Buying a new car can be both exciting and stressful. On the one hand, there’s so much choice on the market, and on the other hand… there’s so much choice on the market. What’s more, once you’ve found your ideal car, it still needs to fit your budget and your lifestyle.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know before buying your next car in New Zealand. We’ll look at how car sales have shifted in recent years, what’s happening in the EV and hybrid market, the growing appeal of second-hand imports, and the top-selling cars of 2025.
To make your car selection process run a little smoother, we’re sharing insights on New Zealand’s most popular models and what makes them stand out. There are plenty of advantages to choosing a car that’s already proven popular. Not only does it hold value better when you sell, but these models often strike the right balance between affordability, reliability, and performance.
Kiwis love their cars, but vehicle sales are slowing.
Before we get into the most popular-selling cars in New Zealand, let’s look at how the trends in car sales have changed over recent years. It’s no secret that the New Zealand economy has taken a battering over the last 18 months. This economic tightening has left many households with less disposable income, and new car sales have taken a noticeable knock.
In 2021 and 2022, more than 110,000 new cars were registered in New Zealand, respectively. However, in 2024, that number dropped to just over 87,000. YTD sales for 2025 are sitting at 70,643.
Although confidence is returning, 2024’s figures showed a 21% drop as higher living costs, tighter lending, and reduced consumer confidence all took their toll.
Electric vehicles are also feeling the impact. Back in 2022, EVs and hybrids made up over a third of all new car registrations. By 2023, this had climbed to 41%.
When the government’s EV subsidies ended, sales plunged. In 2024, only 5% of new vehicles sold were fully electric. Sales of plug-in hybrids have slowed, too, likely due to new road user charges.
Hybrid sales have held up well, which suggests that Kiwis still love their electric cars but are looking for fuel-efficient options without the high cost of a brand-new EV.
It’s not just new cars that New Zealanders are registering. Second-hand vehicles, particularly Japanese imports, make up a large chunk of our current car market.
Japanese cars are often in great condition, reliable, and have less than 100,000 km on the clock.
At this mileage, vehicles undergo a comprehensive inspection. It’s often cheaper for car owners to sell their old car than to make the required upgrades.
We’ve taken a snapshot of the most popular car brands over the past month. Regardless of whether you buy one of these models, knowing what’s popular and why can help you make a more informed choice next time you visit a dealership.
|
# |
Make |
Sales |
Market Share |
|
1 |
Toyota |
3,601 |
26% |
|
2 |
Mitsubishi |
2,097 |
15% |
|
3 |
Ford |
1,371 |
10% |
|
4 |
Kia |
1,001 |
7% |
|
5 |
Mazda |
523 |
4% |
|
6 |
Hyundai |
421 |
3% |
|
7 |
Suzuki |
419 |
3% |
|
8 |
MG |
376 |
3% |
|
9 |
GWM |
369 |
3% |
|
10 |
Honda |
253 |
2% |
According to Canstar, the most popular selling car models in New Zealand for 2025 so far are:
In 2025, the Toyota RAV4 continues to dominate the New Zealand market with 7,502 units sold. It was also the most popular vehicle in 2024, with 10,530 units sold.
While many of these sales are to the rental market, it’s still a great car choice if you’re looking for reliability, affordability and fuel efficiency.
View this post on Instagram
This hybrid SUV is renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features.
The 2025 model offers improved fuel economy and an upgraded interior, making it an appealing option for those wanting to drive a large SUV in a busy urban lifestyle.
Plus, it’s a Toyota, which means parts are easy to find, affordable to buy and come with low maintenance costs. Top Gear called it both ‘practical and intelligent’ and an appealing family wagon due to its fuel-saving capabilities.
There are six models of the Toyota RAV4 available on the New Zealand market, with the Toyota RAV4 GX Hybrid being the most affordable model.
Features include a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, 1500kg max braked towing, e-four all-wheel drive system, 8” touchscreen audio display, dual zone air conditioning, and more.
Although the Mitsubishi ASX has secured the second spot, it’s worth noting that sales are about half of those of the Toyota RAV4, with 3,648 units sold so far! It’s more of a mid-sized car than the Toyota and offers more affordability, too.
View this post on Instagram
The Mitsubishi ASX is a compact SUV that offers ample cargo space, a comfy driving experience and a user-friendly infotainment system.
The interior has also been updated, along with a host of technology features, including an 8" touchscreen, SDA System, 10.6m turning circle, reversing camera, panoramic sunroof and 18” alloys.
It also comes in three fun colours, including Red Diamond, Sunshine Orange and Electric Blue, along with more subdued shades of black, silver, grey and white.
The Mitsubishi ASX is one of the more affordable popular cars available in New Zealand, especially if you opt for the most basic model (which still has lots of great features).
All in all, there are three models of Mitsubishi ASX on the market in New Zealand, with the ASX 2.0P LS 2WD CVT being the most affordable option.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has retained its third-place position in 2025, with 3,063 units sold. It’s a large SUV, offering the perfect mix of practicality and a touch of luxury thanks to its spacious interior and advanced technology. It’s a great car for those who want both style and versatility.
View this post on Instagram
The Outlander is available in both petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. It also comes in 2WD or 4WD options, so if you need a camping vehicle or like an off-road adventure, it can still do the job. The interior provides seating for five or seven, making it great for both large families and camping enthusiasts (see what we mean about versatility).
For those interested in greener alternatives, the PHEV offers up to 84km of all-electric driving, which is more than enough juice for daily commutes. If you’re looking to take it on the road, you’ll get up to 900km out of the petrol and electric power combined.
Pricing depends on the model and trim. The petrol LS 4WD 2.5L Auto is the most affordable and starts at NZ$44,990 plus on-road costs.
The 2025 Kia Seltos holds its fourth-place position, with 2,728 units sold. It’s a compact SUV better suited to urban environments than the great outdoors. It boasts advanced technology and a suite of safety features, making it a great-looking car that also delivers on practicality and performance.
View this post on Instagram
The Seltos is a car designed to make city life a breeze. It comes with a host of features that make it easy and safer for city driving. All models come with multi-connection Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrading to the more advanced models will get you mood lighting, wireless phone charging, a 10.25" colour LCD touchscreen and a head-up display (where your speed and other data is projected onto the windscreen, reducing the need to look away from the road.)
The Seltos also comes in seven colourways. All in all, it’s a fun and functional vehicle for commuting and city living.
While the base model won’t get you some of the more advanced features, pricing for the 2025 Kia Seltos starts at NZ$29,500.
The Ford Everest rounds out the top five with 2,076 units sold in 2025. It’s the only newcomer to the top five this year, bumping the Suzuki Swift down to seventh and knocking the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross out of the top ten entirely!
View this post on Instagram
The Ford Everest is being touted as a ‘rugged luxury SUV.’ It’s bragging rights come down to its best of both off-road capability and an array of premium features that make for a comfy and spacious ride. There are four models with two engine options: the 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel or the 3.0L V6 Turbo-Diesel. All models offer seven seats, a 12-inch LED portrait screen, an embedded modem, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, as well as wireless charging.
If you need a tough, versatile SUV that can handle a bit of off-roading or tow the boat on weekends, but still comes with all the comfort and features you want, the Everest could be for you.
Pricing varies depending on the model and specifications, but at NZ$72,770, the Everest has the most expensive base model in the top five!
If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, there are a few things to keep in mind before you make a purchase. A good rule of thumb is to consider:
Think of how you’ll use the car daily. For example, if you’re looking for a car model that’s great for commuting, you might want to look at size, comfort and fuel efficiency over off-road handling.
With the price of everything going up, most people can’t afford to overlook fuel consumption. While the data shows that EVs are becoming less popular due to the end of the subsidies, opting for a hybrid can make things cheaper when you do have to top up at the pump.
Take note of the features that come standard with the base model of the vehicle you want. All the extra bells and whistles can push up the price of your chosen vehicle.
Don’t let distance get between you and your dream car. If you’re looking at purchasing a new vehicle but don’t live near the dealership, Wise Move can help. As your go-to moving service, book the best professional car transport team to get your car safely from the dealership to your driveway.
Check out our comprehensive checklist for car transport services in New Zealand to make sure your vehicle is ready for pickup and delivery.
