Volvo XC60 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 Volvo XC60 starts from $74,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $29,000.
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 $82,489 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 Volvo XC60 and Toyota RAV4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 98% for the Volvo XC60 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 Volvo XC60.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Volvo XC60 and 8 in the Toyota RAV4. The Volvo XC60 adds a 360-degree camera that the Toyota RAV4 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volvo XC60 features a 11.2-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota RAV4 gets a 10.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo XC60 stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volvo XC60 gets leather upholstery while the Toyota RAV4 offers fabric.
Drivetrain
The Volvo XC60 uses a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 producing 183kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 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 Volvo XC60 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 143kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo XC60 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volvo XC60 measures 4,688mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 88mm longer than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,600mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC60 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 505L in the Volvo XC60 and 580L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 75L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo XC60 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 1,600kg 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 12.1m
Based on 12.1m 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 Volvo XC60 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 (Volvo XC60) 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 (Volvo XC60) vs 5 years (Toyota RAV4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo XC60 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volvo XC60 and Toyota RAV4 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $285 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.
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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