Honda HR-V 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 Honda HR-V starts from $32,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the Honda HR-V the more affordable entry point by $13,090.
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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $32,900 for the Honda HR-V and $50,872 for the Toyota RAV4.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda HR-V by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda HR-V and Toyota RAV4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Honda HR-V 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 3 in the Honda HR-V.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Honda HR-V and 8 in the Toyota RAV4.
Feature Showdown
The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Toyota RAV4 gets a 10.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda HR-V stands out with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. The Toyota RAV4 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda HR-V uses a Petrol producing 89kW and 145Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 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 89kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota RAV4 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda HR-V measures 4,345mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 255mm shorter than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,600mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 339L in the Honda HR-V and 580L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 241L advantage.
For towing, the Honda HR-V leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 200kg 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 11.0m
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,539/year for the Honda HR-V and $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Honda HR-V) vs $1,881 (Toyota RAV4). The Honda HR-V saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda HR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota RAV4). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda HR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda HR-V if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Honda HR-V and Toyota RAV4 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Honda HR-V will save you roughly $342 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, Honda HR-V and Toyota RAV4?
The Honda HR-V is the cheapest at $32,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $13,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda HR-V uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda HR-V and Toyota RAV4 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 580L.
Which can tow the most?
The Honda HR-V has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The Toyota RAV4 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.4s.
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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