February confirms that SUVs continue to dominate the Australian market, while Chinese-made vehicles are steadily gaining ground. Examining what people enquire about versus what they actually purchase provides a clear picture of both intent and behaviour.
Top Enquired: Toyota RAV4
Even with tighter supply ahead of a new model launch, the Toyota RAV4 was the most enquired-about vehicle in February, dominating buyer searches across SUVs and hybrids. (VFACTS data via GoAuto).
Interest was particularly strong in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, reflecting buyers’ focus on fuel efficiency and technology. Despite a slight dip in actual sales as Toyota transitions to the next-generation model, enquiry levels remained high, showing that Australians are doing their research before committing. (VFACTS data via GoAuto).
Top Sold: What Australians Actually Bought
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson continued to be a top-selling mid-size SUV, combining reliability and practicality for families and daily drivers alike.
Chery Tiggo 4
The Chery Tiggo 4 emerged as a standout in the small SUV segment, showing rapid growth and reflecting the rising popularity of Chinese-branded vehicles in Australia.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage maintained strong demand in the mid-size SUV category, appealing to buyers seeking a balance of features, affordability, and everyday usability.
Mazda CX‑5
The Mazda CX‑5 remains a perennial favourite, consistently delivering strong sales thanks to its combination of style, comfort, and performance.
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Market Trends in February
- Overall, February shows that Australians are researching high-interest SUVs like the RAV4, but when it comes to actual purchases, affordability, availability, and reliability drive what ends up in driveways.
- Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are steadily growing, reaching around 11.8% of new car sales for the month. (4×4 Australia, February 2026)
- Chinese vehicles, led by models like the Chery Tiggo 4, are capturing a larger share of the market, marking a notable shift in Australian buyer preferences.
Key Takeaways for Buyers
February’s data confirms that Australians are balancing practicality, affordability, and technology. SUVs like the Tucson and CX‑5 continue to dominate, budget-friendly alternatives like the Chery Tiggo 4 are gaining traction, and strong enquiry for the Toyota RAV4 shows buyers are researching thoroughly ahead of model updates. Meanwhile, interest in EVs and hybrids signals a market gradually shifting toward efficiency and innovation.