Each year, Australia's top motoring experts put the most popular cars through their paces in over hundreds of kilometres of rigorous road tests to determine Australia's Best Cars.

The cars, ranging from small to luxury and 4WDs, are tested on some of the country's harshest roads and measured on a range of criteria, including handling, safety, security and value.

The trophies are awarded in 15 categories, many determined by price, so that all budgets are catered for:

  —  Best Light Car Under $20,000
  —  Best Light Car Over $20,000
  —  Best Small Car Under $35,000
  —  Best Small Car Over $35,000
  —  Best Medium Car Under $50,000
  —  Best Medium Car Over $50,000
  —  Best Large Car Under $60,000
  —  Best Large Car Over $60,000
  —  Best People Mover
  —  Best Sports Car Under $80,000
  —  Best Sports Car Over $80,000
  —  Best SUV Under $40,000
  —  Best SUV Over $40,000
  —  Best Luxury SUV
  —  Best All-Terrain 4 Wheel Drive

Australia's Best Cars incorporates and builds on the expertise of the Australian Motoring Clubs including NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT and AANT.