Ford Ranger replaced: NZ's most popular car has switched up after 10 years

Erm, in a shock to many, the RAV4 has officially dethroned the Ford Ranger as New Zealand’s most popular vehicle.

The decade-long reign of the ute is over, and I don’t think many of us saw it coming.

The numbers for 2025 prove it, though. Toyota’s little (well, not so little) SUV sold 11,295 units, comfortably beating the Ranger, which ended the year on 9,681.

The next best-selling vehicle Kiwis purchased was the Mitsubishi ASX with 4,970 - basically half the RAV4.

Toyota, as a brand, dominated so hard that it sold 12,000 more cars than second-place Mitsubishi.

Toyota NZ’s CEO, Tatsuya Ishikawa, said via Stuff, the brand is “humbled” by Kiwi trust, and it’s easy to see why.

“To see it voted People’s Choice again and chosen more than any other new vehicle in 2025 is something our entire team is deeply grateful for.”

“Kiwis choose the RAV4 for their families, their work and their adventures. We remain committed to earning that trust every day,” he added.

I mean, it is a practical, comfy, good-looking little SUV, but I can’t be the only one stunned to see Kiwis waving goodbye to the reliable Ranger.

And it might even be in the running to hold its place for 2026, with its latest model sporting a new interior, upgraded tech, better fuel efficiency, and a plug-in hybrid option.

Though I’m unsure how many of us are in the market with a $49,990 starting price point.

If you’re seeing more RAV4s than Rangers on your daily commute now… you know why!