Australia’s Top-Selling Cars in 2026 Ranked by Novated Lease Value

Strong novated lease value usually comes from a mix of low running costs, efficiency, strong reliability and a vehicle price that works well under salary packaging. When a driver uses the novated lease calculator, they can see how each vehicle performs against their personal income, tax structure and expected driving habits.

Cars that hold their value over time, such as the Toyota RAV 4 or Mazda CX-5, often perform well because depreciation impacts the lease cost directly. Vehicles with low servicing requirements and strong fuel or electric economy also produce better outcomes because they reduce the ongoing expenses that are packaged into the lease. Many Australians begin by reviewing their novated lease eligibility to confirm they qualify, then compare different models to find the ones that achieve the strongest balance of comfort and cost.

SUVs have been  the most popular vehicles in Australia for quite some time, due a mix of practicality, comfort and family readiness that fits everyday living and Australian families’ lifestyle. What has changed in recent years is how well these SUVs perform under a novated lease. Many mid-range SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage now offer strong fuel efficiency and low servicing costs, which makes them ideal for salary packaging.

For employees commuting long distances, the higher seating position and comfort of an SUV makes a noticeable difference in daily life. Families appreciate the safety features, boot space and long-distance comfort. When these lifestyle benefits pair with predictable packaged costs, SUVs often deliver better value than sedans or smaller cars. This is why the majority of cars ranked highly for novated lease value in 2026 are modern SUVs that strike the right balance between practicality and affordability.

Electric vehicles continue to offer excellent value for novated leasing, especially when they qualify for the government supported FBT Exemption. This exemption can significantly reduce the overall cost of leasing an EV and is one of the main reasons electric models like the Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3 are ranked among Australia’s best novated lease options in 2026.

Even without the exemption, EVs generally benefit from lower servicing needs and cheaper running costs compared to petrol cars. Drivers who package an EV often enjoy predictable weekly expenses because the majority of the running cost is electricity, not fuel. When employees explore their options through the novated lease calculator, they often find that EVs comfortably fit into their budgets. This combination of modern driving experience and cost efficiency has helped EVs become favourites for Australian professionals seeking a smarter way to finance a new car.

Hybrids consistently rank as top choices for salary packaging because they reduce fuel use without needing external charging. Vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid allow drivers to experience smoother, quieter, more economical driving with minimal lifestyle change. Since hybrids recharge their batteries through braking and driving, they benefit from excellent fuel consumption that translates into consistently low running costs.

Under a novated lease, running costs such as fuel, servicing and maintenance are packaged along with the vehicle payment. Because hybrids require less fuel and often need less frequent servicing, they keep annual packaged costs predictable and steady. This is why so many hybrid SUVs are at the top of Australia’s list for novated lease value in 2026. They deliver excellent real-world savings and align closely with lifestyle needs, especially for people with mixed city and highway driving patterns.

A car allowance can be a flexible option, but it rarely provides the same structured financial advantages as salary packaging. A car allowance is paid as taxable income, meaning it increases your earnings but does not reduce your tax. A novated lease, on the other hand, allows you to pay many vehicle costs from your pre tax salary, which can reduce your overall taxable income and provide potential savings that a car allowance cannot match.

For employees choosing from Australia’s top-selling cars of 2026, a novated lease usually delivers stronger long-term value because it packages predictable running costs and creates a cleaner financial structure. The allowance may still appeal to people who want full flexibility or already own their vehicle, but when comparing the two options side by side, most drivers who qualify for salary packaging find that a novated lease offers clearer benefits, especially when paired with efficient vehicles like hybrids or EVs.