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SUV & Wagon car comparison

Subaru FORESTER vs Holden CAPTIVA

Both are suv & wagon vehicles on New Zealand roads. Based on NZTA fleet data.

Subaru FORESTER 20,187 on NZ roads
VS
Holden CAPTIVA 17,836 on NZ roads
$13/week cheaper to fuel — Subaru FORESTER at $61/wk vs $74/wk
16.69999999999999 kW more power — Holden CAPTIVA at 142.1 kW
Subaru FORESTER 20,187 in NZ Wins 3 of 4
Holden CAPTIVA 17,836 in NZ
Registered in NZ
20,187 ✓
17,836
Fuel Economy
7.8 L/100km ✓
9.4 L/100km
Power
125.4 kW
142.1 kW ✓
Weight
1,882.6 kg ✓
2,383.4 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Body Type
SUV & Wagon
SUV & Wagon
Seats
5
7
Year Range
1997–2026
2006–2019
Imported New
48%
95%

NZ Registrations Over Time

Registration trend for Subaru FORESTER vs Holden CAPTIVA: comparing annual new registrations in NZ from 2020 onwards. Subaru FORESTER has more total registrations.

Regional Popularity

Region Subaru FORESTER Holden CAPTIVA
AUCKLAND 5,316 5,603
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 2,416 970
HAMILTON CITY 594 723
TAURANGA CITY 593 602
QUEENSTOWN-LAKES DISTRICT 1,096 —
WELLINGTON CITY 667 320
WHANGAREI DISTRICT 340 483
DUNEDIN CITY 783 —

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Subaru FORESTER or Holden CAPTIVA?

The Subaru FORESTER is more common with 20,187 registered in New Zealand compared to 17,836 for the Holden CAPTIVA. A larger fleet means more mechanics familiar with the car and easier access to parts.

Which is cheaper to run — Subaru FORESTER or Holden CAPTIVA?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Subaru FORESTER uses less fuel at 7.8 L/100km compared to 9.4 L/100km. At current fuel prices of approximately $2.80/L, that difference adds up over a year of typical driving.

Are Subaru FORESTER and Holden CAPTIVA the same body type?

Both are classified as SUV & Wagon vehicles in the NZTA fleet data. The Subaru FORESTER is primarily a petrol vehicle while the Holden CAPTIVA runs on petrol.

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

48% of Subaru FORESTER models were imported new to NZ, while 51% came as used imports. For the Holden CAPTIVA, 95% were new and 3% were used imports.

Where does this data come from?

All figures are sourced from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Motor Vehicle Register, current as of 31 March 2026. This covers 3,678,722 registered passenger vehicles in New Zealand.

Data sourced from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Motor Vehicle Register, current as of 31 March 2026.

View Model Details

Subaru FORESTER Holden CAPTIVA

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