Tesla Owner Reports Model Y Outselling Toyota RAV4 in Australia
CleanTechnica contributor David Waterworth notes the Model Y was the highest-selling passenger car in October, beating the refreshed RAV4.
A Tesla owner reports that the Model Y has become the highest-selling passenger car in Australia across all drivetrain types, surpassing the refreshed Toyota RAV4 in October sales figures.
What Happened
David Waterworth, a contributor to CleanTechnica, documented the delivery of a 2026 Standard Range Model Y (2027 model year) at a Tesla delivery center in Brisbane. The visit revealed a stark contrast to the early days of Tesla’s presence in Australia, which Waterworth recalls involved a cramped, three-minute handover process seven years ago. The current facility was bustling with activity, featuring a dedicated sales team and a large inventory of vehicles. Waterworth observed a line of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars being surrendered as trade-ins and noted that at least 60 new cars were waiting on the lot, with representatives indicating hundreds more were being prepped in the back. The delivery included a new Model Y equipped with Hardware 4, which supports Full Self-Driving (Supervised) capabilities.
Why It Matters
Waterworth notes that the Model Y has been the top-selling passenger car for several consecutive months, beating out traditional ICE leaders like the Toyota RAV4. He observes that the crossover has become common in his northern Brisbane suburb. The author also highlights specific improvements in the new Model Y over his 2019 Model 3, including a range of 460 km from LFP batteries compared to 300 km in the older vehicle, as well as enhanced comfort features like cooling seats and a heated steering wheel. However, he notes a loss of some software features, such as Enhanced Autopilot, which he previously purchased for AU$5,000.
The Bottom Line
The owner’s report indicates the Model Y has outperformed the Toyota RAV4 in recent Australian sales, with the author describing the vehicle as having become common in his local community. While noting improvements in range and comfort, the owner also points out the removal of certain legacy software features on the new model.
