Best Cars for Coastal Driving in Australia – Open Roads & Sea Breeze

Best Cars for Coastal Driving in Australia – Open Roads & Sea Breeze

Whether you're navigating the Great Ocean Road, cruising through Byron Bay, or rolling down the Sunshine Coast, the right car can elevate your coastal road trip from good to unforgettable. Australians are blessed with some of the world’s most beautiful coastline, and to truly embrace the sea breeze and scenic views, you'll need a car that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and style.

In this detailed guide, we explore the best cars for coastal driving in Australia for 2025, focusing on vehicles that are perfect for enjoying open roads, salty air, and that unmistakable Aussie coastal vibe.

🚘 What Makes a Car Great for Coastal Driving?

Before jumping into our top picks, let’s explore what you should look for in a vehicle ideal for beach-side motoring.

1. Convertible or Open-Roof Option

Let the breeze in and the roof down. Convertibles are natural fits for coastal regions.

2. Fuel Efficiency

Long drives along the coast mean lots of kilometres. Fuel-efficient petrol, hybrid, or even EV options keep costs down.

3. Comfort and Ride Quality

You’ll want a smooth ride, especially on winding, cliff-hugging roads.

4. Cargo Space

Whether it’s surfboards, beach gear, or picnic baskets, coastal trips usually come with a fair bit of cargo.

5. Rust Protection and Salt Resistance

Important for long-term durability in salty sea air.

🏖️ Best Convertibles for Coastal Cruising

1. Mazda MX-5

• Engine: 2.0L petrol

• Power: 135kW

• Fuel Economy: 6.9L/100km

• Price: From $41,000

Why it’s perfect: The Mazda MX-5 is the classic convertible roadster. Light, agile, and fun – it was practically made for the Great Ocean Road. It’s not the most practical car, but for pure open-air thrills, it’s hard to beat.

2. BMW Z4

• Engine: 2.0L and 3.0L turbo petrol

• Fuel Economy: From 7.5L/100km

• Price: From $98,000

Why it’s perfect: It’s luxurious, powerful, and stylish. The Z4 is perfect if you want to turn heads in Noosa or Bondi. The power retractable hardtop gives flexibility for all-weather use.

3. Mini Convertible

• Engine: 1.5L & 2.0L turbo petrol

• Fuel Economy: 6.3–7.3L/100km

• Price: From $50,000

Why it’s perfect: Retro charm meets beach vibes. The Mini Convertible is perfect for inner-coast exploration with easy parking and zippy handling.

🌊 Best Hatchbacks for Coastal Living

4. Volkswagen Golf

• Engine: 1.4L turbo petrol

• Fuel Economy: 5.8–6.5L/100km

• Price: From $39,000

Why it’s perfect: Comfortable, practical, and polished. Great for surfers who want rear cargo space with a bit of European flair.

5. Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hatch

• Engine: 1.8L petrol-electric hybrid

• Fuel Economy: 4.2L/100km

• Price: From $32,000

Why it’s perfect: Ultra-efficient, affordable, and reliable. You can explore the entire eastern coastline on a tight fuel budget.

🛣️ Best SUVs for Coastal and Beach-Adjacent Driving

6. Subaru Outback Touring XT

• Engine: 2.4L turbo petrol

• Fuel Economy: 9.0L/100km

• Price: From $56,000

Why it’s perfect: All-wheel drive, huge boot space, and comfort-focused interiors. Great for fishing trips, camping, and long hauls.

7. Kia Sportage GT-Line

• Engine: 1.6L turbo petrol or hybrid

• Fuel Economy: 6.4–7.2L/100km

• Price: From $48,000

Why it’s perfect: Packed with features, the Sportage offers coastal comfort with smart safety tech and a premium cabin. Available AWD versions tackle sand trails with ease.

8. Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

• Electric Range: 50km

• Fuel Economy: 1.5L/100km (claimed)

• Price: From $55,000

Why it’s perfect: For green-conscious beachgoers. Cruise on EV mode through town and kick over to petrol when road-tripping.

⚡ Electric Vehicles That Shine on the Coast

9. Hyundai Ioniq 5

• Range: Up to 507km

• Charging: Ultra-fast DC

• Price: From $72,000

Why it’s perfect: Spacious interior with reclining lounge seats and a flat floor. Great for relaxing by the beach after a surf session.

10. Tesla Model Y RWD

• Range: 455km

• Boot Space: 971L

• Price: From $63,900

Why it’s perfect: Quiet, efficient, and seamless driving. Autopilot assists during long drives along the highway and tons of boot space for gear.

🧳 Lifestyle Sedans with Space and Style

11. Toyota Camry Hybrid

• Fuel Economy: 4.5L/100km

• Price: From $37,000

Why it’s perfect: Quiet, smooth, and unbelievably efficient. The large boot and smooth CVT make it a solid road-tripping sedan.

12. Skoda Superb 206TSI SportLine

• Engine: 2.0L turbo

• Fuel Economy: 7.3L/100km

• Price: From $65,000

Why it’s perfect: Executive feel, plenty of space, and luxury comfort. The long wheelbase helps with stability on winding coastal roads.

🛞 Honourable Mentions – Specialised Coastal Picks

• Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4x4 – For those who love to camp on the beach itself. Built for sand.

• Suzuki Jimny 3-Door – Ultra compact and fun, this mini off-roader is beloved by beachgoers for its nimbleness.

• Mazda CX-30 – A compact crossover that strikes a great balance between comfort and urban versatility.

🧠 Car Buying Tips for Coastal Drivers

1. Consider Rust Protection: Coastal environments expose your car to salty air. Consider underbody protection or ceramic coatings.

2. Check Boot and Roof Rack Options: For boards, tents, or beach umbrellas.

3. Prioritise Air Conditioning: Coastal summers can be humid.

4. Seek Advanced Safety Tech: Coastal roads can be curvy and high-speed.

5. Inspect Ground Clearance: Especially if you occasionally drive through sandy or gravel tracks near the shore.

🔁 Used Car Tip for Coastal Life

Buying used? Look for:

• Full service history

• Minimal signs of rust

• Undercarriage condition

• Saltwater exposure signs (check carpet and battery terminals)

🚗 Final Verdict – Your Ideal Coastal Drive Companion

Whether you’re after a convertible to enjoy the sea air, a hatchback for quick weekend getaways, or an EV to keep things green, there’s a car that fits your coastal dream. The best car for Aussie coastal driving is one that fits your lifestyle – be it laidback cruising, adventure camping, or spirited winding-road runs.

Make sure you factor in:

• Your budget

• Passenger space

• Fuel type

• Distance between stops

• Road conditions

With the right car, Australia’s coastline isn’t just a view – it’s a destination.