Subaru Forester 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 134 647 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Forester | RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 000 | R 770 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 217/m | R 13 467/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 78% |
| Value after 3 years | R 466 453 | R 601 100 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 232 547 | R 169 400 |
| Value after 5 years | R 370 446 | R 513 649 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
Subaru Forester →
Subaru's best seller in South Africa since the late 1990s, valued for standard all-wheel drive and mechanical durability. The sixth generation launched here in 2025 from R699k with the 2.5 boxer petrol. Reliability is well regarded, but the small dealer network keeps resale a step behind the RAV4 and CR-V.
Known for: dependable awd 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 Subaru Forester or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 67% for the Subaru Forester, a gap of 11 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Subaru Forester loses about R 232 547 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 Subaru Forester runs about R 12 217 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.