Australia’s car market is changing rapidly, with electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids gaining popularity. Yet petrol cars remain a staple for millions of drivers. Whether it’s the lower upfront cost, easy refuelling, or widespread service availability, petrol cars continue to offer a balance of reliability and affordability that appeals to many Australians.
In 2025, buyers are spoilt for choice. While government incentives are nudging people toward EVs and hybrids, petrol cars still dominate new car sales—especially in regional areas and for those who want proven technology. This guide explores the best petrol cars available in Australia today, focusing on reliability, affordable running costs, and top picks across categories.
What Makes a Petrol Car a Smart Buy?
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand why petrol cars remain popular and what to look for when buying.
Advantages of Petrol Cars
- Lower upfront costs compared to EVs and hybrids.
- Widespread fuel availability, making them practical for road trips and regional Australia.
- Lower servicing costs compared to diesel cars with complex emissions systems.
- Smooth and quiet engines that perform well in city traffic.
- Strong resale market, especially for trusted brands like Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai.
Key Buying Considerations
- Fuel efficiency – Look for smaller engines with advanced fuel-saving tech.
- Reliability – Proven track records from brands like Toyota, Mazda, Honda, and Kia.
- Ownership costs – Balance between purchase price, insurance, fuel, and servicing.
- Driving style – Hatchbacks for city driving, SUVs for families, sedans for comfort.
Top Petrol Hatchbacks in Australia
Hatchbacks remain a favourite among city drivers and students. They’re affordable, fuel-efficient, and easy to park.
Toyota Corolla Hatch
The Corolla continues to set the standard for reliability. Its 2.0-litre petrol engine is efficient yet lively, with fuel consumption around 6.0L/100km. It’s backed by Toyota’s strong resale value and capped-price servicing.
Mazda3
Praised for its stylish design and premium cabin feel, the Mazda3 offers both 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol options. It blends driving pleasure with fuel efficiency, making it one of the most complete hatchbacks on the market.
Hyundai i30
One of Australia’s most popular cars, the i30 balances affordability and features. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is efficient for daily commutes, and Hyundai’s five-year warranty adds peace of mind.
Kia Cerato Hatch
A practical choice with a roomy interior and sharp pricing, the Cerato hatch offers great long-term value. Kia’s seven-year warranty remains unmatched in the segment.
Best Petrol Sedans for Comfort and Efficiency
Sedans have seen declining popularity with the SUV boom, but they still deliver comfort and value, especially for long-distance drivers.
Toyota Camry Petrol
Although hybrids dominate Camry sales, the petrol version remains an affordable option. It’s smooth, reliable, and spacious—perfect for families and commuters who aren’t ready to switch to hybrid.
Mazda6
A stylish sedan with premium finishes, the Mazda6 offers a choice of 2.5-litre naturally aspirated or turbocharged petrol engines. It blends driving enjoyment with long-term dependability.
Honda Civic Sedan
Recently updated with a modern design, the Civic sedan’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine offers efficiency and strong performance. Honda’s reputation for reliability makes it an appealing choice.
Petrol SUVs: Family-Friendly and Versatile
SUVs continue to dominate Australian roads, and petrol options remain strong.
Mazda CX-5
A top-selling mid-size SUV in Australia, the CX-5 offers a refined petrol engine, strong safety features, and excellent handling. It’s an ideal family SUV with competitive ownership costs.
Toyota RAV4 (Petrol Variant)
While hybrids dominate RAV4 sales, the petrol version is still available and popular for its simplicity and reliability. It’s one of the most dependable SUVs in its class.
Hyundai Tucson
Offering both 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol options, the Tucson delivers comfort, space, and technology at a competitive price. Hyundai’s long warranty adds extra value.
Kia Sportage
Sharing much with the Tucson, the Sportage offers bold styling and a roomy interior. Its petrol engine options are efficient for the segment, and Kia’s warranty is a major plus.
Honda CR-V
A long-time favourite among Aussie families, the new-generation CR-V continues to offer dependable petrol performance and family-friendly practicality.
Affordable Petrol Cars for Budget Buyers
Not everyone wants or needs a high-end SUV. Budget-friendly petrol cars remain crucial for students, first-time buyers, and city drivers.
Suzuki Swift
Compact, fun, and affordable, the Swift is one of the best budget petrol hatchbacks. Its low running costs and easy manoeuvrability make it perfect for urban driving.
Kia Picanto
One of the cheapest new cars in Australia, the Picanto is small but surprisingly practical. It’s backed by Kia’s seven-year warranty, ensuring excellent value for money.
MG3
Australia’s cheapest new car, the MG3, offers a larger interior than most budget hatches. While it lacks some advanced safety tech, it remains unbeatable on price.
Petrol Cars with Strong Performance
For drivers who want excitement without going full performance car, certain petrol models offer fun while staying affordable.
Hyundai i30 N
A true hot hatch, the i30 N’s 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine delivers thrilling performance. It’s practical enough for daily use but shines on spirited drives.
Subaru WRX
An Australian icon, the WRX remains one of the most engaging petrol cars to drive. Its turbocharged boxer engine and all-wheel drive make it a standout performer.
Toyota GR Yaris
Compact yet ferocious, the GR Yaris is built for enthusiasts. While not cheap, it offers rally-bred performance in a small package.
Fuel Efficiency: Best Petrol Cars for Low Running Costs
With rising fuel prices, efficiency matters more than ever. Some petrol cars stand out for their frugality.
- Toyota Yaris – Small but highly efficient, averaging around 5.4L/100km.
- Mazda2 – A compact car with excellent real-world fuel economy.
- Honda HR-V (Petrol) – A small SUV that balances efficiency with space.
- Suzuki Baleno (when available) – Known for its budget-friendly efficiency.
Reliability: Brands You Can Trust
Certain brands have consistently delivered reliable petrol cars in Australia.
- Toyota – Longstanding reputation for bulletproof reliability.
- Mazda – Strong in both build quality and driver engagement.
- Honda – Proven engines that last well beyond 200,000 km.
- Hyundai & Kia – Excellent warranties and strong track records.
Petrol Cars vs Alternatives: Should You Still Buy Petrol in 2025?
While hybrids and EVs grab headlines, petrol cars continue to hold their ground.
- Against EVs: Petrol cars are cheaper to buy and don’t require charging infrastructure.
- Against Diesels: Petrol engines are quieter, cheaper to service, and better for urban driving.
- Against Hybrids: Hybrids offer fuel savings but come at a higher upfront cost.
For many Australians—especially those outside major cities—petrol cars remain the most practical choice.
Tips for Buying a Petrol Car in Australia
- Compare capped-price servicing programs before buying.
- Consider resale value—brands like Toyota and Mazda retain value strongly.
- Always check real-world fuel consumption (not just brochure numbers).
- Choose safety features like AEB, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise where available.
- Balance purchase price vs long-term running costs carefully.
Conclusion: The Best Petrol Cars for Australian Drivers
Despite the rapid growth of EVs and hybrids, petrol cars continue to offer unbeatable value, reliability, and convenience for many Australians. Whether you’re looking for a compact hatchback for city commutes, a versatile SUV for family life, or a budget car for everyday use, there’s a petrol-powered option to suit your needs.
With trusted models like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai i30 leading the way, petrol cars remain a smart choice in 2025—offering reliability and affordable running costs for years to come.
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