Rav4 Vs Qashqai

I haven't driven the Qashqai but the 2017 Rav4 is one of the best small SUV's I've driven. Smooth, quiet, superb interior and is quite nippy.
 
I'd go with the petrol Rav4.
Diesel engines are definitely more expensive to maintain than petrol, especially when they break and being a Toyota you'll win when you buy it and when you sell it.

Perhaps if it was a diesel Rav4 vs petrol Rav4 then I'd consider the diesel.
 
The RAV4 is a nice car. no doubt super-reliable too. But the Nissan would probably come with better spec?
 
Yes the Nissan has a much better spec with nav, cameras etc.

The other question is Toyota cheaper to maintain than Nissan? Post service plan for parts and stuff?
 
CornelDUP said:
I get 8.4l/100km average in the 2018 RAV4 2.0 CVT commuting from PTA East to Midrand in moderate traffic. I dont use the highway.
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That's not great for such a new and modern vehicle of that size, petrol engine I'm assuming?
 
airborne said:
That's not great for such a new and modern vehicle of that size, petrol engine I'm assuming?
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Yes it's petrol. I'll explain why I opted for the RAV below, maybe it will help someone else.

I'm no expert as this is my first vehicle of this size, but from my research it's not bad at all for city driving. 8.4l/100 is about 12kmpl. A friend of mine drives a Sportage 2.0 (ok, his is manual, but it's closest comparison I have). His driving style is very similar to mine, and he drives the same route. He can only get 10kmpl no matter how hard he tries, and I've heard similar figures from petrol Tucson owners. I dont know what the real world figures are for Qashqai / Kadjar if I'll drive one long term. Other owners have told me to expect about 7.5l/100km. I was able to get 8.1l/100km on a 15 min test drive so 7.5 seemed very possible. I therefore used that number when I compared the pros and cons of all the options before I made my choice. I assumed 9l/100km for the RAV before I bought so it's actually performing better than expected.

I got the RAV4 new on special @ R352900 including leather. As part of my comparison, I had to work out if any other models fuel savings and features will justify the higher price tag, and it couldn't, not even close. As an example, the cheapest Qashqai / Kadjer automatics would have been over R50 000 more, and in real world driving would have resulted in a max fuel saving of about R400pm.... So if I leave interest earned on the R50 000 saving and fuel price increases out of the calculation it will take over 10 years to make up the price difference in fuel savings.... Or to make it simpler for people that finance vehicles, your repayment will be about R1000pm more, for a R400pm fuel saving... I'll only drive the car for 5 years, and the resale will be better on the RAV4 when the time comes to sell it.

In terms of features, the RAV4 is average compared to the other SUVs in the R350k - R400k ish price range. Not the best, not the worst, but it definitely has more space than most of the others. Insurance was also cheaper on the RAV4 than the Qashqai / Kadjar when I was getting quotes, and according to 3 different insurers has no increased hijack / theft risk compared to the others. I think people just expect higher risk because of the Fortuner's poor record, I know I did.

If the RAV4 didn't have that great deal, I probably would have opted for the Renault Kadjar Dynamique EDC 96kW Turbo @ R402k as they have great low interest finance offers and the car has the best features at that price point.
 
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I finally did some open road driving done with the RAV4 2.0 CVT this weekend. Cruise control on 120kmph most of the way, with some slower up and down sections between Krugersdorp and Magaliesburg where speeds were between 60 and 100 with some traffic. I also drove around between venues in and around Magaliesburg which would have deteriorated the consumption for the trip slightly.

Average consumption for the entire trip was 7.1l/100km which is pretty good for a heavy 2.0 petrol in my opinion. I would probably be able to get it down on a N1 drive to Bloem as an example where it's pretty flat cruising. This was reported by the onboard computer, and I confirmed it by filling up again and calculating when I got home. 7.14l/100km to be exact.

My city / commuting consumption seems to settle at 8.3l/100km after 2 months of use.

I'm very happy with those figures. It exceeded my expectations.
 
I've got the diesel RAV4 2.2.

I would get the diesel every single day over the 2.0 petrol.

I have driven the petrol, and it is refined, however it really is lacking power, especially on the highways.

This is very noticeable when you're trying to increase your speed from 100kmph to 120kmph. It's a perfect left lane cruiser. Lol.

Fuel consumption is rather high on the 2.0. If you're in GP traffic, with a lot of stop starts, expect 10l/100km. Highway driving, do not expect anything under 7-8l/100km, even at a sedate 100kmph.

However the diesel 2.2 is really an amazing engine for this vehicle, and is the pick of them.

My daily commute, which is only city driving for 20km I average between 5.5 and 6.5l/100km. The route is relatively flat, with no severe hills.

On the highway from Joburg to Durban, doing pretty much 125kmph the whole way, I achieved about 6.1l/100km. Overtaking is really a breeze. 80kmph to 120kmph happens really effortlessly, where you don't have to think twice about the manoeuvre. Its quite comfortable in your fast lanes.

The only issue with the diesel, is upon accelerating from a standstill. There is noticable turbo lag if you put your foot flat down. The torque arrives in a huge clump just after 2000rpm. But it really isn't a huge deal.

Also the diesel has a towing capacity of 1.8tonnes.

If you're going for the RAV4, definitively get the diesel. However I would think twice about the 2.0 CVT, especially if you lots of highway driving. The CVT box works really hard, and it drones quite a bit. Look at CX5 2.0 if you want petrol. Still not that punchy as a diesel, but I think its better than the RAVs 2.0. Just do your research on Mazda part prices and availability.


Below is me achieving 5.7l/100km on a 20km city driving commute to work. Bear in mind, this is an AWD modelIMG_20180816_075333-01.jpeg
 
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Also just to mention, I recently had to replace the pair of front brake pads on the RAV4.

These parts were extremely easy to find, it was the same brand as the original (without the Toyota sticker of course) and for the pair I paid R350.

I'm not sure what other SUVs cost, but I thought this was just proof that Toyotas are cheap to maintain.

Also my last service (under service plan) costed R1800 at the agents. Which I think is really cheap for a diesel SUV.
 
Leo_ said:
Also just to mention, I recently had to replace the pair of front brake pads on the RAV4.

These parts were extremely easy to find, it was the same brand as the original (without the Toyota sticker of course) and for the pair I paid R350.

I'm not sure what other SUVs cost, but I thought this was just proof that Toyotas are cheap to maintain.

Also my last service (under service plan) costed R1800 at the agents. Which I think is really cheap for a diesel SUV.
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Diesel are cheaper to service in general , less parts to replace. As it does not have spark plugs. Basically need oil change and oil filter for minor service.
 
Leo_ said:
I've got the diesel RAV4 2.2.

I would get the diesel every single day over the 2.0 petrol.

I have driven the petrol, and it is refined, however it really is lacking power, especially on the highways.

This is very noticeable when you're trying to increase your speed from 100kmph to 120kmph. It's a perfect left lane cruiser. Lol.

Fuel consumption is rather high on the 2.0. If you're in GP traffic, with a lot of stop starts, expect 10l/100km. Highway driving, do not expect anything under 7-8l/100km, even at a sedate 100kmph.

However the diesel 2.2 is really an amazing engine for this vehicle, and is the pick of them.

My daily commute, which is only city driving for 20km I average between 5.5 and 6.5l/100km. The route is relatively flat, with no severe hills.

On the highway from Joburg to Durban, doing pretty much 125kmph the whole way, I achieved about 6.1l/100km. Overtaking is really a breeze. 80kmph to 120kmph happens really effortlessly, where you don't have to think twice about the manoeuvre. Its quite comfortable in your fast lanes.

The only issue with the diesel, is upon accelerating from a standstill. There is noticable turbo lag if you put your foot flat down. The torque arrives in a huge clump just after 2000rpm. But it really isn't a huge deal.

Also the diesel has a towing capacity of 1.8tonnes.

If you're going for the RAV4, definitively get the diesel. However I would think twice about the 2.0 CVT, especially if you lots of highway driving. The CVT box works really hard, and it drones quite a bit. Look at CX5 2.0 if you want petrol. Still not that punchy as a diesel, but I think its better than the RAVs 2.0. Just do your research on Mazda part prices and availability.


Below is me achieving 5.7l/100km on a 20km city driving commute to work. Bear in mind, this is an AWD modelView attachment 548803
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I'm not debating whether the diesel is better or not at all, it definitely is, I also tested it and loved it, but the R80 000+ higher standard cost of purchase(for GX manual model) and increased insurance cost cannot possibly be offset by fuel / service cost saving. Not even close. So if you buy the diesel, you buy it because you want the stronger engine, towing capability, AWD, additional spec etc.... Definitely not to save money over the 2.0 petrol model. The 2.0 will still be much cheaper to own if you buy new and keep for 5+ years, unless you do CRAZY distances annualy.

I do agree that the petrol engine lacks punch compared to the diesel and other turbo SUV's, but I have not been in a situation yet where I found it lacking. I guess it depends on driving style. I'm a fairy smooth and relaxed(not to be confused with irritatingly slow :p) driver. The CVT box does drone a bit when putting foot, but very quiet under normal driving and highway cruising. 2500rpm @ 120kmph, and it doesn't make a sound. It's also super smooth, so it's making my hectic Midrand traffic a joy. I do agree that the engine is not ideal for highway overtaking when already sitting at over 100kmph, so I wont take chances with it, but the times I've had to overtake there weren't issues.

Also, again referring to my original post, I only paid R352k for it brand new including leather interior. If I had to pay the full price of R395k excluding leather there are probably better choices in terms of long term ownership cost.

The automatic AWD diesel comes in @ RR563k, which is R210k more than I paid, and the additional spec like AWD is irrelevant to me. The diesel GX manual, which I didn't want as I wanted an auto was still R124k more. So just saying, comparing the RAV petrol vs diesel isn't really an apples vs apples comparison... they fall within different affordability brackets from a purchase price perspective. So for me that wanted an auto, the 2.0 CVT special was a very solid choice.

I dont buy used, been burned badly twice.... Within a used market it's probably a different discussion.

Thanks for sharing the consumption on the diesel, it's very impressive imo.
 
CornelDUP said:
I'm not debating whether the diesel is better or not at all, it definitely is, I also tested it and loved it, but the R80 000+ higher standard cost of purchase(for GX manual model) and increased insurance cost cannot possibly be offset by fuel / service cost saving. Not even close. So if you buy the diesel, you buy it because you want the stronger engine, towing capability, AWD, additional spec etc.... Definitely not to save money over the 2.0 petrol model. The 2.0 will still be much cheaper to own if you buy new and keep for 5+ years, unless you do CRAZY distances annualy.

I do agree that the petrol engine lacks punch compared to the diesel and other turbo SUV's, but I have not been in a situation yet where I found it lacking. I guess it depends on driving style. I'm a fairy smooth and relaxed(not to be confused with irritatingly slow :p) driver. The CVT box does drone a bit when putting foot, but very quiet under normal driving and highway cruising. 2500rpm @ 120kmph, and it doesn't make a sound. It's also super smooth, so it's making my hectic Midrand traffic a joy. I do agree that the engine is not ideal for highway overtaking when already sitting at over 100kmph, so I wont take chances with it, but the times I've had to overtake there weren't issues.

Also, again referring to my original post, I only paid R352k for it brand new including leather interior. If I had to pay the full price of R395k excluding leather there are probably better choices in terms of long term ownership cost.

The automatic AWD diesel comes in @ RR563k, which is R210k more than I paid, and the additional spec like AWD is irrelevant to me. The diesel GX manual, which I didn't want as I wanted an auto was still R124k more. So just saying, comparing the RAV petrol vs diesel isn't really an apples vs apples comparison... they fall within different affordability brackets from a purchase price perspective. So for me that wanted an auto, the 2.0 CVT special was a very solid choice.

I dont buy used, been burned badly twice.... Within a used market it's probably a different discussion.

Thanks for sharing the consumption on the diesel, it's very impressive imo.
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I agree with you on the price point. However if someone can get a really good deal on the diesel variant of the RAV4 then it is a no brainer.

Just the ease of driving a fuel efficient and more powerful engine is worth it to me. The addition of AWD is not really a major factor, but its nice to have the added safety, as well as the capability of taking it offroad. However, if someone is going to pay R200k more for it, then I guess its not for everyone.

There was a study done by Autotrader recently, which stated the RAV4 diesel only depreciated in value by 5% per year.

So if I have to advise anyone, I'd suggest go for the diesel rav4 if you can get a good deal, or the rivals such as CX5 have a stronger, more efficient 2.0 petrol engine. But at the end of the day, due to Toyota's great dependability, reliability and low cost of ownership, the Rav4 2.0 will be adequate for most.
 
CornelDUP said:
I get 8.4l/100km average in the 2018 RAV4 2.0 CVT commuting from PTA East to Midrand in moderate traffic. I dont use the highway.
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is this the new rav or the "Stormtrooper" ??

Thanks

I'm considering the "stormtrooper" MY2017 or 2018 as my next car and would really love the 2.2 diesel for all the bells and whistles and the fuel economy, but unfortunately my finances are not in those whatsapp groups...

so the 2.0 is seriously up for consideration as it seems to have everything one would need, and being an n/a motor from Toyota it should clock an easy 500K kms

i know the 17 and 18 models got cruise control and leather steering wheels as standard and ive seen some hacks to enable android auto on them (either a plug in module or complete head unit replacement).

I will consider a pre-facelift 2.2 d4d if i can get a good deal but these things are really hens teeth. and are quite pricey... basically fortuner money
 
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