Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Arteon
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 $45,990
SUV
Hybrid
Petrol Hybrid
143kW
4.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
705L
Volkswagen Arteon
Price TBC
—
Premium unleaded
4 cylinder inline turbo petrol with engine Start/Stop system
206kW
7.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
563L
Volkswagen Arteon: we're still completing price, kerb weight, seat count, body style and warranty, plus 2 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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 Toyota RAV4 features a 10.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Arteon gets a 9.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota RAV4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Arteon. The Volkswagen Arteon counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol Hybrid producing 143kW, sent through a cvt (e-cvt) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds.
The Volkswagen Arteon responds with a 4 cylinder inline turbo petrol with engine Start/Stop system making 206kW and 350Nm, paired to a 7 speed dsg driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The Volkswagen Arteon has the clear power advantage at 206kW vs 143kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volkswagen Arteon is 2.8s 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, 262mm shorter than the Volkswagen Arteon at 4,862mm (2,837mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Arteon generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 705L in the Toyota RAV4 and 563L in the Volkswagen Arteon, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 142L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.7m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m 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 $1,283/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $2,138/year for the Volkswagen Arteon. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Arteon if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Arteon trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $855 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 Volkswagen Arteon?
The Toyota RAV4 is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs.
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 Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Arteon carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. 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 Volkswagen Arteon makes the most power at 206kW. The Volkswagen Arteon is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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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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