China's Omoda C9 vs Japan's Toyota RAV4
The mid-size SUV segment contains vehicles that, although priced competitively, couldn't be any more different. Two vehicles that compete in this segment are the Omoda C9 and Toyotas RAV4, two machines that, although they are mid-size family SUVs and have similar pricing, have very different use cases.
Related: Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD (2024) Review
Which vehicle you choose will depend on your lifestyle, where you live and what you intend to do with the vehicle. It's plain to see that the Omoda is designed for city use while the Toyota, like many of its stablemates, is made for our African conditions. But are the big differences that could sway a buyer?
Toyota RAV4 2.5 VX AT AWD (2020) Review
Exterior
Both vehicles are mid-size SUVs with very different appearances. Omoda has an executive design that appeals to city-bound professionals, while Toyota has a more purposeful design calls for open roads and adventure. The Toyota has a more squared-off appearance with strong body lines and offroad-inspired cladding, while the Omoda carries sleek lines and softer features that don't lend themselves to offroad adventures.
Both vehicles employ LED lighting front and rear, with the Omoda sporting a sunroof, which is not offered on the RAV4. The Toyota is equipped with roof rails, while the Omoda does have them installed.
Interior
The exterior theme carries through to the interior on both vehicles. The Omoda offers a more executive offering with heated and ventilated seats, electric adjustments, and a full ADAS system. The Toyota keeps things simple with basic equipment levels.
Drivetrain
Both vehicles offer an AWD variant, with the Omoda delivering 192kW / 400Nm from its 2.0l turbo petrol engine and 8-speed DCT transmission. The Toyota produces 127kW / 203Nm from its 2.0l variant with a CVT transmission and 152kW / 243Nm from its 2.5-litre variant with an 8-speed auto. Both vehicles are relatively quick for mid-size SUVs, but the Toyota delivers much better fuel economy, delivering over 850km from a fuel tank versus the Omoda's 780km.
Toyota RAV4 2.5 Plug-In Hybrid (2023) Quick Review
Pricing
| Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Inspire | R 785 900 | Toyota RAV4 2.0 VX | R 719 600 |
| Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD | R 885 900 | Toyota RAV4 2.5 VX AWD | R 817 700 |
Due to the extra equipment and safety systems, the Omoda is decidedly more expensive than the Toyota. The Toyota does seem to be the smarter choice for those who lead a more active lifestyle and will see them hit the occasional gravel road, while the Omoda is the city slicker's choice.
