Toyota RAV4 vs Volvo V50
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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Toyota RAV4
From $45,990
SUV
Hybrid
Petrol Hybrid
143kW
4.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
705L
Volvo V50
Price TBC
Wagon
Petrol
—
169kW
9.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
417L
Volvo V50: we're still completing price, kerb weight, seat count, warranty and ground clearance.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota RAV4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo V50. 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 Volvo V50 lines up making 169kW and 320Nm, paired to a 5-speed geartronic automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Volvo V50 has the clear power advantage at 169kW vs 143kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo V50 is 1.1s 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, 78mm longer than the Volvo V50 at 4,522mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 705L in the Toyota RAV4 and 417L in the Volvo V50, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 288L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo V50 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.
10.6m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m 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
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 $2,708/year for the Volvo V50. That is a $1,425 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 Volvo V50 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (70 vs 36), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Toyota RAV4 ahead by 52), value (Toyota RAV4 ahead by 46), fuel economy (Toyota RAV4 ahead by 45). The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $1,425 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 Volvo V50?
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 Volvo V50 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 with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo V50 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo V50 makes the most power at 169kW. The Volvo V50 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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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