A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
RAV4 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Corolla remains close.
Corolla starts ZAR 19,800 cheaperCorolla from ZAR 590,200 · RAV4 from ZAR 610,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Corolla
RAV4
Maximum Power
Corolla103 kW
RAV4137 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Corolla142 Nm
RAV4221 Nm
Engine Size
Corolla1798 cc
RAV42500 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Corolla25.6 km/l
RAV421.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
Corolla130 mm
RAV4186 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Toyota Corolla
1.8 HEV XR CVT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Corolla
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
RAV4
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Corolla
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
RAV4
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2026
Generation
Current South African Corolla listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
All-new sixth-generation RAV4 introduced in South Africa in July 2026
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African 2026 specification
Body Style
Sedan
SUV
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Sedan
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1405 kg
1725-1740 kg
Vehicle Type
Sedan
SUV
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Length
4630 mm
4645 mm
Width
1780 mm
1880 mm
Height
1435 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
130 mm
186 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
55 l
Boot/Cargo Space
470 l
732 l
Kerb Weight
1430 kg
1560 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1845 kg
2230 kg
Payload Capacity
440 kg
460 kg
Towing Capacity
1600 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
997 mm
991 mm
Rear Headroom
948 mm
947 mm
Front Legroom
1050 mm
1031 mm
Rear Legroom
882 mm
882 mm
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1620 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1650 mm
Front Suspension
Not Available
Tread (mm) 1620
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Tread (mm) 1650
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Auto Dual zone
Power Windows
Not Available
All All One Touch
Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
Standard Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Push Start
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard Front x1
Sunroof
Not Available
Moon roof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard Power
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
470 l
-
AC Type
Not Available
Auto Dual zone
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Standard
-
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Push Start
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Push Start
Fuel Consumption Combined
25.6
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Push Button Start
Standard
Push Start
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Skid Plates
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Passive Entry Start
Smart Entry
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Smart Entry
-
Source Model Column
corolla
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
top
-
Unlocking
Smart Entry
Standard Smart Entry
Variant Role
Mid-to-high value derivative
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Smart Entry
-
Walk Away Lock
Smart Entry
-
Wireless Charger
Standard
Standard Front x1
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Engine
Turbocharged Petrol
2.5-litre Petrol Hybrid
Engine Code
Market-specific engine family
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1798 cc
2500 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Petrol Hybrid
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
10.5:1
Bore
82.0 mm
87.5 mm
Stroke
94.6 mm
103.48 mm
Maximum Power
103 kW
137 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
142 Nm
221 Nm
Combined Power
1 kW
1 kW
Combined Torque
1 Nm
1 Nm
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Number of Motors
1
1
Motor Location
Integrated transmission electric motor
Integrated transmission electric motor
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
CVT
Top Speed
210 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.8 sec
7.8 sec
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Sport, Trail, Snow
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
1 kWh
1 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
64.8 kWh
64.8 kWh
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
400 V
400 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Yes
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Gearbox
CVT
CVT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
AWD E-FOUR
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Standard Front + Rear,
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Electronic AWD Control
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Continuously Variable Transmission
CVT
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
CVT
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD/
AWD E-FOUR
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Permanent electric all-wheel drive
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Standard
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
CVT
CVT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
AWD E-FOUR
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Claimed Mileage
25.6 km/l
21.3 km/l
City Mileage
21 km/l
17.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
29.4 km/l
24.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
55 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
25.6 km/l
21.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
43 l
55
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Airbags
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
Driver Knee, Front Side, Rear Curtain, Front Curtain
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Child-seat support
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard 2
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Front + Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Not Available
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Brake Override System
Not Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Front + Rear
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Driver knee airbag
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Auto, Rainsensing
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Standard
Pre-Collision System
Standard
-
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Seat Material
Not Applicable
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Standard Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
3 Spoke Heated, GR-S Leather
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Driver & Passenger Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Driver & Passenger Power
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Corolla grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Trim
Not Applicable
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Infotainment System
12.3
JBL Display Audio, 12.9-inch
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
Standard 9 Standard Audio, Info Display, Voice
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Standard 12.3-inch
USB Ports
Not Available
Standard 5PCs
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3
12.9-inch
Infotainment Display
12.3
-
Infotainment Screen
12.3
12.9-inch
Connected Services
Standard
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Touchscreen
12.3
12.9-inch
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Standard LED
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
3
Platinum White Pearl, Attitude Black, Smokey Blue, Urban Khaki, Fierce Red and selected bi-tone finishes
Body Type
Sedan
-
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Approach Angle
-
25 deg
Departure Angle
-
23 deg
Wading Depth
-
500 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Normal; Eco; Sport; Off-road
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Yes
Underbody Protection
Not Available
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Permanent electric all-wheel drive
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Breakover Angle
Not Available
20 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
130 mm
186 mm
Ground Clearance Min
130 mm
186 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Tyre Size
Not Available
R:235-50R20 Alloy
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Space Saver 165-90D18 Steel F:235-50R20 Alloy-
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
R:235-50R20 Alloy
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electric
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Maintenance Plan
6 services / 90 000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
6 services / 90 000 km
6 Services / 90 000 km
Service Plan Distance
6 services / 90 000 km
6 Services / 90 000 km
Service Plan
6 services / 90 000 km
6 Services / 90 000 km
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15 000 km
Battery Warranty
-
8 years 160 000 km
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
107 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Hybrid
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Hybrid
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Idle CO2 Output
0
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
0
-
Spec
Corolla
RAV4
Ownership Role
Top
Private and family
Price Zar
590200 ZAR
941800 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Flagship
Starting Price
590200
941800
Starting Price Zar
590200
941800
In depth: how these cars differ
This Corolla and RAV4 comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Corolla 46 vs RAV4 56.
Efficiency index: Corolla 96 vs RAV4 84.
Safety-equipment index: Corolla 90 vs RAV4 94.
Practicality index: Corolla 59 vs RAV4 68.
Ownership-cover index: Corolla 43 vs RAV4 not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Corolla and RAV4 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
RAV4 leads by 8 points
RAV4 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Corolla remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
RAV4
Performance
56/100
Efficiency
84/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
68/100
Corolla
Performance
46/100
Efficiency
96/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
59/100
Ownership
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexToyota RAV4
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 67 pts for Corolla
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, RAV4 leads. However, Corolla may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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