Renault Symbioz 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Renault Symbioz starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $28,490. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $14,500.
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 $47,289 and $31,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Symbioz by roughly $4,275 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.
The Renault Symbioz stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Renault Symbioz uses a Inline 4 producing 116kW and 149Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.6 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 responds with a Petrol making 107kW and 187Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the front wheels.
The Renault Symbioz has the clear power advantage at 116kW vs 107kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Symbioz measures 4,413mm long on a 2,638mm wheelbase, 157mm shorter than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,570mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 492L in the Renault Symbioz and 577L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 85L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota RAV4 leads with a 800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 50kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,340/year for the Renault Symbioz and $2,195/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Renault Symbioz.
Estimated annual total: $1,340 (Renault Symbioz) vs $2,195 (Toyota RAV4). The Renault Symbioz saves you roughly $855 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Symbioz) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota RAV4). The Renault Symbioz has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Symbioz if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Renault Symbioz and Toyota RAV4 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Renault Symbioz will save you roughly $855 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. The Renault Symbioz adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Renault Symbioz and Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 is the cheapest at $28,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Symbioz by $14,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Renault Symbioz uses the least fuel at 4.7L/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 577L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Renault Symbioz has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Renault Symbioz makes the most power at 116kW.
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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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