Toyota Aqua leads NZ used imports as Kiwis keep buying hybrids

The Toyota Aqua has again topped New Zealand’s used passenger import chart, with 900 examples registered in October 2026 as demand for imported hybrids continued to grow.

The little Toyota finished ahead of the Prius and Nissan Note in a month when 8,285 used passenger vehicles were registered in New Zealand for the first time. That was the highest monthly total so far in 2026 and 18.4 per cent more than in October 2025.

The figures come from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi registration data analysed by AutoTalk. They count imported vehicles first registered in New Zealand during the month, rather than sales of cars already registered here.

Aqua leads a familiar top three

The Aqua’s 900 October registrations were up from 773 in the same month last year. The Toyota Prius followed with 518, while the Nissan Note was third with 465. The Toyota Corolla was fourth, ahead of the Nissan Leaf on 262.

The Leaf’s result was a notable increase from the 110 used examples registered in October 2025. Across all models, 398 used battery-electric vehicles were registered during the month, up from 159 a year earlier.

Toyota remained the leading brand among used passenger imports, with 3,249 registrations. Nissan followed with 1,369 and Mazda with 892.

Hybrids make up more than half

Petrol hybrids accounted for 4,461 of October’s used passenger imports, or 53.8 per cent of the total. Petrol-only vehicles accounted for 3,181 registrations.

The result underlines how prominent hybrids have become in the used-import market. The Aqua is a petrol-electric hybrid that does not need to be plugged in. Its small hatchback shape also makes it a practical option for drivers who spend much of their time around town.

Registration figures do not explain exactly why individual buyers chose a particular car. Price, condition, availability and the way a vehicle fits a buyer’s needs are all worth considering when shopping.

Thinking about buying an Aqua?

As with any used car, the individual vehicle matters more than its place on a sales chart. Check its service and ownership history, safety equipment and overall condition, and consider an independent pre-purchase inspection.

For a hybrid, ask specifically what the inspection includes and whether the high-voltage battery has been assessed. A standard inspection does not necessarily include a detailed hybrid battery test. It is also worth checking insurance costs and comparing the features fitted to each vehicle, as equipment can vary between imports.

The October results show that the Aqua remains a fixture in the New Zealand market. For buyers considering one, a careful inspection and comparison between examples are a sensible place to start.

Image: TTTNIS / Wikimedia Commons, CC0. A first-generation Toyota Aqua is shown.