Best Toyota Cars Available in NZ: Buying Guide

Toyota has been the best selling car brand in New Zealand for almost forty years thanks to its diverse range of models. It has the largest line-up on offer here with cars, vans, utes and an endless line of SUVs. It even has models for the enthusiast with GR versions of the Corolla and Yaris along with the GR86 and Supra. Its most popular models include the Hilux, Land Cruiser, Corolla and RAV4.

As Toyota says, there's a Hilux model to suit your lifestyle, given it offers some 15 variants to choose from. There are single cabs for the workers, a few extra cab models, with space in the back for the dog, but the most popular are the double cab variants.

Prices range from mid-$40k up to the mid-$70k mark. You have a choice of 2WD and 4x4, wellsides and cab chassis, even manual and automatic transmissions. All models are powered by a 2.8-litre diesel, while the automatic models get a mild-hybrid version of this engine that helps ease fuel consumption.

Hilux has a 3.5 tonne tow rating, and that includes the hybrid model too. Fancier 4x4 versions get Multi-Terrain Select with Deep Snow, Dirt, Mud, Rock and Sand modes to help off road. Upper spec versions have Qi wireless charging and additional USB-C charging ports, while all get a comprehensive fitout of active safety equipment. 

The GR Sport gets a more powerful 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine with 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque, along with upgraded suspension to improve handling. 
Read more 2024 Toyota Hilux SR5 Cruiser Hybrid review

At the top of the Toyota range sits the Land Cruiser 300. It's a big, towering 4x4 with a blend of luxury refinement and rugged capability. It has a 3.3 V6 twin-turbo diesel matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It has a 3.5 tonne brake towing capacity and a Multi-Terrain Select system for easy off-roading. 

Inside you get a head-up display, there's a refrigerated cool box in the centre bin, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And it has seven seats to take all the family with you.

Prices start from $135k for the VX while the $148k VX Limited gets a few extras like 20-inch wheels and leather accented interior. It also gets a rear entertainment system, a sunroof and a 14-speaker premium audio system. 

The GR Sport is $155k and has adaptive variable suspension and to help it go any further off-road gains disconnecting sway bars and front and rear locking differentials too. 
Read more 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport review

While it is no longer Toyota's best selling model, it's one of its oldest, the nameplate running back to the 60s.

Currently there are four hatchback models to choose from and a Corolla wagon, all adopting a hybrid powertrain which delivers a good mix of easy driving and refinement with reduced fuel use. 

The range starts with the GX hybrid which has a 1.8 petrol hybrid engine. Its low fuel consumption is a highlight, rated at 3.8L/100km. Other models include the better-specified SX with satellite navigation and wireless charging and then there's the ZR hybrid with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a 12-inch driver’s display along with a head-up display, leather seats and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat. 

For those who want to have some fun, there's the GR Corolla with a 1.6 turbo engine running via a six-speed manual or eight-cog automatic if you prefer. There’s full-time 4WD to help the 221kW of power and 400 Newton metres stick.

Read more 2023 Toyota Corolla Wagon GX Hybrid review

The Toyota RAV4 is one of New Zealand's best selling vehicles of the past five years. The RAV4 range starts from just under $50k, with the top models asking just over $60k. All use a 2.5L petrol hybrid engine and have all-wheel drive.

The hybrid electric powertrain develops 163kW and enables a 1500kg towing capacity. Upper spec models have a surround view camera, leather seats with driver memory as well as heating and ventilation.

What people really like about the RAV4 is its refined driveline that can return 5.3L/100km.