2023 Tesla Model Y vs 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 83.9 to 75.6, on fuel & range. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is ahead on safety.
2023 Tesla Model Y
The 2023 Tesla Model Y is sold in the U.S. as an electric compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model Y Long Range AWD, is…
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid compact SUV. The most efficient version, the RAV4 Prime 4WD, is EPA-rated at 38 mpg combined.…
2023 Tesla Model Y
Clear winThe Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 83.9 to 75.6, on fuel & range. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is ahead on safety.
| Category · weight | 2023 Toyota RAV4 Primeoverall 75.6 | 2023 Tesla Model Yoverall 83.9 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | ||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 33.2 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 95.3 | 63.8 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | ||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortnot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | ||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 75.6 | 83.9 | ||||||||||||
Safety-only comparison · 3 of 7 categories compared · specs not available for Tesla Model Y
Toyota RAV4 Prime: base trim SE AWD · Tesla Model Y: safety only (EPA and NHTSA record; specs not available). Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2023 Tesla Model Y wins
- It is rated 123 combined against 38 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,150 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($600 against $1,750).
Where the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (65 against 1,188 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 47).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
44 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Basics | ||
| Cylinder count | 4 | — |
| Engine displacement | 2,487 cc | — |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder, aluminum alloy block with aluminum alloy cylinder head | — |
| Fuel injection system | D-4S | — |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 177 hp | — |
| Torque | 165 lb-ft | — |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 40 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 38 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 36 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Transmission type | Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode | — |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in | — |
| Overall height | 67 in | — |
| Overall length | 181 in | — |
| Overall width | 73 in | — |
| Wheelbase | 106 in | — |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 63.1 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 33.4 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 37.7 in | — |
| Second-row headroom | 39.5 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41 in | — |
| Second-row legroom | 37.8 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,235 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,235 lbs | — |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,530 lbs | — |
| Payload capacity | 1,295 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar | — |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link with stabilizer bar | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion | — |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 36.1 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 328 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Parking brake type | epb | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 315 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | — |
| Wheel material | alloy | — |
| Wheel width | 7 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 225/60R18 | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.5 gal | — |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57.8 in | — |
| Second-row shoulder room | 56.4 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
66 features · differences first, then sharedSafety1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | — |
Interior10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Passenger Volume: 98.9 cu. ft. w/moonroof / 101.3 cu. ft. without moonroof | std | — |
| Headroom w/ moonroof - First: 37.7 in. | std | — |
| Headroom w/ moonroof - Second: 39.5 in. | std | — |
| Hip Room - First: 54.3 in. | std | — |
| Hip Room - Second: 47.7 in. | std | — |
| Legroom - First: 41.0 in. | std | — |
| Legroom - Second: 37.8 in. | std | — |
| Seating Capacity: 5 | std | — |
| Shoulder Room - First: 57.8 in. | std | — |
| Shoulder Room - Second: 56.4 in. | std | — |
Exterior11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Approach/Departure Angle: 18.6 / 21.4 degrees | std | — |
| EPA Class: Small SUV | std | — |
| Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (SE) / 8.3 in. (XSE) | std | — |
| Overall Height (with antenna): 67.0 in. (SE) / 67.2 in. (XSE) | std | — |
| Overall Length: 180.9 in. | std | — |
| Overall Width: 73.0 in. | std | — |
| Tire Size: 225/60R18 (SE) / 235/55R19 (XSE) | std | — |
| Wheel Size: 18 x 7.0 in. (SE) / 19 x 7.5 in. (XSE) | std | — |
| Wheel Type and Material: Standard aluminum alloy | std | — |
| Wheelbase: 105.9 in. | std | — |
| Spare Tire/Wheel: Temporary | std | — |
Powertrain25 differ · 25 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | std | — |
| 3.3 kW Charging Time (120V at 12A/240V at 16A): 12 / 4.5 hr. | std | — |
| Battery Pack Type: 18.1 kWh Lithium-Ion | std | — |
| Battery Voltage: 355.2V | std | — |
| Bore x Stroke: 87.5 x 103.4 mm | std | — |
| Charger: 3.3 kW on-board charger (optional 6.6 kW on XSE) | std | — |
| Compression Ratio: 14.0:1 | std | — |
| Displacement: 2,487 cc | std | — |
| Electric Driving Range: 42 miles | std | — |
| Electric Motor Power Output, front/rear: 179/53 hp (134/40 kW) | std | — |
| Electric Motor Torque, front/rear: 199/89 lb.-ft. | std | — |
| Electric Motors Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous | std | — |
| Emission Certification: SULEV | std | — |
| Engine Oil: SAE OW-16; 4.8 qt. with oil filter change | std | — |
| Engine Type: 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder, aluminum alloy block with aluminum alloy cylinder head | std | — |
| EPA Estimated Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined MPG): 40/36/38 | std | — |
| Fuel Capacity: 14.5 gal. | std | — |
| Fuel System: D-4S | std | — |
| Horsepower: 177 hp @ 6,000 rpm | std | — |
| Hybrid System Net Horsepower: 302 combined net hp | std | — |
| MPGe: 94 | std | — |
| Recommended Fuel: 87-octane unleaded or higher | std | — |
| Torque: 165 lb.-ft. @ 3,600 rpm | std | — |
| Transmission Type: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode | std | — |
| Valve train: 16-valves (four-valve/cylinder), Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft, and Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system (VVT-i) on the exhaust camshaft | std | — |
Chassis15 differ · 15 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes Front Diameter: 12.9in. | std | — |
| Brakes Front Type: Ventilated disc | std | — |
| Brakes Rear Diameter: 12.4in. | std | — |
| Brakes Rear Type: Ventilated disc | std | — |
| Curb Weight: 4,235 lbs. (SE) / 4,300 lbs. (XSE) | std | — |
| GVWR: 5,530 lbs. | std | — |
| Parking: Electronic Parking Brake | std | — |
| Payload: 1,295 lbs. (SE) / 1,230 lbs. (XSE) | std | — |
| Stabilizer Bar Diameter (front/rear): 25.4/23.2mm | std | — |
| Steering Overall Ratio: 14.3:1 (SE) / 14.4:1 (XSE) | std | — |
| Steering Turning Circle Diameter (curb-to-curb): 36.1 ft. (SE) / 37.4 ft (XSE) | std | — |
| Steering Turns (lock-to-lock): 2.76 (SE) / 2.65 (XSE) | std | — |
| Steering Type: Electric Power Steering (EPS); rack-mounted parallel-type electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system | std | — |
| Suspension Front: MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Suspension Rear: multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar | std | — |
Cargo4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume - Behind front row w/ second row folded: 63.1 cu. ft. w/ moonroof / 63.2 cu. ft. without moonroof | std | — |
| Cargo Volume - Behind second row: 33.4 cu. ft. w/moonroof / 33.5 cu. ft. without moonroof | std | — |
| Max Towing Capacity: 2,500 lbs. | std | — |
| Maximum Tongue Weight (10% of Tow Rating): 250 lbs. | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota RAV4 Prime
Top recalls
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
Tesla Model Y
Top recalls
- critical Steering 23V385000 · 137 vehicles
- high Exterior Lighting 26V507000 · 20,349 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Steering 25V092000 · 376,241 vehicles
- high Latches/Locks/Linkages 24V554000 · 1,849,638 vehicles
- high Electrical System 23V434000 · 26 vehicles
- high Seats 23V130000 · 3,470 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota RAV4 PrimeSE AWD | Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $43,690 (base trim) | — |
| Price range across trims | $43,690 – $47,560 2 trims | — |
| Powertrains | PHEV | BEV |
| EPA configuration compared | RAV4 Prime 4WD | Model Y AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 38 | 123 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,750 | $600 |
| EV range | — | 279 mi |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Roadside assistance | 2 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime or the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 83.9 to 75.6, on fuel & range. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is ahead on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2023 Tesla Model Y scores 83.9 and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime 75.6. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime or the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 2 recalls. 2023 Tesla Model Y: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 17 recalls (1 filed with no repair available). Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime and the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
Where the 2023 Tesla Model Y wins: it is rated 123 combined against 38 (EPA mpg or MPGe) and costs $1,150 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($600 against $1,750). Where the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (65 against 1,188 filed with NHTSA) and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 47). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 5 seats.