Kia Sportage 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 158 673 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Sportage | RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 662 995 | R 770 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 11 588/m | R 13 467/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 78% |
| Value after 3 years | R 442 426 | R 601 100 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 220 569 | R 169 400 |
| Value after 5 years | R 351 365 | R 513 649 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
Kia Sportage →
Kia's best-known nameplate locally, on sale since the brand's 1998 arrival and now in its fifth generation. Striking styling and generous spec pull buyers who would otherwise look at a Tucson or RAV4. Depreciation is typical Korean mainstream, steeper than a Toyota but cushioned by the long warranty.
Known for: bold-styled family suv with long 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 Kia Sportage or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 67% for the Kia Sportage, a gap of 11 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Kia Sportage loses about R 220 569 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 Kia Sportage runs about R 11 588 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.