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Toyota SUVs Like SW4, RAV4, and Highlander Used to Cost Over R$ 250 Thousand and Now Are Worth the Same as a 1.0 Hatch. A Drop of Up to 55% in Price Has Turned These Models into Real Bargains in the Used Market.
For years, Toyota SUVs have been synonymous with luxury, reliability, and appreciation. Models like SW4, RAV4, and Highlander represented the pinnacle of the Japanese brand in Brazil, with prices exceeding R$ 250 thousand when new. But what few people realize is that, by 2025, some of these cars depreciated so much that they now cost the same as a brand-new 1.0 hatchback, like a Chevrolet Onix, Fiat Argo, or Hyundai HB20.
According to a survey based on the FIPE Table and the main used car sites like Webmotors, OLX, and KBB Brazil, certain premium Toyota SUVs lost up to 55% of their value in less than five years, making them the biggest opportunities in the used market for those looking for comfort and robustness at a low price.
Toyota SW4 SRX 2018 — From R$ 310 Thousand to R$ 160 Thousand
The SW4 has always been the ultimate symbol of Toyota in Brazil, an SUV with a Hilux chassis and a 2.8 turbo diesel engine. In 2018, the SRX version cost around R$ 310 thousand at dealerships.
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Hyundai has unveiled the Boulder, a square SUV with a body-on-frame design, 37-inch mud tires, and carriage-style doors that seems to be made to take on the Ford Bronco and the Scout Traveller in the United States.
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The Toyota Hilux is R$ 75.5 thousand cheaper and bets on the 2.8 turbodiesel engine with up to 204 hp and 50.9 kgfm to catch up with the VW Saveiro, which leads with 4,472 sales.
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The new Renault Koleos has a screen exclusively for the passenger that is invisible to the driver, heated rear seats, and 29 assistance systems, but its Chinese competitors cost R$ 40,000 less and deliver more power.
Today, according to the FIPE of October 2025, the same model can be found for R$ 160 thousand, a depreciation of nearly 50%.
Despite this, the SW4 maintains a good reputation for durability and reliable mechanics. What affected its value was the high maintenance cost and an average fuel consumption of 8 km/l — which took it out of the sights of many consumers who switched to more economical flex SUVs.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2019 — From R$ 245 Thousand to R$ 120 Thousand
When it was released in 2019, the RAV4 Hybrid was a milestone: the first hybrid SUV from Toyota produced for the global market. With modern design and cutting-edge technology, it hit stores at R$ 245 thousand.
Today, with five years of use, the model is sold for R$ 115 to R$ 125 thousand in good condition, almost half of the original value.
The reason for the drop lies in the advancement of plug-in hybrids and new electric vehicles, which have reduced interest in conventional hybrid versions. Nonetheless, the RAV4 maintains excellent fuel economy, averaging 15 km/l in the city.
Toyota Highlander V6 2017 — From R$ 270 Thousand to R$ 130 Thousand
The Highlander was imported in small quantities but became an emblematic case of depreciation. With a 3.5 V6 engine with 294 hp, all-wheel drive, and premium SUV trim, the model cost R$ 270 thousand in 2017.
Today, it appears on used car websites for R$ 130 thousand, a drop of 52%.
Even with ample comfort, its high fuel consumption (average of 7 km/l) and expensive maintenance due to being imported limited its resale — making it a bargain for those seeking performance and ample space.
Toyota Prado 2016 — From R$ 350 Thousand to R$ 180 Thousand
Little known to the general public, the Toyota Land-cruiser-prado was the “rich cousin” of the SW4, with a more robust structure and luxury equipment. Imported in limited versions, the model was priced at R$ 350 thousand in 2016.
Currently, well-preserved units can be found for R$ 180 thousand, representing a depreciation of nearly 49%.
Although the mechanics are reliable, high parts costs and fuel consumption (around 6 km/l in urban cycles) dissuaded market interest. Still, it remains one of the most durable SUVs in its category.
Toyota Venza 2015 — From R$ 260 Thousand to R$ 110 Thousand
The Venza, which combined the comfort of a sedan with the size of an SUV, was a commercial failure in Brazil.
In 2015, its price approached R$ 260 thousand, and today it can be found for R$ 100 to R$ 120 thousand. The depreciation of more than 55% places it among the Toyota models that lost value the most.
Despite having a powerful V6 and all-wheel drive, the controversial design and high fuel consumption (7 km/l) turned buyers away. Interestingly, it is one of the most comfortable and durable used SUVs from the brand, according to specialized mechanics.
Toyota FJ Cruiser 2014 — From R$ 280 Thousand to R$ 130 Thousand
An icon of retro style and robustness, the FJ Cruiser was a dream for off-road fans when it was imported for R$ 280 thousand. Today, in 2025, the same car can be found for around R$ 130 thousand, representing a 53% drop from its original value.
Equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and 4×4 drive, it is a legendary SUV for its durability but has remained limited to a niche audience.
The high fuel consumption and absence of national versions explain the depreciation, although it is a highly sought-after model by collectors.
The Logic Behind the Price Drop
According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB Brazil), the main reason for the depreciation of premium Toyota SUVs is the change in the profile of Brazilian consumers.
With rising fuel prices and the arrival of more efficient hybrid SUVs like the Corolla Cross and BYD Song Plus, older combustion models have lost their appeal.
Furthermore, the high maintenance costs and high IPVA deter buyers. In compensation, those seeking comfort, durability, and safety find in these used SUVs an excellent cost-benefit ratio, with the prestige of Toyota and the price of a popular car.
Opportunity for Those Who Know How to Search
In a market where compact SUVs like the Fiat Pulse and the VW Nivus have already surpassed R$ 130 thousand, acquiring a used Toyota SW4 or RAV4 for the same price is something unimaginable just a few years ago.
Therefore, used car specialists point to these models as luxury bargains, ideal for those seeking robustness and comfort without paying the price of a new vehicle.
However, it is important to be attentive: timely maintenance, a clear history, and the condition of the suspension make all the difference between a good deal and an unexpected expense.
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