- RAV4 registrations break five figures for 2025.
- Ford Ranger pushed into 2nd place, ute market share drops.
- Hybrid technology continues to grow in NZ.
The Toyota RAV4 has ended 2025 as New Zealand's top-selling new vehicle, knocking the Ford Ranger off the top spot after a decade of dominance.
But by how much? The NZTA released the raw data for 2025 this week, and it shows that Toyota sold 11,298 RAV4 models for the year, compared to 9681 Rangers. The RAV4 was up 768 on its 2024 total, while the Ranger dropped 2066. Rentals helped the Toyota's performance, accounting for 3129 of its total.
RAV4 was a favourite in many ways for 2025. It also won the DRIVEN Car Guide People's Choice for the 6th time. There's a brand new model on the way this year (click here for the full Kiwi lineup and pricing).
Overall, the Motor Industry Association (MIA) says the market strengthened from the second half of the year onwards, despite a soft December (down 9.8% on the same month in 2024). Chief executive Aimee Wiley says it was a year of stabilisation: “Activity lifted from mid year and finished ahead of 2024, supported by easing financial conditions and improving confidence, but demand remains measured. Buyers are prioritising value, practicality and suitability, whether that is in their choice of vehicle segment or motive power.
"What the data shows clearly is a market adjusting, with households and businesses being deliberate about the timing and scale of their purchasing decisions.”
Non-plug-in hybrids (HEVs) continued to rise in market share (partly driven by the big-selling RAV4) across the industry, up from 27% of the total market in 2024 to 30%. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) nearly doubled to 5%, reflecting a rapid increase in product choice.
Battery electrics (BEVs, or full-EVs) remained stable at 5.6% share.
Petrol and diesel combustion engines, sans significant electrification, still account for 59.4% of the market.
"The growth in hybrid vehicles reflects their increasing availability at lower purchase prices, improved fuel efficiency and suitability across a wide range of everyday uses," says the MIA.
"As a result, hybrids are emerging as a practical sweet spot for many buyers, delivering emissions reductions without the higher upfront cost, charging or infrastructure considerations associated with full electrification."
NZ'S TOP 10 NEW VEHICLES FOR 2025
Toyota RAV4 (11,298)
Ford Ranger (9681)
Toyota Hilux (8158)
Mitsubishi ASX (4974)
Mitsubishi Outlander (4313)
Mitsubishi Triton (3278)
Kia Seltos (3190)
Ford Everest (3326)
Nissan Navara (2503)
Toyota Hiace (2077)