SUV & Wagon car comparison

Mazda ATENZA vs Toyota HIGHLANDER

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

Mazda ATENZA 29,061 on NZ roads
VS
Toyota HIGHLANDER 27,886 on NZ roads
$15/week cheaper to fuel — Mazda ATENZA at $59/wk vs $74/wk
Mazda ATENZA 29,061 in NZ Wins 3 of 3
Toyota HIGHLANDER 27,886 in NZ
Registered in NZ
29,061
27,886
Fuel Economy
7.5 L/100km
9.4 L/100km
Power
193.6 kW
Weight
1,718 kg
2,717.7 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Body Type
SUV & Wagon
SUV & Wagon
Seats
5
7
Year Range
2002–2023
2000–2026
Imported New
0%
99%

NZ Registrations Over Time

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

Regional Popularity

Region Mazda ATENZA Toyota HIGHLANDER
AUCKLAND 8,016 10,189
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 2,219 2,095
HAMILTON CITY 1,617 912
TAURANGA CITY 1,217 905
WHANGAREI DISTRICT 689 598
NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 638 639
PALMERSTON NORTH CITY 576 589
LOWER HUTT CITY 707

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Mazda ATENZA or Toyota HIGHLANDER?

The Mazda ATENZA is more common with 29,061 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 — Mazda ATENZA or Toyota HIGHLANDER?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Mazda ATENZA 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 Mazda ATENZA and Toyota HIGHLANDER the same body type?

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

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

0% of Mazda ATENZA models were imported new to NZ, while 98% 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.