On the third day of Christmas…

2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for car lovers, and at carsales we’re already excited about what’s coming down the road. 

These three models aren’t just new – they represent major innovations in tech, performance and sustainability that may well shape the next era of motoring.  

Except for the RAV4 – that’s kinda old but is nonetheless hugely anticipated. 

Ferrari's first EV is coming in 2026 and it’s a double-edged sword for the brand. It’ll either be one of the most innovative EVs ever made or people will lambast it for being an expensive try-hard. At least in terms of the EV tech.

However, it should be fun to drive. The bespoke aluminium architecture incorporates active suspension from the F80 hypercar and rear-wheel steering, with a total weight around 2300kg.

Ferrari's engineers have even created an authentic electric soundtrack by mounting sensors to the rear axle that translate motor vibrations and amplify them into the cabin.

It will take aim at Lamborghini's Lanzador and Bentley's urban SUV with a quad-motor powertrain exceeding 736kW. Expected to launch as a high-riding four-door coupe with a radical driving position placing the driver almost above the front axle, the Elettrica features all in-house developed tech including an energy-dense 122kWh battery pack good for around 530km of range.

Performance figures are supercar-worthy: 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds and a 310km/h top speed, thanks to a rear-biased setup with 210kW at the front and 620kW at the rear.

Full reveal is expected in 2026, with Australian arrival tipped for the first half of 2027. And if you must ask how much, you probably can’t afford it!

Toyota has massive ambitions for the sixth-generation RAV4, expecting it to completely dominate the sales charts and become Australia's number one seller overall in due course.

But can a modestly restyled SUV with a de-tuned hybrid powertrain and price increases of up to 10 per cent achieve that? Starting from $45,990, the new RAV4 now costs significantly more than rivals like the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, which start under $40,000.

Nevertheless, customer appetite for the RAV4 is already blowing up and next-gen family SUV brings multiple new designs, overhauled infotainment with Toyota's new Arene software, and a larger 12.3-inch screen.

However, it's built on the same TNGA-K platform as the 2019 model, meaning rear seat space remains behind class leaders and the familiar 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain has been powered down from 163kW to 143kW due to emissions regulations.

That said, three plug-in hybrid variants will arrive in Q3 2026.

On the road, it drives very much like the outgoing model – light steering, sure handling, and comfortable ride – which is both reassuring and underwhelming. It's still good, but probably not good enough to justify such a substantial pricing gulf over its increasingly competitive rivals. Available first half of 2026.

Set to launch in early 2026, the GV60 Magma will be Genesis’ flagship performance electric vehicle (EV) here in Australia.

Pumping out an astonishing 478kW and 790Nm, it’s likely to sprint from 0-100?km/h in under 3.5 seconds. And will be a lot cheaper than Ferrari’s first EV – and possibly just as fun if the IONIQ 5 N is any indication.

Powered by an electrified drivetrain inspired by Hyundai’s hottest EV, the IONIQ?5 N, this hot crossover delivers savage performance along with luxury and nouveau-Korean optics.

Price estimates begin around $140,000 plus ORCs, positioning it above the IONIQ?5 N but below the G80 and GV70 EVs.

It’s a bold statement from Hyundai’s premium arm and a sign that electric performance is here to stay.

Which 2026 model are you most excited about? Tell us on Facebook @carsalescomau

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