The mid-size crossover and SUV segment in South Africa is currently the most cutthroat part of the local automotive market. As of early 2026, we’ve moved past the "sedan vs. SUV" debate—SUVs have won, and now the real fight is between established Japanese/Korean brands and the aggressive surge of Chinese manufacturers.
Related: Why the Honda CR-V & Kia Sorento are great family choices
If you wish to forgo the Chinese brands and stick to the legacy automakers that have dominated the SA landscape, and want to ensure that you are getting the best value for your rand, then this is the information you need.
The 5 best similar cars to the Honda CR-V
Maintenance & Service Plans
Toyota’s widespread dealership network makes it the easiest to service, but Subaru's standard plan is often the most comprehensive.
Toyota RAV4: Comes with a standard 6-service/90 000 km service plan. Because Toyota sells the most units in SA, labour and parts for basic servicing remain highly competitive.
Subaru Forester: Includes a 3-year/75 000 km maintenance plan (as of recent models). Unlike a standard "service plan," a maintenance plan often covers wear-and-tear items like brake pads and wiper blades, helping you avoid high out-of-pocket costs in the first few years.
Honda CR-V: Offers a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. While Honda’s reliability is legendary, its parts—particularly for major repairs—tend to be the most expensive of the three in South Africa.
Spare Parts & Repairs
According to the AA Spare Parts Pricing Guide, Toyota remains the benchmark for parts basket price
| Category | Winner | Why? |
| Service Parts | Toyota | Air/oil filters and spark plugs are mass-produced and widely available. |
| Repair Parts | Subaru | While specialised, Subaru's local pricing for mechanical repairs has become more competitive. |
| Body Parts | Honda | Historically, Honda body panels (bumpers, fenders) have been more affordable than RAV4 counterparts in SA. |
Fuel Economy & Efficiency
Fuel is the most consistent "running cost." In real-world South African conditions (a mix of highway and urban traffic):
Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid): The clear winner. The 2.5 Hybrid models can achieve roughly 4.8L to 5.5L/100km, significantly undercutting the others. The standard 2.0-litre petrol sits around 7.5L/100km.
Subaru Forester: Uses a Boxer engine and permanent Symmetrical AWD, which adds weight. Expect roughly 8.3L/100km.
Honda CR-V: The 1.5 turbo is efficient for its size, averaging around 7.8L to 8.2L/100km.
Resale Value
The cost of ownership isn't just what you spend, but what you get back when you sell.
Toyota RAV4: Highest resale value in SA. The demand for used Toyotas is so high that depreciation is remarkably slow.
Honda CR-V: Very stable. Hondas are prized by second-hand buyers for their build quality.
Subaru Forester: Faces the steepest depreciation. While it has a cult following, the smaller buyer pool for used Subarus means you'll likely lose more on the trade-in.
The Verdict
In the South African market, the Toyota RAV4 generally claims the title of the car with the lowest overall running costs, primarily due to its extensive parts network and superior resale value. However, the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V offer specific advantages in maintenance and longevity that may suit different types of owners.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if you want the lowest long-term cost, the best fuel economy (Hybrid), and the highest payout when you sell.
Choose the Subaru Forester if you want a maintenance-free first 3 years (thanks to the maintenance plan) and need serious off-road capability.
Choose the Honda CR-V if you plan to keep the car for 10+ years; its long-term mechanical durability often offsets the higher price of its parts.
