New Zealand August 2025: Rentals push Toyota RAV4 to first place YTD

The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling vehicle in New Zealand in August.

11,739 new vehicles found a buyer in New Zealand in August, a splendid 17.7% year-on-year lift. This way, the YTD volume is up 5.8% to 86,814. Passenger Cars (Cars and SUVs) grow 19.8% to 8,090, light commercials are up 18.3% to 3,043 but heavy commercials are down -6.6% to 606. Year-to-date, PCs are up 13.3% to 60,290, LCVs down -3.2% to 22,940 and HCVs off -30.4% to 3,584.

In the brands charts, both Toyota (+42.5%) and Ford (+38.8%) vastly outpace the market, reaching 25.2% and 14% share respectively vs. 22.7% and 11.2% YTD. Mitsubishi (+14%) and Kia (+5%) are more shy but ensure the Top 4 is unchanged on July and YTD. Mazda (+56.9%) climbs four spots on last month #5, distancing Hyundai (-0.8%) and Suzuki (-22.2%) in difficulty. GWM (+24.9%) lodges a third Top 10 finish in the past four months.

Over in the models ranking, the Toyota RAV4 (+92.1%) surges back up to first place thanks to rental sales which account for 37% of its August volume. It snaps the YTD lead in the process. The Ford Ranger (+18.4%) stays in 2nd place while the Toyota Hilux (+8.4%) is down two ranks to #3. The Ford Everest (+422.8%) shoots up 8 spots to #4. These are the nameplate’s best results since July 2023. The Mitsubishi ASX (+38.8%) and Outlander (+59.7%) follow, both in excellent shape.

Previous month: New Zealand July 2025: Suzuki Fronx lands at #5

One year ago: New Zealand August 2024: Volkswagen (+42.9%), Mitsubishi (+24.6%) highlight stable market

Full August 2025 Top 75 All brands and Top 20 models below.