2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson

$29,800 · Crossover

$29,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 brings 203 horsepower and a class-leading 30 combined MPG, offering robust, proven dependability wrapped in its sharp, familiar crossover shell. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson counters with a slightly lower MSRP of $29,200 and boasts marginally superior utility, providing 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the RAV4's 37.6 cu ft. While the RAV4 enjoys a clear efficiency edge, netting an extra 2 MPG combined, the Tucson is marginally more accommodating internally and fractionally wider at 73.4 inches versus the RAV4's 73.0 inches. The RAV4’s 27/35 MPG city/highway split emphasizes its fuel-sipping nature, while the Tucson’s slightly lower power output (187 hp vs. 203 hp) suggests a less spirited drive but a potentially softer entry price point, making this a classic showdown between established efficiency and contemporary utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is slightly better for families as it offers marginally more cargo capacity at 38.7 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 provides a noticeable performance edge with 203 horsepower compared to the Tucson's 187 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson edges out the competition by offering a lower entry price point at $29,200.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...

You prioritize long-term fuel savings, as the RAV4 achieves 30 combined MPG.
You need stronger acceleration potential thanks to its 203 horsepower output.
You prefer the proven road manners associated with the RAV4's specific 180.9-inch length.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...

You want to save $600 upfront, with an MSRP of $29,200.
Maximizing pure storage space is critical, as it offers 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer a slightly wider stance for cabin feel, measuring 73.4 inches wide.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota RAV4	Hyundai Tucson
Length	180.9"	182.7"
Width	73.0"	73.4"
Height	67.0"	-
Wheelbase	105.9"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/35 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.5/507.5 mi.	357.5/471.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.8 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.7 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R17	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and 2026 Hyundai Tucson.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy for city driving?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is more efficient in stop-and-go traffic, achieving an EPA estimate of 27 MPG in the city. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is rated slightly lower at 25 MPG city.

Is the difference in horsepower significant between the two models?

Yes, the RAV4 has a noticeable advantage, producing 203 horsepower, which is 16 hp more than the Tucson’s 187 hp output. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission for power delivery.

How much more cargo space does the Tucson actually provide?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson boasts 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, offering 1.1 cubic feet more utility than the 2025 Toyota RAV4, which has 37.6 cubic feet.

How do the starting prices compare for these two crossovers?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson has a lower starting MSRP at $29,200. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 begins at $29,800, making the Tucson $600 less expensive initially.

Are these models very different in physical size on the road?

They are very similar in overall dimensions, though the Tucson is slightly longer (182.7 inches vs. 180.9 inches) and marginally wider (73.4 inches vs. 73.0 inches) than the RAV4.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson are specified to run perfectly well on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps running costs predictable.