NZ new-vehicle sales February: growth in all segments (and who bought all those Hyundai Tucsons?)

David Linklater

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After a bit of a setback in 2025, things are looking brighter for Ford Ranger.

After a bit of a setback in 2025, things are looking brighter for Ford Ranger.

  • Ford Ranger back on top year-to-date.
  • Compact SUVs the most popular vehicle type.
  • Rentals give Hyundai Tucson a huge boost in February.

The New Zealand new-vehicle market was up 4.1% year-on-year in February (10,193), with the Motor Industry Association (MIA) noting "growth... recorded across all major segments in the month."

Toyota RAV4.
RAV4 soldiering on, but also winding down as a new model heads our way.

MIA chief executive, Aimee Wiley, says the result reflects steady underlying demand: “Both the monthly and year-to-date figures show moderate growth compared with 2025, with light passenger vehicles continuing to account for around 70% of registrations. 

"While heavy commercial volumes remain slightly below last year, the February lift is encouraging. The industry continues to respond to stable but competitive trading conditions.” 

After losing its annual sales crown to the Toyota RAV4 last year for the first time in a decade, the Ford Ranger is back on top in a big way for 2026, with 1448 sales year-to-date. Despite being in a transitional phase as an all-model makes its way to NZ, the RAV4 remains the top passenger car/SUV at 1008 registrations. Third overall is the Nissan Navara (815), which is currently in runout.

Nissan Navara.
Attractive runout prices gave Navara a lift in February.

For the month of February, the Hyundai Tucson made a surprise appearance at the top of the passenger/SUV sales charts with 418 registrations, ahead of the RAV4's 369. The Korean SUV got a huge lift from 251 rental sales, claiming 37% of that market for the month.

Compact SUV is the biggest overall segment so far this year (24.9%), followed by Medium SUV (23.7%) and Pick Up/Chassis Cab 4x4 (16.2%).

Hyundai Tucson.
Tucson beat RAV4 for February, thanks to big rental business.

Hybrid vehicles account for 26% of registrations, slightly down on the same period last year, while plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) have both enjoyed very modest increases (around 1% each) to claim 6.6% and 6.5% share respectively.

NZ'S TOP 10 NEW VEHICLES FOR 2026
Ford Ranger (1448)
Toyota RAV4 (1008)
Nissan Navara (815)
Mitsubishi ASX (800)
Hyundai Tucson (573)
Ford Everest (570)
Mitsubishi Outlander (566)
Toyota Hiace (515)
Toyota Hilux (513)
Mitsubishi Triton (493)
Toyota Corolla Cross (484)