With the growing demand for SUVs in the Middle Eastern market, an increasing number of people are shifting their preferences from sedans to SUVs. Many are fond of the Toyota RAV4, but what if their budget falls short? Are there any other comparable models? The answer lies in the Haval Jolion, which is also SAR 30,000 cheaper. Is there a difference? Yes, but it's not significant.
The RAV4, as a flagship model of the Toyota brand, has always been a leader in the global compact SUV market and is extremely popular in the Middle East. Thanks to its solid market foundation and outstanding versatility, it has been highly favored.
The Haval Jolion, on the other hand, has quickly caught the attention of many consumers with its stylish appearance, intelligent features, and competitive pricing.
So, between these two models, which one better meets the needs of Middle Eastern consumers? Next, we will comprehensively compare these two vehicles from various aspects to help everyone make a more informed decision.
Exterior Design
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 carries forward the rugged and sporty style characteristic of the Toyota SUV family.
At the front, the RAV4 features a large trapezoidal grille that conveys a strong sense of power through its visual impact. The overall body lines are clean and smooth, with a 3D effect visible from the side, particularly emphasized by the downward extending roofline, enhancing its sporty appeal. The RAV4's dimensions are 4600mm x 1855mm x 1700mm, with a wheelbase of 2690mm.
Haval Jolion
The Haval Jolion, on the other hand, targets a youthful and stylish demographic, drawing inspiration largely from urban lifestyle needs.
The front showcases a hexagonal grille complemented by refined chrome accents and split-type LED headlights, creating a very modern look that aligns with the aesthetic preferences of younger consumers. The Haval Jolion measures 4472mm x 1841mm x 1619mm, with a wheelbase of 2700mm. While its overall size is slightly more compact than the RAV4, its wheelbase is 10mm longer.
In terms of appearance, the Toyota RAV4 leans towards a robust and off-road style, while the Haval Jolion emphasizes fashion and urbanization.
Interior Design
Toyota RAV4
Upon entering the Toyota RAV4, the first thing that catches the eye is the clean and straightforward layout, which leans towards practicality. The T-shaped center console is crafted from soft materials, enhanced with metal decorations, lending it a more upscale appearance.
The vehicle features an 8-inch touchscreen that integrates seamlessly with the central air vents, supporting functionalities such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, focusing on comfort and functional configurations. The seats are made of premium fabric or leather, depending on the model, ensuring comfort even during long drives. It also boasts dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, and a multifunction steering wheel.
Haval Jolion
In contrast, the interior design of the Haval Jolion emphasizes modernity and luxury. Recent years have seen the popularity of full digital dashboards in the automotive industry, and the Haval Jolion has adopted a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Compared to traditional designs, it offers drivers a more diverse display of entertainment, vehicle information, navigation, and intelligent driving details, allowing for a comprehensive monitoring of vehicle dynamics during travel.
The central control of the Haval Jolion features a 12.3-inch digital screen, offering a very smooth operation, similar in logic to that of a traditional smartphone. It also includes a wealth of entertainment features. In the gear shift area, the Haval Jolion departs from traditional designs, opting instead for a more innovative shifting mechanism, which, while not differing significantly in operation, provides a noticeably more advanced look. Another highlight is the panoramic sunroof.
Engine
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 offers a variety of powertrain options in the Middle Eastern market. It features a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine paired with a CVT that simulates 10 speeds, producing 170HP and 206Nm of torque, with a fuel efficiency of 16.3 Km/L. There is also a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering 204HP and 243Nm, with a fuel consumption of 14.4 Km/L. Except for the base model, all are equipped with all-wheel drive. Additionally, the vehicle employs a double-wishbone type multi-link rear suspension.
Moreover, the RAV4 also offers a hybrid model featuring a 2.5L system that generates a combined output of 219 horsepower and 229Nm, coupled with an E-CVT transmission.
The RAV4 demonstrates robust performance, especially off-road, where its all-wheel-drive system ensures steady traction.
Haval Jolion
The Haval Jolion is equipped with Haval's in-house developed 1.5L turbocharged engine that delivers 147HP and 220Nm, working in conjunction with a 7-speed DCT.
In actual driving conditions, Haval's 1.5T engine with the 7DCT gearbox performs well among its peers, especially during acceleration and overtaking, providing ample power for the driver. The gear shifts are smooth, and there is minimal lag, meeting the needs of more aggressive drivers.
In comparison, the Toyota RAV4 powertrain, both in terms of specifications and options, clearly surpasses the Haval Jolion, especially the hybrid variant which excels in fuel economy and off-road capability, making it a more suitable choice for long-distance travel and challenging terrains. Whereas, the Haval Jolion is more suitable for mainly urban use, offering steady power sufficient for daily commuting needs.
Safety Features
Toyota RAV4
As a flagship model for Toyota, the RAV4 boasts an extensive range of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense system includes a pre-collision system, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control, all designed to enhance driving safety comprehensively.
Additionally, the RAV4 is equipped with seven airbags, an ABS anti-lock braking system, ESC vehicle stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system among other standard safety features.
Haval Jolion
The Haval Jolion also spares no effort in terms of safety features, with equipment such as blind spot monitoring, a 360-degree panoramic camera, and automatic emergency braking representing its suite of advanced safety technologies. Additionally, the Jolion comes with seven airbags, an ESP vehicle stability control system, and a reverse radar, ensuring thorough protection throughout the driving experience. Despite its rich array of features, compared to the RAV4's complete Toyota Safety Sense system, Jolion's active safety technologies seem somewhat insufficient.
Overall,the RAV4 offers a more comprehensive and advanced safety package, particularly with its Toyota Safety Sense system, which is ahead of the Haval Jolion in both active and passive safety. However, the smart safety features of the Jolion are also notable and are adequate to meet the everyday safety needs of drivers.
Price
The Toyota RAV4 is available in 8 models in Saudi Arabia, with prices ranging from SAR 98,555 to SAR 151,455.
The Haval Jolion is offered in 3 models in Saudi Arabia, with prices starting at SAR 71,415.
Summary
Overall, both the Toyota RAV4 and the Haval Jolion have their distinct advantages. The RAV4, with its versatile performance and the influence of the Toyota brand, is more suited for families, long-distance driving, and off-road adventures. Its higher price point and brand retention value offer benefits that other brands cannot match. Additionally, having 8 different models makes it easier for everyone to find a configuration that suits their needs.
On the other hand, the Haval Jolion is distinguished by its stylish exterior, luxurious interior, and smart features, offering an excellent value for money. Great Wall Motors has been firmly established in the Middle Eastern market for 27 years. In addition to other full-size SUVs like the Haval H9 and Tank 500, the Haval Jolion has also become a popular choice among young individuals starting their families and looking for a household SUV.
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The price of Haval Jolion starts from SAR 71,415-Cheap must be bad? No!