New Cars Under $25,000 Drive-Away in Australia 2026

The.

Ten new models can be driven away for less than $25,000 in Australia right now, as long as you buy before the current offers end. Two of them, the BYD Atto 1 Essential and the MG3 Vibe, are advertised at $19,990 drive-away. The other eight sit between $22,290 and $24,990.

There is a catch, and it is the reason this guide exists. Almost every one of those prices is a time-limited manufacturer offer, and some are worked out for one state only. A car advertised at $23,990 drive-away for a Victorian buyer will not automatically be $23,990 in Tasmania, Queensland or Western Australia.

So this list is strict. A car only makes it if the manufacturer currently advertises it under $25,000 drive-away on its own Australian website. We name the state or basis behind each price, give the offer end date, and leave out anything that only gets under $25,000 on a list price before on-road costs.

For the wider budget market, including cars up to about $32,000, read our Top 15 cheapest new cars in Australia 2026. This page is the tighter, under-$25,000 shortlist. You can also browse every new car under $25,000 listed on AussieMotor.

The quick answer

• Lowest drive-away prices: BYD Atto 1 Essential (electric) and MG3 Vibe (petrol), both $19,990 on current promotions.

• Lowest-priced SUV: MG ZS Vibe at $22,990. GAC's site also shows the Emzoom Premium at $22,990, but confirm that offer is still running (details below).

• Next SUV cluster: Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5L, Chery Tiggo 4 Urban and GWM Haval Jolion Premium, all $23,990. The Mahindra drops to $22,490 on remaining 2025-built stock.

• Cheapest manual: Kia Picanto Sport at $22,290.

• Lowest claimed fuel use: Suzuki Swift Hybrid manual at $24,990, rated at 3.8 L/100 km.

• Deadlines: most of these prices end on 31 October 2026. The Atto 1 offer runs for orders to 15 December, and the Tiggo 4 price runs for orders to 31 December.

Every new car under $25,000 drive-away in October 2026

The table lists every model we found that qualifies today, sorted from the lowest advertised drive-away price. Sorting is by price only. It is not a ranking of which car is better.

Every price is the manufacturer's own advertised drive-away figure as shown on its Australian website on 6 October 2026. Drive-away means 12 months' registration, CTP, stamp duty and dealer delivery are included. Metallic or premium paint and options usually cost extra.

Here is how the qualifying cars compare on the basics.

Why drive-away and the state both matter

A list price, sometimes called the price before on-road costs, leaves out the bills you must pay to put a car on the road. Those are registration, compulsory third party (CTP) injury cover, stamp duty and the dealer's delivery charge. On a budget car they can add a few thousand dollars.

Drive-away pricing rolls those costs in. It is the closest thing to the number on your contract, which is why this guide uses it and nothing else. Our guide to on-road costs, drive-away vs list price explains each charge in more detail.

The problem is that stamp duty, rego and CTP are set by each state and territory. Brands handle that in different ways.

• National drive-away. Some brands advertise one price for the whole country and absorb the difference. BYD's Atto 1 campaign and GAC's Emzoom pricing are both described as national.

• One state named. GWM's offer prices are "based on private buyers in VIC". MG's online configurator shows its drive-away price for NSW delivery with private registration, and says the final price can differ by state.

• Estimate, state not named. Kia shows a "drive away estimate" and says prices may vary with individual circumstances. Mahindra, Chery and Suzuki quote drive-away figures without naming a state in the offer terms we read.

In practice, the advertised price is your starting point, not a guarantee. Two people buying the same Jolion in Hobart and Melbourne on the same day may be quoted different figures.

Suzuki adds one more wrinkle. Suzuki Australia states that it does not operate in Queensland or northern NSW, so the Swift offer on its site may not apply there. Buyers in those areas should ask a local dealer for a written drive-away quote.

CTP is part of every drive-away price, but it only covers injuries. It does not cover damage to your car or anyone else's. Our explainer on CTP vs third party vs comprehensive insurance covers what you still need to buy separately.

How we chose

We started with a full scan of the Australian new-car market rather than the cars that usually appear on cheap-car lists. Every brand selling light cars, small cars or small SUVs was checked against its official Australian website, offers page or configurator on 6 October 2026.

A model qualifies only if:

• The manufacturer advertises a drive-away price under $25,000 for at least one variant

• That price is available to private buyers today, not only to fleets, novated lease customers or ABN holders

• The car is a current model you can order or buy from dealer stock

We did not convert list prices into estimated drive-away figures to squeeze extra cars in. Where only a list price was published, the car was left out and we say so in the near-miss section.

Qualifying is not the same as a recommendation. The detailed picks below are judged on the price and how long it lasts, safety rating, warranty, practicality, running costs and dealer support. There is no numerical ranking, because the right car depends on whether you need an SUV, a manual, an EV or the longest warranty.

The picks in detail

BYD Atto 1 Essential

From $19,990 drive-away, the national promotional price, orders 15 September to 15 December 2026, delivery by 31 December.

The Atto 1 is the first electric car to sit at the very bottom of the Australian new-car price list. BYD's campaign price is for retail customers, metallic paint costs extra, and it cannot be combined with other offers. Demonstrators are excluded.

The Essential has a 65kW motor and a claimed 220km of WLTP range. That is a city car's range. It suits commuting, school runs and shopping, but it will need careful planning for regular country trips.

Standard equipment includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch driver display, keyless entry and start, six airbags and vehicle-to-load (V2L) so you can power appliances from the car. Boot space is 308 litres, expanding to 1,037 litres with the seats folded. AC charging is rated at up to 11kW.

BYD covers the car for six years or 150,000km and the battery for eight years or 160,000km.

Once the campaign ends, the Essential reverts to its $23,990 list price before on-road costs, which puts it back above $25,000 drive-away in most states. If you are weighing it against its bigger sibling, our BYD Atto 1 vs Atto 2 comparison breaks down the differences.

Suits: city drivers with off-street parking and a power point, and households adding a second car.

Watch for: the 220km range, 15-inch steel wheels on the Essential, and the delivery deadline. BYD says eligibility is not guaranteed until the car is delivered.

MG3 Vibe and Excite

Vibe from $19,990 drive-away with a $1,000 cashback ($20,990 without), Excite from $23,990. Both offers end onregistration and 31 October 2026.

The MG3 is the cheapest petrol car you can buy new in Australia this month. The $19,990 figure relies on MG's $1,000 cashback, which applies to vehicles sold and delivered by 31 October at participating dealers, while stocks last. Without it, the Vibe is $20,990 drive-away, which is still lower than any other petrol car on this list.

Both grades use a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 81kW and a CVT automatic. You do not have to accept a manual to get the lowest price, which is not true of the Picanto or Swift.

The Vibe is basic. It runs on 15-inch steel wheels, has a reversing camera, and does without push-button start. MG's own spec sheet also notes that blind-spot detection and rear cross traffic assist are not available on the Vibe. Stepping up $3,000 to the Excite adds 16-inch alloys and push-button start and still keeps you under $25,000.

Safety is the trade-off. ANCAP originally rated this generation at three stars. Cars built from 30 April 2025 have updated safety equipment and carry four stars. MG's warranty can stretch to 10 years or 250,000km when the car is serviced within MG's dealer network.

Suits: buyers who want the lowest petrol price with an automatic, and first-car buyers on a fixed budget.

Watch for: the four-star rating, the missing blind-spot alert on the Vibe, and the 31 October cashback deadline.

Kia Picanto Sport

Manual from $22,290 drive-away, automatic from $23,390. Kia's drive-away estimates are valid until 31 October 2026.

The Picanto is the smallest car here and the only established Korean-brand car under $25,000. At about 3.6 metres long it is easy to park and suits tight inner-city streets.

Power comes from a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Kia's equipment list for the Sport includes an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping and lane following assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist and a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines. Kia's offer page also lists 14-inch alloy wheels and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist for the Sport automatic.

The ownership package is strong. Kia offers seven years of unlimited-kilometre warranty, capped-price servicing for up to seven years or 105,000km, and roadside assistance that renews with each dealer service.

The weakness is the safety rating. The Picanto's previous ANCAP rating expired at the end of 2023, so the current car is officially unrated. The better-equipped GT-Line is $25,190 drive-away, just over our limit.

Suits: city drivers and anyone who values a long-established dealer network and capped servicing.

Watch for: no current ANCAP rating, a small boot, and a four-speed automatic that feels old against newer CVTs and dual-clutch gearboxes.

MG ZS Vibe

From $22,990 drive-away, offer ends 31 October 2026.

The ZS Vibe is the lowest-priced SUV with a current, confirmed offer. For roughly $3,000 more than an MG3 Vibe you get a much bigger car, with a 443-litre boot that expands to 1,457 litres.

It uses the same basic recipe as the MG3: a 1.5-litre non-turbo petrol engine (81kW), a CVT automatic and front-wheel drive. That is enough for suburban driving but leisurely on the highway. The Vibe rides on 16-inch alloys and has a reversing camera.

MG lists the ZS with a five-star ANCAP rating from 2025, and the standard MG Pilot safety suite includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise and blind-spot detection. The same warranty applies as the MG3, up to 10 years or 250,000km with MG servicing.

One practical note: the Vibe appears on MG's offers page but not in MG's online configurator, which currently starts at the Excite Turbo. That usually means dealer stock rather than a build-to-order car, so ring around if you want a particular colour.

Suits: small families and anyone who wants SUV space for close to hatchback money.

Watch for: modest performance, and stock availability before 31 October.

Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5L

From $23,990 drive-away, or $22,490 on 2025-built stock until 31 October 2026.

The XUV 3XO is the only Indian-built car here, and on equipment it punches well above its price. Mahindra's $1,500 instant rebate applies only to 2025-built cars, so the lower price depends on what your dealer has left.

It uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 82kW and 200Nm, driving through a conventional six-speed automatic. Mahindra claims 6.5L/100km combined.

The AX5L includes twin 10.25-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charging, 16-inch alloys, keyless entry and push-button start. Mahindra's Level 2 driver assistance package brings autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control with stop and go. The sunroof is reserved for the dearer AX7L.

The warranty is seven years or 150,000km. The big caveat is that the XUV 3XO has not been rated by ANCAP, and Mahindra's dealer network is much smaller than those of the bigger brands.

Suits: buyers who want the most equipment per dollar in a compact SUV and live near a Mahindra dealer.

Watch for: no ANCAP rating, a smaller service network, and whether 2025-built stock is still available.

Chery Tiggo 4 Urban

From $23,990 drive-away for orders placed by 31 December 2026, plus a $1,500 fuel card in October.

The Tiggo 4 has been one of Australia's top-selling small SUVs, and Chery's current deal is the longest-running price on this list. The $23,990 drive-away figure applies to orders placed at participating dealers up to 31 December 2026.

There is extra value this month. Chery is offering a $1,500 fuel card on Tiggo 4 Urban and Ultimate models purchased and delivered between 1 and 31 October 2026. Chery's terms say the fuel card can be exchanged at the point of sale for an equivalent deduction from the drive-away price, so ask the dealer to do that if you would rather pay less upfront.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 108kW and 210Nm and a CVT automatic. Claimed fuel use is 7.4L/100km. The Urban gets 17-inch alloys, a dual 10.25-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven airbags, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection.

It carries a five-star ANCAP rating, a seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and seven years of capped-price servicing.

Suits: buyers who want a five-star SUV with a turbo engine, and anyone who cannot buy before the end of October.

Watch for: fuel use higher than the non-turbo MGs, and a CVT that some drivers find less natural than a conventional automatic.

GWM Haval Jolion Premium

From $23,990 drive-away for a VIC private buyer, including $3,000 in savings. Offer ends 31 October 2026.

The Jolion is physically the largest car on this list. It is about 4.47 metres long with a 2.7-metre wheelbase, which shows up as rear-seat space.

GWM's normal drive-away price for the Premium is $26,990, so the current $23,990 price depends on the $3,000 saving that ends on 31 October or when stock runs out. GWM's price is calculated for Victoria, so buyers in other states should expect a slightly different quote.

The Premium uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (105kW, 210Nm) with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Claimed fuel use is 8.1L/100km, the highest of the cars here. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloys, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth seats, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Braked towing capacity is 1,500kg.

It has a five-star ANCAP rating from 2022 testing and a seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Suits: families who need back-seat room, and buyers who want light towing ability.

Watch for: the highest fuel use here, a basic four-speaker stereo, and a price that rises by $3,000 after October.

Suzuki Swift Hybrid

From $24,990 drive-away for the manual, for cars purchased and delivered between 1 and 31 October 2026.

The Swift scrapes in under $25,000 and only in manual form. Expect to pay more for the CVT automatic. CarExpert listed it at $27,990 drive-away in February 2026, so ask a dealer for the current figure.

Its 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine uses a 12-volt mild-hybrid system that assists the engine but cannot drive the car on electricity alone. Suzuki claims 3.8L/100km for the manual, the lowest fuel use of any petrol car here.

The base Swift is well equipped for the price, with a 9-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, keyless entry and start, LED headlights, six airbags, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

The warranty is five years with unlimited kilometres, shorter than most rivals. The Swift's ANCAP rating is three stars, upgraded from one star after Suzuki added safety improvements.

Suits: high-kilometre commuters who want the lowest fuel bill and are happy with a manual.

Watch for: the three-star rating, the five-year warranty, and the fact Suzuki Australia's offer does not cover Queensland or northern NSW.

Other options worth considering

GAC Emzoom Premium

GAC's Australian website currently displays the Emzoom Premium "from $22,990 national drive-away price". When the Premium launched in August 2026, it was reported as an introductory price for orders until 30 September, with the ongoing price not announced. We could not find an end date for the offer on GAC's page.

If the $22,990 price still applies when you call, the Emzoom Premium is a lot of car for the money. It has a 125kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, a 14.6-inch touchscreen, artificial leather trim, climate control and adaptive cruise, plus a seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty. It has not been rated by ANCAP, and GAC is still a young brand in Australia with a limited dealer network.

Confirm the price in writing before you commit.

Just over $25,000

These cars miss the cut by a small margin on their manufacturers' current drive-away pricing. They may be worth stretching for, or worth watching for a sharper offer.

• Suzuki Ignis GL, $25,135 drive-away. Runout stock only, as the Ignis is no longer available to order.

• Kia Picanto GT-Line automatic, $25,190 drive-away, with LED projector headlights and 16-inch alloys.

• Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L, $25,490 drive-away on 2025-built stock, adding the sunroof and leatherette seats.

• Hyundai Venue manual, $25,990 drive-away at participating dealers on Hyundai's offer pages. The Venue brings Hyundai's large dealer network.

• Jaecoo J5 Track, $25,990 drive-away. The J5 has an eight-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 480-litre boot.

• BYD Atto 2 DM-i Essential, $25,990 drive-away on a launch offer for orders to 24 December 2026. It is the cheapest plug-in hybrid we found. Our Atto 2 DM-i guide has the details.

• MG3 Essence and MG ZS Excite Turbo, both $25,990 drive-away. MG is also running plate-clearance cashbacks on remaining 2025-built MG3 Excite and Essence stock, so ask what is left.

Further up, the Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate, GWM Haval Jolion Lux and GAC Emzoom Luxury are all $26,990 drive-away, and the BYD Dolphin Essential is $28,888 drive-away on promotion. The Geely EX2 lists from $26,490 before on-road costs, so it does not qualify on a drive-away basis. Browse new cars under $30,000 if your budget has a little room.

Coming soon and prices to watch

The bottom of the market is moving month to month, so treat this list as a snapshot.

• 31 October 2026. MG, Kia, GWM, Mahindra and Suzuki offers on this list all end on or around this date. Some may roll over, as several September offers did, but there is no guarantee.

• 15 December 2026. The Atto 1's $19,990 campaign closes for orders. Unless BYD extends it, the Essential returns to its $23,990 list price before on-road costs.

• 31 December 2026. The Tiggo 4 Urban's $23,990 drive-away price ends for orders.

• Leapmotor B03X. This small electric SUV is due in the fourth quarter of 2026. CarsGuide reported indicative pricing of about $30,000 drive-away, so on current information it will sit above this list. Final Australian pricing and specifications have not been confirmed.

Which under-$25,000 car suits which buyer

This is a quick guide to where to start your shortlist. It is not a ranking.

If you are buying for a learner or P-plater, safety ratings matter more than a few hundred dollars. Our best first cars for P-platers in Australia 2026 guide covers what to look for, including used alternatives.

The real cost after you drive away

The drive-away price is only the first bill. Three ongoing costs separate cheap-to-buy from cheap-to-own.

Insurance. Comprehensive cover is optional but usually worth it on a new car, and it is normally required if the car is financed. Premiums vary a lot by age, postcode and model. Our guides to car insurance costs by state and third party vs comprehensive cover explain what changes the price. Get quotes before you sign, because a young driver's premium on two similarly priced cars can differ noticeably.

Fuel or charging. Claimed combined figures on this list range from 3.8L/100km for the Swift Hybrid manual to 8.1L/100km for the Jolion. Over several years that gap can outweigh the difference in purchase price. The Atto 1 avoids petrol entirely if you can charge at home. Our cheapest cars to run in Australia 2026 guide and the petrol vs hybrid vs electric comparison do the maths.

Servicing. Kia and Chery both advertise seven years of capped-price servicing. MG's longer warranty depends on servicing within its dealer network. Check the capped price for each visit and the service interval, not just the warranty length. Our car service cost guide shows typical costs.

If you are shopping for a household rather than a single driver, our cheapest family cars to run in Australia 2026 guide looks at bigger cars on running costs. For costs that catch buyers out, see the hidden costs of owning a car in Australia.

Finance. If you are borrowing, compare the comparison rate and the total amount payable, not the weekly figure. Some manufacturer finance terms we read for this guide, including BYD's and Hyundai's, note that a dealer origination or agency fee of up to $1,495 may apply on top. Low-rate finance offers are also often an alternative to a cashback rather than an addition to it.

A buying checklist for under $25,000

• Get a written drive-away quote for your postcode, not just the advertised figure.

• Ask which colour the price applies to. Metallic and premium paints usually cost extra.

• Check the offer deadline. Some require the car to be sold and delivered by the end date, not just ordered.

• Confirm whether the car is new stock, a demonstrator or an older build year. Some offers exclude demonstrators, and others apply only to 2025-built cars.

• Look up the ANCAP rating and its date, especially for a first car.

• Price comprehensive insurance before you commit.

• Compare the capped-price service schedule over the years you plan to keep the car.

• If you are considering the Atto 1, make sure you can charge at home or at work.

• If a deal looks close to the line, ask for the price breakdown. Dealer delivery charges and accessories packs can push a car over $25,000.

How this guide differs from our Top 15 list

Our Top 15 cheapest new cars list ranks the 15 lowest-priced cars on sale, which takes in models up to about $32,000. It is useful if you want to see the whole budget end of the market.

This page answers a narrower question: what can you actually drive away in for under $25,000, today, according to the manufacturers themselves. It uses one pricing basis throughout, names the state where a brand names one, and leaves out estimated drive-away figures entirely.

If you are still deciding between new and second-hand, read whether it is cheaper to buy a new or used car in 2026. When you are ready to compare, browse the full range of new cars on AussieMotor.