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Toyota holds the title of Australia’s top-selling brand, but a few overseas models that Aussies miss out on could provide the brand with an added boost.
Toyota Australia holds a set of very enviable numbers.
It has been Australia’s top-selling car brand in an unbroken run since 2003. In 2025, Toyota’s 239,863 sales meant it sold more than twice the number of cars as second-placed Ford, with 94,399.
To get there, Toyota sells everything in Australia from a hybrid hatchback in the light car class to a 22-seat bus, with rugged SUVs and work-ready utes in between. No other brand can claim quite as broad a model spread.
Still, despite 19 distinct models to choose from in Australia, Toyota offers a handful of models overseas that could potentially see the brand record even stronger sales here.
The Corolla empire already sees hatch, sedan and Corolla Cross SUV models in Australian showrooms, but the missing piece of the puzzle is the Corolla Touring wagon.
While you may have seen the smaller Corolla Fielder on Aussie roads as a grey import, what Toyota Australia needs more is a proper Corolla wagon, something it hasn’t had since 2006.
The current Corolla wagon comes in two versions. Japan gets a 1.8-litre hybrid much like the 103kW Corolla sold here, but Europe gets access to a 2.0-litre hybrid as well, which would make a fantastic GR Sport flagship thanks to its punchier 131kW output.
Based on the longer 2700mm wheelbase of the sedan, the Corolla Touring could offer all the space and practicality of an SUV in an arguably much sleeker-looking package with better handling to boot.
Once Toyota Japan’s undisputed symbol of success, the Crown has now grown to a four-model range with a traditional sedan, a liftback crossover, a wagon, and a sporty SUV available in its home market.
While it's nice to think the rear-wheel sedan could be an upmarket fit for the Toyota Australia range, it’s the sleek Crown Sport SUV that would stand the best chance of success.
With more than a hint of Ferrari Purosangue to its styling, the Crown Sport fits in between the RAV4 and Kluger in terms of size, with a choice of hybrid or plug-in hybrid power, and a sophisticated, luxurious interior.
If the appetite for low-spec base model vehicles is really as strong as Drive’s commenters say it is, then the HiLux Champ could be a roaring success for Toyota.
Based on the chassis of the full-size HiLux, the single-cab, rear-wheel drive Champ is something like the Suzuki Jimny of utes: Basic, utilitarian, and an excellent platform for modifications.
Available with a choice of 2.7-litre petrol or 2.4-litre turbo diesel engines, the HiLux Champ could slot in where cheaper Workmate versions of the previous HiLux left off.
The appeal for a low-cost vehicle for fleets is obvious, but Toyota Thailand has also shown massive scope for the Champ as a platform for modifications, with everything from lift kits to van bodies, and even tarmac-scraping minitruck mods available.
The recently revealed Highlander EV for the North American market is yet to be confirmed for Australia, but it seems like a perfect fit as a member of the Kluger family.
The three-row electric SUV would face off against models like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9, and while neither has set the market alight, Toyota could make a big impression in the electric SUV class.
As a bookend to Toyota’s EV range, the flagship Kluger EV with all-wheel drive, 241kW and a 515km range rating has a decent set of specifications to back up its chiselled good looks.
While it appears almost Jimny-sized in photos, it's actually closer in size to a Mahindra Scorpio, at 4675mm long.
For now, the only engine is a 2.7-litre petrol four-cylinder, but with the chassis being a development of the platform that underpins the HiLux and HiLux Champ, it’s not hard to see a 2.4- or 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine from the HiLux making its way under the bonnet.
With serious off-road credentials, rather than just tough-guy looks, the LandCruiser FJ could offer a cheaper entry point to Toyota’s off-road range, slotting in beneath the cheapest $53,775 plus on-road costs Fortuner.
Forget everything you think you know about the Prius; the current model that Australia misses out on is an entirely different beast.
The stodgy styling has been overhauled with a sleek five-door fastback shape that looks sensational.
Practicality has taken a backseat to presentation for this model, but there's still seating for five and a roomy boot if you need.
The range of hybrid engines starts with a tame 1.8-litre 103kW unit from the Corolla, but tops out with a 164kW 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid model that is rated to cover up to 70km on electric power alone.
After the Tarago was retired and the Granvia flopped, Toyota lacks a people mover to challenge the unstoppable success of the Kia Carnival.
The crazy thing is though, Aussies can't get enough of the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, a pair of people movers sold in Japan with a constant flow of grey market imports hitting our shores.
Essentially two versions of the same vehicle, the ‘sporty’ Vellfire and ‘luxury’ Alphard offer modern styling, roomy interiors, and frugal hybrid power with the availability of all-wheel drive.
With pricing in Japan that starts from around $AU47,000, the Vellfire and Alphard could not only challenge the Carnival, but potentially knock a few Chinese newcomers flat, too.
Toyota’s American line-up is filled with forbidden fruit, with the modern Tacoma pick-up and the full-size Sequoia SUV based on the Tundra’s mechanicals.
It’s the SUV version of the Tacoma that feels like a missing piece of the Aussie puzzle. With the Fortuner ready to retire, the North American 4Runner could slot right into the Aussie range.
The rugged styling harks back to the last 4Runner sold here, but underneath is a new platform (the same as found beneath the Prado) and a choice of turbo petrol and hybrid turbo petrol four-cylinder engines.
A hybrid 4Runner, with the off-road-ready TRD Pro or sophisticated Trailhunter overlanding equipment, to slot in alongside the more sensible Prado, could capture plenty of attention from Australian off-road enthusiasts.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
