Here’s the WhichCar by Wheels guide to all the new car arrivals for 2026 so far. Check back in on this article regularly as we update with more soon-to-arrive models as they become known.
A390: Late 2026. Alpine’s first SUV signals its return to the Australian market.
DB12 S: First half. Hotter DB12 launching with 515kW twin-turbo V8.
Vantage S: First half. Vantage S uses the same V8 as the DB12 S but with a smaller and harder attitude.
DBX S: First half. Harder DBX S uses the same V8 as its siblings but making 535kW, but is also lighter and harder than the regular DBX.
Q3 and Q3 Sportback: Second quarter. Audi’s most popular product locally enters its third generation, with plug-in hybrid power for the first time in Australia.
Q5 e-hybrid: First half. The third-generation Q5 earns a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with up to 270kW of power and 100km of WLTP electric driving.
M2 CS: Early 2026. Higher-performance variant of the M2 sports coupe sports more performance and even sharper handling. Priced from $172,900 plus on-road costs.
XM update: Early 2026. The XM performance SUV earns slightly faster charging and new interior and exterior colour options.
i4 update: Early 2026. The i4 returns to Australia with a new single-grade model line-up in eDrive40 form priced from $88,900 plus on-road costs.
iX3: Mid 2026. The BMW iX3 is one of the most significant BMW products in decades and adopts an 800V platform for super fast charging and a range of up to 805km.
Atto 2 and Sealion 8: Early 2026. BYD is starting 2026 with two important new models, with the small electric Atto 2 and large plug-in hybrid seven-seat Sealion 8 both on sale early next year.
Tiggo 9: By early 2026. The Tiggo 9 will sit atop the local Chery range priced at $59,990 plus on-road costs. It will only be available in plug-in hybrid form with up to 170km of EV range.
Leon facelift: Mid-2026. The updated Leon is already on sale in Australia, but other variants such as the 245kW VZx Sportstourer wagon are due in 2026.
Formentor facelift: Early 2026. The Formentor update is due early 2026 with new styling and a revised lineup, but the hi-po five-cylinder VZ5 is due locally in late 2026.
S05: First half. Delayed so far for Australia – it was already meant to be launched – Deepal will launch its S05 small electric SUV in the first half of 2026.
B5 and B8: First quarter. A new brand to Australia, Denza is BYD’s premium arm and will initially sell two plug-in hybrid off-road SUVs called the B5 and B8 to go against the Toyota Prado.
Amalfi: First half. The Roma-replacing Amalfi will launch in the first half of 2026 with a 471kW 3.9-litre V8 engine and a starting price of over $500,000.
849 Testarossa: Second half. Priced at almost $1 million, the replacement to the SF90 makes 772kW of power thanks to a twin-turbo V8 and three electric motors.
F-150 facelift: Early 2026. The updated F-150 finally reaches Australia with new features, a new top-spec model and styling tweaks across the range.
Ranger Super Duty: Early 2026. The new Super Duty variant of the Ranger adds F-150-like capability such as a 4500kg GVM, 4500kg towing capacity and an overall GCM of 8000kg.
GAC’s First models– the Aion V, Enzoom and M8 – will launch locally in late 2025, but its line-up is set to expand in 2026 with more SUV offerings.
Riddara: First half. Geely’s first electric ute will launch in Australia with an 86kWh battery for 455km of range (NEDC) and a combined output of 315kW.
GV60 Magma: Second half. The first product from Genesis’ new Magma performance sub-brand will launch locally likely with at least some shared parts with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Hybrid powertrains: Second half. Genesis will finally launch hybrid drivetrains in its products in the second half of 2026. Options may include a 2.5-litre turbo hybrid from the Hyundai Palisade or a rumoured new range-extender unit.
Cadillac Lyriq-V: Early 2026. The Lyriq large electric SUV will add a new higher-performance V model, making 459kW of power and 880Nm of torque for a 3.5-second 0-100km/h time.
Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq: Mid-year. Cadillac will launch both smaller, Optiq – and larger, Vistiq – electric SUVs, with both similar in styling to the Lyriq already on sale.
Chevrolet Corvette facelift: Early 2026. The facelifted Corvette introduces a revised interior, new colour options and a revised model line-up, including no more Z06 in Australia.
Wey luxury sub-brand: Mid-2026. GWM Australia will add to its line-up with products from its Wey domestic luxury brand, including more luxurious SUVs.
CR-V and ZR-V facelifts: First half. Both the CR-V and ZR-V SUVs will receive facelifts, likely with a new infotainment system, revised styling and more hybrid drivetrain availability.
Prelude: Second half. The Prelude coupe is back and will launch in Australia in late 2026 with a 152kW 2.0-litre hybrid drivetrain and slinky styling.
Super One: Late 2026. The new kei-sized EV hatchback will launch locally in late 2026 with aggressive styling and a sporty driving experience.
Elexio: Early 2026. The Elexio is the sister car to the Kia EV5 mid-size electric SUV and will be the first Hyundai sold in Australia to be sourced from China.
Palisade XRT Pro: Early 2026. The Palisade will gain an off-road-focused XRT Pro variant for the first time in Australia, as well as a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine.
IONIQ 6 facelift and IONIQ 6 N: First half. The updated IONIQ 6 range will launch in Australia in the first half of the year, including the high-performance IONIQ 6 N.
Electric D-Max: Mid-2026. Isuzu’s first electric vehicle to be sold in Australia will launch in mid-2026, with local pricing and specifications yet to be revealed.
Compass: Mid-2026. The second-generation Compass will launch in Australia with hybrid and potentially full-EV drivetrains for Australia.
Wagoneer S: Late 2026. Jeep’s first EV for the North American market is a large five-seat SUV and it will launch locally in late 2026 with up to 447kW of power and a 0-100km/h time of just 3.5 seconds.
Recon: Late 2026. The Recon will use the same platform as the Wagoneer S, but is an off-roader instead with a similar attitude to the iconic Wrangler, such as its removable doors.
Avenger 4xe hybrid: TBC. The Avenger is only available as an EV in Australia, but in Europe, it’s also available as an all-wheel drive petrol hybrid with reasonable off-road capability. Local timing is yet to be announced, but the Australian Stellantis operation has reported interest in it previously.
EV4: Early 2026. Kia’s most important electric launch for 2026 will take place in the form of the EV4 sedan and hatchback, which will be aimed straight at the Tesla Model 3.
EV6: Early 2026. The facelifted EV6 electric SUV has been delayed for Australia and was meant to launch in early 2025, but will now hit Australia in local 2026. The facelift sharpens the styling and adds more driving range, though the local line-up may look a bit different and focus on upper-spec models.
EV9 GT: First half. The EV9 GT was revealed almost 12 months ago and will finally launch in Australia in the first half of 2026 with its 375kW dual-motor drivetrain and still seating for seven.
PV5: Third quarter. Kia’s first electric van has been confirmed for Australia with its new platform batteries up to 71.2kWh in size for a range up of up 416km. Both cargo and passenger versions will be offered with seating up to five.
Actyon and Torres hybrids: Early 2026. KGM’s new hybrid mid-size SUVs will launch using a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and an electric motor making 130kW/300Nm outputs. It claims 6.1L/100km efficiency in the UK, which is a 2.5L/100km improvement on the non-hybrid model.
Musso EV: Early 2026. KGM’s first electric ute will launch locally positioned differently to the more heavy-duty turbo-diesel Musso already on sale as a more lifestyle-oriented model. It will be capable of up to 380km of driving range (WLTP) and its dual-motor drivetrain will deliver 304kW of power.
Temerario: Second quarter. The Huracan replacement will launch locally with a new twin-turbo V8 hybrid drivetrain making 676kW of power and a 2.7-second 0-100km/h sprint time.
Range Rover electric: Second half. Range Rover is yet to reveal any technical details, but the all-electric model will launch with similar power to the current model and with an 800V architecture for fast charging.
eTerron 9: Early 2026. While the diesel-powered Terron 9 is already on sale in Australia, the electric eTerron 9 is to be added to the range with a 102kWh battery and a WLTP range of up to 430km.
B05: Mid-2026. Leapmotor will launch its new B05 electric hatchback in mid-2026. Revealed at IAA 2025, the B05 will compete with cars such as the MG 4 and offer up to 434km of WLTP range.
L8: First half. Chery’s latest brand for Australia will launch with the new L8 mid-size SUV, which is based on Chery underpinnings but adds more personality, according to its maker.
RZ update: Early 2026. Like its Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X platform siblings, the Lexus RZ electric SUV has been given a big mid-life update with more performance and revised styling.
ES: first half. Lexus’ luxury mid-size sedan will launch locally with both hybrid and – for the first time in its history – electric power. It has also been given futuristic new styling and a big interior update.
6e: Second quarter. Mazda’s first EV since the MX-30 will launch locally in the second quarter of 2026 priced under $55,000 and with up to 500km of WLTP range.
CX-5: Late 2026. The crucial third-generation CX-5 mid-size SUV was recently revealed with larger dimensions, a more luxurious interior and a big tech upgrade and will launch locally in late 2026.
W1: Late 2026. McLaren’s new W1 hypercar is the successor to the previous P1, but will be officially sold in Australia for the first time. It makes 938kW power from its V8 hybrid drivetrain and 1000kg of downforce. Pricing is yet to be revealed, but don’t expect change from $4 million.
Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: First half. The ultra-luxurious SL 680 Monogram has been confirmed for Australia and sits above the current AMG SL 63 already on sale locally, with even more luxury inside and more styling and trim options as well for extra exclusivity.
GLC EQ: Second half. One of the most important Mercedes-Benz models in decades, the GLC with EQ Technology will launch with up to 713km of WLTP range and ushers in a new styling theme throughout, including a huge new 40-inch touchscreen called the ‘Hyperscreen’.
CLA hybrid and EV: Second half. The important new Mercedes-Benz GLA will be available in both electric and hybrid forms, with up to 800km of range from the EV. A Shooting Brake wagon is now available in Europe and is under consideration for Australia.
Updated GLE and GLS: Second half. Not much is known about them, but updated versions of the GLE and GLS large SUVs have been spied with revised styling and likely updated drivetrains.
AMG GT XX: Second half. AMG’s first electric car has been previewed by the AMG GT XX concept car and will launch with big performance, impressive charging and a new sound experience, according to its maker.
MG 4 Urban: First half. The new MG 4 Urban – not to be confused with the MG 4 already on sale – will launch locally as the more affordable front-drive MG 4 variant against the current rear-drive model, which will be positioned as the sportier and slightly larger sibling.
MGS6 EV: First half. It was recently accidentally revealed by Euro NCAP but the MGS6 EV will launch sitting above the MGS5 EV already on sale. No details are known about it at this stage, but it will likely tackle other mid-size electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y on price.
Outlander PHEV update: Early 2026. The plug-in hybrid variant of the Outlander range with launch locally with the same updates to the petrol model, including revised styling, an updated interior and a standard Yamaha sound system.
Foxtron-based EV: Late 2026. It’s yet to be revealed and no details have been given, but Mitsubishi has confirmed that it will launch a rebadged EV from Taiwanese company Foxtron in Australia in late 2026.
Firefly: First half. Yet another new brand will launch in Australia in 2026, with Nio starting its local journey with the Firefly electric hatchback. In Europe, only a 105kW/200Nm electric motor available, using a 41.2kWh battery for up to 330km of WLTP electric range.
Qashqai e-Power update: First half. The new generation of Nissan’s e-Power hybrid tech will launch in the updated Qashqai in the first half of 2026 with more power and increased efficiency.
Navara: First half. The new-generation Navara is about to be revealed and will reportedly be heavily based on the Mitsubishi Triton, so will likely use its twin-turbo 2.4-litre diesel engine and be capable of important ute tests such as 3500kg towing.
X-Trail facelift: Second half. A light facelift for the X-Trail mid-size SUV will launch with revised frontal styling, new features and potentially new hybrid variants in the range.
Ariya facelift: Late 2026. It’s only just gone on sale in Australia, but the Ariya mid-size electric SUV has already been given an update with a new infotainment system and revised frontal styling.
Leaf: Late 2026. The third-generation Leaf EV – now a small SUV and not a hatchback – will launch with a new attitude and a big interior upgrade, including higher-quality materials and a lot more tech.
Y63 Patrol: Late 2026. The Y63 generation Patrol is already on sale in overseas markets such as the Middle East and will finally reach Australia in late 2026 with a twin-turbo V6 engine with improved performance and efficiency replacing the current V8.
3 update: First half. The Polestar 3 electric SUV was recently revealed with the same 800V architecture as the Volvo EX90 for faster 350kW charging, plus a quicker infotainment chip and new standard features.
5: Last quarter. The electric grand tourer Polestar 5 will reach Australia in the last quarter priced from $171,100 plus on-road costs and will be initially available in either entry-level Dual Motor or top-spec Performance variants.
Macan GTS: Early 2026. The new GTS variant of the Macan electric SUV range adds more power, a sharper chassis and 700km of driving range. It will be priced from around $170,000 plus on-road costs.
Cayenne EV: First half. The new electric Cayenne SUV will be Porsche’s new tech highlight with wireless charging capability, a huge new infotainment screen and the off-road ability that the Cayenne is known for.
911 Turbo S: First half. Priced from a cool $577,300 plus on-road costs, the new Turbo S variant of the 911 range will launch with a hybridised 523kW/800Nm 3.8-litre flat-six engine for a claimed 2.6-second 0-100km/h sprint time.
718 EV: Second half. The new 718 sports car has confirmed to feature an electric drivetrain, though petrol power is reportedly going to be offered as well on higher-end models.
Scenic E-Tech: Early 2026. The Scenic name is returning to Australia with the new E-Tech electric mid-size SUV, which will offer up to 625km of driving range.
Captur facelift: First half. The Captur small SUV has been given a big mid-life update with updated styling and new features such as Google integration and will launch in the first half of 2026.
5 Turbo 3E: Late 2026. While the regular Renault 5 is yet to be offered locally, the 5 Turbo 3E hi-po hot hatch will launch with a big price tag and limited availability. It produces 414kW of power, will reach 100km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 270km/h.
Kodiaq and Superb PHEV: Early 2026. Skoda’s first plug-in hybrids will launch in Australia with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, electric motor and up to around 100km of electric driving.
Enyaq RS and Elroq RS: Early 2026. Skoda Australia will add to the Elroq and recently-updated Enyaq electric SUV ranges with the top-spec 250kW RS models. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
Octavia mild-hybrid: First half. A new mild-hybrid drivetrain with the same outputs as the current 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine but improved efficiency will be added to the Octavia range, though it’s not yet known if it will become standard equipment or grade-dependent.
Epiq: Late 2026. Skoda’s new Epiq small electric SUV is yet to be revealed in production form, but will likely launch in Australia by the end of 2026 with up to 425km of driving range.
#5: Early 2026. Smart’s largest product yet, the mid-size #5 SUV, will launch in Australia in very late 2025 or early 2026 with multiple model grades, including the hot Brabus variant.
Solterra facelift: First half. The facelifted version of Subaru’s first EV will launch locally in the first half of 2026 with updated styling, more performance and a longer driving range.
Crosstrek Strong Hybrid: First half. Having recently debuted locally in the Forester hybrid mid-size SUV, the smaller Crosstrek will also score Subaru’s new 145kW ‘strong hybrid’ drivetrain with improved performance, refinement and efficiency.
Outback: Second half. The new seventh-generation Outback has morphed into more of an SUV than its traditional lifted wagon form, and will launch locally in the second half of 2026 with more interior space, more technology through a new infotainment system and more features.
Trailseeker/e-Outback: Late 2026. The new Trailseeker/e-Outback (the name in Australia is yet to be confirmed but it wears both overseas) will be launched as an electric off-roading wagon, an will be the quickest Subaru yet with a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 4.4 seconds.
eVitara and Vitara Hybrid: Early 2026. Suzuki’s first EV, the eVitara, will launch locally in early 2026 and will be accompanied by the new hybrid variant of the Vitara small SUV.
Jimny update: First quarter. The updated Jimny three-door will be equipped with more safety features such as adaptive cruise control on the automatic variant, a new 4.2-inch digital driver’s screen and a larger 9-inch touchscreen. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
New HiLux: Early 2026. The new-generation HiLux is yet to be revealed but it will likely use the same body as the current model with updated styling, a new interior and a potential electric drivetrain.
New RAV4: Early 2026. The sixth-generation RAV4 was revealed earlier this year with more features, new-gen hybrid systems – including the first PHEV for Australia – and a lot more tech than before.
GR Corolla update: Early 2026. The GR Corolla has been updated again for more precision, stronger cooling and new features such as JBL sound system.
bZ4X facelift: Early 2026. Like its Subaru Solterra twin, the updated bZ4X will launch with revised styling, more driving range and added performance to keep it at pace with other EVs.
LandCruiser 300 Series hybrid: First half. The LC300 hybrid launches with a 341kW/790Nm turbo-V6 hybrid drivetrain with 3500kg towing capacity
bz4X Touring: First half. The twin to the Subaru Trailseeker, the bZ4X Touring is being positioned as a lifestyle off-road electric SUV that will
Multivan PHEV: Early 2026. A new plug-in hybrid drivetrain will be added to the Multivan range making 180kW of power and giving up to 94km of electric driving range.
Tiguan and Tayron PHEVs: First half. Plug-in hybrid variants of the Tiguan and Tayron ranges will launch in the first half with more than 100km of electric driving range and up to 200kW of power.
Touareg Final Edition: Second half. The Touareg will stop production for global markets and the new Final Edition will be the final model offered, with special trims and badging to celebrate its run.
New T-Roc: Second half. Volkswagen’s biggest-selling product locally enters its second generation in a more premium and more spacious form, with hybrid drivetrains confirmed too.
EX90 update: First half. The updated EX90 will launch with an uprated 800V architecture to support 350kW DC fast charging, as well as a faster infotainment processor.
EX60: mid-2026. Due to be revealed in early 2026, the crucial new EX60 will be Volvo’s new electric mid-size SUV and sit alongside the ICE XC60 in Volvo showrooms.
G7: First half. XPeng is aiming at the Tesla Model Y with the new G7, which it closely resembles in size but will reportedly cheaper than the Tesla’s $58,900 +ORC starting price.
G9: First half. XPeng’s large electric SUV will launch locally with up to 570km of WLTP range and it’s capable of launching to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
G6 update: First half. The G6 has been given a mid-life update and it will launch locally in the first half of the year with faster charging, revised styling and added features.
M03: Late 2026. Co-developed with ride share giant DiDi, the M03 electric sedan will launch in Australia aimed straight at the Tesla Model 3. Pricing and specs are likely a while off.
7X update: Mid-2026. The 7Z has only just gone on sale in Australia, but it receive an update around the mid point of the year with even faster charging, more power and more driving range.
One of Jake’s first words was Volvo because that was the family chariot in his infancy and it’s no shock that since then, he’s been obsessing over practical details such as rear seat folding mechanisms and rain-activated automatic headlights ever since.
SUBSCRIBE TO WHEELS from only $59
Buy a 6 month subscription for just $59.
Subscribe
The EV revolution is gaining strength in Australia, which means greater diversity and choice for buyers
Chances are that if you’re a new car buyer, you’re searching for a mid-size SUV and value is a big consideration. Here are 10 mid-size SUVs priced under $40k.
In a new first drive our friends at Auto Express find the all new 2026 Toyota RAV4 (GR Sport variant) sharper and more refined – but too cautious to truly shake up the mid-size SUV class.
A system fault dating back to 2020 allowed motorists with health conditions to renew licences without proper documentation.












