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.
RAV4 starts ZAR 639,900 cheaperRAV4 from ZAR 610,000 · Santa Fe Hybrid from ZAR 1,249,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Maximum Power
137 kW @ 6000 rpm
175.2 kW
Maximum Torque
221 Nm
367 Nm
Engine Size
2500 cc
1598 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
21.3 km/l
13.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
186 mm
177 mm
Boot / Load Bay
732 l
413 l
Airbags
Driver Knee, Front Side, Rear Curtain, Front Curtain
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
-
1980 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
RAV4 and Santa Fe Hybrid are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Santa Fe Hybrid
+22 pts
Efficiency
RAV4
+25 pts
Safety
RAV4
+4 pts
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid
+2 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
RAV4
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Santa Fe Hybrid
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
RAV4
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Santa Fe Hybrid
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Model Introduced Year
2026
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
All-new sixth-generation RAV4 introduced in South Africa in July 2026
Current South African Santa Fe Hybrid listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current South African 2026 specification
Current
Body Style
SUV
Seven-seat SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
published
Segment
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1725-1740 kg
1980 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.6T Hybrid Elite AWD 6AT
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Length
4645 mm
4830 mm
Width
1880 mm
1900 mm
Height
1680 mm
1770 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
186 mm
177 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
67 l
Boot/Cargo Space
732 l
413 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2230 kg
2675 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
-
Kerb Weight
-
1980 kg
Payload Capacity
-
695 kg
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Front Track Width
1620 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
1650 mm
Not Applicable
Front Suspension
Tread (mm) 1620
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Tread (mm) 1650
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Auto Dual zone
Not Available
Power Windows
All All One Touch
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Standard Smart Entry
Not Available
Push Button Start
Push Start
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard Front x1
Wireless
Sunroof
Moon roof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Standard Power
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Auto Dual zone
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
2253 l
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
4
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
7.5
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Accelerator 0 100
-
9.5 sec
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
santa-fe-hybrid
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Engine
2.5-litre Petrol Hybrid
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
2500 cc
1598 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Petrol Hybrid
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
87.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
103.48 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
137 kW @ 6000 rpm
175.2 kW
Maximum Torque
221 Nm
367 Nm
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
175.2 kW
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
AWD
Transmission
CVT
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
180 km/h
190 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
9.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport, Trail, Snow
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
88.5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
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 Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Gearbox
CVT
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD E-FOUR
4WD / AWD
LSD Available
Standard Front + Rear,
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
6
Transmission Type
CVT
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD E-FOUR
4WD / AWD
4WD Engagement
Permanent electric all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
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
Gearbox Type
CVT
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
AWD E-FOUR
Active on-demand all-wheel drive
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
6
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Front Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Claimed Mileage
21.3 km/l
13.3 km/l
City Mileage
17.2 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
24.8 km/l
15.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
67 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
55
67
Emission Standard
-
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
21.3 km/l
13.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
-
Not Applicable
Charging Type
-
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
-
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
-
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
-
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
-
Not Applicable
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Airbags
Driver Knee, Front Side, Rear Curtain, Front Curtain
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard 2
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front + Rear
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Standard
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front + Rear
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Not Available
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
-
Not Available
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Auto, Rainsensing
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Standard
Reverse Camera
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Seat Material
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Cloth
Heated Seats
Standard Front
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
3 Spoke Heated, GR-S Leather
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver & Passenger Power
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Driver & Passenger Power
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Digital instrument cluster
Interior Colour Options
-
3
60 40 Split Seat
-
Not Applicable
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Santa Fe Hybrid grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Infotainment System
JBL Display Audio, 12.9-inch
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Standard 9 Standard Audio, Info Display, Voice
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard 12.3-inch
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
Standard 5PCs
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
12.9-inch
SYNC
Touchscreen
12.9-inch
SYNC
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
12.9-inch
SYNC
Multi Information Display
-
Digital display
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Bluetooth
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
LED Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Standard LED
Not Available
Roof Rails
Standard
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Platinum White Pearl, Attitude Black, Smokey Blue, Urban Khaki, Fierce Red and selected bi-tone finishes
3
Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Body Type
-
SUV
Led Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Headlight Type
Standard
Halogen
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tyre Size
R:235-50R20 Alloy
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver 165-90D18 Steel F:235-50R20 Alloy-
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
R:235-50R20 Alloy
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electric
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Service Interval
12 months / 15 000 km
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
8 years 160 000 km
4
Service Plan
6 Services / 90 000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
6 Services / 90 000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
6 Services / 90 000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
CO2 Emissions
107 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Hybrid
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
4WD System Type
Permanent electric all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
186 mm
177 mm
Ground Clearance Min
186 mm
177 mm
Approach Angle
-
Not Available
Departure Angle
-
Not Available
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Terrain Modes
-
Not Available
Locking Differential
-
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Ownership Role
Private and family
Flagship
Price Zar
941800 ZAR
1249900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Flagship
Current listed price
Starting Price
941800
1249900
Starting Price Zar
941800
1249900
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe Hybrid
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
5
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
RAV4 leads by 0 points
RAV4 and Santa Fe Hybrid are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Santa Fe Hybrid +22
Efficiency
RAV4 +25
Safety
RAV4 +4
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid +2
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
RAV4
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
84/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
71/100
Santa Fe Hybrid
Performance
72/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
73/100
Ownership
65/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Toyota RAV4
leads the catalogue index with 73 pts
vs 73 pts for Santa Fe Hybrid
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, RAV4 leads. However, Santa Fe Hybrid may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
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.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This RAV4 and Santa Fe Hybrid 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: RAV4 50 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 72.
Efficiency index: RAV4 84 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 59.
Safety-equipment index: RAV4 93 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 89.
Practicality index: RAV4 71 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 73.
Ownership-cover index: RAV4 not separately scored vs Santa Fe Hybrid 65.
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.
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