VS
At a Glance
Power
255 kW
176 kW
Torque
525 Nm
221+e Nm
Fuel
1.3 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 co
4.5 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
Engine
1499 cc
2487 cc
Choosing between the Chery Tiggo 8 and the Toyota RAV4 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Chery Tiggo 8 delivers 255 kW while the Toyota RAV4 produces 176 kW. On fuel, the Tiggo 8 returns 1.3 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined / 163 kWh/100km combined l/100km while the RAV4 uses 4.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R729 900 for the Tiggo 8 and R770 500 for the RAV4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
255 kW
176 kW
Torque
525 Nm
221+e Nm
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
2487 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.3 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 co
4.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.3 kWh l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
30 combined g/km
102 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4725 mm
4600 mm
Width
1860-2080 mm
1855 mm
Height
1705 mm
1695 mm
Wheelbase
2710 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
170-205 mm
201 mm
Kerb Weight
1991 Kg
1710 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
117-494-1930 l
705 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner / 10
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
7
6 services
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Chery Tiggo 8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiggo 8
Fuel Economy
Tiggo 8
Value
Tiggo 8
Practicality
RAV4
Pros & Cons
Chery Tiggo 8
More powerful engine (255 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.3 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined / 163 kWh/100km combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R729 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota RAV4
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (4.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (176 kW vs 255 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tiggo 8 or RAV4?
The Tiggo 8 uses 1.3 when hybrid battery charged / 5.2 combined / 163 kWh/100km combined l/100km and the RAV4 uses 4.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Tiggo 8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tiggo 8 or RAV4?
The Tiggo 8 produces 255 kW and 525 Nm of torque while the RAV4 delivers 176 kW and 221+e Nm of torque. The Tiggo 8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tiggo 8 and RAV4?
The Tiggo 8 starts from R729 900 and the RAV4 from R770 500. The Tiggo 8 is cheaper by R40 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tiggo 8 or RAV4?
The Tiggo 8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the RAV4 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tiggo 8 or the RAV4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.