Toyota RAV4 top of the pops in Q1

Toyota New Zealand is celebrating a milestone achievement as the RAV4 claims the title of New Zealand’s top-selling new vehicle for the first quarter of 2025. 

This marks a shift in consumer preferences, with the Toyota Hilux securing the second spot after a decade of light commercial utility vehicles dominating the market.

According to provisional sales data, the Toyota RAV4 recorded 2442 new registrations across the quarter, surpassing all other new vehicle models. The Toyota Hilux followed in second overall, with 1884 registrations.

It comes off the back of another successful year for the RAV4 in 2024. That saw the mid-sized SUV take second place for overall new vehicle sales, with 10,533 examples sold.

Andrew Davis, Toyota New Zealand’s Chief Strategic Officer, attributes the RAV4’s success to a combination of factors. They include the continued rise of hybrid vehicle adoption, changing consumer demands, and evolving economic conditions.

He said: “The strong demand for the RAV4 Hybrid in particular reflects a growing awareness among Kiwi drivers of the benefits of fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and cost savings at the pump.

“The Toyota RAV4 is built to suit every kind of driver and passenger and is only available in New Zealand as a hybrid vehicle.

“We have stock available in the country right now so there are no wait times for customers. You can drive away within a couple of days of purchase.”

The RAV4 has also bucked the sales trend in an overall down market. Year-to-date sales of RAV4 are up 30.4 per cent on the same period in 2024. Comparatively, the Toyota Hilux saw a 3.9 per cent decrease in sales over the same period. The Ford Ranger, previously the overall top selling vehicle in New Zealand, saw a much greater decline.

Toyota New Zealand also notes that broader market trends, including changes in vehicle and fuel taxation policies, have likely contributed to the RAV4’s rise.

“This includes a change in how companies approach their fleet management. 

“Quite often, a medium-sized SUV is just as effective at performing the role of a fleet vehicle as a utility vehicle. 

“The RAV4 has plenty of load space, it’s easy to get in and out of, and has all of the latest technology and safety features” said Davis.

While light commercial vehicles have long held sway here, there may be a shift happening towards hybrid and fuel-efficient SUVs. Toyota remains committed to providing a range of vehicles that meet the needs of its customers, including its ongoing investment in hybrid and low-emission technology. That includes the introduction of vehicles like the Toyota Hilux Hybrid last year.