SUV & Wagon car comparison

Kia SPORTAGE vs Toyota HIGHLANDER

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

Kia SPORTAGE 31,889 on NZ roads
VS
Toyota HIGHLANDER 27,886 on NZ roads
$13/week cheaper to fuel — Kia SPORTAGE at $61/wk vs $74/wk
69.69999999999999 kW more power — Toyota HIGHLANDER at 193.6 kW
Kia SPORTAGE 31,889 in NZ Wins 3 of 4
Toyota HIGHLANDER 27,886 in NZ
Registered in NZ
31,889
27,886
Fuel Economy
7.8 L/100km
9.4 L/100km
Power
123.9 kW
193.6 kW
Weight
2,101.4 kg
2,717.7 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Body Type
SUV & Wagon
SUV & Wagon
Seats
5
7
Year Range
1996–2026
2000–2026
Imported New
98%
99%

NZ Registrations Over Time

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

Regional Popularity

Region Kia SPORTAGE Toyota HIGHLANDER
AUCKLAND 10,598 10,189
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 1,951 2,095
TAURANGA CITY 1,549 905
HAMILTON CITY 1,199 912
WHANGAREI DISTRICT 917 598
WELLINGTON CITY 749 678
DUNEDIN CITY 1,020
NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 639

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Kia SPORTAGE or Toyota HIGHLANDER?

The Kia SPORTAGE is more common with 31,889 registered in New Zealand compared to 27,886 for the Toyota HIGHLANDER. A larger fleet means more mechanics familiar with the car and easier access to parts.

Which is cheaper to run — Kia SPORTAGE or Toyota HIGHLANDER?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Kia SPORTAGE 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 Kia SPORTAGE and Toyota HIGHLANDER the same body type?

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

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

98% of Kia SPORTAGE models were imported new to NZ, while 1% came as used imports. For the Toyota HIGHLANDER, 99% were new and 0% 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.