Dodge Nitro vs Toyota RAV4
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota RAV4 wins on money kept: 78% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 422 374 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Nitro | RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 339 900 | R 770 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 941/m | R 13 467/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 78% |
| Value after 3 years | R 178 726 | R 601 100 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 161 174 | R 169 400 |
| Value after 5 years | R 130 500 | R 513 649 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Legendary retainer |
Dodge Nitro →
Boxy styling set the Nitro apart when it launched in SA in mid-2007 with 3.7 V6 petrol and 2.8 CRD options from R339,900. It shared its platform with the Jeep Cherokee but never matched those sales. A short local run and orphan status keep used prices low and selling times long.
Known for: boxy styling with cherokee bones
Toyota RAV4 →
The RAV4 has been in South Africa since the original 1990s three-door and is now a family SUV staple. Current demand centres on the hybrid derivatives, which have been supply-constrained and hold value exceptionally well. It sells on dependability and low running costs rather than badge glamour.
Known for: hybrid efficiency and tight supply
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Dodge Nitro or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 53% for the Dodge Nitro, a gap of 25 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Dodge Nitro loses about R 161 174 over three years and the Toyota RAV4 loses about R 169 400. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Dodge Nitro runs about R 5 941 per month and the Toyota RAV4 about R 13 467, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.