The ultimate contest for Australia’s best cars
As the world's longest running automotive award, judged by Australia's most seasoned journalists, Wheels Car of the Year is a trusted authority on the best all-round new car on the market each year.
12,000km of testing by a 7-time Australian rally champion put this year's contenders through their paces – evaluating handling, speed and braking, safety and design. In a sign of the changing market, nearly half the finalists were electric vehicles.
More car, less tax with Smart
Novated leasing is one of the most cost-effective and convenient ways to buy and run a car you love – whether it's a winner or finalist in Wheels Car of the Year, or another car that's just right for you.
You could get big tax savings with a novated lease, especially with an EV. Smart makes it all simple, and we can get you the best possible price through our 740-strong national dealer network.
Wheels Car of the Year 2024 – winner and finalists
All passenger vehicles, utes and SUVs under $140,000 and launched in Australia since the 2023 awards were eligible, with 25 individual models invited by Wheels to compete for the 2024 honours. The winner and finalists are below.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
Australia's car of the year is Hyundai's first ever EV performance vehicle, a five-seater with more power than a McLaren F1 and a five-star ANCAP rating.
Toyota Camry Ascent Sport
The ninth-generation XV80 Camry is the latest evidence of a quarter of a century perfecting hybrid technology powertrain, with low-end EV-like performance that gets you effortlessly around town.
Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy
This seven-seat hybrid with six-speed automatic transmission meets daily driving demands with a thoughtful, innovative design approach.
MG4 Essence 64
An affordable price tag and 10-year unlimited-kilometre warranty make this EV a viable option for drivers seeking performance, practicality and peace of mind.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse
With its specially modified 5.0-litre V8 engine and 350/550Nm on tap, the Special Edition Dark Horse is fast, loud and a remarkable driving experience.
Kia EV5 Earth AWD
With an 88.1kWh battery, 500km of claimed WLTP range and a feeling of rock-solid durability, this well-equipped AWD is also big on affordability, comfort and space.
What is novated leasing?
Novated leasing is a salary packaging arrangement with your employer that lets you use pre-tax income for car finance and expenses, and may help reduce the income tax you pay. If you lease an eligible^ electric vehicle, 100% of the lease and car costs come from your pre-tax income and are exempt from fringe benefits tax – potentially saving you thousands more.
- An ATO- approved way to save on GST and income tax
- One simple deduction each payday for your finance and running costs
- New, used or a car you already own¹
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Important information
This is general information only. Before entering into any salary packaging or novated leasing arrangement, you should consider your objectives, financial situation and needs, and seek appropriate legal, financial or other professional advice based upon your own particular circumstances. The availability of benefits is determined by your employer. Conditions and fees apply.
1. Car must be no older than 15 years old at the end of the lease and be worth at least $5,000.
^ Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption available for eligible electric or hydrogen cell vehicles purchased through a novated lease up to the Luxury Car Tax limit ($91,661 in FY 2026-27).
Images supplied by Wheels magazine. This article was written by an independent author of Wheels Media. Full disclaimer