Nissan Qashqai vs Toyota RAV4 in South Africa – Comparison

Overall Comparison Score

RAV4

65

🏆 Winner

3 Point Difference

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Qashqai

62

Executive Summary

Both Qashqai and RAV4 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance Equal

Efficiency Qashqai (+1)

Safety RAV4 (+2)

Practicality RAV4 (+2)

Ownership Equal

Pros & Cons

Qashqai

Pros

Better fuel efficiency

Cons

Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage

Best For: Fuel Efficiency

🏆 Overall Winner

RAV4

Pros

Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use

Cons

Lower fuel efficiency

Best For: Family Usage

Who Should Buy What?

Qashqai

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency

RAV4

Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability

Category Breakdown

RAV4

Performance – 10/20

Efficiency – 8/20

Safety – 20/20

Practicality – 15/20

Ownership – 12/20

Qashqai

Performance – 10/20

Efficiency – 9/20

Safety – 18/20

Practicality – 13/20

Ownership – 12/20

Full Specification Comparison

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Ground Clearance	180	195
Wheelbase	2665	2690
Length	4425	4600
Width	1835	1855
Height	1625	1685
Kerb Weight	1420	1590
Gross Vehicle Weight	1950	2140
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	504	580
Towing Capacity	1500	1500

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Engine	1.3L Turbocharged Petrol	2.0L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbo	Inline 4 Cylinder DOHC
Displacement	1332	1987
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	110	127
Torque	250	203
Fuel System	Direct Injection	Direct Injection
Top Speed	198	185
0-100 km/h	9.2	9.9

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Transmission	CVT Automatic	CVT Automatic
Drive Type	4x2	4x2
Drivetrain Layout	Front Wheel Drive	Monocoque
LSD Available	Electronic	Electronic
Transfer Case	Not Applicable	None

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Claimed Mileage	16.5	14.9
City Mileage	12	10
Highway Mileage	17	14
Fuel Tank Capacity	55	55
Emission Standard	Euro 6	Euro 5

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Airbags	6	7
ABS	Yes	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Yes	Standard
Traction Control	Yes	Standard
Hill Descent Control	No	Standard
Child Safety Lock	Yes	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	Yes	Standard
Brake Assist	Yes	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Yes	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Yes	Standard

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Cruise Control	Yes	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	No	Standard
Lane Keep Assist	Yes	Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring	No	Optional
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	No	Optional
Parking Sensors	Rear	Rear
Rear View Camera	Yes	Standard
360 Degree Camera	No	None
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Yes	Standard

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Seat Material	Cloth	Fabric
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Heated Seats	No	None
Ventilated Seats	No	None
Steering Type	Electric	Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Standard	Standard

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Climate Control	Dual Zone Automatic	Dual Zone Automatic
Power Windows	All	All Windows
Keyless Entry	Yes	Smart Key
Push Button Start	Yes	Standard
Wireless Charging	No	None
Sunroof	No	None
Electric Tailgate	No	None

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Infotainment Screen	8-inch Touchscreen	8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Yes	Standard
Android Auto	Yes	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	Standard
Number of Speakers	6	6
Navigation System	Yes	Built-in

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
LED Headlamps	Yes	LED
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Front	Front
Roof Rails	Yes	Black
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	17-inch Alloy

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Approach Angle	18	18
Departure Angle	22	20
Wading Depth	300	400
Terrain Modes	Normal and Eco	Normal Eco Sport
Locking Differential	No	None

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Tyre Size	215/60 R17	225/65 R17
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Disc

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link	Double Wishbone
Chassis Type	Monocoque	Monocoque TNGA

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Moderate	Moderate
Battery Warranty	2 Years	Not Applicable

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
Warranty Years	3	3
Warranty Kilometers	90000	100000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	3 Years

Spec	Qashqai	RAV4
CO2 Emissions	145	173
Start Stop System	Yes	Standard
Hybrid System Type	None	None

Final Verdict

In structured scoring, RAV4 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Qashqai may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Based on structured category scoring, RAV4 performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.

Qashqai scores 9 while RAV4 scores 8 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, Qashqai scores 18 and RAV4 scores 20. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

Qashqai scores 12 versus RAV4 scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives Qashqai 13 and RAV4 15, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows Qashqai scoring 10 compared to RAV4 scoring 10, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest RAV4 may hold stronger long-term value.

Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.

Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. RAV4 performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives RAV4 the overall advantage.

Detailed Comparison Analysis

The comparison between Qashqai and RAV4 in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Qashqai scores 10 vs 10.

Efficiency: Qashqai scores 9 vs 8.

Safety: Qashqai scores 18 vs 20.

Practicality: Qashqai scores 13 vs 15.

Ownership: Qashqai scores 12 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives RAV4 the advantage in this comparison.