Hatchback car comparison

Mazda AXELA vs Toyota PRIUS

Both are hatchback vehicles on New Zealand roads. Based on NZTA fleet data.

Mazda AXELA 67,443 on NZ roads
VS
Toyota PRIUS 58,540 on NZ roads
$24/week cheaper to fuel — Toyota PRIUS at $25/wk vs $49/wk
Mazda AXELA 67,443 in NZ Wins 2 of 3
Toyota PRIUS 58,540 in NZ
Registered in NZ
67,443
58,540
Fuel Economy
6.2 L/100km
3.2 L/100km
Power
62.2 kW
Weight
1,563.4 kg
1,652.6 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Body Type
Hatchback
Hatchback
Seats
5
5
Year Range
2003–2021
1998–2025
Imported New
0%
9%

NZ Registrations Over Time

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

Regional Popularity

Region Mazda AXELA Toyota PRIUS
AUCKLAND 23,086 30,177
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 5,424 4,979
HAMILTON CITY 3,427 3,051
TAURANGA CITY 2,554 1,719
WELLINGTON CITY 1,706 2,146
LOWER HUTT CITY 1,481 1,364
DUNEDIN CITY 1,454 1,087
PALMERSTON NORTH CITY 1,378 929

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Mazda AXELA or Toyota PRIUS?

The Mazda AXELA is more common with 67,443 registered in New Zealand compared to 58,540 for the Toyota PRIUS. A larger fleet means more mechanics familiar with the car and easier access to parts.

Which is cheaper to run — Mazda AXELA or Toyota PRIUS?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Toyota PRIUS uses less fuel at 3.2 L/100km compared to 6.2 L/100km. At current fuel prices of approximately $2.80/L, that difference adds up over a year of typical driving.

Are Mazda AXELA and Toyota PRIUS the same body type?

Both are classified as Hatchback vehicles in the NZTA fleet data. The Mazda AXELA is primarily a petrol vehicle while the Toyota PRIUS runs on hybrid.

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

0% of Mazda AXELA models were imported new to NZ, while 98% came as used imports. For the Toyota PRIUS, 9% were new and 91% 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.