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Every New Car Coming to Australia in 2026: What WA Buyers Should Watch

From a new Toyota RAV4 to Chinese EVs and a fresh Nissan Navara, 2026 is stacked for Australian car buyers.

AutoReady WA Editorial·3 min read·24 May 2026
Every New Car Coming to Australia in 2026: What WA Buyers Should Watch

The Australian new-car market is not slowing down. If anything, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years on record for new models, new brands, and significant updates to vehicles already doing the heavy lifting on WA roads and highways. Here's what's worth paying attention to.

The SUVs That Actually Matter to Most WA Buyers

The headline act for family buyers is the next-generation Toyota RAV4. It's the best-selling SUV in the country for good reason — practical, reliable, and at home whether you're navigating Karrinyup car parks or heading up to Kalbarri for a long weekend. A new-generation model arriving in 2026 means updated tech, likely improved hybrid efficiency (useful given WA fuel prices), and a fresh platform. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV this year, it's worth holding off to see what lands.

Mazda's CX-5 is also due a full generational update. The current model has been a consistent favourite with Perth buyers who want something refined without the premium-brand price tag. A new generation could reset the competitive benchmark in that segment.

On the electric side, the Mazda 6e is incoming, alongside an updated XPeng G6 and what will be Mitsubishi's first electric vehicle in over a decade. For WA drivers, the continued expansion of EV options is relevant — but so is the continued patchiness of fast-charging infrastructure outside the metro area. If your driving takes you beyond Perth regularly, factor that into any EV shortlist.

Utes, New Brands, and the Chinese Wave Keeps Coming

Ute buyers have a few reasons to pay attention in 2026. A new Nissan Navara is confirmed, which matters in a segment where the HiLux dominates but competition keeps genuine alternatives alive. There's also a Volkswagen Amarok Walkinshaw variant for those who want something with a bit more presence, and the KGM Musso — formerly SsangYong — continues to carve out its niche for buyers who want ute capability at a sharper price point.

Chery is also expected to launch its first dual-cab ute under the Australian market, adding to a Chinese brand roster that already includes Omoda and Jaecoo. Speaking of new names: Denza and Lepas (another Chery offshoot, similar to how Omoda and Jaecoo operate) are among the new brands expected to enter the Australian market this year. More choice is generally good for buyers, but it does mean the showroom landscape is getting harder to navigate without doing your homework first.

Other notable arrivals include the BYD Sealion 8, the XPeng G9L, and the Leapmotor B10 — all adding to the growing catalogue of Chinese-made EVs and hybrids pushing into the mainstream.

How to Approach 2026 if You're Actually Buying This Year

With this many new models landing across the calendar, timing your purchase matters. A few practical pointers for WA buyers:

  • **Don't rush into a current-generation model** if a confirmed replacement is due within the next two quarters — resale value takes a hit when the new version arrives.
  • **Factor in WA registration and on-road costs** when comparing sticker prices. The gap between a car's drive-away price and its advertised price can vary significantly depending on the dealer and the model.
  • **Chinese brands are worth considering seriously**, but check parts availability and service network depth in WA specifically — metro buyers are better served than regional ones right now.

Dates and specifications across the industry are subject to change due to production schedules and shipping timelines, so treat anything listed as a quarter-based arrival as a guide rather than a guarantee. We'll keep this updated as confirmed Australian launch dates come through.

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