Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Passat
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.
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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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota RAV4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Volkswagen Passat. 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 Volkswagen Passat lines up making 140kW and 320Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Passat is 0.5s 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, 175mm shorter than the Volkswagen Passat at 4,775mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Passat generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 705L in the Toyota RAV4 and 586L in the Volkswagen Passat, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 119L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Passat leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
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 $1,824/year for the Volkswagen Passat. That is a $541 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $1,283 (Toyota RAV4) vs $1,824 (Volkswagen Passat). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $541 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota RAV4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Passat). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Passat if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $541 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 Passat?
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.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Passat 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 705L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Passat has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The Volkswagen Passat is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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