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.
Renault Symbioz
From $42,990
SUV
Hybrid
Inline 4
116kW
4.7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
492L
Toyota RAV4
From $45,990
SUV
Hybrid
Petrol Hybrid
143kW
4.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
705L
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Price Breakdown
The Renault Symbioz starts from $42,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the Renault Symbioz the more affordable entry point by $3,000.
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 $47,289 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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
The Renault Symbioz features a 10.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota RAV4 gets a 10.5-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
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 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 116kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota RAV4 is 2.2s quicker. 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, 187mm 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 492L in the Renault Symbioz and 705L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 213L 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.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 $1,340/year for the Renault Symbioz and $1,283/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $1,340 (Renault Symbioz) vs $1,283 (Toyota RAV4). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $57 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 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota RAV4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Symbioz if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. 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 Renault Symbioz is the cheapest at $42,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $3,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota RAV4 uses the least fuel at 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Renault Symbioz and Toyota RAV4 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 705L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The Toyota RAV4 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.4s.
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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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