The 3 most popular medium SUVs in New Zealand

Damien O’Carroll

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New Zealand's diverse landscape and active lifestyles means that consumers demand vehicles that offer versatility and reliability, along with practicality and performance. Medium and large SUVs have become increasingly dominant (after utes, that is), catering to families, adventurers, and anyone in need of a capable all-rounder. Here’s a look at the three best-selling medium SUVs on sale in New Zealand so far this year: the Toyota RAV4 (4596 registrations YTD), Mitsubishi Outlander (1943 registrations YTD) and the Kia Sportage (932 registrations YTD).

1. TOYOTA RAV4

PRICE RANGE: $48,790 to $60,990

WE LIKE: Excellent hybrid powertrain and typical Toyota quality.

WE DON’T LIKE: You will still might have to wait to get one.

The Toyota RAV4 consistently ranks as one of New Zealand’s top-selling passenger vehicles. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practical design, the RAV4 is a favorite among Kiwi families. The latest RAV4 offers an entirely AWD/hybrid line up, making it a versatile choice for those conscious of their carbon footprint. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and superb on-road manners add to its appeal, making it easily (more than double the next contender, in fact!) the number one seller in the medium SUV segment.

For more info on the Toyota RAV4 check out:

2. MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

PRICE RANGE: $41,990 to $75,990

WE LIKE: Impressive interior quality, excellent PHEV powertrain and a strong warranty.

WE DON’T LIKE: PHEV models are quite pricey.

The Mitsubishi Outlander stands out for its value for money, offering a robust package at a competitive price. This SUV is particularly popular among larger families, thanks to its seven-seat variants and spacious cabin. The Outlander is available in FWD and AWD forms across a wide range of model grades, and offers a choice of ICE and PHEV variants, catering to different driving needs. Its modern design, combined with Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, ensures a smooth and stable ride, whether you're navigating city streets or tackling New Zealand’s rugged terrain.

For more info on the Mitsubishi Outlander check out:

3. KIA SPORTAGE

PRICE RANGE: $40,290 to $63,290

WE LIKE: A wide range of engines and excellent ride quality.

WE DON’T LIKE: Lots of plastic inside.

The Kia Sportage is another popular medium SUV in New Zealand, known for its stylish design, advanced technology, and value-packed offerings. The latest generation of the Sportage boasts a bold exterior, a high-quality interior, and a host of modern features, including a large infotainment screen, wireless charging, and advanced driver assistance systems. The Sportage offers a range of efficient engines, including petrol, hybrid and diesel options, making it a great choice for those looking for a balance of performance and economy. Its ride comfort and build quality have helped it become a household name in the competitive SUV market.

For more info on the Kia Sportage check out:

OUR PICK

While the Mitsubishi Outlander is the clear choice for a family, with its roomy interior and seven seat option, the Toyota RAV4 is easily our pick of the medium SUV segment for everyone else. There’s a reason it is the top-seller by a large margin, and it offers comfort and practicality in an impressively frugal package, thanks to its excellent hybrid powertrain.

While the plug-in hybrid Outlander variants are even more frugal, they are also considerably more expensive, and while the Kia Sportage is equally frugal in its hybrid forms, it doesn't quite pack the same bang-for-your-buck as the Toyota meaning the RAV4 offers the best all-round package in terms of size, value for money and frugal fuel usage.

CONCLUSION

New Zealand's SUV market is filled with strong contenders, but these three models are the top-sellers for good reasons. Each of these vehicles offers a compelling mix of features, making them top choices for Kiwi drivers across the country, but the Toyota RAV4 shines just a bit brighter than the rest.