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.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
RAV4
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
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Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Model Introduced Year
2015
2026
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
All-new sixth-generation RAV4 introduced in South Africa in July 2026
Facelift History
The CX-3 has received successive equipment and design updates since its 2015 debut; Carbon and Individual now sit together at the top of the South African range.
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
Facelift Launched Since
2015
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African 2026 specification
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Compact crossover
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
1725-1740 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Length
4275 mm
4645 mm
Width
1765 mm
1880 mm
Height
1542 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
186 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
55 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
732 l
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1560 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
2230 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
460 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
5.6 m
Front Legroom
1058 mm
1031 mm
Rear Legroom
888 mm
882 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
125 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
991 mm
Rear Headroom
-
947 mm
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Automatic
Auto Dual zone
Power Windows
Front & Rear
All All One Touch
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Push Start
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard Front x1
Sunroof
Standard
Moon roof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard Power
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
-
AC Type
Automatic
Auto Dual zone
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2.5-litre Petrol Hybrid
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
2500 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Petrol Hybrid
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
10.5:1
Bore
83.5 mm
87.5 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
103.48 mm
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
137 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
221 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
1 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
1 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated transmission electric motor
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
CVT
Top Speed
197 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
7.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Sport
Sport, Trail, Snow
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
1 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
64.8 kWh
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
CVT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
AWD E-FOUR
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Electronic AWD Control
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
CVT
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
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
Standard
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
CVT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
AWD E-FOUR
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
Not Applicable
LSD Available
-
Standard Front + Rear,
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
21.3 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
17.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
24.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
55 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Available
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
48
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
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
21.3 km/l
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Airbags
6
Driver Knee, Front Side, Rear Curtain, Front Curtain
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard 2
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Front + Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Front + Rear
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Yes
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Rear View Camera
Standard
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
Standard
Auto, Rainsensing
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Reverse Camera
Standard
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Seat Material
Black Leather
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Heated Seats
Not Available
Standard Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
3 Spoke Heated, GR-S Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Driver & Passenger Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Driver & Passenger Power
Seat Trim
Black Leather
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Infotainment System
Standard
JBL Display Audio, 12.9-inch
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
7
Standard 9 Standard Audio, Info Display, Voice
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Standard 12.3-inch
USB Ports
2
Standard 5PCs
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
12.9-inch
Touchscreen
8-Inch
12.9-inch
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic + Machining
-
Exterior Colour Options
Aero Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Platinum Quartz and Soul Red Crystal are listed, with Carbon availability limited to selected finishes.
Platinum White Pearl, Attitude Black, Smokey Blue, Urban Khaki, Fierce Red and selected bi-tone finishes
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Standard LED
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
23 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
Normal; Eco; Sport; Off-road
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Permanent electric all-wheel drive
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
186 mm
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
186 mm
Approach Angle
-
25 deg
Wading Depth
-
500 mm
Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Tyre Size
215/50R18
R:235-50R20 Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Space Saver 165-90D18 Steel F:235-50R20 Alloy-
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
R:235-50R20 Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Tread (mm) 1620
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Tread (mm) 1650
Front Track Width
-
1620 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1650 mm
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
107 g/km
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
6 Services / 90 000 km
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15 000 km
Battery Warranty
-
8 years 160 000 km
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Private and family
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
941800 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Flagship
Starting Price
551600
941800
Starting Price Zar
551600
941800
Spec
CX-3
RAV4
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 100 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-3 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: CX-3 47 vs RAV4 56.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs RAV4 84.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs RAV4 94.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs RAV4 68.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored 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
CX-3 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 15 points
RAV4 holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-3.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
RAV4
Performance
56/100
Efficiency
84/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
68/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexToyota RAV4
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, RAV4 leads. However, CX-3 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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