Head-to-head
2026 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Toyota RAV4
Too close to call: Hyundai Tucson 86.3 vs Toyota RAV4 86.2 with these weights. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on fuel & range and safety. Raise the safety weight from 4 to 4.1 and it flips.
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2026 Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Tuc…
vs
A2026 Toyota RAV4
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the RAV4, is EPA-rated at 43 mpg c…
Verdict · default weights
2026 Hyundai Tucson
Toss-upToo close to call: Hyundai Tucson 86.3 vs Toyota RAV4 86.2 with these weights. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on fuel & range and safety. Raise the safety weight from 4 to 4.1 and it flips.
Tech & comfort 2026 Hyundai Tucson leads by 55.6
Fuel & range 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads by 35.2
Safety 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads by 21.1
| Category · weight | 2026 Hyundai Tucsonoverall 86.3 | 2026 Toyota RAV4overall 86.2 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 93.1 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 64.8 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 70.5 | 91.6 | ||||||||||||
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 | 92.8 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 88.5 | 97.2 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 44.4 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 86.3 | 86.2 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Hyundai Tucson: base trim SE FWD · Toyota RAV4: base trim LE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the safety weight from 4 to 4.1 and the answer flips.
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 2026 Hyundai Tucson wins
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (49.5 points against 22 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It lists 33 standard driver-assist features against 25.
- It starts $2,200 lower ($29,700 against $31,900 base MSRP).
Where the 2026 Toyota RAV4 answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (42 against 99 filed with NHTSA).
- It costs $850 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,550 against $2,400).
What they share
- 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
51 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $29,700 | $31,900 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | Atkinson Cycle |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,497 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.5L GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder aluminum alloy block with aluminum alloy cylinder head |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 226 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | — | 47 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | — | 43 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | — | 40 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.648 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | — |
| Transmission type | automatic | cvt |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in | 8.1 in |
| Overall height | 65.6 in | 66.7 in |
| Overall length | 183 in | 181 in |
| Overall width | 73.4 in | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | 109 in | 106 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 80.3 cu-ft | 70.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 41.2 cu-ft | 37.8 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 147 cu-ft | 98.9 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.1 in | 37.9 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.5 in | 39.5 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.4 in | 41 in |
| Second-row legroom | 41.3 in | 37.8 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 3,640 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | — | 3,640 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 4,920 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson strut with coil springs | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS), rack and pinion, column-mounted | Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack-mounted parallel-type |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 38.6 ft | 36.9 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 325 mm | 305 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Electronic | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 300 mm | 282 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 17 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | alloy |
| Wheel width | 7 in | 7.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 235/65R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.3 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Bluelink+ | Toyota Connected Services |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57.6 in | 57 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 56 in | 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
145 features · differences first, then sharedSafety32 differ · 45 listed
| Feature | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning Detection | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA) | std | — |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | std | — |
| Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) | — | std |
| Downhill Assist Control (DAC) | std | — |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | std | — |
| Rear side airbags (2) | std | — |
| Safe Exit Warning (SEW) | std | — |
| Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) | — | std |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts | — | std |
| 5-position seatbelt reminder | std | — |
| Adjustable front shoulder anchors | — | std |
| Anti-theft System integrated with remote keyless entry and panic alarm | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | — | std |
| Bodyside reinforcements | std | — |
| Brake Assist | std | — |
| 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 |
| Front and outboard second-row seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | — | std |
| Front and rear side-impact door beams | — | std |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats | — | std |
| LATCH Lower Anchors and Upper Tether Anchors | std | — |
| Occupant Classification System (OCS) - Seat weight sensor and seat track sensor | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert (door logic-type) | std | — |
| Side air curtains with rollover sensors | std | — |
| Steering wheel haptic feedback (for LKA and BCA) | std | — |
| Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) | — | std |
| Vehicle Stability Management | std | — |
| Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control w/Eco Mode (DRCC) | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 4.0 (TSS 4.0) — Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control w/Eco Mode (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Proactive Driving Assist | std | std |
| Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | std | 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 | 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 | 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 | std |
| Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | 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 | std |
| Traction Control (TRAC) | std | std |
| Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert | std | std |
Infotainment16 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3" color touchscreen with AM/FM, HD Radio™, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio system with 6-speakers (ccNC Lite) | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Spotify® – separate subscription required) compatibility. 30-day trial subscription with Unlimited Hotspot Data | — | std |
| 10.5-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia, six speakers, with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 360L with 3-month trial | — | std |
| 2 - 15w front USB-C charging ports and 1 center console media USB-C charging port | — | std |
| Bluelink+ Connected Car System | std | — |
| Controller OTA update capability | std | — |
| Drive Connect — 1-year trial for Limited AWD, XSE, GR SPORT; capable/subscription required for others | — | std |
| Drive Recorder Dash Cam- integrated drive recording system that utilizes front and rear (front and Panoramic View Monitor if equipped) camera systems for video recording | — | std |
| Front Dual USB Type-C ports (1 data/charge + 1 charge port (27W)) | std | — |
| HD Radio™ Technology | std | — |
| Remote Connect — 1-year trial subscription | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — 5-year minimum trial subscription | — | std |
| Second row Dual USB ports (27W charging power) | std | — |
| Service Connect — 5-year minimum trial subscription | — | std |
| SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (3-month trial subscription) | std | — |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ | std | — |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone and voice-command via steering wheel | std | std |
| Steering wheel controls for audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice-command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) | std | std |
Convenience12 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, and panic functions, power liftgate and remote illuminated entry | std | — |
| Electronic Parking Brake w/ Automatic Vehicle Hold | std | — |
| One 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet in front instrument panel storage tray and one 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet [12v] in cargo area | — | std |
| Power door locks | std | — |
| Power Window Switches - Driver auto down/up | std | — |
| Proximity w/ detachable valet key (2) | std | — |
| Remote keyless entry system with alarm and panic | std | — |
| Remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic functions, and remote illuminated entry | — | std |
| Remote release Hood | std | — |
| Storage tray (below 12-volt outlet) | std | — |
| 12-volt outlet (2) - Front (1) / cargo (1) | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down and jam protection in all positions | — | std |
Climate5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| After-Blow logic | std | — |
| Cabin air filter | std | — |
| Dual zone automatic climate control system with dust and pollen filter and rear-seat vents | — | std |
| Manual air conditioning | std | — |
| Rear seat heater ducts | std | — |
Seating6 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 Split fold-down & reclining rear seatback with adjustable head restraint | std | — |
| 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | — | std |
| 60/40 split reclining fold-flat rear seat with center armrest and cup holders | — | std |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | — | std |
| Remote release folding rear seats (from cargo) | std | — |
| Rear center armrest with cupholders | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | std |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | std |
Interior23 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2" Multi-Information Display | std | — |
| 12.3-in. digital gauge cluster with customizable settings, integrated multimedia information, odometer, tripmeters, clock, outside temperature, rear passenger seatbelt indicators, fuel gauge, hybrid energy monitor, battery charge meter, fuel economy information, trip timer, shift-position and scheduled maintenance indicators, and warning messages | — | std |
| 3-spoke steering wheel | std | — |
| Assist grips (4) | std | — |
| Bag hook - 2nd row seat back | std | — |
| Central dome light (with delay) and auto cut-off | std | — |
| Cruise control buttons | std | — |
| Cupholders, Dual - Front center console-mounted | std | — |
| Door handles - Metal paint | std | — |
| Front center console - Fixed armrest storage box | std | — |
| Glove compartment with Damper | std | — |
| I/P switch illumination (hazard) | std | — |
| Illuminated power window switches | std | — |
| Overhead console with maplights, sunglasses storage and Safety Connect® button | — | std |
| Rear coat hanger (1) | std | — |
| Roof trim - Gray | std | — |
| Tilt & Telescoping steering wheel | std | — |
| Floor mats - Carpeted | opt | — |
| Front and Rear LED overhead lighting | std | — |
| LED Cargo area light | std | — |
| Seatback map pocket(s) | std | — |
| Sunvisors - Dual vanity mirror with cover, w/ sliding function | std | — |
| Trip odometer | std | — |
| Day/night rearview mirror | std | std |
Exterior19 differ · 22 listed
| Feature | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED projector low- and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and front side marker lamp with chrome accent, Automatic High Beams (AHB) | — | std |
| Acoustic Laminated Windshield | std | — |
| Automatic headlights | std | — |
| Bi-LED headlights (high/low beam) | std | — |
| Body color door handles | std | — |
| Bodycolor side mirror housing | std | — |
| Chrome upper door window molding | std | — |
| Front variable intermittent windshield wipers | std | — |
| Intermittent rear window wiper/washer (non-variable) | std | — |
| LED front turn signals | std | — |
| LED taillights | — | std |
| Low-profile black roof rails | — | std |
| Shark-fin roof antenna | std | — |
| Side sills - Material Black | std | — |
| Privacy glass on all rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | — | std |
| Rear window defroster with timer | std | — |
| Solar glass - Front Door, Windshield | std | — |
| Mud Guards - Front/Rear | opt | — |
| Roof-mounted Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| Color-keyed upper front bumper, and satin black lower front bumper, overfenders and rear bumper | std | std |
| Spare Tire/Wheel Temporary | std | std |
Powertrain2 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| AWD Lock | opt | — |
| Idle Stop & Go | std | — |
| FWD (LE, SE, XLE Premium) | std | std |
| Center console with covered storage compartment, reversible armrest/console tray, two cup holders, drive mode (trail, snow, normal and EV mode), auto LSD/VSC, Electric Parking Brake (EPB) and automatic Brake Hold controls, and front storage tray | std | std |
Cargo7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Tow Hitch | opt | — |
| Cargo area tonneau cover | — | std |
| Cargo cover - Retractable | opt | — |
| Cargo tie-down anchors (6) - 3 on each side, 2 floor & 1 upper per side | std | — |
| Dual level cargo floor (n/a on PHEV) | std | — |
| Height-adjustable rear cargo area deck board | — | std |
| Trailer pre-wiring | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPHyundai Tucson
Safety Signal 70 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 6
Owner complaints 99 · 21 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (50), Unspecified (21), Electrical System (19)
Top recalls
- high Suspension 26V692000 · 24 vehicles
- high Forward Collision Avoidance 26V316000 · 423,062 vehicles
- high Air Bags 26V254000 · 2,931 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 25V549000 · 29 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 26V047000 · 41,651 vehicles
- minor Electrical System 26V400000 · 96,310 vehicles
Toyota RAV4
Safety Signal 94 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 42 · 3 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (17), Unspecified (13), Electrical System (8)
Top recalls
- minor Engine And Engine Cooling 26V659000 · 30,978 vehicles
- minor Equipment 26V571000 · 135 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Hyundai TucsonSE FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29,700 (base trim) | $31,900 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $29,700 – $48,900 21 trims | $31,900 – $48,500 13 trims |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV, GAS | HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Tucson FWD | RAV4 |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 28 | 43 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,400 | $1,550 |
| EV range | — | — |
| 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 2026 Hyundai Tucson or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
Too close to call: Hyundai Tucson 86.3 vs Toyota RAV4 86.2 with these weights. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on fuel & range and safety. Raise the safety weight from 4 to 4.1 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Hyundai Tucson scores 86.3 and the 2026 Toyota RAV4 86.2. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson starts lower — $29,700 against $31,900, a gap of $2,200 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson or the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
2026 Hyundai Tucson: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 6 recalls. 2026 Toyota RAV4: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 2 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 2026 Hyundai Tucson and the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
Where the 2026 Hyundai Tucson wins: it lists more comfort and tech equipment (49.5 points against 22 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), lists 33 standard driver-assist features against 25, and starts $2,200 lower ($29,700 against $31,900 base MSRP). Where the 2026 Toyota RAV4 answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (42 against 99 filed with NHTSA) and costs $850 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,550 against $2,400). What they share: 5 seats.