Recognising the best new cars for Australian buyers across seven key categories
Buying a car in today's Australian market is overwhelming. With around 70 brands and more models than ever before, choosing the right vehicle has never been more complex.
That's why we've relaunched the CarsGuide Car of the Year (COTY) awards for 2026.
Since CarsGuide last ran COTY in 2019, Australia's automotive landscape has transformed. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are now mainstream, while advanced driver-assistance systems are commonplace. And then there's the new brands that continue to flood the market.
CarsGuide's mission remains unchanged: providing new-car buyers with the independent information they need to make informed purchase decisions.
The new Hyundai Santa Fe was the clear standout in this year’s awards programme. The six- or seven-seat large SUV is a phenomenal family car, offering space to fit everyone and everything in, while its features keep occupants comfortable and entertained. Its premium feeling and hybrid and turbo-petrol powertrain options are also highlights.
CarsGuide uses an eight-segment review format, marked out of 10, to ensure consistent testing by our 16 Car of the Year judges with 250+ years of combined experience. Every model is evaluated against its segment rivals.
While the standardised format drives consistency, each review is compiled by a single journalist, bringing an inevitable level of subjectivity. So, the lead judges for each category evaluated its reviews to create a shortlist of the top-10 models, which the full judging panel then refined to three finalists and a winner in the CarsGuide 'War Room'.
The CarsGuide Car of the Year overall winner was selected from the category winners, with all of these decisions justified, where applicable. Note all eligible models had to be on sale and reviewed by January 1, 2026.
Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?
Is there anything interesting about its design form and function?
How practical is its space and tech inside?
What are the key stats for its engine/motor and transmission?
What is its fuel consumption/energy use? What is its driving range?
What's it like to drive?
What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?
What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals and costs?
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