If there’s any good news in the stabilising-but-still-struggling New Zealand new-vehicle market, it’s here: mainstream SUVs.
Demand for SUVs and hybrids (many of which are also SUVs, of course) have driven light passenger vehicles to 71.5% of the market, up 10% over last year. Meanwhile, light commercials (which includes utes) have declined 7%.
What’s the most popular single new-vehicle segment? Medium, or what we like to call “family” SUVs.
The stats don’t lie: these are now the default choice for Kiwi new-car buyers. We’ve gathered together the top-5 sellers year-to-date.
Toyota RAV4
When we say SUVs and hybrids are driving growth in market share, you could equally argue that just one hybrid-SUV is driving a lot of growth. The Toyota RAV4 is the most popular family SUV in NZ by a long way, outselling its next-best rival by well over two-to-one.
It’s been with us a while now: the fifth-generation RAV4 was launched back in 2018, but it’s stayed consistently popular, with fairly minor upgrades along the way.
Like so many of Toyota NZ’s mainstream models, the RAV4 is now hybrid only. The powertrain is a highlight, the 2.5-litre petrol engine matched to a hybrid system that has a separate electric motor at the back (the petrol engine never drives the rear axle), meaning full-time AWD that’s especially responsive.
The range is pretty comprehensive, with five different variants; the flagship Adventure has a more rugged off-roady look and is even available with a contrast-light-colour roof, like the latest Land Cruiser Prado.
TOYOTA RAV4: Powertrain 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with full hybrid system and dual electric motors, continuously variable transmission, AWD Output 163kW (combined)/221Nm Efficiency 5.3l/100km (3P-WLTP) Size 4610mm long, 1705-1760kg Price $48,790-$60,990.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is the car that truly introduced mainstream Kiwi SUV buyers to the concept of EV motoring, with the original plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version over a decade ago.
That’s still a big draw for the Outlander, which now offers an upgraded dual-motor hybrid system with “Super-All Wheel Control” (very fast and responsive AWD, in other words) and an impressive 84km pure-electric range. You can also DC fast-charge it on public stations, which is not a given with PHEVs.
But the Outlander is actually a lot broader than that. The range also includes non-hybrid FWD and AWD models across five different specification grades; the higher-end models are pretty luxurious inside.
Outlander also has another ace card: it’s the only model in this quintet that offers a 7-seat option, which is available on every version except the entry-level LS. The third row is occasional only, but a boon for many buyers who need the extra seating for family and friends.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER: Powertrain 2.5-litre petrol 4-cylinder or 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol with plug-in hybrid system and dual electric motors, continuously variable transmission, 2WD or AWD Output 135kW/244Nm (petrol) or for PHEV: 98kW/195Nm (engine), 85kW/255Nm (front motor) and 100kW/195Nm (rear motor) Efficiency 1.6-9.0l/100km (3P-WLTP) Size 4710mm long, 1575-2110kg Price $44,990-$75,990.
Mazda CX-5
Mazda has a substantial range of new-generation SUVs to offer, but this is still its biggest-selling model: the CX-5, launched way back in 2017, accounts for 40% of its overall sales.
What’s the secret? Sexy styling that still looks fresh in 2025, luxury-car levels of cabin quality… and value-for-money via a broad range of FWD and AWD models.
The range has been upgraded and tweaked as time has gone on. The specialised Activ and SP25 models introduced at the last major upgrade in 2022 have now been discontinued, the range focusing on more mainstream/luxury versions.
There are three different engine options: a 2.0-litre for the FWD models, a 2.5-litre for the popular AWD GSX and Limited - and the 170kW turbocharged 2.5-litre for the flagship Takami. The Takami has a number of special features, including an extra Off-Road mode for the drive selector.
MAZDA CX-5: Powertrain 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre petrol 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD Output 115kW/200Nm, 140kW/252Nm or 170kW/420Nm Efficiency 7.2-9.1l/100km (3P-WLTP) Size 4575mm long, 1575-1730kg Price $44,290-$67,890.
Kia Sportage
A glance at the specification sheet can seem bewildering: the Kia Sportage is available with petrol, turbo-petrol, full-hybrid or turbo-diesel engines, FWD or AWD, and you get a 6-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch or 8-speed automatic transmission, depending on which powerplant you choose.
So there is no shortage of choice. In fact, Sportage seems determined to tick every possible box, with everything from functional Urban models to the sportier turbo-petrol versions.
The turbo-diesel and hybrid are standouts for us. The former not just because Sportage is the only vehicle in this group to persist with a diesel option; but also because it’s a really good one, with loads of torque, effortless performance in real-world driving scenarios and a great AWD system.
And the latter? Well, hybrids are very-2025 anyway, but the Sportage petrol-electric is an especially good one, with plenty of power and the ability to change smoothly between different driving modes and achieve impressive fuel economy. The only real downside is that this is the Sportage you can’t have it with AWD.
KIA SPORTAGE: Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol (also available with full hybrid system) or 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch or 8-speed automatic, FWD or AWD Output 115kW/192Nm, 132kW/265Nm, 137kW/416Nm or 169kW/350Nm Efficiency 5.4-9.0l/100km (3P-WLTP) Size 4660mm long, 1473-1796kg Price $40,290-$63,290.
GWM Haval H6
The Haval H6 from Chinese brand GWM (which is also the umbrella company for Ora EVs, Tank 4x4s and the Cannon ute) has been quietly making an impression in NZ over the past couple of years.
So it’s relatively new to us, but it would be wrong to think of this model line as new. In fact, the H6 has been a big-selling SUV in China for a decade.
The latest model is a generously sized and well-built family car. The range includes budget options which are still big on equipment and quality, but especially impressive are the hybrid models, which combine a 1.5-litre engine with electric motor and special “dedicated hybrid transmission”. It’s quite complex if you delve into it, but dead-simple to drive and very smooth.
There’s also a “coupe” version of the H6 called GT, which has just gained a new flagship-model long-range PHEV AWD with a very large battery… and a lot of power. It can deliver 180km of EV running and boasts a startling 310kW/762Nm, with launch control as standard.
HAVAL H6: Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol or 1.5-litre turbo-petrol 4-cylinder with full hybrid system and electric motor, 7-speed dual-clutch or dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), FWD Output 150kW/320Nm, 179kW/530Nm or 310kW/762Nm Efficiency 0.8-7.4l/100km (ADR, NEDC) Size 4653mm long, 1550-1690kg Price $35,990-$58,990.