Tata Harrier 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 59%, worth about R 276 881 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Harrier | RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 549 900 | R 770 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 611/m | R 13 467/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 78% |
| Value after 3 years | R 324 219 | R 601 100 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 225 681 | R 169 400 |
| Value after 5 years | R 248 364 | R 513 649 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Legendary retainer |
Tata Harrier →
Flagship of the relaunched range, a diesel-only family SUV from R549,900 on a platform derived from Land Rover's old D8 architecture. It targets Haval H6 and Tiggo 7 buyers who want something bigger for the money. Dealer coverage and resale remain the open questions.
Known for: diesel flagship of the relaunch
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 Tata Harrier or the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 59% for the Tata Harrier, a gap of 19 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Tata Harrier loses about R 225 681 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 Tata Harrier runs about R 9 611 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.