A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Current Toyota RAV4 hero image.Current Toyota RAV4 exterior view 1.Current Toyota RAV4 exterior view 2.
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Current Toyota RAV4 exterior view 3.Current Toyota RAV4 exterior view 4.Current Toyota RAV4 exterior view 5.Current Toyota RAV4 interior view 1.Current Toyota RAV4 interior view 2.Current Toyota RAV4 interior view 3.Current Toyota RAV4 interior view 4.Current Toyota RAV4 interior view 5.
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
J7
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
RAV4
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
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
J7
RAV4
Model Introduced Year
2024
2026
Generation
Current South Africa J7 range
All-new sixth-generation RAV4 introduced in South Africa in July 2026
Facelift History
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
Facelift Launched Since
2024
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
published
Segment
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
Not Available
1725-1740 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
J7
RAV4
Length
4500 mm
4645 mm
Width
1865 mm
1880 mm
Height
1680 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2672 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
186 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
170 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
55 l
Boot/Cargo Space
584 l
732 l
Kerb Weight
1531 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1939 kg
2230 kg
Payload Capacity
434 kg
-
Towing Capacity
1300 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
1010 mm
-
Rear Headroom
975 mm
-
Front Legroom
1050 mm
-
Rear Legroom
910 mm
-
Spec
J7
RAV4
Front Track Width
Not Available
1620 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Available
1650 mm
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Tread (mm) 1620
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Tread (mm) 1650
Spec
J7
RAV4
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Manual / automatic by trim
Auto Dual zone
Power Windows
Standard
All All One Touch
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Push Start
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard Front x1
Sunroof
Not Available
Moon roof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard Power
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1349 l
-
AC Type
Manual / automatic by trim
Auto Dual zone
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
J7
RAV4
Engine
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol
2.5-litre Petrol Hybrid
Engine Code
SQRF4J16C
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1600 cc
2500 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Petrol injection
Petrol Hybrid
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
87.5 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
103.48 mm
Maximum Power
145 kW @ 5500 rpm
137 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
290 Nm
221 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
FWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
7-Speed DCT
CVT
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport
Sport, Trail, Snow
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
J7
RAV4
Gearbox
7 DCT
CVT
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
AWD E-FOUR
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Standard Front + Rear,
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
-
Number of Gears
7
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
CVT
Clutch Type
Automatic clutch
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
-
Gear Shift Type
Electric
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
-
Gearbox Type
7 DCT
CVT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
FWD
AWD E-FOUR
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Transmission Speeds
7
Not Applicable
Spec
J7
RAV4
Claimed Mileage
14.3 km/l
21.3 km/l
City Mileage
11.5 km/l
17.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
16.8 km/l
24.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
55 l
Emission Standard
Euro VIb
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
14.3 km/l
21.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
-
Charging Type
Not Applicable
-
Fuel Tank Litres
51
55
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
-
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
-
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
-
Spec
J7
RAV4
Airbags
Multiple airbags
Driver Knee, Front Side, Rear Curtain, Front Curtain
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
-
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard 2
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
-
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Front + Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Brake Override System
Standard
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
-
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Front + Rear
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
J7
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
-
Parking Sensors
Standard
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
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Auto, Rainsensing
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Reverse Camera
Standard
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
Not Available
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Standard
Spec
J7
RAV4
Seat Material
Fabric or cloth trim
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Heated Seats
Not Available
Standard Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
Not Available
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Available
-
Steering Wheel Material
Polyurethane / synthetic
3 Spoke Heated, GR-S Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual
Driver & Passenger Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Driver & Passenger Power
Seat Trim
Fabric
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Spec
J7
RAV4
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment
JBL Display Audio, 12.9-inch
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4-6
Standard 9 Standard Audio, Info Display, Voice
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
Standard 12.3-inch
USB Ports
Front and rear USB where listed
Standard 5PCs
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
12.9-inch
Touchscreen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
12.9-inch
Spec
J7
RAV4
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Standard LED
Roof Rails
Standard
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, model green, olive grey, moonlight silver and two-tone colours where listed.
Platinum White Pearl, Attitude Black, Smokey Blue, Urban Khaki, Fierce Red and selected bi-tone finishes
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
J7
RAV4
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
-
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Permanent electric all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
186 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
186 mm
Spec
J7
RAV4
Tyre Size
235/55 R18
R:235-50R20 Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Space Saver 165-90D18 Steel F:235-50R20 Alloy-
Wheel Rim Size
235/55 R18
R:235-50R20 Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electric
Spec
J7
RAV4
CO2 Emissions
163 g/km
107 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
J7
RAV4
Service Plan
5 Year / 70 000 km
6 Services / 90 000 km
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15 000 km
Battery Warranty
-
8 years 160 000 km
Spec
J7
RAV4
Ownership Role
entry-value
Private and family
Price Zar
519900 ZAR
941800 ZAR
Pricing Role
entry-value
Flagship
Starting Price
519900
941800
Starting Price Zar
519900
941800
Spec
J7
RAV4
Warranty
5 Year / 150 000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This J7 and RAV4 comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: J7 59 vs RAV4 50.
Efficiency index: J7 56 vs RAV4 84.
Safety-equipment index: J7 91 vs RAV4 93.
Practicality index: J7 67 vs RAV4 71.
Ownership-cover index: J7 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.
Specification Evidence Index
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 4 points
J7 and RAV4 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
RAV4
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
84/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
71/100
J7
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
67/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexToyota RAV4
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 69 pts for J7
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, RAV4 leads. However, J7 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 African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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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