Honda CR-V 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 65%, worth about R 24 059 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| CR-V | RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 961 300 | R 770 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 16 802/m | R 13 467/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 65% | 78% |
| Value after 3 years | R 625 158 | R 601 100 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 336 142 | R 169 400 |
| Value after 5 years | R 489 379 | R 513 649 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
Honda CR-V →
One of the original soft-roaders, the CR-V has been sold in SA since 1997 and is now in its sixth generation. Once a mid-priced family staple, it has moved upmarket and the current range starts near the R1 million mark. Older generations are sought after used because they routinely run past 300,000 km.
Known for: dependable family suv longevity
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 Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 65% for the Honda CR-V, a gap of 13 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Honda CR-V loses about R 336 142 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 Honda CR-V runs about R 16 802 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.