Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson
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.
Toyota RAV4
From $28,490
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
107kW
7.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
577L
Hyundai Tucson
From $29,290
SUV
Petrol
In-line 4 cyl. Nu 2.0L GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection), 16-valve DOHC (HLA), 2-step variable induction system
122kW
7.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
488L
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Price Breakdown
The Toyota RAV4 starts from $28,490 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Tucson opens at $29,290. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $800.
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 $31,339 and $32,219 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Tucson packs more ADAS features with 1 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Toyota RAV4.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota RAV4 and 6 in the Hyundai Tucson.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Hyundai Tucson counters with Apple CarPlay 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 producing 107kW and 187Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai Tucson responds with a In-line 4 cyl. Nu 2.0L GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection), 16-valve DOHC (HLA), 2-step variable induction system making 122kW and 205Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Tucson has the clear power advantage at 122kW vs 107kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,570mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 90mm longer than the Hyundai Tucson at 4,480mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Tucson generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 577L in the Toyota RAV4 and 488L in the Hyundai Tucson, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 89L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Tucson leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 800kg 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 11.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,195/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $2,223/year for the Hyundai Tucson. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Toyota RAV4) vs $2,223 (Hyundai Tucson). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota RAV4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Tucson). The Hyundai Tucson has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. The Hyundai Tucson 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, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson?
The Toyota RAV4 is the cheapest at $28,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Tucson by $800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota RAV4 uses the least fuel at 7.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson 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 can tow the most?
The Hyundai Tucson has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Hyundai Tucson has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Tucson makes the most power at 122kW.
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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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