Head-to-head
2026 Tesla Model Y vs 2026 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 edges it, 85.3 to 80.5, on safety, price, tech & comfort. The Tesla Model Y is ahead on fuel & range and warranty. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.4 and it flips.
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2026 Tesla Model Y
The 2026 Tesla Model Y is sold in the U.S. as an electric compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model Y Long Range RWD, is…
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 Toyota RAV4
Slight edgeThe Toyota RAV4 edges it, 85.3 to 80.5, on safety, price, tech & comfort. The Tesla Model Y is ahead on fuel & range and warranty. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.4 and it flips.
Safety 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads by 53.8
Fuel & range 2026 Tesla Model Y leads by 65.9
Price 2026 Toyota RAV4 leads by 20.2
| Category · weight | 2026 Toyota RAV4overall 85.3 | 2026 Tesla Model Yoverall 80.5 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 79.8 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 34.1 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 96.4 | 42.6 | ||||||||||||
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 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancenot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 86.4 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantyw 2 | 73.5 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Basic and powertrain coverage in years and miles. | ||||||||||||||
| Overall | 85.3 | 80.5 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Toyota RAV4: base trim LE FWD · Tesla Model Y: base trim Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.4 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 Toyota RAV4 wins
- It lists 25 standard driver-assist features against 2.
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (42 against 419 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 94 against 65).
Where the 2026 Tesla Model Y answers
- It is rated 138 combined against 43 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($550 against $1,550).
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.
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Specifications side by side
49 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $31,900 | $39,990 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | Atkinson Cycle | — |
| 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 | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel injection system | D-4S | — |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 226 hp | — |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft | — |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 47 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 43 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 40 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Transmission type | cvt | — |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in | 6.4 in |
| Overall height | 66.7 in | 63.8 in |
| Overall length | 181 in | 189 in |
| Overall width | 73 in | 78 in |
| Wheelbase | 106 in | — |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 70.4 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 37.8 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 98.9 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 37.9 in | — |
| Second-row headroom | 39.5 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41 in | — |
| Second-row legroom | 37.8 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,640 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,640 lbs | 4,061 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,920 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar | — |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link with stabilizer bar | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack-mounted parallel-type | — |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 36.9 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 | alloy | — |
| Wheel width | 7.5 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 235/65R17 | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.5 gal | — |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Toyota Connected Services | Grok |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | 12 months | — |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 60 months | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57 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
96 features · differences first, then sharedSafety27 differ · 27 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control w/Eco Mode (DRCC) | 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) | std | — |
| Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) | 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 | — |
| 8 exterior cameras | — | std |
| Adjustable front shoulder anchors | std | — |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | 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 | — |
| Full Self-Driving (Supervised) capable; Traffic-aware cruise control | — | 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 | — |
| Traction Control (TRAC) | std | — |
| Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) | std | — |
| Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert | std | — |
Infotainment19 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2 wireless phone chargers | — | 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 | — |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone and voice-command via steering wheel | std | — |
| 10.5-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia, six speakers, with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 360L with 3-month trial | std | — |
| 15.4" Center Touchscreen | — | std |
| 16'' First-row touchscreen | — | std |
| 2 - 15w front USB-C charging ports and 1 center console media USB-C charging port | std | — |
| 3 USB-C ports | — | std |
| 7Speaker audio system | — | std |
| Basic Vehicle Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first | — | std |
| Cellular data, Wi-Fi, ultra-wide band and Bluetooth connectivity | — | 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 | — |
| Grok voice assistant | — | std |
| MSRP (starting price, USD): $39,990 / $41,990 / $45,990 / $49,990 / $57,990 / $61,990 | — | std |
| Remote Connect — 1-year trial subscription | std | — |
| Safety Connect® — 5-year minimum trial subscription | std | — |
| Service Connect — 5-year minimum trial subscription | 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 | — |
Convenience4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-free power open on approach | — | 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 | — |
| Remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic functions, and remote illuminated entry | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down and jam protection in all positions | std | — |
Climate2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual zone automatic climate control system with dust and pollen filter and rear-seat vents | std | — |
| Particulate and odor filter; First-row touchscreen-adjust air vents; Second-row manual-adjust air vents | — | std |
Seating10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| First-row heated seats | — | std |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | 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 | — |
| Dual tone with textile and vegan leather | — | std |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 8-way manual-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; 6-way manual front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | — |
| First-row power recline | — | std |
| Five-seat interior | — | std |
| Second-row manual-folding seats | — | std |
Interior6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated steering wheel | — | 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 | — |
| Manual-adjust heated steering wheel | — | std |
| Open center console | — | std |
| Overhead console with maplights, sunglasses storage and Safety Connect® button | std | — |
| Day/night rearview mirror | std | — |
Exterior15 differ · 15 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED projector low- and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and front side marker lamp with chrome accent, Automatic High Beams (AHB) | std | — |
| Ground Clearance: 6.4" | — | std |
| Knit textile roof | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | — |
| LED headlights; Auto high beams | — | std |
| LED taillights | std | — |
| Low-profile black roof rails | std | — |
| Manual-folding side-view mirrors | — | std |
| Overall Height: 63.8" | — | std |
| Overall Length: 188.7" | — | std |
| Weight (Curb Mass): 4,061 lbs | — | std |
| Wheels: 18" or 19" | — | std |
| Privacy glass on all rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | — |
| Color-keyed upper front bumper, and satin black lower front bumper, overfenders and rear bumper | std | — |
| Spare Tire/Wheel Temporary | std | — |
Powertrain8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| FWD (LE, SE, XLE Premium) | std | — |
| 0-60 mph: 6.8 sec | — | std |
| Battery & Drive Unit Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 mi, whichever comes first | — | 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 | — |
| Drive Modes: Chill, Standard | — | std |
| Range (EPA est.): 321 mi | — | std |
| Supercharge in 15 min: 160 mi | — | std |
| Supercharging Max: 225 kW; Pay Per Use | — | std |
Chassis1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Passive shock absorbers | — | std |
Cargo4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo area tonneau cover | std | — |
| Height-adjustable rear cargo area deck board | std | — |
| Total Cargo Space: 76 cubic feet | — | std |
| Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota 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
Tesla Model Y
Safety Signal 65 D
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 8
Owner complaints 419 · 88 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (163), Unspecified (131), Lane Departure (63)
Top recalls
- high Suspension 26V558000 · 19 vehicles
- high Structure 26V445000 · 15 vehicles
- high Electrical System 25V690000 · 12,963 vehicles
- high Seats 25V410000 · 48 vehicles
- moderate Exterior Lighting 25V658000 · 260 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V490000 · 6 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota RAV4LE FWD | Tesla Model YModel Y Rear-Wheel Drive RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $31,900 (base trim) | $39,990 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $31,900 – $48,500 13 trims | $39,990 – $61,990 6 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV | BEV |
| EPA configuration compared | RAV4 | Model Y Standard RWD (18in Wheels) |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 43 | 138 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,550 | $550 |
| EV range | — | 321 mi |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 or the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
The Toyota RAV4 edges it, 85.3 to 80.5, on safety, price, tech & comfort. The Tesla Model Y is ahead on fuel & range and warranty. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.4 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota RAV4 scores 85.3 and the 2026 Tesla Model Y 80.5. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 or the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 starts lower — $31,900 against $39,990, a gap of $8,090 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 or the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
2026 Toyota RAV4: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 2 recalls. 2026 Tesla Model Y: 5 NHTSA stars, grade D, 8 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 Toyota RAV4 and the 2026 Tesla Model Y?
Where the 2026 Toyota RAV4 wins: it lists 25 standard driver-assist features against 2, has drawn fewer owner complaints (42 against 419 filed with NHTSA), and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 94 against 65). Where the 2026 Tesla Model Y answers: it is rated 138 combined against 43 (EPA mpg or MPGe) and costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($550 against $1,550). What they share: 5 seats.