2025 Toyota RAV4 vs. the Competition

The Toyota RAV4 has always been popular, frequently outselling the other vehicles in the segment, and some years it has even been the best-selling vehicle in the US overall. Toyota maintains this popularity by staying ahead of the competition, offering better and more advanced features, from drivetrains to infotainment. But with such a popular segment, the competition will be fierce, and it might not be immediately obvious what sets the RAV4 apart so much, so we’ve put together this guide to how the most popular competitors measure up.

Toyota RAV4 VS Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is the closest rival in terms of sales, and like the other most popular SUVs in this segment, they are practically identical in size. Pricing is also nearly identical, but some differences start to emerge when looking at the drivetrains in each vehicle. Both vehicles have the same 30 mph combined rating, so the fact that you get more power and a superior transmission in the RAV4 is all the more significant. And despite the nearly identical dimensions, the RAV4 has a tighter turning circle by more than a foot. Since a lot of people buy compact vehicles specifically for the maneuverability, this can be a major selling point.

Infotainment is another significant advantage for the RAV4, which has a bigger screen and comes with more speakers as standard. And while there is available wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay for the CR-V, you have to spend an extra $5,000 on the EX-L trim in order to get this RAV4 standard feature. Speaking of trim levels, the RAV4 is available in the Woodland Edition, made for light off-roading, complete with off-road suspension and tires, as well as an AC outlet in the cargo area for plugging in equipment at the campsite. There is nothing comparable in the much more limited trim lineup for the CR-V. Both vehicles do come with the same 1,500-pound towing capacity, but since only the RAV4 comes with trailer sway control, it still manages to be the better tow vehicle. And lastly, the RAV4 comes with twice as much routine maintenance included in the purchase price.

Toyota RAV4 VS Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox is the second most popular Chevrolet model, after the Silverado, and just looking at the price tells you that it is aimed directly at the RAV4. The Equinox comes with a fairly small and underpowered engine, mated to a CVT for some pretty underwhelming performance. The tradeoff for this is often improved fuel economy, but here the Equinox again lags behind the RAV4. With this drivetrain, it’s not surprising that the Equinox isn’t rated for towing, but the RAV4 sure is. Not only that, but there’s a lot more space for cargo in the back of the RAV4, so you don’t even need to hook up a trailer to haul more than the Equinox.

The advanced technology that goes into the RAV4 gives it another advantage, with different drive modes to deal with different situations. Different trims add even more modes, but three modes is the standard number, which is two more than you get with the Equinox. There are also two different hybrid drivetrains offered with the RAV4, allowing you to enjoy some seriously impressive fuel economy, as well as a bump in power, but there’s no such option for the Equinox. And lastly, the RAV4 once again comes with more included maintenance.

Toyota RAV4 VS Ford Escape

There are several RAV4 competitors that offer a hybrid drivetrain as an option, but far fewer are available with a plug-in hybrid option. The Ford Escape is a rare exception, so this last comparison looks at PHEV configurations of both. The Escape is unusually cheap for a PHEV, but it becomes clear why that is pretty quickly. The Escape comes with a serious power disadvantage, to the point that it’s rare to see this kind of imbalance between two vehicles in the same segment. The fact that the RAV4 comes with all-wheel drive is another huge advantage, especially when you consider it isn’t even an option on the Escape PHEV. The RAV4 has both a longer all-electric range and a shorter charging time. The differences are huge, but when you factor in the other drivetrain differences, it’s clear that the RAV4 is a far more advanced vehicle.

With the extra power that comes with the plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the RAV4 PHEV gains a significant bump in towing capacity. The Escape, on the other hand, doesn’t have the power to get the same kind of bump. On top of this, only the RAV4 comes with standard trailer sway control, making for a far better towing vehicle in multiple ways. The RAV4 is once again more maneuverable, this time with a turning circle that’s more than two feet tighter. The RAV4 has more included maintenance again as well, but here that’s an especially easy accomplishment, since Ford offers none at all.

Winner - Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is an exceptionally versatile vehicle, thanks to advanced technology, clever design, and an extensive trim and drivetrain lineup that makes it easy for anyone to find the RAV4 that suits them best. A closer look at all of this shows why the RAV4 is so popular; it’s a smart buy that doesn’t ask you to compromise anything in the name of practicality. The compact SUV segment is a competitive one, but a vehicle like the RAV4 is still capable of standing out. Let Ken Ganley Toyota Akron help you find the RAV4 that’s right for you.

* Starting MSRP is the lowest Base MSRP for the series of a model and excludes manufacturer, distributor and dealer options, taxes, title and license and dealer fees and charges. Also includes the Delivery, Processing and Handling of $1,195 for Cars (Corolla, Corolla HV, Corolla HB, GR Corolla, Camry, Prius, Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Toyota Crown, Mirai, GR86, GR Supra), $1,450 for Entry SUV (Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross HV), $1,450 for Small SUV (RAV4, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, bZ4X), $1,495 for Mid SUV/Van (4Runner, 4Runner HV, Highlander, Highlander HV, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander HV, Sienna, Land Cruiser, Toyota Crown Signia), $1,595 for Small Pickup (Tacoma, Tacoma HV), $2,095 for Large Pickup/Large SUV (Tundra, Tundra HV, Sequoia). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota's charge for these services is called "Delivery, Processing and Handling" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota's overall pricing structure and may be subject to change at any time. Toyota may make a profit on Delivery, Processing and Handling.) Delivery, Processing and Handling in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX may vary. Dealer price will vary.