SUV & Wagon car comparison

Subaru LEGACY vs Kia SPORTAGE

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

Subaru LEGACY 38,450 on NZ roads
VS
Kia SPORTAGE 31,889 on NZ roads
$2/week cheaper to fuel — Kia SPORTAGE at $61/wk vs $63/wk
12.900000000000006 kW more power — Subaru LEGACY at 136.8 kW
Subaru LEGACY 38,450 in NZ Wins 3 of 4
Kia SPORTAGE 31,889 in NZ
Registered in NZ
38,450
31,889
Fuel Economy
8 L/100km
7.8 L/100km
Power
136.8 kW
123.9 kW
Weight
1,735.1 kg
2,101.4 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Body Type
SUV & Wagon
SUV & Wagon
Seats
5
5
Year Range
1989–2021
1996–2026
Imported New
12%
98%

NZ Registrations Over Time

Registration trend for Subaru LEGACY vs Kia SPORTAGE: comparing annual new registrations in NZ from 2020 onwards. Subaru LEGACY has more total registrations.

Regional Popularity

Region Subaru LEGACY Kia SPORTAGE
AUCKLAND 10,056 10,598
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 5,156 1,951
TAURANGA CITY 1,179 1,549
HAMILTON CITY 1,211 1,199
DUNEDIN CITY 1,265 1,020
WELLINGTON CITY 1,078 749
WHANGAREI DISTRICT 785 917
QUEENSTOWN-LAKES DISTRICT 1,578

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Subaru LEGACY or Kia SPORTAGE?

The Subaru LEGACY is more common with 38,450 registered in New Zealand compared to 31,889 for the Kia SPORTAGE. A larger fleet means more mechanics familiar with the car and easier access to parts.

Which is cheaper to run — Subaru LEGACY or Kia SPORTAGE?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Kia SPORTAGE uses less fuel at 7.8 L/100km compared to 8 L/100km. At current fuel prices of approximately $2.80/L, that difference adds up over a year of typical driving.

Are Subaru LEGACY and Kia SPORTAGE the same body type?

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

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

12% of Subaru LEGACY models were imported new to NZ, while 86% came as used imports. For the Kia SPORTAGE, 98% were new and 1% 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.