VS
At a Glance
Power
84 kW
176 kW
Torque
150 Nm
221+e Nm
Fuel
7.1 l/100km
4.5 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
1000 Kg
Engine
1496 cc
2487 cc
Choosing between the MG ZS and the Toyota Rav4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The MG ZS delivers 84 kW while the Toyota Rav4 produces 176 kW. On fuel, the ZS returns 7.1 l/100km while the Rav4 uses 4.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R309 900 for the ZS 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
84 kW
176 kW
Torque
150 Nm
221+e Nm
Top Speed
195 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
2487 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
4
-
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.1 l/100km
4.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
102 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4314 mm
4600 mm
Width
1809 mm
1855 mm
Height
1624 mm
1695 mm
Wheelbase
2585 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
175 mm
201 mm
Kerb Weight
—
1710 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
359-1166 l
705 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ 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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 engine
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3yr
6 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
30000km
90000km
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Rav4
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Rav4
Fuel Economy
Rav4
Value
ZS
Practicality
Rav4
Pros & Cons
MG ZS
Lower starting price (R309 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (84 kW vs 176 kW)
Toyota Rav4
More powerful engine (176 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the ZS or Rav4?
The ZS uses 7.1 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 ZS or Rav4?
The ZS produces 84 kW and 150 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 ZS and Rav4?
The ZS starts from R309 900 and the Rav4 from R770 500. The ZS is cheaper by R460 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the ZS or Rav4?
The ZS has a braked towing capacity of 500 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 ZS 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.