Make / Model Search
News - Market Insight - Market Insight 2025Market Insight: Small SUV segment sales soarAustralia’s third-largest segment by sales, small SUVs is poised to keep on growing22 Sep 2025 By MATT BROGAN IT IS no secret that sales of small SUVs are going from strength to strength.
Often a popular alternative to the traditional hatchback, these high-riding compact cars offer a level of practicality and versatility that is suited to a range of buyers from multiple demographics.
Year-on-year sales across the cheaper end of the segment (those with a starting price of less than $45,000) are particularly strong, up 2.0 per cent to the end of August – against an overall market that has dipped 2.1 per cent – equating to 14,487 more small SUVs delivered nationwide than at the same time last year.
It is a figure that is expected to grow consistently over the coming months as even more entrants enter the local market.
Projections based upon FCAI sales numbers indicate the segment will reach close to 165,000 units by the end of the 2025 calendar year, giving it an estimated 13.7 per cent share of the new car market overall.
To the end of August, the 137,553 sub-$45K small SUVs sold in Australia were bettered only by 4x4 utes (143,985 deliveries) and sub-$60K medium SUVs (156,119 units).
Available with a choice of petrol, petrol-electric hybrid and battery electric drivelines, the Kona is offered in a multitude of specification levels, giving segment shoppers a considerable level of choice.
The Hyundai Kona is followed closely by the MG ZS (14,419 sales / 13.1 per cent), a vehicle also available with petrol and petrol-electric hybrid power, and trim grades to suit most budgets.
Segment third goes to the GWM Haval Jolion, again offered as a petrol or petrol-electric hybrid and in several grades, and with pricing from as low as $23,990 drive-away.
Hyundai Motor Company Australia general manager of corporate affairs Bill Thomas told GoAuto it is that combination of price, practicality, choice, and efficiency that draws Australian buyers to the sub-$45K small SUV segment, and the Hyundai Kona in particular.
“We’re proud of how many people have joined the Hyundai family through buying a Kona,” he said.
“The hybrid option is very popular, and we’ve had great feedback from customers about the extra interior space the new model offers compared with the old car.
“The other key appeal of this vehicle is the exterior design – a lot of small SUVs look the same these days and Kona really stands out.
“Obviously, losing production of i30 out of Korea was a challenge for us a few years ago, but Kona has stepped up as a hugely effective replacement.
“At the price point it’s definitely a strong choice.”
Small SUV under $45K segment leaders (YTD August 2025)*:
Small SUV under $45K sales (2015-25)*:
^Year-to-date sales as of 31 August 2025.
*All sales data supplied courtesy of VFACTS  Read more15th of September 2025  Market Insight: Full-size 4WD sales in strifeSlowing sales of stalwart 4WDs show Aussie buyers are shopping other segments, utes8th of September 2025  Market Insight: Hyundai versus KiaKia builds a comfortable lead over Hyundai, YTD sales favour Kia by almost 4000 units1st of September 2025  Market Insight: Q5 Australia's favourite AudiAudi says it must maintain premium customer experience to keep Q5 as brand cornerstone |
Click to shareMarket Insight articlesResearch Market Insight Motor industry news GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events. |
Connect with us
Facebook Twitter Instagram