Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan
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 72%, worth about R 121 254 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| RAV4 | Tiguan | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 770 500 | R 664 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 467/m | R 11 614/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 89% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 78% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 601 100 | R 479 846 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 169 400 | R 184 654 |
| Value after 5 years | R 513 649 | R 398 194 |
| Our tier | Legendary retainer | Strong mainstream |
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
Volkswagen Tiguan →
VW's core family SUV in SA since 2008, now in its third generation. It holds value well by segment standards, and the 1.4 TSI versions dominate the used market thanks to their balance of economy and price.
Known for: family suv with premium feel
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Toyota RAV4 or the Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Toyota RAV4. It keeps about 78% of its price after three years against 72% for the Volkswagen Tiguan, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Toyota RAV4 loses about R 169 400 over three years and the Volkswagen Tiguan loses about R 184 654. 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 Toyota RAV4 runs about R 13 467 per month and the Volkswagen Tiguan about R 11 614, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.