Dual-cab utes and four-wheel drives duelling for car park spaces

In the year to November 2025, three of the five top-selling vehicles in Western Australia were dual-cab utes, with the other two top sellers being an SUV and a large four-wheel drive.

Over the past decade, sales of utes, four-wheel drives, and large SUVs in WA has continued to outstrip passenger car sales. And the trend has not gone unnoticed.

In a recent survey, more than 90 per cent of RAC members said that the number of large cars they were seeing on the state’s roads in recent years had increased.

When asked if there were too many large vehicles on WA roads, 51 per cent said ‘no /not concerned’ while 44 per cent said ‘yes/ it’s becoming a problem.’ Of those who felt this was a problem, a key concern was finding it difficult to see past larger vehicles when driving and in car parks.

Some respondents also expressed the view that large vehicles were unnecessary for urban use and contributed even more to total vehicle emissions.

When asked specifically about parking, 68 per cent felt that current parking bay sizes were not adequate for larger vehicles.

Some members said they found it challenging to park near large vehicles due to the limited space available in car parks. The size of these vehicles also often encroached on adjacent parking bays, making it difficult to exit or enter a vehicle safely. This issue was seen as particularly problematic in shopping centres and other areas with limited parking space.

With car parks in and around shopping centres and shopping precincts becoming especially busy around Christmas, motorists are reminded to take extra care when entering and exiting parking spaces and busy car parks, and to park courteously.

See more findings from our member surveys and join RAC Opinion to share your views.