Australians bought 103,325 new vehicles in October 2026, up 3.8 per cent on the same month last year. Battery electric vehicles took 23.1 per cent of those sales, while the Toyota HiLux was again the single best-selling model. Those figures come from the FCAI's October 2026 VFACTS release.
The bigger story for buyers is what fell away. Petrol vehicle sales dropped 35.9 per cent compared with October 2025, and diesel sales fell 14.7 per cent.
October 2026 car sales in one paragraph
October 2026 car sales reached 103,325 vehicles. EVs held a 23.1 per cent share, up from 7.3 per cent a year earlier. Toyota sold 20,649 vehicles, about one in five of all new vehicles sold, and roughly double BYD's 10,025. The HiLux beat the Ranger by 1,113 sales.
Toyota and Ford still hold half the top 10
The FCAI's top three were the Toyota HiLux on 5,954, the Ford Ranger on 4,841 and the Toyota RAV4 on 4,718.
The BYD Sealion 7 was fourth with 2,524, ahead of the Toyota Prado on 2,397 and the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro on 2,178.
The BYD Atto 2 (1,943), BYD Shark 6 (1,843), Geely EX5 (1,789) and Ford Everest (1,741) completed the top 10.
Toyota and Ford hold five of the ten places between them. BYD, Chery and Geely take the other five, which shows how far newer brands have pushed into the mainstream.
Where the cars are coming from has changed
China supplied 36.3 per cent of vehicles recorded through VFACTS in October. Japan supplied 23.3 per cent, Thailand 17.9 per cent and South Korea 9.2 per cent.
That 13-point gap between China and Japan matters at the showroom. Many buyers now cross-shop newer brands alongside familiar ones, so a quote from one brand is rarely the full picture.
Why EV demand keeps climbing
The FCAI points to strong competition, continuing instability in the Middle East, sustained higher fuel prices and the Federal Government's tax concessions. It sees little sign that demand is easing.
The tax point mostly matters if you buy through a novated lease. The Federal Government has announced changes to the EV fringe benefits tax exemption, with the full discount continuing until the end of March 2027 under its plan.
From 1 April 2027, the plan limits the full discount to EVs costing $75,000 or less. Our explainer on how the EV FBT changes would work walks through the timeline before you sign a lease.
The FCAI also warns that charging infrastructure has to keep pace with demand. Before you switch, check where you will actually charge, at home, at work or in public, and what that costs you each week.
What this means when you ask for a quote
More brands competing for the same buyer is good news for you, but only if you make them compete. Get a written drive-away quote for your first choice and at least one direct rival in the same class and powertrain.
If you want a ute, that could mean pricing a HiLux against a Ranger. If you want an electric SUV, compare it with another electric SUV, not a petrol or hybrid model that only looks similar.
Petrol sales falling by more than a third does not by itself mean petrol cars are discounted. Ask the dealer directly whether a current factory offer applies, check the manufacturer's offers page, and confirm the offer's end date in writing.
You can also compare used utes listed in Victoria or used BYD models listed with Carseekers against a new-car quote. Check the fuel type and condition of each listing, because a used car is a different deal from a new one.
Our July 2026 car sales breakdown shows how the same brands were placed three months earlier.
Paying for it in a higher-rate year
The FCAI notes buyers are still facing pressure on household budgets and higher borrowing costs in 2026. A small difference in the finance rate can outweigh a dealer discount over the life of a loan.
Loanseekers can help you compare car finance options before you accept dealer finance, so you know whether the repayment on offer stacks up.
How can Carseekers help?
If the HiLux, Ranger, RAV4, Prado, Everest, Tiggo 4 Pro or EX5 is on your list, Carseekers can help you source it and compare offers from dealers, so you are not relying on a single quote in a busy market.
The finer details
Your questions answered.
What was the best-selling new car in Australia in October 2026?
The Toyota HiLux was Australia's best-selling new vehicle in October 2026 with 5,954 sales, according to the FCAI. The Ford Ranger was second on 4,841 and the Toyota RAV4 third on 4,718.
What share of new cars sold in Australia in October 2026 were electric?
Battery electric vehicles made up 23.1 per cent of October 2026 new vehicle sales from all sources, the FCAI says. A year earlier, in October 2025, their share was 7.3 per cent.
Which car brand sold the most in Australia in October 2026?
Toyota led with 20,649 sales, roughly double second-placed BYD on 10,025. Ford was third with 7,310, followed by Kia on 5,801 and Mazda on 5,730.
