Nine vehicles have been selected as finalists in the 2026 Fleet News Group Vehicle Awards after completing a fleet-focused assessment using Best Value Analysis.

The finalists represent the variety of vehicles now being considered by Australian fleets, including passenger cars, SUVs, vans, utes, hybrids and battery-electric models.

The finalists were selected using Best Value Analysis, a structured process commonly used by fleet buyers to compare vehicles across several areas rather than relying on purchase price or driving performance alone.

The assessment considered whole-of-life cost, safety, sustainability, manufacturer support, market acceptance and workplace ergonomics.

Whole-of-life costs included servicing, expected maintenance, tyres, brakes and fuel or electricity consumption across typical fleet replacement periods. Vehicles were first compared with relevant models in their own market segment, helping ensure that different body styles and vehicle types could be assessed fairly.

The process also considered whether each model had demonstrated genuine relevance to fleet customers.

The nine finalists will now progress to a two-day evaluation in August. Experienced fleet buyers and fleet management professionals will drive, inspect and compare the vehicles, with all finalists displayed together during the judging program.

The judges will determine which models provide the strongest overall combination of financial value, operational capability, safety, driver suitability and manufacturer support.

The results will remain confidential until the Fleet News Group Awards night in Sydney on 14 October, when the industry will gather to discover which vehicles will be crowned the 2026 winners.