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Australia’s new-car landscape is changing, and compiling the list of models we’re most excited for in 2026 looks very different to what it would have just a few years prior.
Australia has one of the most competitive car markets in the world. We’ve taken the long list of models coming to our shores in 2026 and whittled it down to the 10 we're most excited about.
From electric to combustion, utility to hypercars, let’s get into what’s got our heart rates up in anticipation over the next 12 months.
A sleek, four-door electric grand tourer from Swedish electric vehicle (EV) producer Polestar, the 5 takes aim at its Tesla and Porsche rivals.
Built on a bespoke aluminium platform with dual-motor, all-wheel drive underpinnings, the Polestar 5 outputs up to a whopping 650kW in some trims, with a claimed WLTP driving range of around 670km.
The all-new Y63 Patrol ends a long run for the Y62 generation of Nissan’s legendary off-roader.
Ditching the old naturally aspirated V8, the new Patrol moves to a twin-turbocharged V6, producing oodles of power and torque – 317kW and 700Nm, to be precise.
Retaining body-on-frame architecture, the updated Patrol will offer serious off-road credentials and towing capacity, as well as some much-needed tech and interior styling refreshments.
One of Australia’s best-selling cars, the Toyota RAV4 enters its sixth generation in 2026 with the return of hybrid underpinnings and the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Pricing is up markedly, but so are standard inclusions and features, with a new GR trim becoming the flagship grade for one of Australia’s most popular cars.
Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand, and Magma is Genesis’ performance sub-brand. You with us? Good.
The 2026 Genesis GV60 Magma will be the first model to wear Magma badging, riding on underpinnings of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N performance electric SUV but with added opulence.
Expect mammoth outputs of 478kW and 790Nm (in boost mode), with the GV60 Magma scoring the same quirky performance features of its twin, such as paddle shifters that emulate a regular engine and transmission.
Honda’s first all-electric car to come to Australia will pack cuteness and personality into micro hatch.
At less than 3.6 metres long and 1.6 metres wide, the Super-One is a city car through and through and will likely be specified accordingly when it arrives Down Under.
What we do know: it’s going to score a single-motor, front-wheel-drive layout, simulated gearshifts and synthesised engine sounds to maximum around-town fun.
Heralding the launch of BYD’s luxury sub-brand, Denza, the B5 will become one of its first models available locally in early 2026.
The plug-in hybrid large SUV packs promises of hybrid performance and efficiency, as well as an opulent cabin and even some real off-road prowess. We got behind the wheel in China earlier this year to see how excited you should be.
Following in the footsteps of the tamer 911 Carrera, the 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S will also score the brand’s newest hybrid technology, pushing the envelope on the model’s already crazy performance capability.
Pumping out 523kW and 800Nm, and boasting active aero and new chassis control technology, the new 911 Turbo S will rocket from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds.
Not Mazda’s first attempt at an all-electric model, but certainly its best chance of cracking the mainstream market, the 6e looks to take on the likes of the Tesla Model 3 in the EV sedan space.
With claims of more than 500km driving range thanks to a rear-wheel-driving 78kWh battery pack, as well as beautiful interior fit-out, the 6e could be a bit of a dark horse among EVs in Australia in 2026.
Toyota has been a bit late to the EV party, but its second all-electric vehicle will target a niche (but hopefully growing) electric ute segment.
Unlike rivals the Ford Ranger PHEV and BYD Shark 6, the new Toyota HiLux Electric will leapfrog PHEV technology, opting for electric-only propulsion via a 59kWh battery and dual motors sending drive to all four wheels.
Perhaps the most exciting entrant on this list is the Ferrari Elettrica, the first all-electric model from one of the world’s most recognisable legacy car builders.
Known for symphonious combustion engines, Ferrari claims it has taken its time to carefully build in the emotion and driving dynamics synonymous with its badge.
As expected, high-tech (and in-house-produced) electric vehicle technology features throughout the Elettrica. Could it be the ultimate expression of EV driving?
