SUV & Wagon car comparison

Toyota HIGHLANDER vs Subaru OUTBACK

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

Toyota HIGHLANDER 27,886 on NZ roads
VS
Subaru OUTBACK 24,438 on NZ roads
$11/week cheaper to fuel — Subaru OUTBACK at $63/wk vs $74/wk
52.79999999999998 kW more power — Toyota HIGHLANDER at 193.6 kW
Toyota HIGHLANDER 27,886 in NZ
Subaru OUTBACK 24,438 in NZ
Registered in NZ
27,886
24,438
Fuel Economy
9.4 L/100km
8 L/100km
Power
193.6 kW
140.8 kW
Weight
2,717.7 kg
1,955.3 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Body Type
SUV & Wagon
SUV & Wagon
Seats
7
5
Year Range
2000–2026
1996–2026
Imported New
99%
66%

NZ Registrations Over Time

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

Regional Popularity

Region Toyota HIGHLANDER Subaru OUTBACK
AUCKLAND 10,189 6,255
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 2,095 3,201
TAURANGA CITY 905 906
HAMILTON CITY 912 651
WELLINGTON CITY 678 821
QUEENSTOWN-LAKES DISTRICT 1,356
NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 639 421
WHANGAREI DISTRICT 598 405

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Toyota HIGHLANDER or Subaru OUTBACK?

The Toyota HIGHLANDER is more common with 27,886 registered in New Zealand compared to 24,438 for the Subaru OUTBACK. A larger fleet means more mechanics familiar with the car and easier access to parts.

Which is cheaper to run — Toyota HIGHLANDER or Subaru OUTBACK?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Subaru OUTBACK uses less fuel at 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 Toyota HIGHLANDER and Subaru OUTBACK 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 Subaru OUTBACK runs on petrol.

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 Subaru OUTBACK, 66% were new and 33% 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.