While small cars are becoming increasingly popular, the vehicle industry says not everyone is downsizing.
More than 30,000 passenger vehicles were purchased in the first six months of the year.
Motor Industry Association figures show almost 29% were sport utility vehicles. That's about 2% more than the number of small cars sold.
Currently, five of the top 15 selling vehicle brands are SUVs.
Toyota New Zealand chief executive Alistair Davis says a perception that everyone is shifting to small cars is out of date.
He says that was the case in 2007 and 2008, when petrol prices were at their peak.
Mr Davis says the industry has been surprised by the growth in SUV sales.
