MG ZS EV vs Toyota RAV4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The MG ZS EV starts from $43,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the MG ZS EV the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $48,389 and $50,589 respectively.
The MG ZS EV qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota RAV4, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MG ZS EV by roughly $5,085 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG ZS EV stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. The Toyota RAV4 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG ZS EV uses a Electric Motor producing 115kW and 280Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 responds with a Petrol Hybrid making 143kW and 221Nm, paired to a cvt (e-cvt) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG ZS EV is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG ZS EV measures 4,323mm long on a 2,585mm wheelbase, 277mm shorter than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,600mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 359L in the MG ZS EV and 580L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 221L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $864/year for the MG ZS EV and $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $1,017 annual difference in favour of the MG ZS EV.
Estimated annual total: $864 (MG ZS EV) vs $1,881 (Toyota RAV4). The MG ZS EV saves you roughly $1,017 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 999,999km (MG ZS EV) vs 5 years (Toyota RAV4). The MG ZS EV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG ZS EV if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG ZS EV takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MG ZS EV will save you roughly $1,017 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. The MG ZS EV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG ZS EV and Toyota RAV4?
The MG ZS EV is the cheapest at $43,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $2,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota RAV4 uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota RAV4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 580L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG ZS EV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The MG ZS EV is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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