In a significant shift for the Australian automotive market, several well-known SUV, ute, and van models have been discontinued in 2025. The year witnessed the exit of long-established nameplates, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which left after an impressive 29-year run, along with other models such as the LDV V80, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Toyota Granvia. This trend reflects both changing consumer preferences and new regulatory challenges impacting vehicle compliance.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: A Legacy Ends
Once celebrated as Australia’s best-selling large SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has experienced a dramatic decline in sales. In 2014, it achieved 16,582 deliveries, surpassing the Toyota Prado. Fast forward to 2022, and the Grand Cherokee’s sales plummeted to just 645 units, marking a staggering 48.3 percent decrease from the previous year. Over the last decade, Jeep has seen its overall sales drop by 92 percent.
The decision to withdraw the Grand Cherokee from the Australian market was described by Jeep as a “pause” in availability, although reports indicate that production for right-hand drive models has ceased. The current generation, launched in 2022, offered a long-wheelbase version but lacked both the popular turbo-diesel V6 and V8 options that had previously attracted buyers. A plug-in hybrid model introduced in 2023 failed to gain traction, resulting in a significant reduction in Jeep’s local lineup, which now consists of just four models: the Avenger, Compass, Wrangler, and Gladiator.
Other Notable Exits from the Australian Market
The LDV V80, one of the oldest models available, was discontinued early in 2025 after a decade in the Australian market. Initially developed in partnership with Daewoo, the V80 faced criticism for its lack of safety features, including only two airbags and an outdated two-star ANCAP rating from 2013. In its final year, LDV managed to sell 596 units, a stark contrast to the more popular models in its lineup, such as the Deliver 9.
The Mahindra Pik-Up has also quietly exited the Australian market as Mahindra shifted focus to its SUV offerings. Although exact sales figures are not reported, the Pik-Up had been on sale since 2009, and Mahindra plans to launch a new model designed specifically for the Australian market in 2026.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross faced discontinuation due to failure to meet new Australian Design Rule 98/00 requirements for autonomous emergency braking. Despite its previous popularity, the Eclipse Cross was not replaced, with Mitsubishi opting for a new ASX and teasing a replacement for the Pajero Sport. Interestingly, the Eclipse Cross had a brief resurgence in sales, achieving a total of 9,221 units in 2024.
The Toyota Granvia, launched in 2019 to fill the void left by the Tarago, also faced the chopping block as Toyota opted not to make it compliant with the latest regulations. With just 1,028 units sold since launch, the Granvia struggled to compete against models like the Kia Carnival.
The Toyota Fortuner, another SUV in Toyota’s lineup, had consistently low sales compared to its competitors. Despite being a more affordable option than the Prado, it failed to capture a significant market share. The Fortuner is expected to remain available until mid-2026, but its customer base has already begun shifting towards other Toyota models.
Lastly, the Volvo C40, which debuted in Australia in 2022, was discontinued in 2025. The C40 faced stiff competition from the smaller EX30, leading to a substantial drop in sales from 1,103 units in its first year to just 560 in 2024. Although there were plans for a model update, the C40 was ultimately removed from the Australian lineup.
These discontinuations reflect a broader trend in the automotive industry as manufacturers adapt to changing regulations and consumer preferences. As new models enter the market, the landscape continues to evolve, leaving some well-known names behind.
