VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
176 kW
Torque
205 Nm
221+e Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
4.5 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
Engine
1199 cc
2487 cc
Choosing between the Citroen Basalt and the Toyota Rav4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Citroen Basalt delivers 81 kW while the Toyota Rav4 produces 176 kW. On fuel, the Basalt returns 6.3 l/100km while the Rav4 uses 4.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R369 900 for the Basalt and R770 500 for the Rav4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
81 kW
176 kW
Torque
205 Nm
221+e Nm
Top Speed
-
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
2487 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
-
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
4.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
102 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4352 mm
4600 mm
Width
1765 mm
1855 mm
Height
1593 mm
1695 mm
Wheelbase
2651 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
201 mm
Kerb Weight
1214 / 1240 Kg
1710 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
470 l
705 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4yr
6 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
60000km
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Rav4
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Rav4
Fuel Economy
Rav4
Value
Basalt
Practicality
Rav4
Pros & Cons
Citroen Basalt
Lower starting price (R369 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 176 kW)
Toyota Rav4
More powerful engine (176 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Basalt or Rav4?
The Basalt uses 6.3 l/100km and the Rav4 uses 4.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Rav4 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Basalt or Rav4?
The Basalt produces 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque while the Rav4 delivers 176 kW and 221+e Nm of torque. The Rav4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Basalt and Rav4?
The Basalt starts from R369 900 and the Rav4 from R770 500. The Basalt is cheaper by R400 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Basalt or Rav4?
The Basalt has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Rav4 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Basalt or the Rav4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.