Haval H7 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 63%, worth about R 220 485 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| H7 | RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 604 950 | R 770 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 10 574/m | R 13 467/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 78% |
| Value after 3 years | R 380 615 | R 601 100 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 224 335 | R 169 400 |
| Value after 5 years | R 295 601 | R 513 649 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Legendary retainer |
Haval H7 →
Launched in January 2025, the H7 is a boxier, more rugged take on the H6 platform. In China it is called the Big Dog, and GWM registered the Dargo name here before settling on H7. Turbopetrol and hybrid versions span roughly R600k to R750k, backed by a seven-year warranty.
Known for: rugged boxy styling on h6 underpinnings
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 Haval H7 or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 63% for the Haval H7, a gap of 15 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Haval H7 loses about R 224 335 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 Haval H7 runs about R 10 574 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.