Toyota RAV4 (2019-2026) Buyer’s Guide

Is the new Toyota RAV4 out of your financial reach? Let’s see if a used version of the Japanese brand’s 5th-gen model is worth considering…

In 2019, the year the 5th-generation Toyota RAV4 launched in South Africa, the Japanese brand’s compact crossover ranked 3rd on the global list of best-selling vehicles. The following year, the RAV4 claimed the runner-up spot, before finally grabbing the title of the world’s most popular vehicle in 2021.

Of course, the XA50-series RAV4 was far removed from the original model that debuted way back in 1994. But it also represented a significant step forward compared to its direct predecessor. Having switched to the TNGA-K platform, the 5th-gen model – which adopted decidedly angular exterior styling – felt more premium than the XA40 it replaced.

While initial sales in South Africa were relatively strong, local RAV4 registrations tapered over this generation’s lifecycle. This was at least partly due to Toyota SA Motors’ decision to discontinue the entry-level GX grade in 2022, effectively making space for the top-spec versions of the locally built Corolla Cross.

According to our records, annual local sales of the 5th-gen RAV4 peaked at 3 432 units in 2020, before decreasing slightly to 2 923 units in 2021. That figure plummeted to 1 539 units in 2022, falling further still to 1 100 units in 2023. Interestingly, 2024 and 2025 saw marginal increases to 1 174 and 1 232 units, respectively.

Toyota RAV4 model line-up in South Africa

The XA50-series Toyota RAV4 was officially revealed at the New York International Auto Show in March 2018. A year later, in March 2019, the newcomer touched down in South Africa, available across a trio of trim levels.

At launch, the local RAV4 line-up comprised 5 derivatives, with all but one powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine linked to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The range-topping variant instead used an atmospheric 2.5-litre petrol mill, which drove all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

• RAV4 2.0 GX 6MT FWD (127 kW/203 Nm)
• RAV4 2.0 GX CVT FWD (127 kW/203 Nm)
• RAV4 2.0 GX-R CVT AWD (127 kW/203 Nm)
• RAV4 2.0 VX CVT FWD (127 kW/203 Nm)
• RAV4 2.5 VX 8AT AWD (152 kW/243 Nm)

In April 2020, Toyota SA Motors rolled out a handful of updates to its RAV4 portfolio. For instance, the entry-level GX grade scored leather trim for its steering wheel and gear lever, while the range-topping VX specification upgraded to all-speed adaptive cruise control (the prior system had operated only above 40 kph) and gained a lane-trace control function for its lane-keeping system.

Perhaps more significantly, however, this update also saw the SA-spec RAV4 switch to an “upgraded” infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The lack of such smartphone integration was a key criticism at launch a year prior.

Then, in September 2021, the local range finally gained a hybrid derivative. Combining an Atkinson-cycle 2.5-litre petrol powerplant (131 kW/221 Nm), an electric motor (88 kW/202 Nm) and a 1.6 kWh nickel metal hydride battery pack, this front-wheel-drive HEV had a total system power output of 160 kW. It was offered locally in GX trim.

• RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX CVT FWD (160 kW/221 Nm + electric)

However, this dual-powered derivative’s time in South Africa was short-lived. In March 2022 – yes, just 6 months later – the front-driven hybrid fell away in favour of a pair of all-wheel-drive (or “E-Four”, in Toyota parlance) hybrids. Equipped with a 2nd electric motor – mounted on the rear axle and offering 40 kW – these all-paw derivatives (available in the GX-R and VX grades) each had a total system power output of 163 kW.

Minor updates to the broader range were also implemented at this point, with all derivatives gaining LED interior illumination and upgrading from 3 to 5 USB ports. The Tokyo-based automaker’s local division furthermore used this opportunity to cut the base GX grade from its RAV4 portfolio, effectively making room for the then-recently introduced (and Prospecton-built) Corolla Cross.

• RAV4 2.0 GX-R CVT AWD (127 kW/203 Nm)
• RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX-R CVT E-Four (163 kW/221 Nm + electric)
• RAV4 2.0 VX CVT FWD (127 kW/203 Nm)
• RAV4 2.5 VX 8AT AWD (152 kW/243 Nm)
• RAV4 2.5 Hybrid VX CVT E-Four (163 kW/221 Nm + electric)

The range soldiered on unchanged until the 6th-gen RAV4 launched in SA in May 2026. That said, a few units of the 5th-gen RAV4 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) were made available locally, even if Toyota SA Motors didn’t actively market this model.

Equipped with a 136 kW version of the 2.5-litre petrol engine, an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a pair of electric motors, the rarely seen 5th-gen RAV4 PHEV boasted peak power of 225 kW and an all-electric range of around 80 km.

What are the Toyota RAV4’s strengths?

Proven hybrid efficiency: Considering Toyota’s vast experience developing and building traditional hybrid vehicles (capable of using their combustion engine and electric motors independently of one another, or in combination), it was no surprise the dual-powered versions of the XA50-series RAV4 offered excellent real-world fuel economy.

The fleeting front-driven variant, for instance, had a listed fuel consumption of just 4.7 L/100 km. Meanwhile, the E-Four-badged HEVs that supplanted this derivative were almost as frugal with fuel, offering a claimed consumption of 4.8 L/100 km and a theoretical single-tank range as lofty as 1 145 km.

Spacious, practical cabin: With its front and rear overhangs trimmed, the 5th-gen RAV4 interestingly measured 5 mm shorter than its predecessor. However, its wheelbase grew 30 mm to 2 690 mm (and its width some 10 mm to 1 855 mm), which allowed Toyota’s designers to cram in even more cabin space.

Rear legroom was rather generous, while Toyota described the RAV4’s luggage capacity as “best in class”, suggesting the boot floor’s length had been extended by 60 mm. While the initial press material indicated a luggage-capacity claim of 580 litres, the figures in the accompanying specification sheet differed somewhat.

At launch, each of the GX and GX-R variants shipped with a full-size spare wheel, seeing the listed luggage space come in at 698 litres, according to the official spec sheet. In contrast, the VX derivatives made do with a space-saver space wheel, which boosted packing space to a claimed 733 litres. Note that all traditional hybrid variants came with a full-size spare, regardless of grade.

Ride and handling balance: Thanks in part to the RAV4’s switch to the TNGA-K platform, this model delivered a pleasing mix of ride and handling talents. As we pointed out in our 2019 review of the RAV4 2.0 AWD GX-R, the crossover rode with a maturity that thrust it towards the very top of its segment, while also displaying tight body control through fast corners.

The chunky tyres certainly helped in the rolling-refinement department, with most derivatives riding on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 rubber (VX variants instead featured similarly thickset 235/55 R19 tyres). Gravel travel was no issue, either, with all models featuring around 200 mm of ground clearance and the 2.5 VX AWD even boasting dedicated “Mud & Sand” and “Rock & Dirt” modes.

What are the Toyota RAV4’s weaknesses?

No turbodiesel engine option: While the 4th-gen RAV4 was available with Toyota’s punchy-yet-frugal 2.2-litre D-4D turbodiesel engine, the XA50 portfolio lacked an oil-burning option – or indeed any form of forced induction. That was down to a global decision rather than one taken by Toyota SA Motors, since the 5th-gen RAV4 was developed exclusively with atmospheric petrol and hybrid powertrains.

Early units lacked CarPlay/Android Auto: Examples sold in South Africa during the first year or so of the 5th-gen RAV4’s local lifecycle featured a basic 7.0-inch infotainment system that did without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Thankfully, that was remedied from around April 2020, when more modern smartphone integration was introduced.

Sometimes intrusive CVT: Bar the early manual-equipped GX, all derivatives that employed the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine – and indeed the hybrid variants – came standard with a CVT, a transmission designed and calibrated for fuel efficiency.

Though this so-called “Shiftmatic” transmission featured virtual “steps” and a fixed first gear, it nevertheless exhibited the dreaded CVT “drone” under heavy throttle inputs. This was particularly evident when paired with the 2.0-litre motor, which offered its middling peak torque of 203 Nm at a lofty 4 400 rpm.

How much is a used Toyota RAV4 in South Africa?

In South Africa, the XA50-series RAV4 shipped standard with Toyota’s 3-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty and a 6-service/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km). Hybrid derivatives furthermore benefitted from an 8-year/195 000 km battery-pack warranty.

At the time of writing, around 80% of 5th-gen Toyota RAV4 units listed on Cars.co.za featured the 2.0-litre petrol engine, with the 2.5-litre mill (10%), Hybrid (8%) and seldom-spotted PHEV (2%) making up the balance. Indicated mileage ranged from just over 1 000 km to some 190 000 km (the latter achieved by a 2021 RAV4 2.0 GX CVT).

Predictably, most examples featured an automatic transmission (either the CVT or the 8-speed torque converter), while just over 40% were AWD in configuration. From what we could tell, GX was the most common grade, though GX-R and VX weren’t far behind.

• Below R300 000: Just 8% of listed 5th-gen RAV4 units were priced below this mark at the time of writing. Most examples were 2.0 GX derivatives, though we also discovered a couple of high-mileage 2.5 VX AWD variants in this space. The cheapest unit we found was a 2019 2.0 GX CVT (on aftermarket alloys) listed for R239 990.
  
• R300 000 to R600 000: At the time of writing, a whopping 80% of listed examples fell between these pricing bookends. Here we found units from all bar the final model year, although most were first registered in either 2019, 2020, 2021 or 2022.
  
• R600 000 and up: The final 12% of listings were positioned above the R600 000 mark. All were from either 2025 or 2026, with the hybrid powertrain dominating this space. That said, the most expensive XA50-series model we found was a 2026 RAV4 2.5 VX AWD priced at R765 000.

Most models from the Toyota stable have decidedly strong resale values in South Africa and the RAV4 is no exception. For context on the figures above, note that the 5-strong RAV4 range’s pricing bookends at the very end of its local lifecycle came in at R719 800 and R858 500.

Which Toyota RAV4 derivative should I choose?

Identifying a pick of the RAV4 range is no easy task. The 2.0-litre derivatives, for example, generally offer the strongest value and can be surprisingly frugal when driven with restraint. In our view, any of the 2.0-litre variants (GX, GX-R or VX) will do a fine job when put into service as an everyday family crossover.

Of course, those who require – or indeed desire – more grunt would do well to consider the 2.5 VX AWD, which furthermore upgraded to a torque-converter automatic transmission (as opposed to a CVT). In addition, this flagship grade featured a particularly lengthy list of standard equipment, adding several niceties.

While hybrid derivatives are relatively few and far between on the used market, we’d argue these dual-powered models offer the best of both worlds, mixing turbodiesel-like economy with plenty of poke. While some shoppers may have concerns around the longevity of the battery pack, it’s worth keeping in mind Toyota has been building hybrids for nearly 3 decades, so this technology is well proven.

What are some alternatives to Toyota’s RAV4?

In South Africa, Toyota’s 5th-generation RAV4 faced a throng of rivals, including the South Korean duo of the NX4-series Hyundai Tucson and the NQ5-series Kia Sportage. Other mainstream models in this segment included the Volkswagen Tiguan (both the 2nd and 3rd generations) and the KF-series Mazda CX-5.

The 5th- and 6th-generation Honda CR-V also operated in this space, as did the T33-series Nissan X-Trail (and the closely related but less popular HC-series Renault Koleos). Of course, somewhat more left-field options were available, too, including the 5th-gen Subaru Forester and the P84-series Peugeot 3008.

Later in the 5th-gen RAV4’s local lifecycle, Toyota’s compact family crossover also had to contend with a raft of aggressively priced Chinese models, such as the Haval H6, Chery Tiggo 7, Jaecoo J7 and Jetour Dashing.

Is the Toyota RAV4 a worthwhile used purchase?

It was hard to fault Toyota’s 5th-generation RAV4. While we would have appreciated the option of a torquey turbodiesel engine, the Japanese brand’s tried-and-tested hybrid powertrain (a configuration not offered by most rivals) was a compelling alternative, even if it proved most frugal in urban environments rather than out on the open road.

As a family crossover, the RAV4 did almost everything right: it was comfortable, spacious and practical, all while offering strong levels of standard safety equipment (with VX derivatives furthermore boasting a smattering of advanced driver-assistance system functions). In addition, this generation felt decidedly well engineered and equally well built.

With the Japanese brand having pushed the 6th-generation model further upmarket (despite carrying over the platform), the XA50-series RAV4 remains an easy-to-recommend proposition in the used space – even if its typically strong resale value makes it a somewhat pricier 2nd-hand purchase than its key rivals. There’s a reason this model was once the world’s best-selling vehicle, after all.

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