For decades, Holden was a household name on Australian roads. From the Commodore to the Monaro, the brand offered cars that were powerful, practical, and distinctly Australian. But times have changed, and so have buyers’ needs. Today, Holdens don’t suit everyone, and for good reason.
The Rise of the SUV
Over the past decade, Australians have embraced SUVs and crossovers:
- They offer higher driving positions and better visibility
- Families prefer more cargo space and seating flexibility
- Modern SUVs are efficient, safe, and feature-packed
Meanwhile, Holdens — particularly the Commodore — were sedans and utes, designed for a very different era. Their strengths didn’t always align with today’s lifestyle needs.
The Commodore’s Limitations
The Holden Commodore was never built as an SUV, which creates several limitations for modern buyers:
- Ground Clearance: Lower ride height makes it less versatile on rough roads or rural properties
- Cargo Space: Sedans can’t match the storage capacity of SUVs for groceries, camping, or family trips
- Family Flexibility: Three-row seating, sliding doors, and easy access are features modern buyers now expect
Changing Buyer Expectations
Today’s car buyers want:
- Tech and safety features like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and multiple airbags
- Fuel efficiency without compromising size or comfort
- All-weather capability, including AWD for wet roads or gravel tracks
While Holdens were reliable and fun to drive, many don’t meet the demands of the modern driver. The brand’s focus on sedans and performance cars left a gap in the SUV and crossover market.
Could Holden Have Made an SUV based on the Commodore?
Some argue Holden missed an opportunity:
- A Commodore-based SUV could have combined robust Australian engineering with modern practicality
- Holden’s experience with utes, V8s, and AWD components could have translated into a strong SUV offering
- It might have helped the brand stay competitive in today’s shifting market
- They did have the Adventura. Arguably ahead of its time, arguably not quite what buyers were after.
Instead, buyers turned to Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, and the Ford Territory for SUV alternatives, leaving Holdens behind.
Why Enthusiasts Still Love Holdens
Even with these limitations, Holdens still have strong appeal:
- Powerful V6 and V8 engines for spirited driving
- Comfort and ride tuned for Australian roads
- Proven reliability and easy maintenance
- Cultural and nostalgic significance that newer cars lack
The issue isn’t that Holdens are bad cars — it’s that buyer priorities have evolved, and sedans aren’t the lifestyle choice they once were.
Final Thoughts
Why don’t Holdens suit everyone anymore?
- Sedans like the Commodore no longer meet the space, versatility, and SUV-focused lifestyle Australians demand
- Modern buyers prioritize safety, technology, and multi-use capability over raw engine power or driving feel
- Had Holden expanded into SUVs, it may have retained a broader audience
Holdens remain iconic, reliable, and fun, but in today’s automotive landscape, they appeal primarily to enthusiasts and those who value classic driving experiences. For the average family seeking space, comfort, and practicality, the Holden no longer fits the bill — and that’s the truth about its place in 2026.