Volkswagen Tayron vs Toyota RAV4
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 Volkswagen Tayron starts from $48,290 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $2,300.
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 $53,119 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota RAV4 by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Tayron and Toyota RAV4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Volkswagen Tayron and 93% for the Toyota RAV4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota RAV4 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Volkswagen Tayron.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volkswagen Tayron and 8 in the Toyota RAV4. The Volkswagen Tayron adds a 360-degree camera that the Toyota RAV4 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Tayron features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota RAV4 gets a 10.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Tayron stands out with wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Tayron uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 responds with a Petrol Hybrid making 143kW and 221Nm, paired to a cvt (e-cvt) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tayron is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Tayron measures 4,792mm long on a 2,791mm wheelbase, 192mm longer than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,600mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Tayron generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the Volkswagen Tayron and 580L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 10L advantage. The Volkswagen Tayron seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Volkswagen Tayron leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 1,700kg 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 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tayron and $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Volkswagen Tayron) vs $1,881 (Toyota RAV4). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tayron) vs 5 years (Toyota RAV4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Tayron if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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