Hyundai Trajet Reviews

Love it or hate it, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) appears to be working.Well, at least in part.For those unfamiliar, the Federal Government’s goal is to get more hybrid and electric vehicles on the road, and to incentivise that it will punish brands that exceed the emissions targets it has set. But car companies will get emissions ‘credits’ for every electric vehicle (EV) they sell, which puts the onus on car makers to sell more EVs.Which explains why every brand from Alfa Romeo to Zeekr is looking to sell more EVs (or plug-in hybrids that help lower the average fleet emission figure) as soon as possible.It also explains why there are some increasingly large EV discounts and more and more affordable EVs hitting the market.For a prime example of this, look no further than Hyundai’s recent announcement of huge discounts across its Kona range, which coincides with the upcoming launch of another new EV model for the brand (its sixth electric option), the Elexio.When we say ‘huge discounts’ that’s not hyperbole, the Kona Electric has been slashed by up to $13,857 on some variants. Every electric Kona variant has been cut by at least $13k, in a likely sign Hyundai Australia is looking to get itself as many EV credits as possible to compensate for the rest of its line-up. Another way to look at this is, Hyundai is effectively making a choice to take a financial hit to help its wider business, and rather than take the hit in the form of a fine, it’s turning it into a positive and handing a massive price saving to potential customers.These price cuts happened to coincide with Hyundai Australia’s new - and independently run - finance arm, Hyundai Capital Australia, striking a deal with the Federal Government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).The CEFC will commit $60 million to Hyundai Capital, allowing the business to offer discounted interest rates to EV customers for both Hyundai and Kia electric models under the luxury car tax, further stimulating sales.Or at least that is the hope from the government’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.“This CEFC investment will help lower the cost barrier for households and small businesses, making EV ownership more accessible,” Minister Bowen said.“Transport is one of our biggest sources of emissions, and electric vehicles are a key way we cut pollution while saving people money.”At the same time, several other brands are introducing more affordable EVs that are either close to parity with petrol-powered rivals, or in some cases cheaper, further lowering the barriers to entry. The BYD Atto 1 is the prime example of this trend. Starting at just $23,990 (plus on-road costs) it’s the cheapest EV on sale at the time of publication. By contrast, the petrol-powered Mazda2 starts at $28,190 and the Toyota Yaris Hybrid starts at $28,990.The BYD Dolphin and Atto 2, GWM Ora, MG4, Chery E5, Leapmotor B10 and Hyundai Inster can all be purchased for less than $40,000 drive-away.Australians are increasingly adopting EVs, with the more than 100,000 battery-powered vehicles sold in 2025. That took the overall percentage of the new car market to 8.3 per cent, which is small but growing. And it’s likely to continue to grow if EVs continue to get more affordable as NVES and other factors push car companies to find ways to make them more appealing to customers.

With so many new and updated premium medium-sized SUVs starting from under $130K in Australia nowadays, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer choice available.And that goes for the judges here at CarsGuide as well as potential buyers, because even though our shortlist included models as varied and intriguing as the all-electric Audi Q4 e-tron from Germany, South Korea’s Genesis GV70 in turbo and EV guises, and petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid Lexus NX from Japan, our shortlist proved to be a hotly-contested and surprisingly-emotional process. There is so much that’s great in this category!Here, then, are the finalists in alphabetical order, followed by our number one, because there can be only one winner.The latest, and highly impressive, BMW X3 has ended up as a runner up for CarsGuide’s best premium medium SUV under $130K.Four generations in, the X3 has shaped up as a winner, both in the eyes of the judges as well as on the sales charts.It’s easy to see why, with surprisingly sharp pricing – particularly at the lower end of the range – reflecting the edgy yet attractive styling inside and out.Of course, the panel also responded to the X3’s interesting array of hybridised petrol and diesel options, along with the very in-vogue plug-in hybrid (PHEV) choice. Whichever you choose, the driving experience is equally on-point.As one of its core sellers, BMW has given its mid-sized SUV the best-possible chance of success on our market. As Jack Quick put it: “Number one for me by far is the X3. I friggin’ love it… it stands out as a winner.”The latest Macan looks like its super-successful predecessor, is electric only and costs more than most people can afford, but the Porsche’s sheer excellence cannot be ignored.“Genuinely rewrites the formula for Porsche SUVs… it’s a really big swing for the fences.”In a nutshell, this comment from CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton neatly sums up what may well be the greatest luxury-branded SUV on the planet right now.Even putting aside the Macan’s obvious controversial aspects, there is so much that will resonate with luxury car buyers, meaning that Porsche has exceeded the brief in most areas.Bold, sculptured design, bank-vault build quality, a deeply sensory-enhancing cabin environment and, not least of all, tremendous dynamic capabilities that simultaneously calm and excite are all part of the latest version’s electrifying experience.Boasting cutting-edge technologies, underpinned by a super-advanced, 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging, no other electric SUV feels quite like the latest Macan.The judges certainly see it. But, can enough buyers look past the lack of internal combustion engine choice (for now) and substantially higher pricing compared to before? The jury’s still out on those ones.“From top to bottom it’s an excellent range. I’ve had every car in that line-up. The thing that makes it special is the N. When you've got Porsche chasing you down trying to replicate you, that means a lot.”CarsGuide's News Editor Dom Tripolone sure knows a great headline as well as a great car when he sees one, providing the fitting words for what remains one of the defining models of the 2020s, the Ioniq 5.Recent price hikes that have accompanied technological boosts only serve to highlight the outstanding engineering quality emanating from the Hyundai, particularly when it has already spent half a decade setting class standards. This is a rare example of something that was priced too cheaply for what it can deliver.Timelessly chic, the retro-inspired styling seems to live in a bubble of its own, underplaying a shockingly accommodating interior that has inspired scores of imitators over the intervening years.Yet it is the way the Ioniq 5 drives and feels that truly keeps it fresh. Benign when required, the chassis steps up with impressive agility and control, while retaining the sort of calm and composure expected but often lacking in luxury SUVs costing thrice the price.And, in keeping with its flagship status, the high-performance Ioniq 5 N adds a sizzling new chapter in the book of scorching-hot hatches. As our News Editor so adroitly observed. A worthy winner in the sub-$130K medium SUV segment.

It comes down to this. Seven category winners, seven exceptional cars. But only one can take the crown of CarsGuide’s 2026 overall Car of the Year.The final shortlist for the overall Car of the Year award is made up of the winners of each of our seven categories.This impressive list includes high-end performance SUVs from Germany, new contenders from China, a game-changing ute, family friendly hybrids and top-notch EVs.As a reminder, here are the category winners that make up this final shortlist.Best Small Car Starting Under $50,000 - Kia EV3The Kia EV3 proves small EVs don’t have to be boring. A striking design combined with an engaging drive experience, visually appealing and surprisingly spacious cabin and high levels of standard equipment make for a winning package.Best Small Car Starting Under $80,000 - BMW X1It might not be the newest model on this list, but punchy petrol powertrains and a well-calibrated electric version elevate the BMW X1 above all of its premium small car rivals.Best Medium SUV Starting Under $60,000 - Zeekr 7XThe newest car on this list, the long-awaited Zeekr 7X is a deeply impressive electric family SUV in all grades and proves Zeekr means business.Best Medium SUV Starting Under $130,000 - Hyundai Ioniq 5Perhaps a surprising win against some impressive premium players, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 deserves this award as it remains one of the most impressive electric medium SUVs money can buy.Best Large SUV Starting Under $100,000 - Hyundai Santa FeA massive step up from the previous model, the new Hyundai Santa Fe has a bold design and a spacious and flexible interior with the choice of two excellent powertrains.Best Large SUV Starting Under $220,000 - Porsche CayenneOutpacing a range of mostly German rivals, the Porsche Cayenne has the performance and prestige to make it the clear standout in the category.Best Ute Under $85,000 - BYD Shark 6A truly game-changing ute, the BYD Shark 6 has brought plug-in hybrid power to the masses in a big way.Such a solid list of winners means the car that took the crown is a special vehicle indeed.Without further ado, the winner of CarsGuide’s overall 2026 Car of the Year award is… the Hyundai Santa Fe!The Santa Fe won over the CarsGuide Car of the Year judges for a variety of reasons.The six- or seven-seat large SUV is hard to fault. It’s a phenomenal family car with acres of occupant space across all three rows and decent cargo space as well. There’s also enough to keep kids occupied in the rear two rows while offering high levels of comfort and refinement up front.Interior design and layout is modern, with a retro twist, and the materials used throughout are second to none. Hyundai has used eye-catching seat materials, while the various touchpoints look and feel like they belong in the premium segment.A Santa Fe highlight is the fact that even the entry grade (simply called ‘Santa Fe’) feels nothing like a base model. In fact, it feels more high-end than top-spec versions of many of its rivals.The availability of two excellent powertrains further boosts the Santa Fe. The 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid is not just the best choice for efficiency and refinement, it’s also a punchy, engaging engine. But the 2.5L four-cylinder turbo-petrol version is also an absolute hoot.Both are available in front and all-wheel drive, and they come with a full-size spare wheel. Not something every hybrid can claim.Value for money was also a one of the Santa Fe’s biggest strengths. Pricing ranges from around $54,000 for the entry petrol grade and it tops out at $77,000 for the fully kitted out Calligraphy hybrid. Even at the entry point, the Sant Fe is packed with comfort and safety features.Finally, while its exterior design is undoubtedly polarising, the judges agree that it’s a standout among a largely vanilla bunch of family SUV rivals.Not only is the Hyundai Santa Fe CarsGuide’s top pick for a family car in 2026, but we reckon it’s the best car money can buy.A well deserved win for a brilliantly executed car.

The large SUV category (starting under $100K) in the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards brings together one of the most varied groups of models from the super modern, fully electric high-performance to the super capable, off-road beasts. But all have a family focus with practicality at an affordable price.Our shortlist saw entrants from Chery, Hyundai, Kia, Land Rover, Polestar, Skoda, Toyota and Volkswagen.Now it’s time to announce our final top three, including the winner. First up are the two runners up in alphabetical order, then the category winner.Seven-seat upper-large SUVs aren’t unique but fully electric ones are and the Kia EV9 was not just the first of its kind to come to Australia, but it is also a truly outstanding car and that’s why it has easily made it into our top three.CarsGuide reviewers love how the EV9 provides all the practicality and space that an upper-large SUV should with an advanced electric architecture and a package that feels high quality and stylish.“I think it’s one of the cars of the decade,” said CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Byron Mathioudakis.“I still look at it and it stuns me and I just think it’s beautifully packaged … it’s a Range Rover for Kia money. Korea should be so proud of that car.” While the EV9’s futuristic looks were loved by the team, some thought the high price might put people off. The Toyota LandCruiser helped spark the world’s fascination with SUVs decades ago with its ability to take families on adventures to places regular cars had no hope of ever reaching. But while there’s a multitude of other SUVs out there now, the latest-gen LandCruiser 300 Series is still one of the very best, which is why it’s here on our top-three list.    CarsGuide News Editor Dom Tripolone said the LandCruiser 300 was one of the vehicles that did its job well: “It does what it says on the box. It’ll last a long time.”The team mentioned the good resale value of the LC300, its reputation for reliability and that its intended buyer who wants to go off-road or go anywhere will absolutely love it.Hyundai’s new-gen Santa Fe shocked many with its wildly different look to the previous model when it arrived in late 2024.But, while the design was polarising, CarsGuide reviewers couldn’t deny that this was an outstanding SUV in almost every other way.  “It genuinely achieves everything it sets out to do,” said CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White. “I also love the design of it – it’s superb.”With a choice of hybrid and petrol powertrains in both front- and all-wheel drive, the Santa Fe is comfortable and easy to pilot in the city or on long haul trips. Available in six- and seven-seat formats, the Santa Fe caters impressively well for families with its practicality and space, plus with its extensive features list and affordable entry price represents excellent value for money.

Hyundai is reportedly preparing to discontinue its dual-cab ute.As reported by Automotive News, the South Korean carmaker is planning to axe the Santa Cruz unibody dual-cab ute and won’t replace it with a second-generation model.Hyundai Santa Cruz production was reportedly set to continue until the second quarter of 2027, however it’s now understood it’ll end a lot sooner.There were previously rumours the Santa Cruz would receive a major update introducing a hybrid powertrain 2027, though this puts doubt over that.No exact time frame has been given for when Santa Cruz production will cease entirely, though this quarter production is reportedly halving.Automotive News reports the earlier axing date is due to slowing sales of the Santa Cruz and a growing inventory that now spans nearly five months worth of stock.For context, the Ford Maverick, which is the Santa Cruz’s closest competitor, outsold it six to one over the course of 2025. The axing of the Santa Cruz will allow the Blue Oval to walk away with even more market share of this segment.Hyundai introduced the lifestyle-oriented unibody dual-cab ute primarily for the North American market in 2021. It’s essentially a stretched version of the Tucson mid-size SUV and features a tub.Despite large demand for dual-cab utes in Australia, the Hyundai Santa Cruz has always been off limits for a local launch due to its left-hand drive construction.As a result of ending Santa Cruz production, the South Korean carmaker will reportedly instead be able to add more production slots for the Tucson at its facility in Alabama. Tucson sales in the US reportedly rose 14 per cent last year, whereas Santa Cruz sales dropped 20 per cent.Although the Santa Cruz will reportedly soon be axed, Hyundai isn’t planning on leaving the dual-cab ute market just yet.It has already confirmed it’s working on a body-on-frame ute, though it’s unclear whether it will have any relation to the Kia Tasman. This will see Hyundai go up against the likes of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.It’s understood this body-on-frame Hyundai ute will be ready to launch by the end of 2028 and likely will be coming to Australia.An SUV version of this forthcoming Hyundai ute is also understood to be on the cards. This will give Hyundai a rival to the likes of the popular Ford Everest and Toyota Prado.Additionally, Hyundai currently has a partnership with General Motors (GM) which will see it jointly develop five vehicles, including a mid-size pick-up for Central and South America.It’s unclear whether this particular Hyundai/GM ute will ever make its way to Australia.

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury arm, has revealed a range of off-road concept vehicles, including the bespoke X Skorpio off-road coupe.The brand showed off its range of concepts in the UAE as part of what it called a “glimpse into Genesis’ next decade”, with each car leaning into off-road prowess. The models shown include the GV70 Outdoors concept, featuring a pumped ride height, off-road wheels and tyres, with a roof platform and rally lights, and the GV60 Outdoors concept, which adorns the EV with a set of tracks rather than wheels and similar upgrades to the GV70.The X Skorpio is billed as the brand’s first “extreme off-road vehicle”, which is “purpose built to conquer harsh terrain with cutting-edge performance and luxurious design”.The model is named as such drawing inspiration from the black scorpion, which it says is “known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments”.It sports a tubular frame, roll cage and other “components sourced directly from off-road endurance racing specialists”, and while it is designed with the performance of Dakar-style trophy trucks in mind, it also features a focus on interior comfort and ergonomics.It also builds on the brand’s previous Magma GT concept, featuring a V8 engine. In the case of the X Skorpio, Genesis says it produces 820kW/1152Nm, although deeper details on this yet-to-be-made-for-production engine are yet to be revealed.It also features 19-inch wheels with 40-inch tyres and motorsport-grade Brembo brakes. The body is built from fiberglass, carbon fibre and kevlar.The latest range of concepts build on a clear shift toward the lucrative 4x4 market by Genesis, which is no doubt eying the success of the Toyota LandCruiser range, as well as its Lexus GX and LX spin-offs.Many Chinese brands are also making inroads into the performance 4x4 space, with GWM finding success in markets like Australia and the Middle East.The new concepts build on other recent examples of Genesis’ future model previews, like the X Gran Equator concept which previews a Lexus-GX rivalling large off-road SUV.In an investor briefing in late 2025, the brand confirmed it was plotting a production version of not only the X Gran Equator, but also a ute under the Hyundai brand.The production car based on the X Gran Equator was said to feature a new range-extender hybrid powertrain, which will be placed in other Genesis models to headline the brand’s emissions-friendly European presence.The focus of the brand’s incoming range of cars it wants by 2030 was very much focused on the European and US markets, which could see the Australian market wait longer than usual to see these new models from Hyundai’s luxury arm.Genesis is also plotting an expansion on its Magma sub-brand for performance versions of its existing range.In other Genesis news, the brand recently released an array of images from a design concept it worked on for a Ford F150-sized pick-up truck. The project was ultimately shelved, with Chief Design Officer for the brand Luc Donckerwolke explaining to CarsGuide that it simply wasn’t the right time for the luxury arm to be launching such a product.This doesn’t rule it out for the future. Meanwhile, the luxury brand’s Hyundai parent has been increasing its commentary around its highly anticipated first ute model, most recently hinting it may share the frame from its Kia Tasman sister product, but will instead debut with “new technology” rather than the Tasman’s 2.2-litre diesel.

Hyundai could beat Kia to a Ford Everest-rivalling SUV, with the brand’s top executive already planning a petrol-electric powerhouse that could reshape Australia’s ute-based 4WD market.

The way a car looks can make or break a model, and recently we’ve seen cars such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Tasman receive so much criticism because of their styling that the brands appear to be working on a quick redesign for them. So will the new-look Tasman and Santa Fe translate into better sales? We’ll find out soon, once we see the updated cars and then the sales figures, but in the meantime here are our top 5 car re-designs from the past five years. And by redesign we don’t mean the change in styling, which comes with a new-generation of a car, but the facelifts and makeovers that happened in between.  5. 2025 Nissan QashqaiMost brands update their models over the course of about seven years between all-new generations. Normally these involve tweaks to headlights or taillights and are often cosmetic changes that are easy to fit onto the existing design. So it’s always impressive when we see a striking new look come along such as with the Nissan Qashqai in 2025.The Qashqai received a complete ‘face transplant’ giving it an entirely new look. The smaller plunging grille it had worn for years had been replaced by a gloss black textured one-piece grille stretching the width of the car. 4. 2025 Isuzu MU-XIsuzu’s seven-seater MU-X SUV has spent most of its life living in the shadow of the D-Max ute it’s based on, but a revamp in 2025 saw it lose its goofy grille and gain a menacing new look.Isuzu said the mid-life update came after customer feedback and along with the redesigned face the MU-X also gained a host of new features and safety tech.Isuzu said the restyling incorporated “aeronautical design cues to inject strength and dynamism” while improving aerodynamics.3. 2026 Subaru SolterraSubaru’s Solterra EV was massively overhauled just two years after its launch in 2023 due to strong criticism of its range, power, price and styling. The Solterra returned new and improved in 2025 with a redesign that made the SUV unrecognisable from the front.For Australia the change came even more rapidly, with the Solterra launching here in early 2024 and the updated version having just arrived in early 2026.The new face was just the tip of the huge changes that had taken place, with a larger battery installed for increased driving range and more powerful motors added. Subaru also dropped the price by up to $7000.2. 2021 Lexus ISThe Lexus IS hasn’t been sold in Australia since 2021 but it was in that year that the mid-sized sporty sedan launched locally with a redesign so big that this looked like a new-generation and not just an update.  More aggressive, but more refined the new IS had a wider body, a bigger grille, new headlights and LED running lights and new taillights.1. 2023 Hyundai SonataThe 2023 Hyundai Sonata was hit with a stunning makeover. The facelift took a fairly dull-looking sedan and turned it into a desirable, sleek and modern four door.A new frontal design incorporating a thin LED strip skirting the bonnet edge, large lower grille and a beautifully treated tailgate with restyled taillights completed an exterior design which looked more new-gen than makeover.The updated Sonata’s cabin also received an overhaul with new tech and features.

It’s a brand new year and brand new car buying thoughts turn to vehicle build plates. Dealers are keen to shift their existing stock before prior year manufacturing dates become a millstone around their automotive necks.But what if the model in question has been publicly put to the sword and it’s not just a matter of a ‘2025 Plate Clearance Sale’?Some of these cars may have been around for quite a while. In rare instances, slow sellers celebrating a birthday (or two?) in retail captivity, waiting hopefully for a new owner to take them to their forever home.These are affectionately referred to as zombie cars. Still offered for sale but the production tap may be about to be turned off, or it’s even been twisted to the right some time ago.If you’re looking for a cut-price new car and you don’t mind if it’s been sitting on the shelf for a period of time, here’s a rundown of some four-wheeled zombies to give you a little extra leverage when twisting a salesperson’s arm.BMW Z4 - This sleek two-seat roadster was developed in a joint-venture with Toyota that also spawned the (similarly discontinued) fifth-generation Supra.Production is scheduled to end this March with a ‘Frozen Matt Black’ Final Edition model     including four- and six-cylinder variants, the order window for the car opening and closing this month.But don’t get too excited. Sadly, the Final Edition won’t be available in Australia. However, there are still Z4’s on showroom floors here and there around the country. After all, three found homes in December last year. Get in quick!Fiat 500 - The internal combustion version of this diminutive Italian (in Fiat and Abarth form) ceased production in June 2024 thanks largely to EU safety regulations sending it out of bounds.A 500 Ibrida Hybrid is due to begin production imminently, but it’s quite a different car designed to supplement 500e production (global demand for which has been underwhelming) and riding on the same platform.The ICE car is still offered up on the Fiat Australia website, in 1.2L four-cylinder Dolcevita form at around $30,775, drive-away.Hyundai i20 N - Hyundai has made no bones about the fact its i20N hot hatch is kaput, with production scheduled to finish this March.But Hyundai Australia has reached into the cash drawer and ordered up enough cars to satisfy predicted local demand through 2026.So, this brilliant little performance car will be a zombie in name only. But we wouldn’t leave it too late to get your hands on one. With 150kW/275Nm in a brilliantly responsive compact package it’s not to be missed.Jaguar E-Pace / F-Type - There isn’t a car company on the planet that’s been more transparent about ending production of a current model. In fact, (almost) every one of its models!Jaguar suspended manufacturing of its then existing internal combustion cars in mid-2024  in preparation for a brave new all-electric, ultra-premium future… except for the F-Pace SUV, soldiering on at JLR’s Solihull plant.Amazingly, local sales of the E-Pace SUV grew four per cent year-on-year in 2025 despite the manufacturing halt. And examples of the stunning F-Pace sports car continue to trickle out into the world.Jeep Grand Cherokee - The Aussie axe fell on Jeep’s Grand Cherokee early last year, the once hugely popular model discontinued locally in response to a less than stellar sales performance after launching here in 2023.Part of the problem was a solid price hike for the fifth-gen version and having ripped off the Band-Aid by announcing its local departure, parent company Stellantis promptly dropped the price of the Limited variant to $60,000, drive-away (previously $72,950, before on-road costs).Lo and behold, year-on-year Grand Cherokee sales ticked up 4.3 per cent for 2025, but registration numbers are dwindling now. It’s still up on the website, so it might be the perfect time to move in for a super-sharp deal.Suzuki Ignis / S-Cross - The pocket-sized Ignis SUV was confirmed for departure from the Australian market in early 2025 in response to new Australian Design Rule (ADR) requirements mandating more advanced AEB performance.Examples of the 1.2-litre four-seat city SUV were still rolling out Suzuki showroom doors in December last year so there are cars floating around the brand’s retail network.Same story for the compact S-Cross crossover, which struggled with that ADR compliance and reached the end of the road production-wise around the same time. Again, a number are still finding homes close to 12 months after its death notice was issued.Toyota Fortuner - A clear oversupply of large three-row SUVs was tidied up by Toyota Australia with an announcement to confirm the axing of its Fortuner model in November last year. Which still leaves the Kluger, LandCruiser Prado and LandCruiser 300 as available seven-seat Toyota options.Sharing the same body-on-frame platform as the HiLux ute, the off-road capable Fortuner will finish production around the middle of this year.  The Fortuner battled for clear air in the mix with its in-house competition, attracting just 3407 customers in 2025, while the Ford Ranger-based Everest sold 26,161 units. 

Only a few years ago a budget-focused new car story like this would have well and truly dipped under the magical $20,000 threshold.But, the sad news is there’s just a single new car option left standing in the Aussie market wearing a five figure price tag that starts with a one.And that’s the entry-grade Kia Picanto Sport with a five-speed manual gearbox at $19,190, before on-road costs. Tick the box for the four-speed automatic transmission and all of a sudden you’re at $20,790, BOC.So, we’ve raised the new car budget bar to $25,000 and looked at the five most popular models with an entry-price under $25K from 2025 full-year sales.1) Chery Tiggo 4 Pro - From $23,990, before on-road costsTalk about an impressive entrance. Chery lobbed a hand grenade into the budget end of the small SUV segment in late 2024, with the Tiggo 4 Pro’s first full year sales exceeding 20,000 units in 2025.Two versions of the compact five-seater are offered locally, the Urban and Ultimate, each available in pure-combustion and petrol-electric hybrid form.2) MG MG3 - From $21,990, drive-awayWith competition from new challenger brands intensifying and the MG model line-up growing, the MG3 dipped in terms of year-on-year sales but still did enough to grab second spot under $25K with more than 8000 examples finding a new home.Three grades are offered here - Vibe, Excite & Essence - pure-petrol in all three with the option of hybrid in the upper two.  3) Hyundai Venue - From 23,000, before on-road costsNow a veteran of the ‘light’ SUV category the city-sized Venue remains a strong seller in Hyundai’s small car portfolio.In fact, sales were up a solid 14.1 per cent in 2025 to 7927. The range starts with the entry-grade at $23K, before on-road costs, with the Active and Elite above it. 4) Kia Picanto - From $19,190, before on-road costsA popular choice among city dwellers, the diminutive Picanto also ticked up in total year-on-year sales for 2025 to 7166.Sadly for micro car Verstappen wannabes the 1.0L turbo GT is a thing of the past, but the top-tier GT-Line Picanto brings some of its racy personality to the party. 5) Suzuki Swift Hybrid - From 24,490, drive-awayThe fourth-generation Swift has taken mild-hybrid form with its 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine featuring an enhanced starter/generator/electric motor picking up some of the slack in terms of powering the stop-start system and adding 60Nm of torque.Sales were down in 2025 to 3446, but there were still enough buyers to land the latest version of the city car icon in fifth spot.   Australian Top 5 sellers under $25,000: