Toyota HIGHLANDER vs Hyundai SANTA FE

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

Toyota HIGHLANDER 27,886 in NZ

Hyundai SANTA FE 24,692 in NZ

Registered in NZ

27,886 ✓

24,692

Fuel Economy

9.4 L/100km

7.5 L/100km ✓

Power

193.6 kW ✓

145.6 kW

Weight

2,717.7 kg

2,574.5 kg ✓

Fuel Type

Petrol

Diesel

Body Type

SUV & Wagon

Seats

Year Range

2000–2026

Imported New

99%

98%

NZ Registrations Over Time

Registration trend for Toyota HIGHLANDER vs Hyundai SANTA FE: comparing annual new registrations in NZ from 2020 onwards. Toyota HIGHLANDER has more total registrations.

Regional Popularity

AUCKLAND 10,189 6,504

CHRISTCHURCH CITY 2,095 2,132

HAMILTON CITY 912 1,026

TAURANGA CITY 905 865

WELLINGTON CITY 678 579

WHANGAREI DISTRICT 598 601

NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 639 439

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY 589 —

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Toyota HIGHLANDER or Hyundai SANTA FE?

The Toyota HIGHLANDER is more common with 27,886 registered in New Zealand compared to 24,692 for the Hyundai SANTA FE. A larger fleet means more mechanics familiar with the car and easier access to parts.

Which is cheaper to run — Toyota HIGHLANDER or Hyundai SANTA FE?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Hyundai SANTA FE uses less fuel at 7.5 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 Toyota HIGHLANDER and Hyundai SANTA FE the same body type?

Both are classified as SUV & Wagon vehicles in the NZTA fleet data. The Toyota HIGHLANDER is primarily a petrol vehicle while the Hyundai SANTA FE runs on diesel.

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

99% of Toyota HIGHLANDER models were imported new to NZ, while 0% came as used imports. For the Hyundai SANTA FE, 98% were new and 2% 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.

Toyota HIGHLANDER vs Hyundai SANTA FE

NZ Registrations Over Time

Regional Popularity

Frequently Asked Questions

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