The Toyota RAV4 has been a perennial leader in the compact SUV segment for decades. There’s a reason why the RAV4 is consistently one of the best-selling crossovers on the market year after year. In the hot compact class, the RAV4 offers rugged styling, a ton of standard safety features, a spacious cabin, and a wide range of models that means there’s something for everyone.
On the other hand, Hyundai introduced an all-new Tucson for the 2022 model year. The new Tucson’s daring exterior design may not be to everyone’s tastes, but the SUV’s high-tech features, smooth driving dynamics, and excellent value will appeal to every shopper.
Choosing between the RAV4 and the Tucson can be difficult, as both compact SUVs have a lot of qualities that consumers are looking for. We’ll help you make a decision by finding out which model is the best option for the majority of car shoppers based on a comparison of the key specs and features.
See a side-by-side comparison of the Toyota RAV4 & the Hyundai Tucson »
What The Toyota RAV4 Gets Right
Toyota offers the regular RAV4 in six different trims, while the Tucson is offered in three different trims. With three additional trims to choose from, consumers are more likely to find a model that fits their exact needs with the RAV4. If going off-roading is something you’re interested in doing, Toyota offers the RAV4 in the capable TRD Off-Road trim that comes with tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, TRD skid plates, and more. The Tucson doesn’t have anything that matches the TRD Off-Road.
When it comes to performance, the RAV4 has slightly more power than the Tucson. The RAV4 comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 203 horsepower. The Tucson’s standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 187 hp. Despite making more power, the RAV4 barely edges out the Tucson with its 30-mpg combined rating. The EPA gave the Tucson a combined rating of 29 mpg.
With standard safety features that include pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition, the RAV4 has a longer list of safety features than the Tucson. Both compact SUVs offer roughly similar optional safety features.
What The Hyundai Tucson Gets Right
Hyundai continues to offer vehicles that are excellent value propositions, and it’s the same case with the 2022 Tucson. Pricing for the Tucson starts at $26,145 including destination, while the RAV4 carries a starting price tag of $27,425. The Tucson may be more affordable than the RAV4, but it comes with a larger standard touchscreen – 8.8 inches compared to 7 inches. Hyundai also fits the Tucson with standard wireless smartphone compatibility, which isn’t offered on the RAV4.
When it comes to cargo space, Hyundai claims the Tucson can hold up to 80.3 cubic feet. That’s an enormous amount for the compact class and easily beats the RAV4’s maximum cargo capacity of up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Additionally, the Tucson has more headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room in the front two seats than the RAV4.
While the RAV4 wears a rugged design, the new Tucson features a more futuristic look. The unique front grille gives the compact SUV a bold look that overshadows the RAV4. Park these two SUVs side by side, and the Tucson is going to get a lot more attention. Hyundai's new look is mirrored by the redesigned Elantra and Sonata.
How Important Is Off-Roading?
If you plan to spend the majority of your time driving on the tarmac, the Tucson is the better option. It’s more affordable and comes with more high-tech features. Plus, it’s more spacious. But the lack of a performance trim or an off-roading-oriented model hurt its overall appeal.
Our Verdict: Toyota RAV4
The all-new Hyundai Tucson is a more competitive compact SUV than ever before, but it falls slightly behind the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 may cost more, but it has more standard safety features, better fuel economy figures, and more trims to choose from, which include a capable off-roading model. Even if you never plan to go off-roading, having more options to choose from is a good thing.