Toyota RAV4 Hybrid sold out in NZ until 2027

Toyota New Zealand finds itself dealing with one of the best ‘problems’ a distributor could possibly face. 

The brand launched its sixth-generation RAV4 mid-size SUV earlier this year, and customer interest has inevitably been high with considerable waiting periods having been reported around the country. 

Speaking with CarExpert New Zealand, a local Toyota representative confirmed that someone who orders a RAV4 today could be waiting until early 2027 to take delivery of their new car. 

Those who have ordered a new plug-in hybrid RAV4 (a powertrain not previously offered in New Zealand from new) have a shorter wait, with Toyota confirming that there are some unaccounted for Q3 and Q4 arrival units peppered around the country. 

Those wanting the more traditional hybrid RAV4, however, have a longer wait in store. Toyota has confirmed that all current stock of the model has been allocated, meaning that someone that puts in an order for one today will be waiting until at least Q1 2027.

Whilst the RAV4 appears set to lose its mantle as the country’s most popular new vehicle to the Ford Ranger this year, it remains New Zealand’s most popular passenger car by a significant margin. 

Year-to-date, 3220 new RAV4s have been registered locally. Its nearest rival is the Tesla Model Y, which is more than 1000 units adrift with its 1908 registrations. 

The RAV4s nearest direct segment rivals, the Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sportage, have 1555 and 1328 registrations over the same period, respectively. 

What could you buy instead? 

Those in need of a mid-size SUV but not wanting to wait for a RAV4 to become available are spoiled for choice. The medium crossover segment is one of the most competitive in the market, with the majority of manufacturers offering something in the space. Here’s five of our favourites.

GWM Haval H6

$40,990–$51,990 + ORC

Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid

The GWM Haval H6 is arguably the RAV4’s closest analogue, given it also is offered as either a traditional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. The recent benefactor of a comprehensive update, the H6 has also just been given a new Australian-developed suspension tune. We’re testing this new tune at the moment, so keep an eye out for our full review soon.

Kia Sportage

$49,990–$64,990 + ORC

Hybrid

The Sportage is one of Kia’s longest serving nameplates in New Zealand, and matches up well to the RAV4 for both value, technology, and driving experience. Like the RAV4, the Sportage recently ditched all of its pure internal combustion engine variants and it too got a facelift last year. 

Nissan X-Trail

$45,990–$64,990 + ORC

Petrol / Hybrid

Speaking of updates, the Nissan X-Trail just received a facelift of its own. The biggest upgrade though is its price, which has come down thanks to the introduction of a new entry-level grade. The X-Trail can still be had as a conventional petrol, but is also available with Nissan’s unique ‘e-Power’ hybrid technology that works differently to most other hybrids and results in a car that’s more quiet and ‘EV-like’ in daily operations. 

MG HS

$36,990–$56,990 + ORC

Petrol / Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid

The MG HS may be the most versatile mid-size SUV on the market, given it is available in pure petrol, hybrid, and PHEV form. The former is one of the cheapest mid-size SUVs on the market, but doesn’t feel like it thanks to a well appointed and generously equipped interior. The HS boasts one of the most polished driving experiences out of all the contenders from China, and looks pretty handsome, too. 

Honda CR-V

$51,000–$75,000 + ORC

Petrol / Hybrid

Last but not least is the CarExpert Choice Awards Best Affordable Mid-Size SUV award winner, the Honda CR-V. Arguably one of the very best to drive competitors in its class, the CR-V is also impeccably put together inside and has a super usable second row and boot area.