the Isuzu D-Max shot into 6th position and looks set to challenge the ever-popular Hilux and Ranger for the most popular 4x4 crown.

The Isuzu D-Max comes with 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine, Automatic 4x4 dual cab chassis with air conditioning, toolbox, power steering, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, cruise control, dual airbag package, ABS, fog lights, tow bar, Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera and alloy wheels.

Find the best new and used Isuzu D-Max from trusted Australian dealers on Shop for Cars here.

7. Mazda CX-5

This one was a little bit of a shock, the Mazda CX-5 lost 2 positions in 2021 but can still lay claim to being the second most popular SUV in Australia. It would take something extraordinary for the CX-5 to dethrone the RAV4 as most popular SUV in 2022.

The Mazda CX-5 comes with 2.0 Litre 6 Speed Manual Petrol Engine, alloy wheels, Bluetooth connection, Cargo Cover, Cruise Control, Keyless Entry/Drive, Multi-Function Control Screen/Steering Wheel, Reverse Camera, and Split Fold Rear Seat.

Looking for a Mazda CX-5? Check out Shop for Cars range of new and used CX-5s here.

8. Toyota Prado

Such is the dominance of Toyota; they don’t have just 1 top 10 selling SUV vehicle they have 2. Looking at the sales numbers I wouldn’t be surprised if the Prado overtakes the CX-5 as the second most popular SUV in 2022 – giving Toyota a 1-2 position in the SUV market.

The Toyota Prado comes with a 2.8 litre diesel engine, alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, multi-function steering and control screen, reverse safety cameras, power steering, dual airbags, tow bar and Bluetooth Connectivity.

Search for a Toyota Prado on Shop for Cars here.

9. Mitsubishi Triton

Another falling model, the Mitsubishi Triton comes into the 9th position of most popular car in Australia in 2021. In worrying signs for Mitsubishi, the Triton fell to the 4th most popular 4x4 behind the Hilux, Ranger and D-Max.

The Mitsubishi Triton comes with a 2.5 Litre Manual 4x4 Diesel engine, alloy wheels, tow bar, bull bar, cruise control, central locking, power steering and windows, dual airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, engine immobilizer, phone connection and Bluetooth.

Find a Mitsubishi Triton on Shop for Cars here.

10. MG ZS

A strong 2021 seen the MG ZS crack the top 10 most popular cars in Australia. This is the first time MG has chartered in the top 10 most popular cars in Australia and based off 2021’s numbers that shows no signs of slowing in 2022.

The MG ZS comes with 1.5L engine, 4 speed auto low fuel economy, Leather seats, reverse camera, rear parking sensors, 17" alloy wheels, auto headlights, fog lights, Apple Carplay, cruise control and reverse safety cameras.

Looking for a MG ZS? Start your search here.

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