Australian families are drawn to many different types of car, from hatchbacks and wagons to small, medium and large seven-seat SUVs. Across hybrid, EV and conventional engines, here’s our best family cars to test drive in 2025.
Motoring
Best sedans in Australia – luxury, mid-sized and sport
Sedans are still favoured by many Australian drivers, especially as new EV and hybrid models arrive. Here’s our top picks across mainstream, luxury and sport sedan segments.
Go shopping for a traditional four-door sedan these days and there’s every chance what’s lurking beneath the bonnet is anything but traditional.
Of all the mid-sized sedans and wagons available in new-car showrooms – which make up a decent chunk of the overall sedan market – almost 60 per cent of them are powered purely by a battery-electric powertrain. And, of course, hybrids are having an impact on the traditional four-door segment.
While Australians are snapping up fewer sedans these days as SUVs dominate, the rapid evolution of the marketplace means there’s no shortage of choice.
For those who appreciate comfort, driving dynamics and, occasionally, a touch of luxury, sedans still play an important role. Here’s a look at 10 of the most compelling sedans currently available.
The top 10 best sedans in Australia for 2025 – EV, hybrid and ICE
Kia K4
It’s a new nameplate but the lineage of the Kia K4 flows back to the popular Kia Cerato that has now been discontinued. Like that car, the emphasis is on value, something the K4 delivers on, while packaging it in sharp, angular lines.
The starting price has increased to $30,590 plus on-road costs ($32,990 driveaway in Victoria), but the K4 packs plenty in for the money, including blind spot warning, four USB ports and a spacious five-seat body. All but the base model also feature dual 12.3-inch screens.
The K4 comes with the choice of an underwhelming 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine or a more enthusiastic 1.6-litre turbo. But it’s the driving manners that set the K4 apart from many rivals. Nicely weighted steering and terrific body control make it not only comfortable and composed around town but also engaging on the open road.
More: Kia K4 review
The Tesla Model 3 EV combines value with practicality and excellent driving manners.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 has almost single-handedly reinvigorated the sedan market in Australia, bringing svelte styling and industry-leading tech to a segment that is brimming with tradition. Throw in an impressive electric drivetrain and fluent driving manners and it’s easy to see why the most affordable Tesla you can buy – priced from $54,900 plus on-road costs ($60,179 driveaway in Victoria) – has been a hit with buyers.
But the Model 3’s talents run deeper, with excellent space efficiency throughout the cabin, right down to the deep boot that’s backed up by a handy under-bonnet cavity. The latest iteration is also loaded with equipment, including heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, a rear infotainment screen, panoramic sunroof and power-adjustable front seats.
There’s the occasional hiccup, such as steering wheel-mounted indicator buttons that are clunky to use. But the positives outweigh the negatives for the medium-sized electric four-door sedan.
More: Tesla Model 3 review
It might lack pizzazz, but the Toyota Camry is comfortable, roomy, reliable and frugal.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry has been a staple of the mid-size sedan segment for decades, known for its reliability, comfort and affordability. The latest iteration is no different and comes exclusively with hybrid propulsion.
While there’s nothing particularly exciting about the way the Camry drives, nor is there anything offensive. It’s comfortable and responsive, capable and composed. The four-cylinder hybrid is a fuel miser and performance is thoroughly acceptable. The Camry also pampers those in the rear seat with good headroom and legroom.
Priced from $39,990 plus on-road costs ($44,651 driveaway in Victoria), the entry-level Ascent model is scantily clad and has trim that looks built to a price, but the equation improves as you step through the range. Little wonder Camry is the go-to for Uber drivers and those wanting a practical and reliable family four-door.
More: The best used cars, SUVs and utes in Australia under $30,000
The BYD Seal is fun to drive and has a luxury feel inside, without a premium price tag.
BYD Seal
Fast-growing newcomer BYD is making waves by packing plenty of value into its electrified cars – and the BYD Seal reinforces that. The deceptively spacious all-electric mid-size sedan kicks off at $46,990 plus on-road costs ($49,852.45 driveaway in Victoria) and comes loaded with gear, including a panoramic sunroof, faux leather seats with electric adjustment up front, powered boot, over-the-air software updates and a vast array of driver-assist safety systems.
The Seal is also beautifully presented with a luxury appearance to its spacious cabin. Even in single-motor EV guise, the car is zippy and enjoyable to drive. Step up to dual-motor versions with a bigger battery – extending the range up to 570km – and there’s more again.
It’s not as engaging to drive as some rival cars, but the Seal is otherwise a convincing alternative to luxury four-door sedans.
More: BYD Seal preview
The Polestar 2 EV delivers on its promise of luxury and is highly engaging to drive.
Polestar 2
Being closely aligned with Volvo but part of Chinese auto giant Geely gives Swedish-based Polestar a best-of-both-worlds position in the emerging EV market. Priced from $62,400 plus on-road costs ($68,531.60 driveaway in Victoria), the Polestar 2 utilises Volvo components beneath the skin but packages them in a stylish sportback-style sedan body loaded with luxury.
Cabin space is compromised by the combustion-vehicle-based architecture that underpins it, but modern materials and a tech focus ensure the Polestar 2 delivers on the prestige promise. And in updated single-motor/rear-wheel-drive guise it’s an engaging car to drive, even if the ride can be sharp over bumps.
Up to 659km of range cements the Polestar 2’s easy-to-live-with nature and makes it a tantalising Scandinavian-influenced alternative to traditional luxury brands.
More: Polestar 2 review
The BMW i4 oozes luxury and quality, and the M50 (above) offers a fabulous drive.
BMW i4
The BMW i4 is essentially an electric version of the BMW 4 Series, albeit with some design touches to cement its EV status. That gives it some BMW normality, albeit at the expense of interior space that is compromised by also having to accommodate petrol drivetrains.
While it’s heavy, the i4 delivers on BMW driving excitement, especially in top-of-the-range M50 xDrive guise. Lower down in the range, it’s the i4 eDrive35 that does the heavy lifting on the sales front because it can bring significant tax savings. Pricing starts from $87,800 plus on-road costs ($94,998 driveaway in Victoria).
A distinctive BMW flavour is oozing throughout and there’s a generous smattering of equipment that includes a head-up display, powered boot lid, sumptuous leather-look trim (it’s called Sensatec) and terrific front seats.
More: BMW i4 review
The BMW 5 Series is renowned as a driver’s car, and the electric i5 is no exception.
BMW i5
The BMW 5 Series large luxury sedan plays to the heartland of the BMW brand and is these days available with a modest petrol engine or heartier electric powertrains in the BMW i5. And it’s the i5 models that are proving popular due to their higher level of specification, including an equipment list that extends to a crisp 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
Priced from $155,900 plus on-road costs ($168,097 driveaway in Victoria), the i5 is also great to drive. At the entry level, the eDrive40 punches hard with 250kW of power and near-instantaneous responses. Crisp steering and a beautifully balanced stance add to the experience, although a taut ride takes the edge off comfort.
Low-slung front seats suit the car’s sporty demeanour. There’s good space front and rear, although the middle occupant comes up against a hump in the floor that robs valuable foot space. At its heart, though, the i5 is a practical and engaging sports sedan that is pure BMW.
Its long innings is coming to a close, but the Mazda6 is still an attractive and appealing mid-size sedan.
Mazda6
The Mazda6 has been part of the Japanese brand’s family since 2001. But slowing sales and toughening safety regulations have ultimately led to the decision to axe it in Australia. There are still cars available in dealerships today, but they’ll well and truly dry up by the end of 2025.
Nonetheless, the Mazda6 remains an impressive car. Right from the entry level, where the Sport is available from $36,290 plus on-road costs ($37,990 driveaway in Victoria), Mazda gets the basics right. Quality materials lift the cabin ambience, and by the time you get to the Atenza (from $52,590 plus on-road costs or $54,596 driveaway), it’s decidedly luxurious.
The 2.5-litre engine lacks the fizz some may expect, but there’s still depth in the Mazda6 driving experience overall. That’s indicative of a car that’s showing its age in some areas while still delivering on the basics.
More: Mazda6 review
The Genesis G70 offers a compelling alternative to the German sports sedan brigade.
Genesis G70
Hyundai’s luxury brand is a minnow against its predominantly German rivals, but the Korean aspirant still punches hard with its modest line-up. And it’s the Genesis G70 that in many ways is the surprise packet, pairing sports sedan flair with a sumptuous cabin.
The 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 delivers V8-like excitement and combines with rear-drive dynamics to deliver genuine driving thrills. Priced from $86,914 plus on-road costs ($96,746.80 driveaway in Victoria), the G70 also stands as a compelling value proposition against more established rivals, even if some of the savings will likely go into keeping the thirsty engine fuelled.
Inside is an upmarket assortment of traditional leather blended with modern finishes and a heady list of standard equipment.
More: The best used cars and SUVs in Australia under $50,000
The Taycan sports sedan took Porsche into the EV era and received an overhaul in 2024 to keep it at the cutting edge.
Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan was updated in 2024 to give it more thrust, a tweak to the design and additional standard equipment as the German sportscar marque brought attention back to its first-ever EV.
Key to the appeal of the sleek Taycan four-door – it’s also available as a five-door Cross Turismo – is its enormous acceleration, especially in more expensive models. But even at the entry level, where the single-motor Taycan starts at $174,500 plus on-road costs ($201,174 driveaway in Victoria), there’s loads of oomph.
A luxurious cabin and plush air suspension set the scene for a car with a dual personality. Lashings of technology and high-quality finishes cement the Taycan as a luxury machine that doubles as a brisk and engaging sports sedan.
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