Suzuki S-Cross 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 Suzuki S-Cross starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the Suzuki S-Cross the more affordable entry point by $2,500.
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 $47,839 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Suzuki S-Cross by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Suzuki S-Cross and Toyota RAV4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota RAV4 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Suzuki S-Cross.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Suzuki S-Cross and 8 in the Toyota RAV4.
Feature Showdown
The Suzuki S-Cross features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota RAV4 gets a 10.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Suzuki S-Cross stands out with wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki S-Cross uses a Petrol producing 95kW and 220Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 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 95kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota RAV4 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki S-Cross measures 4,300mm long on a 2,600mm wheelbase, 300mm 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 430L in the Suzuki S-Cross and 580L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 150L advantage.
For towing, the Suzuki S-Cross leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.4m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Suzuki S-Cross and $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki S-Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Suzuki S-Cross) vs $1,881 (Toyota RAV4). The Suzuki S-Cross saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki S-Cross) vs 5 years (Toyota RAV4). The Toyota RAV4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki S-Cross if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Suzuki S-Cross will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. The Toyota RAV4 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, Suzuki S-Cross and Toyota RAV4?
The Suzuki S-Cross is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $2,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Suzuki S-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Suzuki S-Cross and 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 can tow the most?
The Suzuki S-Cross has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Toyota RAV4 has the longest warranty at 5 years.
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.
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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