Diesel Registrations by Year

2020
9,587
2021
10,643
2022
10,880
2023
8,537
2024
7,236
2025
8,305
2026
1,888

Diesel vehicles account for 8.5% of New Zealand's registered passenger fleet, with 313,087 across 1370 models. Year-on-year registrations fell by 77%. The most popular diesel model is the Toyota LANDCRUISER.

The rankings below show every diesel model on New Zealand roads sorted by total registrations. Higher registration numbers generally mean better parts availability, more mechanics with experience on the model, and stronger resale value. Click any model to see full specs, running costs, and year-by-year breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many diesel cars are there in New Zealand?

There are 313,087 diesel vehicles registered in New Zealand across 1370 models, representing 8.5% of the total passenger fleet. Registrations fell by 77% in the most recent year.

What is the most popular diesel car in NZ?

The Toyota LANDCRUISER is the most popular diesel vehicle in New Zealand with 41,112 registered. A larger fleet means parts are more readily available and servicing costs tend to be lower. See the full rankings above.

Where are diesel cars most common in NZ?

Auckland has the highest concentration of diesel vehicles with 86,991 registered. Regional distribution often reflects population density, but some regions show stronger preferences for certain fuel types due to driving patterns and local infrastructure.