The best-selling cars in October & insights on Australian consumers

The top 10 cars Australians loved in October

Each month, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries releases a report detailing the top-selling vehicles across Australia. Pickles’ monthly vehicle report presents the top 10 vehicles from this list and recounts industry news and trends as they affect the Australian market.

Market snapshot

October marked the fourth consecutive month of record breaking sales, with supply catching up with demand across the country. Figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that over 106,000 vehicles were registered during October, which represents a 22% increase in sales compared to the same month in 2023. 

These sales results are a new record for the month, the previous highest results being in October 2017, with 95,000+ vehicle sales reported. These numbers mean that Australia has now reached over one million vehicle sales so far in 2023, which is the earliest the number has ever been achieved. This suggests that total 2023 sales will be record breaking, with two more months of sales data to be eagerly awaited as the year comes to a close.

Surprisingly, October saw a softening in sales of electric vehicles, though it wasn’t a severe decline in numbers. These sales did slow enough that there were no electric or hybrid vehicles ranked in the top selling cars for the month. 

October sales do confirm the general trends from Australian consumers in 2023, which shows a clear preference for mid to large sized SUVs and passenger vehicles. And while the Ford Ranger was the top seller for October with over 6,200 sales, Toyota was the market leader overall with its HiLux, RAV4 and Prado models all featured in the top 10 sellers and totaling over 10,000 sales during last month.

Most popular vehicles | October 2023

1. Ford Ranger - 6,215 units sold in October

October was another massive month for the Ford Ranger, which has been steadily gaining momentum in sales in the last few months. The Ford Ranger is well known for its workhorse features while maintaining a stylish exterior and is a popular choice amidst Australian consumers. 

2. Toyota Hilux - 5,766 units sold in October

The Toyota Hilux took the second spot in October, with an impressive number of sales for the month. The Hilux is a versatile and powerful Australian favourite, popular with both private and business buyers. Check out all of the quality used Hilux models available at Pickles. 

3. Isuzu UTE D-MAX - 3,198 units sold in October

The D-MAX stayed in the top half of the list in October, with sales just shy of 3,units. For car buyers looking for the practicality of a work vehicle along with the versatility of a family car, the D-MAX is a popular car choice.

4. Toyota RAV4 - 2,598 units sold in October

The RAV4 is one of Australia’s most popular vehicles, with just over 2,500 units sold throughout October. Given the RAV4 is always in high demand, keeping up to date with Pickles’ sales is the best way to purchase a quality used model. 

5. MG ZS - 2,537 units sold in October

MG vehicles have gone from strength to strength in 2023, with the company seeing significant overall growth due to the extremely affordable price tag of their vehicles. The only downside to MG vehicles is that because of their relative newness to the Australian market, it can be a challenge to find a quality used model in the car market.

6. Mazda CX-5 - 2,509 units sold in October

The stylish and compact Mazda CX-5 is a Japanese-made model and one of the reasons it is popular is because of its affordable price point in comparison to its competitors. Because the CX-5 has been on the Australian market for a few years, there are many used models available.

7. Toyota Prado - 2,320 units sold in October

The Toyota Prado rejoined the top selling list in October with just over 2,300 unit sales. The Prado was one of the worst affected car models throughout the last few years, with global demand resulting in long wait times for new purchases. As stock hits Australian suppliers, we are likely to see more of the Prado in the top 10 sellers each month.

8. Mitsubishi Outlander - 2,238 units sold in October

Sales of Mitsubishi Outlander units were solid in October, with just over 2,200 units sold across Australia. As a staple of the Australian car market, buyers are lucky to have access to a wide variety of used Outlander models featured in Pickles’ sales.

9. Ford Everest - 1,803 sales in October

Featured on the top selling list for another month, the Ford Everest had a solid month of sales with just over 1,800 units purchased. The Everest is a spacious family vehicle, popular for being a reliable option for large families. 

10. Hyundai Tucson - 1,762 units sold in October

The Hyundai Tucson rejoined the top 10 selling vehicles in October, with 1,762 units sold in Australia during the month. The Hyundai Tucson is popular for its suitability to road trips and its range of accessories that protect against harsh Australian conditions. 

10 Nov