Hatchback car comparison

Toyota AQUA vs Toyota PRIUS

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

Toyota AQUA 66,758 on NZ roads
VS
Toyota PRIUS 58,540 on NZ roads
$3/week cheaper to fuel — Toyota AQUA at $22/wk vs $25/wk
Toyota AQUA 66,758 in NZ Wins 3 of 3
Toyota PRIUS 58,540 in NZ
Registered in NZ
66,758
58,540
Fuel Economy
2.8 L/100km
3.2 L/100km
Power
62.2 kW
Weight
1,359.7 kg
1,652.6 kg
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Hybrid
Body Type
Hatchback
Hatchback
Seats
5
5
Year Range
2010–2024
1998–2025
Imported New
0%
9%

NZ Registrations Over Time

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

Regional Popularity

Region Toyota AQUA Toyota PRIUS
AUCKLAND 34,189 30,177
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 5,660 4,979
HAMILTON CITY 2,869 3,051
WELLINGTON CITY 2,900 2,146
TAURANGA CITY 1,790 1,719
LOWER HUTT CITY 1,664 1,364
DUNEDIN CITY 1,429 1,087
PALMERSTON NORTH CITY 993 929

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Toyota AQUA is more common with 66,758 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 — Toyota AQUA or Toyota PRIUS?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Toyota AQUA uses less fuel at 2.8 L/100km compared to 3.2 L/100km. At current fuel prices of approximately $2.80/L, that difference adds up over a year of typical driving.

Are Toyota AQUA and Toyota PRIUS the same body type?

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

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

0% of Toyota AQUA models were imported new to NZ, while 99% 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.