Hyundai Tucson 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 67%, worth about R 227 470 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Tucson | RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 559 900 | R 770 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 786/m | R 13 467/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 78% |
| Value after 3 years | R 373 629 | R 601 100 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 186 271 | R 169 400 |
| Value after 5 years | R 296 728 | R 513 649 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
Hyundai Tucson →
First sold here in 2005, then replaced by the ix35 before the nameplate returned in 2016. The current range offers petrol and diesel power with a comfort-first setup. It sells steadily against the Sportage and RAV4 and holds value adequately rather than exceptionally.
Known for: comfortable family suv with generous warranty
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 Hyundai Tucson or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 67% for the Hyundai Tucson, a gap of 11 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Hyundai Tucson loses about R 186 271 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 Hyundai Tucson runs about R 9 786 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.