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 and UNI-S are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
UNI-S starts ZAR 220,100 cheaperRAV4 from ZAR 610,000 · UNI-S from ZAR 389,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
RAV4
UNI-S
Maximum Power
RAV4137 kW @ 6000 rpm
UNI-S138 kW
Maximum Torque
RAV4221 Nm
UNI-S300 Nm
Engine Size
RAV42500 cc
UNI-S1500 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
RAV421.3 km/l
UNI-S14.49 km/l
Ground Clearance
RAV4186 mm
UNI-SNot Officially Disclosed
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 RAV4
2.5 HEV GR-S 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)
Specification evidence leader
RAV4
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
UNI-S
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
RAV4
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
UNI-S
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
All-new sixth-generation RAV4 introduced in South Africa in July 2026
First current South African UNI-S retail generation, offered in CS, CL and CE grades.
Facelift History
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
No South African facelift has been announced since the UNI-S entered local retail sale in 2026.
Facelift Launched Since
Full model change for 2026 with HEV, PHEV and GR-Sport derivatives
Not Applicable
Facelift Version Ending
Current South African 2026 specification
Not Applicable
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
SUV
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1725-1740 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger car
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Length
4645 mm
4539 mm
Width
1880 mm
1865 mm
Height
1680 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2656 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
186 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
167 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
732 l
475 l
Kerb Weight
1560 kg
1505 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2230 kg
1825 kg
Payload Capacity
460 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.66 m
Front Headroom
991 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
947 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1031 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
882 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Front Track Width
1620 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1650 mm
-
Front Suspension
Tread (mm) 1620
MacPherson independent
Rear Suspension
Tread (mm) 1650
Multi-link independent
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Auto Dual zone
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
All All One Touch
All four windows; one-touch up/down
Keyless Entry
Standard Smart Entry
Passive entry
Push Button Start
Push Start
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard Front x1
Not Officially Disclosed
Sunroof
Moon roof
Electric panoramic sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Standard Power
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
AC Type
Auto Dual zone
Automatic climate control
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Engine
2.5-litre Petrol Hybrid
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Market-specific engine family
NE15TG-AC
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2500 cc
1500 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Petrol Hybrid
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
87.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
103.48 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
137 kW @ 6000 rpm
138 kW
Maximum Torque
221 Nm
300 Nm
Combined Power
1 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
1 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated transmission electric motor
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
180 km/h
190 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.8 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport, Trail, Snow
3 selectable modes
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
1 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
64.8 kWh
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
400 V
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
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Gearbox
CVT
7-Speed DCT
Drivetrain Layout
AWD E-FOUR
Not Officially Disclosed
LSD Available
Standard Front + Rear,
Not Officially Disclosed
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Differential Lock
Electronic AWD Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
7
Transmission Type
CVT
DCT
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Dual-clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD E-FOUR
FWD
4WD Engagement
Permanent electric all-wheel drive
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
CVT
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Axle Layout
AWD E-FOUR
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
7
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Claimed Mileage
21.3 km/l
14.49 km/l
City Mileage
17.2 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
24.8 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
21.3 km/l
14.49 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
55
51
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Airbags
Driver Knee, Front Side, Rear Curtain, Front Curtain
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard 2
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front + Rear
Driver and front passenger
Front Parking Sensors
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Not Officially Disclosed
AEB
Standard
Yes
BA
Standard Standard Eco / Normal /
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Reminder
Front + Rear
Driver and front passenger
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Cruise Control
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
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Rear (6 sensors)
Rear View Camera
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
540-degree HD panoramic view
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Auto, Rainsensing
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Intelligent Clearance Sonar
Yes
Reverse Camera
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive, All Speed
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Straight-in/straight-out automatic parking
Around View Monitor
Display Audio/ Panoramic View Monitor
540-degree HD panoramic view
Blind Spot Warning
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Yes
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Seat Material
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Microfiber leather
Heated Seats
Standard Front
Not Officially Disclosed
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front seat cushions
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Steering Wheel Material
3 Spoke Heated, GR-S Leather
Microfiber leather
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver & Passenger Power
6-way electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Driver & Passenger Power
4-way electric
Seat Trim
GR Sport Leather Sporty
Microfiber leather
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Infotainment System
JBL Display Audio, 12.9-inch
12.8-inch infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
Standard 9 Standard Audio, Info Display, Voice
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard 12.3-inch
10.25-inch instrument display
USB Ports
Standard 5PCs
1 USB-A and 1 USB-C in front
Infotainment Screen
12.9-inch
12.8-inch
Touchscreen
12.9-inch
12.8-inch
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Standard LED
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
Standard
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Platinum White Pearl, Attitude Black, Smokey Blue, Urban Khaki, Fierce Red and selected bi-tone finishes
Black, Putty Grey, Shadow Grey, Fluorite Grey, Moon White
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Approach Angle
25 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
23 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
500 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Normal; Eco; Sport; Off-road
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Permanent electric all-wheel drive
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
20 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance Max
186 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
186 mm
-
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Tyre Size
R:235-50R20 Alloy
225/55 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver 165-90D18 Steel F:235-50R20 Alloy-
Temporary-use spare
Wheel Rim Size
R:235-50R20 Alloy
19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels
Handbrake Type
Electric
Electronic parking brake
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Service Interval
12 months / 15 000 km
-
Battery Warranty
8 years 160 000 km
-
Service Plan
6 Services / 90 000 km
5 years / 90,000 km
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
CO2 Emissions
107 g/km
179 g/km
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Ownership Role
Private and family
Current South African derivative
Price Zar
941800 ZAR
469900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Flagship
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
941800
469900
Starting Price Zar
941800
469900
Spec
RAV4
UNI-S
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5 years / 150,000 km; roadside assistance 5 years
In depth: how these cars differ
This RAV4 and UNI-S 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: RAV4 56 vs UNI-S 59.
Efficiency index: RAV4 84 vs UNI-S 55.
Safety-equipment index: RAV4 94 vs UNI-S 92.
Practicality index: RAV4 68 vs UNI-S 68.
Ownership-cover index: RAV4 not separately scored vs UNI-S 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
RAV4 and UNI-S 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 6 points
RAV4 and UNI-S 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
56/100
Efficiency
84/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
68/100
UNI-S
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
68/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexToyota RAV4
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 69 pts for UNI-S
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, RAV4 leads. However, UNI-S 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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