Presented by MTF Finance
We're on a mission to find the Car of the Decade and we want your help. Vote for the best cars of the last 10 years and you'll be in to win $2500 for fuel or EV charging.
We've selected finalists in nine categories: Ute, Game Changer, Family SUV, Hybrid/EV, Aussie Big Six, Sports/Performance, Urban, Luxury and... Dud of the Decade.
If you want to read more about the finalists in any of those categories, click on the relevant blue words above. If you want to go straight to the voting page and have your say, you can do that here.
But right now, let's take a look at the contenders for Family SUV of the Decade.
Toyota RAV4 (fifth-generation, 2019-26)
The 2019 RAV4 was a turning point. After years of models that were capable enough but a bit dowdy, this one looked cool and was good to drive.
This RAV4 was also instrumental in the ongoing hybridisation of Toyota NZ’s fleet. At launch, combustion engines were at the core and electrified power was an option. But the model quietly transitioned into hybrid-only power, mid-life, and stayed there.
A long-time top-seller in the passenger/SUV world, this generation of RAV4 covered itself in glory by taking the overall number one spot off the Ford Ranger in 2025. It’s also a six-time winner of our People’s Choice award.
Mazda CX-5 (second-generation, 2017-26)
The Mazda CX-5 has long model cycles and loyal buyers, built on two generations (the first was launched in 2012). The second-gen model slots neatly into our COTD timeframe and epitomises the high regard in which this model is held: even at the end of a nine-year life cycle, it remained Mazda NZ’s top selling model.
This iteration of CX-5 went big on avant garde “Kodo” styling, quality cabin finish and excellent chassis dynamics. It also offered a grunty turbo-engine option, not carried through into this year's third-generation version.
Ford Everest (T6.2-generation, 2022-)
When you’ve got an absolutely brilliant one-tonne ute that rivals many SUVs for style and desirability, the natural thing to do is actually make it into an SUV.
That’s what Ford did with Ranger to create the Everest, despite insisting the two were completely separate models in the early years. The company is more realistic about that now.
The latest Everest is a tough-looking, just-plain-tough seven-seater that’s pretty sweet to drive on-road, but also excels as a tow or 4x4 adventure vehicle. It makes frequent appearances on NZ’s top-10 sales charts, too.