Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson: Hybrid SUV Showdown
Japan's best-seller vs Korea's challenger. Which hybrid SUV deserves your money?
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Comparison snapshot
Prices, scores and edges below update from our car data.
Lighter on fuel by 3.6 L/100km, 166L more boot
Cheaper by $6,640, tows 850kg more
Written 3 April 2026. The snapshot, tables, scores and verdict on this page update from our car data; figures quoted in the text are as at that date.
Price
The RAV4 GXL Hybrid is at $44,560 vs $48,300 (Elite Hybrid trim). Both are AWD hybrids with similar feature levels. Over 5 years, the RAV4 saves an additional ~$1,800 in fuel thanks to better economy. Combined with Toyota's 8% resale advantage, the RAV4 is approximately $8,000 cheaper to own over 5 years.
Safety
The Tucson holds a 5-star ANCAP rating from 2021. The current RAV4 is listed by ANCAP as unrated: the old generation's 5-star result was tested in 2019 and expired at the end of 2025, and it does not carry across to the new car. That means there is no independent crash score for the RAV4 to weigh up. Both have comprehensive safety suites with AEB, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise. The Tucson adds a blind-spot view monitor in the instrument cluster.
Features
The Tucson Elite has the edge on features: dual 10.25-inch screens, Bose audio, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, and a more modern-looking dashboard. The RAV4 GXL gets a 10.5-inch screen, wireless CarPlay, digital key, and a power tailgate. The Tucson's interior feels a generation newer.
Drivetrain
Two very different hybrid approaches. Toyota uses a naturally-aspirated 2.5L with an electric motor and CVT. Hyundai uses a turbocharged 1.6L with a 6-speed automatic. Both are AWD.
| Drivetrain | RAV4 Hybrid | Tucson Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L NA + electric motor | 1.6L Turbo + electric motor |
| Power | 163kW combined | 169kW combined |
| Torque | 221Nm (engine) | 265Nm |
| Transmission | CVT (e-CVT) | 6-speed Auto |
| Fuel Economy | 4.8L/100km | 5.6L/100km |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.1s | 8.0s |
The Tucson feels punchier thanks to its turbo and conventional gearbox. The RAV4's CVT drones under hard acceleration but is silky smooth in normal driving. For daily commuting, the RAV4 is quieter. For spirited driving, the Tucson responds better.
Space and comfort
The Tucson's cabin design is more contemporary. The RAV4's is more utilitarian but extremely functional.
| Space | RAV4 GXL | Tucson Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Space | 542L | 546L |
| Wheelbase | 2,690mm | 2,680mm |
| Screen | 10.5" | Dual 10.25" |
| Sunroof | No | Panoramic |
| Ventilated Seats | No | Yes |
Boot space is nearly identical. The Tucson adds a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats at this trim, features the RAV4 GXL doesn't offer at all. For Australian summers, ventilated seats are a genuine comfort upgrade.
Cost to own
The RAV4's ownership case is strong: cheaper to buy, cheaper to fuel, and significantly better resale.
| 5-Year Cost | RAV4 GXL Hybrid | Tucson Elite Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway | $49,000 | $52,800 |
| 5yr Fuel | $6,840 | $7,980 |
| 5yr Insurance | $8,500 | $8,750 |
| 5yr Servicing | $3,500 | $3,600 |
| Resale (est.) | -$28,400 | -$24,900 |
| True 5yr Cost | $39,440 | $48,230 |
The RAV4 is $8,790 cheaper over 5 years. Toyota's resale dominance is the biggest factor. a 5-year-old RAV4 Hybrid is one of the most sought-after used cars in Australia.
The Resale Factor
This is where the RAV4 pulls ahead decisively. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid resale is among the best of any vehicle in Australia. After 5 years, expect to get back 55-60% of the original value. The Tucson retains 48-52%. On a $50k car, that's a $4,000-5,000 difference in your pocket when you sell.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the RAV4 Hybrid if: You want the lowest total cost of ownership, one of the best fuel economies in its class, strongest resale, and don't mind the CVT transmission.
Buy the Tucson Hybrid if: You value interior design, want ventilated seats and a panoramic roof, prefer a conventional automatic, and are willing to pay a premium for a more modern cabin experience.
Key details
A tick marks the better figure only where both cars have one and the gap is meaningful (3% or more; a whole star or year).
| Detail | Toyota RAV4 | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From $45,990 RRP | From $39,350 RRP |
| Drive-away estimate | $50,872 drive away (VIC, advertised) | Calculating... |
| Body | SUV | SUV |
| Powertrain | Hybrid, 2.5L 4-cyl | Petrol, 2L 4-cyl |
| Power / torque | 143kW / No data | 115kW / 192Nm |
| Fuel use | 4.5 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| 0-100km/h | 8.4s | No data |
| Boot | 705L seats up | 539L seats up |
| Towing (braked) | 800kg | 1,650kg |
| ANCAP | No data | 5 stars (2021) |
| Warranty | 5yr / unlimited km | 5yr / unlimited km |
At a glance
- Seats
- 5
- Boot
- 705L seats up
- Length x width x height
- 4,600 x 1,855 x 1,685mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,690mm
- Engine
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Power
- 143kW
- Torque
- No data
- Drive
- FWD
- Transmission
- CVT (e-CVT)
- Power-to-weight
- 82 kW/tonne
- Kerb weight
- 1,745kg
- Spare wheel
- Space saver
- Payload
- 400kg
- Towing braked / unbraked
- 800kg / 750kg
- Turning circle
- 11.36m
- Seats
- 5
- Boot
- 539L seats up
- Length x width x height
- 4,640 x 1,865 x 1,665mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,755mm
- Engine
- 2L 4-cyl
- Power
- 115kW
- Torque
- 192Nm
- Drive
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Power-to-weight
- 77 kW/tonne
- Kerb weight
- 1,495kg
- Spare wheel
- Space saver
- Payload
- No data
- Towing braked / unbraked
- 1,650kg / 750kg
- Turning circle
- 11.8m
CarSorted Score breakdown
The CarSorted Score is algorithmic: it is calculated from each car's data, not from a road test. How it works.
Safety
Fuel Economy
Value
Practicality
Technology
Performance
Reliability
The verdict
Toyota RAV4 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (70 vs 60)
The deciding gaps
- Fuel Economy:Toyota RAV4 95, Hyundai Tucson 63, Toyota RAV4 ahead by 32
- Technology:Toyota RAV4 57, Hyundai Tucson 30, Toyota RAV4 ahead by 27
- Value:Toyota RAV4 83, Hyundai Tucson 72, Toyota RAV4 ahead by 11
The Toyota RAV4 wins on the score; the Hyundai Tucson is the cheaper of the two, and price is already part of the Value axis.
Same scorer as the live comparison of these two exact cars.
Our take (written 3 April 2026)
The RAV4 Hybrid wins on the numbers. It's cheaper to buy, uses 0.8L/100km less fuel, and Toyota's resale dominance means it holds value significantly better. The Tucson fights back with more power, more torque, a conventional 6-speed auto (no CVT), and a more modern interior. Both are excellent SUVs. The RAV4 is the smarter financial choice; the Tucson is the more enjoyable car to live with.
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Questions buyers ask
Is the RAV4 or Tucson better value?
The Toyota RAV4 GX Hybrid 2WD is from $45,990 RRP; the Hyundai Tucson Petrol is from $39,350 RRP. That makes the Hyundai Tucson $6,640 cheaper.
Which is better to drive, RAV4 or Tucson?
On the CarSorted Score the Toyota RAV4 comes out ahead (Toyota RAV4 70/100, Hyundai Tucson 60/100), mainly on fuel economy, technology, value. The score is algorithmic; the editorial above says who each car suits.
Can the RAV4 and Tucson tow a caravan?
Braked towing capacity: the Hyundai Tucson at 1,650kg, against 800kg for the Toyota RAV4.
Which is cheaper to run, the Toyota RAV4 or the Hyundai Tucson?
On the official combined cycle, the Toyota RAV4 uses 4.5 L/100km and the Hyundai Tucson uses 8.1 L/100km.
What are the ANCAP ratings for the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson?
We have no ANCAP rating on record for the Toyota RAV4, and the Hyundai Tucson holds 5 stars (rated 2021).
Which has the bigger boot?
Boot space with the seats up: the Toyota RAV4 at 705L, against 539L for the Hyundai Tucson.
Which has the better warranty?
The Toyota RAV4 comes with a 5yr / unlimited km warranty; the Hyundai Tucson with a 5yr / unlimited km warranty.
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In the news
- VFACTS August 2026: EVs Outsell Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid for the First Time in Australian History
- VFACTS July 2026: Best July On Record, Toyota RAV4 Back On Top, and Half the Top 10 Now Built in China
- Toyota RAV4 PHEV grades explained, plus the GXL plug-in hybrid due in 2027
- New Hyundai Tucson Revealed: Fifth-Gen NX5 Goes Boxy, Due in Australia Mid-2027
How to read this page. Prices, specs, ANCAP ratings, warranty, scores and the computed verdict come from our records for the two variants shown, sourced from manufacturer Australian documents, and update when those records change. RRP excludes on-road costs. Drive-away figures are estimates for the state you have selected unless marked as advertised. The editorial text was written on 3 April 2026. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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