VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
163 kW
Torque
240 Nm
221+e Nm
Fuel
7.4 l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Towing
800 Kg
1000 Kg
Engine
1498 cc
2487 cc
Choosing between the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav4 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Honda CR-V delivers 140 kW while the Toyota Rav4 produces 163 kW. On fuel, the CR-V returns 7.4 l/100km while the Rav4 uses 4.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 041 300 for the CR-V and R858 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
140 kW
163 kW
Torque
240 Nm
221+e Nm
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2487 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4 l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
57 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
109 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4706 mm
4600 mm
Width
1865 mm
1855 mm
Height
1680 mm
1685 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
198 mm
195 mm
Kerb Weight
1747 Kg
1730-1750 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
150-478-840-1457 l
733 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
800 Kg
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
6 services
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Rav4
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Rav4
Fuel Economy
Rav4
Value
Rav4
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Honda CR-V
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (7.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 163 kW)
Higher starting price
Toyota Rav4
More powerful engine (163 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R858 500)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CR-V or Rav4?
The CR-V uses 7.4 l/100km and the Rav4 uses 4.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Rav4 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the CR-V or Rav4?
The CR-V produces 140 kW and 240 Nm of torque while the Rav4 delivers 163 kW and 221+e Nm of torque. The Rav4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CR-V and Rav4?
The CR-V starts from R1 041 300 and the Rav4 from R858 500. The Rav4 is cheaper by R182 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CR-V or Rav4?
The CR-V has a braked towing capacity of 800 Kg and the Rav4 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CR-V 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.