Toyota RAV4 vs Honda ZR-V
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 Toyota RAV4 starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the Honda ZR-V opens at $38,900. That makes the Honda ZR-V the more affordable entry point by $7,090.
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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $50,872 for the Toyota RAV4 and $37,900 for the Honda ZR-V.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda ZR-V by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Honda ZR-V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Toyota RAV4 and 79% for the Honda ZR-V.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda ZR-V packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Toyota RAV4.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota RAV4 and 7 in the Honda ZR-V.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota RAV4 features a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while the Honda ZR-V gets a 9-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda ZR-V counters with wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting that the Toyota RAV4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol Hybrid producing 143kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a cvt (e-cvt) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds.
The Honda ZR-V responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 243Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda ZR-V is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,600mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 32mm longer than the Honda ZR-V at 4,568mm (2,655mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 580L in the Toyota RAV4 and 339L in the Honda ZR-V, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 241L advantage.
For towing, the Honda ZR-V 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 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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 $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $1,653/year for the Honda ZR-V. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Honda ZR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Toyota RAV4) vs $1,653 (Honda ZR-V). The Honda ZR-V saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Toyota RAV4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda ZR-V). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda ZR-V).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda ZR-V if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda ZR-V takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda ZR-V will save you roughly $228 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, Toyota RAV4 and Honda ZR-V?
The Honda ZR-V is the cheapest at $38,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $7,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda ZR-V uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota RAV4 and Honda ZR-V 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 Honda ZR-V has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The Honda ZR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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