The Toyota RAV4 is currently very popular. Last year, it surpassed the typically leading Ford F-Series by selling 475,193 units versus Ford’s 460,915, thus becoming the top seller. the top-selling car in the United States This highlights the ongoing appeal of the compact SUV, thanks largely to its reliability, affordability, user-friendliness, low maintenance costs, and decent fuel efficiency.
For instance, consider the 2025 Toyota RAV4, which has a starting price of $28,850—a figure that comes with features such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a touchscreen infotainment system, support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle is equipped with a 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, hybrid versions can be selected.
These features have undoubtedly contributed to the RAV4’s success over time. However, since the compact SUV market is highly competitive, numerous appealing choices rival the Toyota RAV4. To assist you in understanding your options, here is a list of seven compact SUVs capable of going toe-to-toe with the RAV4.
Read more: The 15 Top Honda Models of All-Time
Kia Sportage
For $27,390, the Kia Sportage is priced $1,500 lower than a basic model of the Toyota RAV4, making it an attractive choice for those aiming to keep initial expenses down. However, affordable SUVs do not have to lack sophistication, and the Sportage exemplifies this point well. This vehicle includes features such as an 8-inch touch screen display for entertainment, a 12.2-inch digital instrument panel, compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and voice command capability right out of the box. Additionally, it ships equipped with 17-inch alloy rims as standard equipment—a feature one must upgrade to higher trims like the RAV4 XLE to obtain similarly styled wheels.
The Sportage boasts more cargo volume compared to the RAV4. When all seats are up, you have access to 39.6 cubic feet of storage space, which expands to a generous 74.1 cubic feet once the back seats are folded down. In contrast, the RAV4 provides only 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and maxes out at 69.8 cubic feet when those seats are lowered. Although it delivers an engine power of 187 horsepower, which falls short of the RAV4’s output, the Sportage gives buyers the flexibility of choosing between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations along with a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. Additionally, the Sportage comes with a hybrid variant.
Hyundai Tucson
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson While it doesn’t boast an enticingly low entry-level price akin to the Kia Sportage, this vehicle remains a strong contender as a substitute for the Toyota RAV4. Notably, despite having a higher base cost at $28,605, it’s actually $245 less expensive compared to the RAV4. This sum provides access to one of the more spacious options within the compact SUV category, offering 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and expanding up to 80.3 cubic feet once these seats fold flat. Consequently, it offers greater interior volume than both the RAV4 and the Sportage.
The Tucson boasts a technologically advanced interior as well. It comes equipped with a standard 12.3-inch touch screen along with wireless connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphones, Bluetooth capability, four USB ports, HD Radio, and satellite radio. In terms of powertrains, it delivers the same output of 187 horsepower as the Kia Sportage using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Additionally, both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are offered.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen has revamped the Tiguan to launch its third-generation model. And along with this upgrade comes a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine capable of rivaling the RAV4 effectively. This latest version of the Tiguan produces 201 horsepower, marking a rise of 17 horsepower compared to the earlier model. Additionally, it has shed 170 pounds from its predecessor’s weight, potentially enhancing both driving performance and fuel efficiency.
As mentioned, the 2025 Tiguan will utilize the VW EQB Evo platform shared with the present-day Volkswagen Golf GTI -- an upgrade expected to enhance handling dynamics. Prospective buyers might also find appeal in additional aspects; for instance, this new model comes equipped with a standard 12.9-inch infotainment screen alongside wireless phone charging capabilities. For those less enthused by these tech offerings, Volkswagon provides various add-ons like a larger 15-inch touch display, a heads-up display, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio setup.
Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport This model stands out as an excellent option for those seeking a Toyota RAV4 alternative that excels in off-roading. Its robust construction and terrain management system featuring up to five drive modes—Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Off-Road—make it versatile under various driving conditions and terrains. Additionally, the price point of $29,995 adds significant value considering the high-quality features included inside. The vehicle comes equipped with a standard 13.2-inch touch screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, voice command capabilities, seamless wireless connectivity options including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a convenient wireless phone charging station, Bluetooth functionality, and six USB ports.
Features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, proximity keyless access, and push-button ignition are included as standard equipment, along with a four-wheel-drive system. The vehicle can be powered by one of two engines: a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder unit generating 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, or an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 238 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains send their energy through an eight-speed automatic gearbox to the wheels.
Mazda CX-5
Famed for its precise steering, well-balanced suspension, and generally pleasing ride quality, the Mazda CX-5 is another excellent alternative to the Toyota RAV4. And, with its base price starting at $28,770, it is fairly similar in cost. Performance wise, there's a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder that puts out 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. If that's too modest, Mazda offers the option of a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque (or 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft when fed 93-octane fuel).
And, where the RAV4 comes standard with front-wheel drive, the CX-5 offers an all-wheel drive system, meaning there's enough power to help it avoid getting stuck in the sand, snow, or mud. Another thing that's also in generous supply is technology. You get numerous infotainment and safety tech as standard, including a 10.25-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, forward automatic emergency braking, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring.
Mazda CX-50
If your preference leans towards a tougher appearance and a somewhat fancier cabin compared to what the Mazda CX-5 offers, consider the model that boasts greater capability for rough terrain. Mazda CX-50 It could be the solution. With a length of 185.8 inches and a width of 75.6 inches, it is both longer and wider than the CX-5, though it falls short by approximately 2 inches in length.
Inside, the CX-50 features standard synthetic leather seating, complemented by a 7-inch digital instrument panel, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. In contrast, the CX-5 includes cloth seats, a 4.6-inch driver information screen, and both wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Despite being a strong contender, the Mazda CX-50 shares some lineage with the RAV4 since the hybrid version of the CX-50 utilizes the same drivetrain as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Pricing for the base model Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select starts at $30,500, whereas the highest trim level, the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, has an initial price tag starting from $43,500.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V undoubtedly stands out as one of the top choices when considering alternatives to the Toyota RAV4. Similar to the RAVIV, it boasts commendable dependability and user-friendliness. Although its 190-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo-four engine falls 13 horsepower behind that of the RAV4, it shines in terms of fuel economy.
The front-wheel-drive variants achieve 28 miles per gallon in urban areas, 34 miles per gallon on highways, and an overall average of 30 miles per gallon according to the Environmental Protection Agency ratings. In contrast, all-wheel-drive models receive an estimated 28 miles per gallon for combined city and highway use, along with 26 miles per gallon in cities and 31 miles per gallon on the open road. These figures closely mirror those of the RAV4, which attains 30 miles per gallon under combined conditions with front-wheel drive, and sees a range between 28 to 29 miles per gallon when equipped with all-wheel drive.
Shoppers who value storage capacity may find the CR-V more appealing, thanks to its 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and an impressive maximum cargo volume of 76.5 cubic feet when the front-row seating is folded down. Although practical, the CR-V comes with a higher price tag compared to the Toyota RAV4, beginning at $30,100 for the entry-level 2025 Honda CR-V LX model.
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