Mitsubishi Outlander 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 106 855 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Outlander | RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 759 995 | R 770 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 283/m | R 13 467/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 65% | 78% |
| Value after 3 years | R 494 244 | R 601 100 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 265 751 | R 169 400 |
| Value after 5 years | R 386 898 | R 513 649 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
Mitsubishi Outlander →
Mitsubishi's midsize family SUV has been sold in South Africa on and off since the mid 2000s, with the current generation returning in late 2024 as a 2.5 petrol CVT with seven seats. Spec levels are generous but low brand visibility keeps sales small. Earlier generations make affordable used family buys.
Known for: under-the-radar seven-seat family suv
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 Mitsubishi Outlander or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 65% for the Mitsubishi Outlander, a gap of 13 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mitsubishi Outlander loses about R 265 751 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 Mitsubishi Outlander runs about R 13 283 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.