Car sales in New Zealand have grown considerably since the start of 2021 after the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc around the world the year before. According to recently released figures, car sales in 2020 dropped 22.6% compared to 2019. Fortunately, 2021 started on the right foot with a 27% increase in sales in just the first quarter, followed by a whopping 105% increase in Q2. The performance in Q3 remained impressive as well. Hopefully, the trend will follow till the end of the last quarter of 2021, and this year will prove to be a positive one. Not only in terms of overall vehicle sales but also for the sales of electric vehicles.
So, which vehicles stood out in 2021? Are there any specific trends or patterns?
To find out, we have compiled a list of the best-selling vehicles in New Zealand in 2021. Let’s dive in deeper and find out why these vehicles have been so popular thus far.
1. Ford Ranger
Pickup trucks have always been preferred by the people in New Zealand. As such, there has always been close competition between trucks like the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux to take the top spot. This time it is the wonderful Ford Ranger that has the edge over its rival. Ford has sold 10249 units till now, and the year hasn’t even ended. The interesting thing is that the Toyota Hilux, which is in second place, doesn’t even come close to the Ranger.
The Ford Ranger’s practicality, off-road capability, and performance has earned it the top spot in New Zealand.
2. Toyota Hilux
Next in line is the Toyota Hilux – a truck with the excellent build quality, ruggedness, and reliability that would put many top-performing SUVs to shame. The Hilux has one of the biggest followings in the entire world, and it’s no surprise that the people of New Zealand rate it highly.
Toyota has sold 7119 units of the Hilux till now. There are strong chances that the Hilux will increase its lead over the next vehicle in our lineup in the coming two months.
The Mitsubishi Outlander takes the third spot. Yet again, it is an SUV/truck that has grabbed one of the top places, and it is from a Japanese manufacturer. New Zealanders like their Mitsubishis, and it shows with three Mitsubishi cars in the top 10.
The Outlander is a stylish SUV that banks on its practicality and powerful engine to do what others can only dream of. Mitsubishi has sold 4973 units of the vehicle thus far, with chances of growth in November and December.
4. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable and durable vehicles to ever be made. The SUV has impressed enthusiasts and critics alike, which is why it lies in the number 4 position. The RAV4 is marginally behind the Mitsubishi Outlander, with 4950 units sold. The neck and neck competition between the two vehicles might continue until the end of 2021. Who will come out the victor? That’s yet to be seen.
5. Mitsubishi ASX
Trailing behind the RAV4 is the Mitsubishi ASX. Unsurprisingly, this is also an SUV/crossover that edges over its competition thanks to its killer looks and excellent all-round performance. Approximately 4162 New Zealanders have registered the ASX so far this year.
There is no other vehicle even close to the ASX in this list. So, it might just retain the number 5 spot even after adding the figures from Q4.
6. Mitsubishi Triton
A mighty truck deserves a mighty name. Mitsubishi has done exactly that by naming their flagship pickup truck the Triton. The Mitsubishi Triton not only looks good, but it also delivers on the road and off-road. It is a true champion but perhaps not as popular as the likes of the Hilux or Ranger, which is why only 3886 Tritons have been sold so far.
The Toyota Corolla is a vehicle that needs no introduction. It is the best-selling car of all time, and it is still going strong even after decades of being in the market! So, it is no surprise that it has a loyal following in New Zealand. In 2021, so far, the 3633 units have been sold.
8. Mazda CX-5
If you want to see something beautiful, lay your eyes on any car made by Mazda. The Japanese automaker produces some of the most aesthetic vehicles in the world. The Mazda CX-5 is an excellent example. The crossover SUV has made a name for itself by performing well above anybody’s expectations.
Mazda has currently sold 2847 units of the vehicle.
9. Nissan Navara
The Nissan Navara is the fourth pickup truck on this list and by far the least successful of them all. Nissan is not particularly well-known for making trucks, but they have done something special with the Navara. The vehicle has luxury features, a high-performance engine, and respectable off-road performance that make it a treat to drive.
So far, 2763 Navara trucks have been sold in New Zealand. It might overtake the Mazda CX-5 in the 8th spot, but we would have to wait and see what happens by the end of this year.
10. Suzuki Swift
The last vehicle on our list is the nifty Suzuki Swift. The car, as its name suggests, is swift through the corners and the straights. It is a brilliant vehicle for city driving and for those who like venturing into narrow streets. Suzuki has sold 2426 units of the Swift thus far.
Honourable Mention: Tesla Model 3
The EV market is on the rise, and with it comes the advent of the Tesla Model 3 in New Zealand. The car is showing good performance in terms of sales, and with a fresh batch of new Model 3s on the way, who knows, it might just creep into the top 10 soon.
