Honda ZR-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 ZR-V starts from $38,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the Honda ZR-V the more affordable entry point by $7,090.
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 $37,900 for the Honda ZR-V and $50,872 for the Toyota RAV4.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda ZR-V by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda ZR-V and Toyota RAV4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Honda ZR-V and 93% for the Toyota RAV4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda ZR-V packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Toyota RAV4.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Honda ZR-V and 8 in the Toyota RAV4.
Feature Showdown
The Honda ZR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Toyota RAV4 gets a 10.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda ZR-V stands out with wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 131kW and 187Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 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 131kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda ZR-V is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda ZR-V measures 4,568mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 32mm 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 ZR-V and 580L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 241L advantage.
For towing, the Honda ZR-V 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.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.4m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,653/year for the Honda ZR-V and $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Honda ZR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,653 (Honda ZR-V) vs $1,881 (Toyota RAV4). The Honda ZR-V saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda ZR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota RAV4). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda ZR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda ZR-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
The Honda ZR-V takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda ZR-V will save you roughly $228 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 ZR-V and Toyota RAV4?
The Honda ZR-V is the cheapest at $38,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $7,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda ZR-V uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda ZR-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 ZR-V has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The Honda ZR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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