VFACTS: Ranger tops 4x4 sales as PHEVs surge in Australia

Despite the Toyota RAV4 topping the sales charts in November, it was another steady month for the LCV segment, including the PU/CC 4×4 category. 

Broadly, the LCV market was up 2.5 per cent for the month and 0.5 per cent for the year, with the PU/CC 4×4 segment up 1.7 per cent monthly and 0.9 per cent year-to-date. The top-selling overall models were the Toyota RAV4, Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Isuzu D-MAX.

The Ranger was the best-selling 4×4 in November, shifting 4515 units. Remarkably, Toyota sold 3087 Hilux models despite the launch of an all-new model due in showrooms shortly. The Nissan Navara lagged, with only 256 4×4 units sold – its new model can’t come soon enough.

Relative newcomers to the 4×4 market also struggled. The Kia Tasman registered just 556 sales for the month, while the MGU9 and its LDV Terron9 twin sold only 163 and 114 units respectively.

In the SUV/wagon segment, the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado once again led, with 2097, 1602 and 1481 vehicles sold respectively. The 300 Series outsold the Patrol by 921 units to 400.

In the upper large segment, the Chevrolet Silverado (including HD variants) led with 381 sales, followed by the RAM 1500 (191), Toyota Tundra (70) and Ford F-150 (59). Only 40 GMC Yukons departed dealerships in November.

Overall, Australia’s new vehicle market recorded 97,037 sales in November, down 2.1 per cent on the same month last year. However, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) stood out, reaching 4768 sales for the month – an 83.3 per cent increase on November 2024. Year-to-date PHEV sales are up 130.6 per cent to 47,565 units, driven by more models and rising consumer awareness. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also gained ground, making up 9.1 per cent of November sales, up from 6.5 per cent last year.

“Plug-in hybrids continue to gain momentum because they give drivers the benefit of electric travel for daily use while removing range concerns. Consumers are looking for flexible, low-emission choices and brands are meeting that demand,” said Tony Weber, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive. 

Petrol vehicles continued to decline, down 18.1 per cent for the month and 9.5 per cent year-to-date, while diesel sales fell 9.5 per cent monthly and 1.6 per cent year-to-date. Passenger cars saw the sharpest drop, down 15.7 per cent in November and 23.2 per cent year-to-date, while SUVs grew 5.4 per cent and now represent more than 60 per cent of the market.

“Petrol’s decline is part of a long-term global market transition. We are seeing strong interest in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and this trend will only accelerate as more models arrive. 

“The choice of BEVs provided by manufacturers is growing, with 110 models in the market in 2025. We encourage governments to continue to invest in recharging infrastructure to support growth in consumer confidence in this new technology,” added Weber.

Toyota once again led overall sales with 19,787 vehicles, followed by Ford (7407), Mazda (6979), Hyundai (6707) and Kia (6510).