Matchup
Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 RAV4 XLE Premium AWD against the 2026 Tucson SEL AWD, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 24, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the Tucson costs $4,800 less: $34,150 against $38,950 for the RAV4, destination included. PublishedToyotaPublishedHyundai
- The RAV4 is rated 41 mpg combined by the EPA, 15 mpg better than the Tucson (26 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the RAV4 costs about $945 a year less to run: $1,638/yr against $2,583/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The RAV4 gets to 60 mph 1.7 s sooner: 7.1 s against 8.8 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
Who each one suits
The RAV4 hybrid’s 41 mpg against the Tucson’s 26 is worth about $945 a year at 15,000 miles, which pays back the $4,800 price gap in these trims in about five years. It’s also quicker and tows 750 lb more.
The Tucson is the cheaper way in and the roomier one for people: more rear knee room and 1.9 in of head room for a 6-ft-4 driver, where the RAV4 has none to spare. It has full IIHS crash results (Good, Good, Good); the new RAV4 has no rating yet.
At a glance
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $38,950PublishedToyota | $34,150PublishedHyundai |
| Powertrain | 2.5 L four-cylinder + three electric motors · Electronic on-demand AWD (rear motor) | 2.5 L four-cylinder, direct and port injection, 13.0:1 compression · HTRAC AWD (electronically controlled rear coupling) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 8.8 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 179 ft (54.6 m)TestedCar and Driver | 178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 37.8 cu ft (1,070 L)PublishedToyota | 38.7 cu ft (1,096 L)PublishedHyundai |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada | 6Simulatedfrom Hyundai |
| Seats | 5PublishedKBB | 5PublishedHyundai |
| Crash ratings | No safety rating yet · new for 2026 | IIHS crash tests G/G/G |
Acceleration
The RAV4 gets to 60 mph 1.7 s sooner: 7.1 s against 8.8 s.
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 236 hp (176 kW)PublishedToyota | 187 hp (139 kW)PublishedHyundai |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft (221 Nm)PublishedToyota | 178 lb-ft (241 Nm)PublishedHyundai |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 8.8 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 7.0 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 8.8 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 5.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 6.0 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 15.3 sTestedCar and Driver | 16.7 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the Tucson on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 179 ft (54.6 m)TestedCar and Driver | 178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | no data | 120 ft (36.6 m)TestedMotorTrend |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 370 ft (112.8 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 367 ft (111.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 283 ft (86.3 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 281 ft (85.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 172 ft (52.3 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 170 ft (51.8 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the Tucson on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.24Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.22Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
Efficiency and running costs
The RAV4 is rated 41 mpg combined by the EPA, 15 mpg better than the Tucson (26 mpg).
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $1,638/yrDerivedEPA | $2,583/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 26 mpg (9.1 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.33Estimate | 0.33PublishedHyundai |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
The RAV4 turns in a 1.7 ft tighter circle: 36.9 ft against 38.6 ft.
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | no data | 0.83 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.79 gSimulated, estimated inputs | 0.83 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.25 gSimulated, estimated inputs | 0.25 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 36.9 ft (11.2 m)PublishedToyota Canada | 38.6 ft (11.8 m)PublishedHyundai |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in (21 cm)PublishedToyota Canada | 8.3 in (21 cm)PublishedHyundai |
| Tires | All-season touring · 235/60R18PublishedToyota Canada | 235/60R18 all-season · 235/60R18PublishedHyundai |
Space, luggage and fit
Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +4.8 in of knee room in the Tucson and +2.3 in in the RAV4.
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5PublishedKBB | 5PublishedHyundai |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada | 6Simulatedfrom Hyundai |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 2Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada | 4Simulatedfrom Hyundai |
| Cargo behind the second row | 37.8 cu ft (1,070 L)PublishedToyota | 38.7 cu ft (1,096 L)PublishedHyundai |
| Cargo, seats folded | 70.4 cu ft (1,994 L)PublishedToyota | 74.8 cu ft (2,118 L)PublishedHyundai |
| Towing | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedToyota | 2,750 lb (1,247 kg)PublishedHyundai |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | 0.0 in (0 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +1.9 in (5 cm)Simulatedfrom Hyundai |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +4.2 in (11 cm)Simulatedfrom Hyundai |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +5.3 in (14 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +7.2 in (18 cm)Simulatedfrom Hyundai |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.5 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +2.5 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Hyundai |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +4.8 in (12 cm)Simulatedfrom Hyundai |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | −0.1 in head · −2.0 in kneeSimulatedfrom KBB | −0.1 in head · +0.5 in kneeSimulatedfrom Hyundai |
| Front head room, published | 37.9 in (96 cm)PublishedKBB | 40.1 in (102 cm)PublishedHyundai |
| Rear head room, published | 39.5 in (100 cm)PublishedKBB | 39.5 in (100 cm)PublishedHyundai |
| Rear leg room, published | 37.8 in (96 cm)PublishedKBB | 41.3 in (105 cm)PublishedHyundai |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the Tucson on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | 69 dBAEstimateCar and Driver | no data |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the RAV4’s hood hides the first 17 ft of road; the Tucson’s hides 22 ft.
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 17 ft (5.1 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 22 ft (6.8 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 50%Simulated, estimated inputs | 37%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the Tucson on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | no data | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | no data | 314 ft (95.8 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | no data | 67 mph (109 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | no data | 600 ft (183.0 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the Tucson on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS small overlap front | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 3,865 lb (1,753 kg)PublishedKBB | 3,695 lb (1,676 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Toyota RAV4
- The RAV4 is rated 41 mpg combined by the EPA, 15 mpg better than the Tucson (26 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the RAV4 costs about $945 a year less to run: $1,638/yr against $2,583/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The RAV4 gets to 60 mph 1.7 s sooner: 7.1 s against 8.8 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- From the driver’s seat the RAV4’s hood hides the first 17 ft of road; the Tucson’s hides 22 ft. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated
- Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 5.1 s in the RAV4 and 6.0 s in the Tucson. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- The RAV4 is rated to tow 750 lb more: 3,500 lb against 2,750 lb. PublishedToyotaPublishedHyundai
- The RAV4 makes 49 hp more: 236 hp against 187 hp. PublishedToyotaPublishedHyundai
- Drivers see 50% of the ground within 33 ft of the RAV4’s nose and 37% in the Tucson. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated
- The RAV4 turns in a 1.7 ft tighter circle: 36.9 ft against 38.6 ft. PublishedToyota CanadaPublishedHyundai
Hyundai Tucson
- In the trims shown, the Tucson costs $4,800 less: $34,150 against $38,950 for the RAV4, destination included. PublishedToyotaPublishedHyundai
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +4.8 in of knee room in the Tucson and +2.3 in in the RAV4. Simulatedfrom KBBSimulatedfrom Hyundai
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +1.9 in between head and headliner in the Tucson and 0.0 in in the RAV4. Simulatedfrom KBBSimulatedfrom Hyundai
- In our simulation the Tucson corners at up to 0.83 g against 0.79 g for the RAV4. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
Other trims
- Tucson SEL AWD · on this page
- Tucson Hybrid Limited AWD
Keep comparing
- All the Toyota RAV4 figures
- All the Hyundai Tucson figures
- Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4 vs Tesla Model Y
- Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5
- Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan
- Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Tucson vs Honda CR-V
- Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX-5
- Hyundai Tucson vs Subaru Forester
- Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai Ioniq 5
Sources
- Toyota: 2026 RAV4 trims and MSRP, $1,450 delivery, processing and handling (2026-09)
- Hyundai Motor America: 2026 Tucson features & specs (trims, MSRP, weights, interior, cargo) (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Toyota RAV4 ratings (2026-09)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Hyundai Tucson AWD (id 49500) and Tucson Hybrid AWD (id 49498) ratings (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Limited AWD) (2025-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2022 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L Is Dazzling but Slow (Limited AWD) (2021-06)
- Toyota USA Newsroom: The Next Adventure Begins: 2026 RAV4 Arrives this Winter (2025-11)
- Toyota Canada: 2026 RAV4 Hybrid product information (dimensions, brakes, tires) (2026-01)
- Kelley Blue Book: 2026 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium specs (2026-09)
- MotorTrend: 2025 Hyundai Tucson XRT First Test (HTRAC AWD) (2025-01)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2025 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD (VehicleId 20563): 17.4% rollover risk (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: 2026 Hyundai Tucson review (Tucson XRT 75-mph highway test) (2026-10)
- Hyundai Motor America Newsroom: 2025 Tucson specifications and features (track by wheel size, Cd 0.33) (2024-12)
- IIHS: 2026 Hyundai Tucson ratings (crash tests apply to 2022–26; headlights to 2025–26) (2026-10)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.