With hundreds of new vehicles competing for attention in Australia, choosing the right car has become harder than ever. Modern buyers want to know which vehicles are worth their money, which ones will suit their lifestyle and which ones will make ownership easier in the long run.

The 2026 CarExpert Choice Awards are designed to make that decision easier, giving clear recommendations based on real-world testing by CarExpert’s editorial team.

From family errands and daily commutes to road trips and weekend escapes, Australians rely on their cars for far more than just getting from A to B. The CarExpert Choice Awards recognise the vehicles that deliver the strongest all-round ownership experience, helping to identify the models that genuinely make everyday driving easier, safer and more enjoyable.

Unlike many industry awards that rely heavily on manufacturer submissions or controlled testing environments, our experienced automotive journalists independently review and road test every eligible vehicle in real-world conditions. That means each recommendation is based on time behind the wheel, direct comparison and an understanding of how Australians actually use their cars.

While technical capability and driving performance remain important parts of the judging process, the CarExpert Choice Awards go beyond the spec sheet. Vehicles are assessed against the criteria that matter most to consumers, including safety, comfort, practicality, technology, efficiency, value for money, driving dynamics and ownership appeal.

Judges also consider how well each vehicle suits different lifestyles, whether it’s a family SUV, a city runaround, a performance car, a work ute, an off-roader or an electric vehicle.

Our team has driven and reviewed the eligible vehicles, compared them in real-world conditions and identified the cars we believe deliver the best overall experience for Australian consumers.

The awards cover a broad range of categories including Best Luxury Cars, Best Luxury SUVs, Best Affordable SUVs, Best Affordable Cars, Best Electric Vehicles, Best Utility & Off-Road Vehicles and Best Design — highlighting the standout models delivering the strongest overall package for Australian consumers.

Check out the winners of the 2026 CarExpert Choice Awards.