The best cars in Australia 2020

With hundreds of makes and models to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your choices when shopping for the best 2020 cars on offer in Australia. 

Once you’ve decided on the type and size of vehicle you want, the next step is to find a make and model with the features, performance, comfort, practicality and value for money you’re looking for.

We’re aware the term ‘best’ can be subjective at… best, everyone has different ideas of what makes a great car, so we’ve used Canstar’s latest customer satisfaction data to create a list of best cars in Australia.

This list of contenders for the best cars in 2020 is based on Canstar’s latest customer satisfaction data for nine different vehicle categories:

Best light cars

Best small cars

Best medium cars

Best large cars

Best small SUVs

Best medium SUVs

Best large SUVs

Best dual cab utes

Best large 4x4s

In the subcompact range, the Mazda 2 continues to shine, with impressive levels of safety, comfort and reliability. 

Whether you opt for the sedan or hatchback, you’ll get a great-looking, easy-to-drive, well-equipped car with a quality 1.5-litre engine that’s got more than enough grunt for zipping around the city.

The Mazda 2 comes with a healthy range of standard features, including electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, six airbags, cruise control, hill-launch assist, push-button start and more.

Since it first burst onto the Aussie scene, the Yaris has grown in popularity and carved itself a firm place amongst small, fuel-efficient vehicles. 

It’s a really practical choice if you’re budget-conscious and want something that’ll get you around town efficiently and squeeze easily into the smallest of city parking spaces.

The 2019 version has a decent range of safety features (including seven airbags) and is packed with innovative technology that makes it more economical to run, safer, more responsive and more enjoyable to drive than previous models. 

It’ll never win any ‘macho car of the year’ awards, but it gets the job done.

The Jazz is an attractive choice, especially if you’re looking for above-average boot space in a compact, fuel-efficient vehicle. 

It may look small from the outside, but the 354-litre boot and back seat room are surprisingly generous for a car in this class. 

The 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine does a nice job in varied conditions and there are a lot of little design touches that improve the ride.

The Jazz is easy on the fuel and offers the kind of responsive steering and zippy manoeuvrability that makes it an excellent option for city driving.

See the full top-10 list of best light cars in Australia 2020

It’s hard to argue with popularity. The Mazda 3 is a perennial top-seller, with nearly 25,000 sold in 2019.

Why is it so popular? Well, it rates high for safety, has a solid track record for reliability, combines technological innovation with practical comfort and handles like a dream.

Steering response is exceptional, especially when compared to many of its competitors.

The two-litre engine is technically refined and powerful enough to make you feel you can handle whatever the road conditions serve up.

The i30 has won Australia’s Best Car award six times and more than holds its own against similar-sized vehicles in Australia. 

A lot of its appeal comes down to design, comfort, reliability and value for money. 

It’s a no-fuss, easy-to-drive choice that has more than enough tech-smart, practical features to keep all its competitors on their toes.

Standard features include an adjustable steering wheel, auto headlights, reversing camera, cruise control, tyre pressure monitor, Smartphone integration and electronic stability control. 

It comes with seven airbags and offers a quiet, comfortable ride and plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

The much-loved Corolla has been around a long time, first making its appearance in Australia in 1967.

More than a million of these super-reliable vehicles have been sold since. 

The Corolla has essentially been the template for small cars around the globe for half a century, and its wide appeal hasn’t waned.

With a punchy two-litre engine and rock-solid powertrain, the Corolla is available in sedan and hatchback versions and is packed with all the driver-assist tech you could ask for, including active cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. 

With 50 years of history behind it, you know what you’re getting with a Corolla.

See the full top-10 list of best small cars in Australia 2020

Our current Aussie obsession with utes, SUVs and small, fuel-efficient subcompacts means that mid-sized sedans sometimes get a bit lost in the mix. 

The Sonata is a perfect example: Though its global sales top seven million a year, fewer than a thousand are being sold annually Down Under at present. This is a shame, because this car has plenty to offer.

Safety features are generous, including lane-keeping tech, radar cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high-beam, blind-spot monitoring and nine airbags. 

There’s also Bose sound, Bluetooth multi-pairing, full LED headlights and twin flat-panel display screens.

It’s unfortunate the market for mid-sized prestige sedans in Australia is shrinking so fast. 

These days, BMW’s SUVs (the X5, X3 and X1) tend to be bigger sellers in this country than its sedans. 

But if you value impeccable German engineering, crave a luxury sedan and aren’t afraid to pay for it, the 3 Series is a fine choice.

You can pick between a diesel and petrol model, both with 8-speed paddle shift automatic transmission. 

Standard equipment in the petrol-version 330i includes Brembo brakes, 19-inch alloys, Vernasca leather trim, active cruise-control, steering- and lane-control assist and adaptive M suspension.

While the safety features in the Toyota Camry are exemplary, there’s much more to this vehicle than its five-star ANCAP rating. 

With the option for hybrid power and enough space for the whole family, the Camry fully earns its place in the best cars list for 2020.

While technically classified as a medium-sized car, its copious legroom will make you l feel you’re in a much larger vehicle. 

The upgrades on previous generations (such as new soft-touch surfaces for arm and elbow rests) make it a pleasure to drive.

Though the BMW 5 Series faces stiff competition from competitors like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, it still provides all the European style and superior engineering you expect from a large luxury sedan. 

The mid-range 530i model boasts a two-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or you could opt for the less powerful 520i. Elsewhere in the range, diesel and plug-in hybrid options are available.

A ride in a 5 Series is an exercise in luxury, comfort and efficiency, with a hefty swag of technology at your fingertips and all the safety gear you could ask for. 

If you’ve got a spare $111,900 (plus on-road costs) sitting around doing nothing, the 530i isn’t a bad option at all.

The Kia Stinger offers rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, a spacious interior, a low price point and superior performance. 

The twin-turbo V6 engine delivers 272kW of power and has the ability to go from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The 2019 Stinger is highly rated for safety, with AEB, blind-spot detection, lane-support systems and a whole swag of other tech-savvy safety gear. 

The GT is the pick of the six variants, and it’s a real head-turner. If you’re ready to ditch your sensible SUV and have some driving fun, you could do a lot worse.

If you’ve always wanted to own a brand-new, iconic Holden Commodore, now’s your chance — but you’d better hurry. 

In 2019, Holden announced that they’re phasing out all Commodore and Calais variants (plus the Astra) to focus on selling utes and SUVs. They’ll still sell the MY19 model until stocks run out, presumably in 2020.

The Commodore is a true classic — roomy, comfortable, well-equipped and solidly built. 

Choose between the two-litre turbo petrol, diesel or V6, which is available with all-wheel drive. 

All Commodores have auto emergency braking and grip the road with enthusiasm.

Though it’s technically an SUV, the CX-3 feels more like an urban hatchback, which perhaps explains its appeal to such a diverse range of Aussie car buyers.

Mazda is good at adding little improvements to their vehicles year by year, and the CX3 is no exception.

It rates highly for dependability, engine performance, safety, suspension and steering.

The CX-3 provides a quiet ride and has more than enough grunt for urban commutes, long road trips and the occasional bumpy jaunt.

It’s one of the more attractive small SUVs around and handles like a dream.

Stylish, fuel-efficient and easy on the eyes, the CH-R doesn’t pull any punches in the small SUV category.

It is highly rated for comfort, safety and ease of maintenance and boasts the kind of sporty handling and driver visibility that makes driving fun. 

It has plenty of interior space, a sleek look and a full range of high-tech safety features.

Standard gear includes seven airbags, forward collision monitoring, auto-on/auto-dipping headlights, reversing cameras, front and rear parking sensors, auto braking and auto cruise control.

The ASX is a firm favourite with young families and car rental companies, offering smooth-as-silk handling and a bit more internal space than other SUVs in its class. 

It’s affordable, works well with smartphones and navigation apps and is a treat to drive — both in the city and on less forgiving country roads.

The 2020 version made an appearance in late-2019 and boasts an attractive new look, updated technology and engine improvements. 

It’s a popular model with very competitive safety features, including lane-keeping tech, auto high beams, rear cross-traffic alert and pedestrian recognition.

See the full top-10 list of best small SUVs in Australia 2020

The CX-5’s versatility ranks it amongst the best SUVs in Australia. 

It manages to look like a ‘normal car’ but still has enough all-wheel-drive grip and road clearance to handle bumps, gravel roads and bush adventures.

Standard equipment includes push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, auto LED headlights with high-beam assist, six-speaker stereo and blind-spot monitoring. 

It comes with a whole range of useful safety technology, including rear-view camera, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, sat-nav and rear parking sensors.

The RAV4 was one of the first medium-sized SUVs to really take off in Australia, offering a nice combination of affordability, safety and advanced technology. 

There are plenty of features to help drivers with navigation, including a rear-view camera, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control (which helps you maintain a safe gap between you and the vehicle in front). 

Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent.

With six petrol-electric hybrid options thrown into the RAV4 mix, there are plenty of variants to choose from, though the diesel version is no longer available. 

Families will love the spacious 580L boot.

The sturdy Outlander is one of the few mid-sized SUVs to offer three rows of seats and a choice between all-wheel or front-wheel drive and diesel, hybrid or petrol. 

With front and back USB ports, smartphone integration via touchscreen and a number of other high-tech advancements, it’s a thoroughly modern vehicle with ample safety equipment and a reputation for dependability.

You’ll revel in the comfort of the power-operated driver lumbar support and tinted windows, and navigate the roads easily with the help of hill-start assist, dusk-detecting headlights and rear parking sensors.

See the full top-10 list of best medium SUVs in Australia 2020

Not many large SUVs feel as sporty or comfortable to drive as the CX-9, with its powerful fuel-efficient engine and practical styling. 

This 7-seater is spacious, tech-smart, crammed with driver-assist safety features and offers the option of all-wheel drive. 

Its many user-friendly attributes helped it win Wheels magazine’s Car of the Year award in 2017.

Best of all, the CX-9 keeps improving: For example, the ride is much quieter in the 2019 version because of upgrades to insulation. 

The combination of an excellent engine, spacious size and attractive finish is hard to resist, and the infotainment system is first-rate.

The Kluger is a serious SUV that increasing numbers of Aussie families are finding just right for their needs.

Its robust chassis, advanced safety technology, smooth handling and versatile seven-seat configuration make it the ultimate all-rounder for a wide range of Australian driving conditions.

Toyota has improved the 3.5-litre V6 engine’s fuel efficiency and offers plenty of high-tech wizardry and solid safety gear to go with the Kluger’s spacious interior and impressive towing ability.

There’s a lot to like about the Sorento: a seven-year warranty, a beautiful interior finish, auto braking (standard) and the comfort and versatility of an extremely well-built seven-seater SUV. 

You can use it as an all-wheel drive or a front-wheel drive, and a powerful diesel version is also available.

There’s an eight-inch colour infotainment touchscreen, sat-nav (that doesn’t rely on your smartphone), four USB ports for charging devices, auto headlights, reversing camera, tyre pressure monitors and adaptive cruise control.

See the full top-10 list of best large SUVs in Australia 2020

Jockeying for position with the Toyota Hilux as Australia’s top-selling vehicle, the Ranger is a perfect option for families wanting space and cabin comfort or anyone requiring a tough, practical ute that can tote (or tow) a hefty load. 

It boasts fair-dinkum off-road capability, powerful engine performance and a level of seating comfort that’s surprising for a dual-cab utility.

The Ranger line-up was revitalized in 2019, with more high-end features now filtering down through the range. 

Driver visibility is awesome, suspension is improved, seat support is excellent and the Ranger continues to prove its worth in everything from stop-start city driving to lengthy road trips and serious outback action.

The Colorado had a major facelift in 2016 and a minor one heading into 2020. It’s a quick and lively ute with a suspension well suited to Aussie conditions. 

The tech bells and whistles get more impressive (and more costly) as you move up through the range, but whichever variant you choose, you’ll know you’re at the wheel of a serious off-roader.

The Colorado’s interior is solidly put together, with ample legroom in the second-row seats, a spiffy multimedia system and an attractive finish. 

Engine-wise, there’s no problem with grunt and the six-speed gearbox works just fine in both low and high range.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly ute that’s affordable across the range and takes its off-roading credentials seriously, this is the kind of tough, well-engineered, multi-purpose vehicle you should be looking at.

You get a five-star safety rating, 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and fuel efficiency coming in at a combined 8.9L/100km.

There’s loads of room in the interior, which looks rather SUV-like. 

You’ll feel more like you’re in a passenger car than fresh off a worksite, with a large multimedia screen occupying the central stack. 

The reversing camera, power-assisted steering and quiet, comfortable cabin are tangible selling points.

See the list of the best used dual-cab utes for families in Australia

The Everest performs well on the bitumen but is also a very capable off-roader, offering the option of full-time, dual-range four-wheel drive. 

Smartphone integration is first-rate, the comfort level is high, and the cabin feels roomy and well-ventilated. 

The angular lines and faux-metal surfaces around the dash give it a contemporary look.

Safety equipment includes seven airbags, reversing camera and rear parking sensors, stability control and trailer-sway control. 

The Everest has enough strength and grunt to tow a two-horse float or a large caravan or boat.

This SUV-style wagon seats seven, feels comfortable and relaxed on the highway but has the off-roading chops to take you just about anywhere in Australia. 

It drives the rear wheels only on sealed roads but out in the bush, you can select four-wheel drive or low-range 4×4 for more challenging off-road conditions, like sand and mud and steep ascents and descents.

Safety features abound, including cruise control, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, hill-start control, hill-descent control, electronic traction control and seven airbags.

Wherever you travel in the outback, you’re bound to run into more than one Pajero owner who is unconditionally loyal to their beloved off-roader. 

It has all the stylish fittings, safety credentials and rugged comfort you need when you go bush, and a strong engine that won’t let you down when the terrain gets dicey.

The Sport comes with seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, tilt-and-reach steering wheel adjustment, seven-inch touchscreen, AEB, push-button start, Bluetooth phone connectivity and trailer-sway control.

See the full top-10 list of best large SUVs in Australia 2020