If you’ve ever heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” chances are someone was talking about a Toyota. From the rugged Hilux to the trusty Corolla, Toyota has been a driving force on Kiwi roads for decades.
In this Toyota buyers guide, we’ll take a journey through the brand’s rise to global fame, explore some of its most popular models, and help you decide whether this reliable, no-fuss brand is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Toyota’s Rise to Reliability
While Toyota is now synonymous with reliability, that wasn’t always the case. The brand has built itself from humble, if not surprising, beginnings into the global powerhouse it is today.
Toyota officially started in 1937, but it had already begun making cars back in 1936 as a side project of a Japanese textile company. And no, they weren’t weaving cars out of flax or anything; those early models actually looked suspiciously like the American and European cars of the time. Imitation, after all, is the sincerest form of flattery.
Fast-forward through a few decades, a world war, a couple of million cars sold, and Toyota’s knack for blending practicality with charm has made it a global icon, especially here in New Zealand, where Kiwis love anything that just works.
The Scale and Scope of the Toyota Brand
Toyota isn’t in the business of being flashy, but that’s kind of the point. These cars are built to be dependable, no-nonsense companions. For many people, a car is more of a reliable tool than a status symbol. It’s exactly this approach and these people that have propelled the Toyota brand to where it is today.
Beyond its core lineup, Toyota has its hands in more pies than you might expect. It’s partnered with or holds stakes in brands like Subaru, Suzuki, Isuzu, and Mazda. Toyota also owns Lexus, Daihatsu, and Hino, producing everything from compact urban cars to luxury SUVs and heavy-duty trucks.
The company’s production is staggering, with Toyota operating assembly plants in nearly 30 countries worldwide (none of which have been in New Zealand since the late 1990s). Across these plants, Toyota manages to crank out a whopping 9 million vehicles a year (a figure limited to strictly Toyotas and Lexus). This global production powerhouse is a big reason why Toyotas are so reliable. Wherever your car comes from, it’s built to the same dependable formula.
Popular Toyota Models
Corolla – The Everyday Hero
As the best-selling badge in the car industry, the Toyota Corolla has sold over 50 million models since its launch in 1966 and has become a mainstay on roads everywhere. Known for its fuel efficiency, comfort, and practicality, the Corolla is perfect for urban dwellers looking for a compact car that won’t let them down.
With both hatchback and sedan cars, you can choose the style that suits your vibe. It’s no surprise that the Corolla regularly features among New Zealand’s best-selling cars.
Hilux – Built to Conquer Any Terrain
For adventurers or tradies in need of a reliable workhorse, the Toyota Hilux is an unbeatable choice. Known for its rugged durability, the Hilux is practically a national treasure. The Hilux lineup includes several variants, such as the SR5 Cruiser and GR Sport models, catering to a wide range of drivers.
From towing heavy loads to navigating gravel roads, the Hilux is built for life on the move. Its reputation for handling New Zealand’s varied landscapes makes it a favourite for anyone needing a tough, capable ute.
RAV4 – For Families Who Love the Outdoors
The Toyota RAV4 combines practicality with a sense of adventure, making it a popular choice for active families. It offers the perfect balance between an urban-friendly SUV and a reliable off-roader, perfect for weekend trips to the beach or family holidays across the country.
The RAV4 lineup includes models like the GX, GXL, and Adventure, each offering features such as 8-inch infotainment systems, Apple CarPlay, and Toyota Safety Sense with adaptive cruise control and lane tracing assist. Whether it’s the rugged Adventure model or the eco-friendly Hybrid, there’s a RAV4 for every lifestyle.
What Makes a Toyota Perfect for Everyday Life?
When it comes to cars, Toyota knows how to deliver exactly what people need. Here’s why Toyotas are such a hit, especially for everyday drivers in New Zealand:
Reliability
Toyota’s legendary reliability isn’t just marketing fluff; it’s a reputation that has been earned and proven correct year after year, model after model. A recent study by R.L. Polk & Company found that over 80% of Toyota vehicles sold in the last 20 years are still on the road today.
The best example of this would have to be the hallmark Corolla, which often cruises past 300,000 km with minimal issues. In fact, a Toyota Corolla rolled into a Whanganui workshop with over 2 million kilometres on its odometer, which is plenty of road trips—and a testament to the reliability of the Toyota badge.
Resale Value
It’s not exactly breaking news that your new car loses some of its value the second you drive it off the lot, but just how much it loses can determine whether you’ve made a worthy investment. On average, a car in New Zealand loses around 54% of its value within the first five years.
Toyota comes in far below this average at a respectable 41.3%, making it even more valuable for money, especially when it comes time for an upgrade
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is another feature Toyotas hang their hat on. Take the Toyota Prius, which averages around 4.4L/100km, making it one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids in the world. For non-hybrid models, the Toyota Corolla averages 6L/100km, providing exceptional fuel economy for daily drivers. For daily driving, that means fewer trips to the pump and more savings in your pocket.
Versatility
The breadth and scope of Toyota’s lineup is another reason Kiwis keep coming back to the brand car after car. Need a nimble ride for the city? The Toyota Yaris has you covered. Looking for a tough, reliable ute to tackle New Zealand’s rugged landscapes? The Toyota Hilux is your go-to; it’s been a Kiwi favourite for years. Whether you’re after a compact hatchback or a powerhouse ute for the farm, Toyota’s diverse range ensures there’s a model perfectly suited to your lifestyle.
No-Fuss Charm that Just Works
At the end of the day, Toyota is all about simplicity and dependability. The brand may not be the flashiest on the block, but for many Kiwi drivers, that’s precisely what makes it so appealing.
Ready to Drive Away in a Toyota?
With so many models to choose from, there’s a Toyota for every kind of driver. Whether you’re looking for a reliable commuter car or a ute built to tackle off-road adventures, Portage Cars has you covered. Explore our selection of Toyota models today and find a car that is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.