Hatchback car comparison

Toyota COROLLA vs Toyota PRIUS

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

Toyota COROLLA 171,783 on NZ roads
VS
Toyota PRIUS 58,540 on NZ roads
$21/week cheaper to fuel — Toyota PRIUS at $25/wk vs $46/wk
38.599999999999994 kW more power — Toyota COROLLA at 100.8 kW
Toyota COROLLA 171,783 in NZ Wins 3 of 4
Toyota PRIUS 58,540 in NZ
Registered in NZ
171,783
58,540
Fuel Economy
5.8 L/100km
3.2 L/100km
Power
100.8 kW
62.2 kW
Weight
1,648.6 kg
1,652.6 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Body Type
Hatchback
Hatchback
Seats
5
5
Year Range
1956–2026
1998–2025
Imported New
71%
9%

NZ Registrations Over Time

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

Regional Popularity

Region Toyota COROLLA Toyota PRIUS
AUCKLAND 58,965 30,177
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 13,953 4,979
WELLINGTON CITY 8,596 2,146
HAMILTON CITY 6,192 3,051
TAURANGA CITY 5,464 1,719
DUNEDIN CITY 5,209 1,087
LOWER HUTT CITY 4,091 1,364
PALMERSTON NORTH CITY 4,193 929

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Toyota COROLLA is more common with 171,783 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 COROLLA or Toyota PRIUS?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Toyota PRIUS uses less fuel at 3.2 L/100km compared to 5.8 L/100km. At current fuel prices of approximately $2.80/L, that difference adds up over a year of typical driving.

Are Toyota COROLLA and Toyota PRIUS the same body type?

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

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

71% of Toyota COROLLA models were imported new to NZ, while 28% 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.