VS
At a Glance
Power
127 kW
315 kW
Torque
203 Nm
543 Nm
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
3.7 s
Engine
1987 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Toyota RAV4 and the Volvo EX30 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Toyota RAV4 delivers 127 kW while the Volvo EX30 produces 315 kW. On fuel, the RAV4 returns 6.5 l/100km while the EX30 uses 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R734 100 for the RAV4 and R1 165 000 for the EX30. 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
127 kW
315 kW
Torque
203 Nm
543 Nm
0-100 kph
—
3.7 s
Top Speed
190 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1987 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
69 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4600 mm
4233 mm
Width
1855 mm
1850-2040 mm
Height
1690 mm
1567 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2650 mm
Ground Clearance
200 mm
190 mm
Kerb Weight
1565-1610 Kg
1960 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
733 l
400-1000 rear + 7 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
—
375 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
—
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
3
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6 services
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
EX30
Fuel Economy
RAV4
Value
RAV4
Practicality
EX30
Pros & Cons
Toyota RAV4
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R734 100)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (127 kW vs 315 kW)
Volvo EX30
More powerful engine (315 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (18.7 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RAV4 or EX30?
The RAV4 uses 6.5 l/100km and the EX30 uses 18.7 kWh/100km 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 RAV4 or EX30?
The RAV4 produces 127 kW and 203 Nm of torque while the EX30 delivers 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque. The EX30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RAV4 and EX30?
The RAV4 starts from R734 100 and the EX30 from R1 165 000. The RAV4 is cheaper by R430 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RAV4 or EX30?
The RAV4 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the EX30 can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RAV4 or the EX30?
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.