Mazda CX-5 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 220 397 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| CX-5 | RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 570 500 | R 770 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 971/m | R 13 467/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 78% |
| Value after 3 years | R 380 703 | R 601 100 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 189 797 | R 169 400 |
| Value after 5 years | R 302 345 | R 513 649 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
Mazda CX-5 →
Mazda's best seller in South Africa since it landed in 2012, fighting the Tiguan, RAV4 and Sportage. Earlier ranges offered 2.5 petrol and 2.2 diesel options, but the current lineup centres on the 2.0 petrol automatic. It is a dependable used buy with decent, if not Toyota-level, resale.
Known for: reliable family suv and brand best seller
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 Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 67% for the Mazda CX-5, a gap of 11 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mazda CX-5 loses about R 189 797 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 Mazda CX-5 runs about R 9 971 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.