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.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Current Toyota RAV4 hero image.Current Toyota RAV4 exterior view 1.Current Toyota RAV4 exterior view 2.
View 8 more RAV4 images
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.
Historical Hyundai Santa Fe hero image.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 1.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 2.
View 8 more Santa Fe images
Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 3.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 4.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 5.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 1.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 2.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 3.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 4.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 5.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
RAV4
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Santa Fe
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
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Model Introduced Year
2026
2001
Generation
All-new sixth-generation RAV4 introduced in South Africa in July 2026
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Facelift History
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Facelift Launched Since
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current South African 2026 specification
Not confirmed
Body Style
SUV
Not confirmed
Model Year
2026
Not confirmed
Production Status
published
Not confirmed
Segment
SUV
Not confirmed
Tare Mass Kg
1725-1740 kg
1980 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
Not confirmed
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Length
4645 mm
4830 mm
Width
1880 mm
1900 mm
Height
1680 mm
1750 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
186 mm
188 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
67 l
Boot/Cargo Space
732 l
703 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2230 kg
Not confirmed
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
Not confirmed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
Not confirmed
Kerb Weight
-
1980 kg
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Front Track Width
1620 mm
Not confirmed
Rear Track Width
1650 mm
Not confirmed
Front Suspension
Tread (mm) 1620
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Tread (mm) 1650
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
Tread (mm) 1620
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Tread (mm) 1650
Multi-Link
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Auto Dual zone
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All All One Touch
All
Keyless Entry
Standard Smart Entry
Yes
Push Button Start
Push Start
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard Front x1
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Moon roof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Standard Power
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
No
AC Type
Auto Dual zone
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V
Boot Opener
-
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Push Start
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Push Start
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Manual
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Push Start
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Spare Wheel
Space Saver 165-90D18 Steel F:235-50R20 Alloy-
Steel
Tachometer
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Air Conditioning
Auto Dual zone
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Rim Size
R:235-50R20 Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Sound System
Standard 9 Standard Audio, Info Display, Voice
8 Meridian Premium
Unlocking
Standard Smart Entry
Yes
Wireless Charger
Standard Front x1
15W Wireless
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Engine
2.5-litre Petrol Hybrid
2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Diesel
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2500 cc
2199 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
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
Common Rail Direct Injection
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
147 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque
221 Nm
440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
AWD
Transmission
CVT
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
180 km/h
205 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
8.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport, Trail, Snow
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
74.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
222.2 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
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 Applicable
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Gearbox
CVT
8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD E-FOUR
HTRAC AWD
LSD Available
Standard Front + Rear,
Yes
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Transmission Type
CVT
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Not confirmed
Drivetrain
AWD E-FOUR
Not confirmed
4WD Engagement
Permanent electric all-wheel drive
Not confirmed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not confirmed
Gearbox Type
CVT
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Axle Layout
AWD E-FOUR
Not confirmed
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Engine Position
-
Front
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Claimed Mileage
21.3 km/l
13.8 km/l
City Mileage
17.2 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
24.8 km/l
17.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
67 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
Not confirmed
Fuel Tank Litres
55
67
Emission Standard
-
Euro 6
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Airbags
Driver Knee, Front Side, Rear Curtain, Front Curtain
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard 2
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front + Rear
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Not confirmed
AEB
Standard
Yes
BA
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front + Rear
Not confirmed
Side Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not confirmed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Yes
Central Locking
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
Not Rated (SA)
Seatbelt Pretensioners
-
Yes
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Yes
Parking Sensors
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
No
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not confirmed
Auto Wipers
Auto, Rainsensing
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Not confirmed
Reverse Camera
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Not confirmed
Around View Monitor
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not confirmed
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Yes
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
No
Sport Mode
-
No
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Seat Material
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Leather
Heated Seats
Standard Front
Front & 2nd Row
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front
Ambient Lighting
Standard
64-Colour Ambient
Steering Wheel Material
3 Spoke Heated, GR-S Leather
Leather
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver & Passenger Power
Not confirmed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Driver & Passenger Power
Not confirmed
Seat Trim
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Not confirmed
Seat Adjustment
-
Power 8-way
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
3rd Row Fold Flat
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Rear Armrest
-
No
Cup Holders
-
4
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
-
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
-
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
-
Manual
Cooled Seats
-
No
Fabric Seats
-
Yes
Front Headrest
-
Yes
Leather Seats
-
No
Memory Seats
-
No
Rear Headrest
-
Yes
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Infotainment System
JBL Display Audio, 12.9-inch
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
Standard 9 Standard Audio, Info Display, Voice
8 Meridian Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard 12.3-inch
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
Standard 5PCs
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Infotainment Screen
12.9-inch
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
12.9-inch
Not confirmed
Navigation System
-
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Yes
FM Radio
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Infotainment Display
-
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
Yes
Audio Speakers
Standard 9 Standard Audio, Info Display, Voice
8 Meridian Premium
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
LED Headlamps
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Standard LED
LED
Roof Rails
Standard
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Platinum White Pearl, Attitude Black, Smokey Blue, Urban Khaki, Fierce Red and selected bi-tone finishes
Not confirmed
Headlights
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not confirmed
Alloy Wheel Design
-
20-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
-
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
-
Yes
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Coloured
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
Standard
LED
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Headlights
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lights
Standard
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Standard LED
LED
Headlamps
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Headlight Type
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Tyre Size
R:235-50R20 Alloy
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver 165-90D18 Steel F:235-50R20 Alloy-
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
R:235-50R20 Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electric
Not confirmed
Wheel Type
-
20-inch Alloy
Parking Brake Type
-
Manual
Tyre Load Index
-
91
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Spare Tyre
Space Saver 165-90D18 Steel F:235-50R20 Alloy-
Steel
Tyre Type
-
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
R:235-50R20 Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Wheels
-
20-inch Alloy
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Service Interval
12 months / 15 000 km
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
8 years 160 000 km
Not confirmed
Service Plan
6 Services / 90 000 km
4
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
6 Services / 90 000 km
4
Service Plan Distance
6 Services / 90 000 km
4
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
CO2 Emissions
107 g/km
188 g/km
Start Stop System
-
No
Variable Valve Timing
-
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Yes
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
4WD System Type
Permanent electric all-wheel drive
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance Max
186 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance Min
186 mm
188 mm
Terrain Modes
-
Not Available
Locking Differential
-
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
Ownership Role
Private and family
Not confirmed
Price Zar
941800 ZAR
Not confirmed
Pricing Role
Flagship
Not confirmed
Starting Price
941800
Not confirmed
Starting Price Zar
941800
Not confirmed
Spec
RAV4
Santa Fe
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
In depth: how these cars differ
This RAV4 and Santa Fe 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 74.
Efficiency index: RAV4 84 vs Santa Fe 55.
Safety-equipment index: RAV4 93 vs Santa Fe 98.
Practicality index: RAV4 71 vs Santa Fe 89.
Ownership-cover index: RAV4 not separately scored vs Santa Fe 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.
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
Santa Fe leads by 5 points
RAV4 and Santa Fe are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Santa Fe +24
Efficiency
RAV4 +29
Safety
Santa Fe +5
Practicality
Santa Fe +18
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
RAV4
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
84/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai Santa Fe
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 73 pts for RAV4
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Santa Fe leads. However, RAV4 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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