Nissan X-Trail 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 142 054 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| X-Trail | RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 687 900 | R 770 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 023/m | R 13 467/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 78% |
| Value after 3 years | R 459 046 | R 601 100 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 228 854 | R 169 400 |
| Value after 5 years | R 364 563 | R 513 649 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
Nissan X-Trail →
On sale since late 2001, the X-Trail has evolved from boxy soft-roader to seven-seat family crossover and has passed 50,000 local sales across four generations. The current model offers strong spec for the money but sells in small volumes. Earlier generations remain popular used buys for their space and durability.
Known for: practical family suv value
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 Nissan X-Trail or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 67% for the Nissan X-Trail, a gap of 11 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Nissan X-Trail loses about R 228 854 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 Nissan X-Trail runs about R 12 023 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.