Head-to-head
2025 Tesla Model Y vs 2025 Toyota RAV4
The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 97.7 to 71.7, on fuel & range, safety.
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2025 Tesla Model Y
The 2025 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 RWD, is…
vs
B2025 Toyota RAV4
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the RAV4 H…
Verdict · default weights
2025 Tesla Model Y
Clear winThe Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 97.7 to 71.7, on fuel & range, safety.
Fuel & range 2025 Tesla Model Y leads by 74.2
Safety 2025 Tesla Model Y leads by 3
| Category · weight | 2025 Toyota RAV4overall 71.7 | 2025 Tesla Model Yoverall 97.7 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | ||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 25.8 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 91.9 | 94.9 | ||||||||||||
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 | 71.7 | 97.7 | ||||||||||||
Safety-only comparison · 3 of 7 categories compared · specs not available for Tesla Model Y
Toyota RAV4: base trim LE FWD · Tesla Model Y: safety only (EPA and NHTSA record; specs not available). Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Tesla Model Y wins
- It is rated 125 combined against 30 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,650 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($600 against $2,250).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 81).
Where the 2025 Toyota RAV4 answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (105 against 108 filed with NHTSA).
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
50 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $28,850 | — |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | — |
| 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 | 203 hp | — |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | — |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 27 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 30 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 35 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.177 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | — |
| Transmission type | automatic | — |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.4 in | — |
| Overall height | 67 in | — |
| Overall length | 181 in | — |
| Overall width | 73 in | — |
| Wheelbase | 106 in | — |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 69.8 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 37.5 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 98.9 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) | 3,370 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,370 lbs | — |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,610 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar | — |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power Steering (EPS); electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion | — |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 36.1 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 305 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Parking brake type | epb | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 282 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | — |
| Wheel material | steel | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 225/65R17 | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.5 gal | — |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Toyota Safety Connect / Remote Connect / Service Connect / Wi-Fi Connect | — |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | 12 months | — |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 120 months | — |
| 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
44 features · differences first, then sharedSafety17 differ · 17 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | std | — |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) | std | — |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | opt | — |
| Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control | std | — |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Hold | std | — |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats | std | — |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | — |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5) — Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA) | std | — |
| Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert. | std | — |
Infotainment7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music™) compatibility. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with silver accent and red-stitching, and controls for audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice-command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA) | std | — |
| 8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia, six speakers, with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatible, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | std | — |
| Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with silver accent and red-stitching, and controls for audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice-command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA) | std | — |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch. Allows you to lock/unlock doors, start and stop the vehicle, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status and monitor guest drivers. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. Subscription required. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
Convenience1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Power windows with auto up/down and jam protection in all positions | std | — |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Climate control system with dust and pollen filter and rear-seat vents | std | — |
Seating3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 split reclining fold-flat rear seat with center armrest and cup holders | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 6-way adjustable front driver's seat; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | — |
| 60/40 split reclining fold-flat rear seat with center armrest and cup holders | std | — |
Interior3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Day/night rearview mirror | std | — |
| Sun visors with sliding extensions and illuminated vanity mirrors | std | — |
| Black carpet flooring with driver-side footrest | std | — |
Exterior9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED accent lights, Automatic High Beams (AHB) and auto on/off | std | — |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, and folding feature | std | — |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, and folding feature | opt | — |
| Dual chrome-tipped exhaust | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) accent lighting | std | — |
| LED taillights | std | — |
| Privacy glass on all rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | — |
| Rear liftgate window defogger | std | — |
| Spare Tire/Wheel - Temporary | std | — |
Powertrain1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive | std | — |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo area tonneau cover | opt | — |
| Height-adjustable rear cargo area deck board | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota RAV4
Safety Signal 81 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 105 · 12 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (28), Visibility/Wiper (16), Electrical System (15)
Top recalls
- high Seats 26V256000 · 4 vehicles
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
- minor Equipment 26V179000 · 8,230 vehicles
Tesla Model Y
Safety Signal 89 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 3
Owner complaints 108 · 33 crashes · 3 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (64), Unspecified (26), Lane Departure (25)
Top recalls
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V002000 · 239,382 vehicles
- minor Equipment 26V315000 · 14,575 vehicles
- minor Tires 24V935000 · 696,281 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $28,850 (base trim) | — |
| Price range across trims | $28,850 – $47,735 19 trims | — |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV, GAS | BEV |
| EPA configuration compared | RAV4 | Model Y Long Range RWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 30 | 125 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,250 | $600 |
| EV range | — | 337 mi |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 or the 2025 Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 97.7 to 71.7, on fuel & range, safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Tesla Model Y scores 97.7 and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 71.7. 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 2025 Toyota RAV4 or the 2025 Tesla Model Y?
2025 Toyota RAV4: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 4 recalls. 2025 Tesla Model Y: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 3 recalls. 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 2025 Toyota RAV4 and the 2025 Tesla Model Y?
Where the 2025 Tesla Model Y wins: it is rated 125 combined against 30 (EPA mpg or MPGe), costs $1,650 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($600 against $2,250), and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 81). Where the 2025 Toyota RAV4 answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (105 against 108 filed with NHTSA). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 5 seats.