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The Toyota Rav4 is one of the best and most reliable compact SUVs to buy at the moment. It is not just spacious but comes standard with some of the best hi-tech systems you’d expect from an SUV of its class. The Toyota Rav4 is a decent choice for both men and women and lasts for many years.
Cars Similar to RAV4
While the Rav4 looks good and acceptable from different angles, there are still some other cars you may want to consider as an alternative. So, here are some good cars similar to Rav4. These cars either have similar designs as Rav4 or share the same start price range.
1. Honda CRV
- Starting Price: $25,000 – $27,000
- Engine Power: 190 hp
The Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4 have been rivals since the first models; they both look alike in many ways. Honda CR-V is a compact SUV built for everyday tours on- and off-road. Honda’s CRV line is remarkable for its longevity and high resale value. Inside the CRV looks decent and plushy, regardless of the model year you buy.
Also, the CRV offers massive cargo space and still offers sufficient space for passengers. One of the advantages of the CRV over its competitors is low mpg, which means high fuel economy. The CR-V mirrors the RAV4’s starting price but lacks in infotainment. Power comes from the standard 190hp turbo-four engine.
2. Mazda CX-5
- Starting Price: $27,000 – $30,000
- Engine Power: 187 horsepower
Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV that overtook the Tribute SUV series. It is built for on-road and off-road adventures and comes standard with pretty advanced features. The CX-5 comes with an optional all-wheel drive system for the entry trim levels, but AWD is standard in the higher-level trims – paired with a 2.5L turbo engine.
You’ll get to love the CX-5 because it gives you the feeling of driving a luxury SUV, thanks to the thoughtfully-designed interior. However, while the Mazda CX-5 doesn’t check all boxes for a car considered a Rav4 alternative; it slacks on cargo space – there’s not enough room behind the rear passenger seat. The turbo engine delivers 187 horsepower, which is pretty good but quite poor.
3. Subaru Outback
- Starting Price: $28,000
- Engine Power: 260hp
Subaru came with the vibes of providing SUV lovers with extreme off-road vehicles at incredibly affordable pricing. Unlike other vehicles listed in this article, the Subaru Outback standard with an all-wheel drive system; standard AWD has been a thing for Subaru SUVs, and the Outback isn’t left out in the parade.
However, the Subaru Outback is bigger than the Rav4 – it is added to this list because it offers good gas mileage estimates as the Rav4, coupled with its spacious passenger seats and cargo area. If you were looking for a great off-road SUV, the Outback is an ideal choice, and it offers a lot of room for the family – with a powerful 260hp turbo-four engine.
4. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Starting Price: $30,000
- Engine Power: 219 horsepower
Most times, when people talk of buying a Rav4, they talk about the main version, which only uses gasoline. Not many people know about the outstanding performance and build of the hybrid version. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is an ideal choice for anyone looking to save on fuel without compromising the feeling of driving a Rav4 SUV.
Interestingly, the Rav4 hybrid comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system and fuel-efficient powertrain. Well, you’d be paying an additional $2,500 to the starting price of the regular (nonhybrid) model if you want to buy the hybrid Rav4.
5. Kia Sportage
- Starting Price: $24,000
- Engine Power: 240hp
Sportage is a classical SUV you will easily fall in love with, thanks to the alluring exterior and interior design. Kia Sportage stands as an alternative to the Rav4 due to its starting price and standard features. The Sportage is available for as low as $24,000 for the base trim – for newer model years.
The Sportage offers sufficient space for passengers and cargo even as a compact SUV. It also delivers smooth and responsive handling. The Sportage drives smoothly on rough terrains when you put in the AWD drivetrain, but if you’re buying the highest-trim SX Turbo, you’ll get AWD as a standard offering, along with a turbo 2L 4-cylinder engine.
6. Hyundai Tucson
- Starting Price: $26,000 to $27,000
- Engine Power: 187hp
There is definitely no way anyone’s making a list of cars similar to Rav4 and not including the Tucson, which has been a rival to the Rav4 since its debut in 2005. The Hyundai Tucson is a super-classy ride with a luxury-grade interior, an impressive advanced infotainment system, and a well-comfortable interior, which also offers a lot of space.
Hyundai Tucson comes standard with a four-cylinder 187hp engine, not so close to that of the Rav4, but acceptable. Many Tucson fans love the SUV because of its “precise steering” and distinctive maneuverability. Tucson ranks high in compact crossover SUV rankings and predicted reliability ratings.
7. Ford Escape
- Starting Price: $26,000
- Engine Power: 148hp
Ford Escape is a popular SUV that checks almost all the boxes for any type of SUV you may want to buy. It flaunts a compact design yet is pretty big in size to comfortably contain up to five passengers while still providing sufficient space for cargo. The Escape SUV is considered an alternative to the Rav4 due to its build quality and technological features.
Ford Escape SUVs are typically equipped with turbocharged 1.5L EcoBoost engines with front-wheel drive as the standard drivetrain. Of course, all-wheel drive is available, but not standard on entry and mid-level trims. The least engine option for the Ford Escape SUV produces a miniature 148 horsepower and 177lb-ft of torque.
8. Mitsubishi Outlander
- Starting Price: $26,000
- Engine Power: 181hp
The Outlander is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a Rav4 alternative with better off-road driving capability. Mitsubishi Outlander is a premium compact SUV with a luxury-grade interior and spacious seats while also offering a generous cargo area – much more than what you get on the RAV4.
The Outlander also has a third-row seat, which folds completely if you want bigger cargo space. You’ll love the Outlander because of its generous features, which do not compromise its handling and gas mileage. Mitsubishi Outlander has just one engine – a four-cylinder 181 horsepower engine.
9. Volkswagen Tiguan
- Starting Price: $27,800 – $29,000
- Engine Power: 184hp
You can’t go wrong with a VW model; the German automaker is remarkable for making superior-quality vehicles that last pretty long – offering great value throughout the lifespan. Tiguan is Volkswagen’s entry into the subcompact SUV class, and even though it’s not as powerful as some options mentioned here, it drives smoothly and offers a great on- and off-road experience.
The Volkswagen Tiguan SUV offers enough space for families as it has an option to set up a a three-row seating arrangement for up to seven passengers. AWD is standard for the Tiguan, and the fuel economy estimates are very much close to the Rav4, which makes it a good alternative to consider.
10. Chevrolet Equinox
- Starting Price: $25,000
- Engine Power: 170hp
Chevy Equinox is a modernized SUV with a ton of cutting-edge in-car technological features. The touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations, along with several driver-assist and safety features. Equinox is a compact crossover SUV with a starting price lower than the Rav4.
Although less expensive than most of its competitors, Equinox does not compromise quality, handling, or interior beauty. This SUV is one of the most exciting models to drive, and the fuel economy rating is acceptable.
11. Nissan Rogue
- Starting Price: $27,000
- Engine Power: 201HP
The Nissan Rogue is available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel models with estimated fuel mileage of 30 city/ 37 highway and 33mpg combined. Power comes from the turbo 1.5L three-cylinder engine, which gives you 201hp and 225lb-ft of torque. Nissan Rogue looks attractive from the exterior to the interior.
Also, the Rogue features ultra-comfortable seats and has a long history of strong crash test ratings. The 201-horsepower engine is awesome for everyday driving and delivers an acceptable performance when you take the SUV off-road. Standard on the Nissan Rogue is a decent touchscreen and highly-advanced infotainment system.
12. Subaru Forester
- Starting Price:
- Engine Power:
The Subaru Forester shares many strengths with the Rav4, which is why it’s considered an alternative. Subaru’s Forester maintained the AWD legacy – coming standard with the brand’s advanced all-wheel drive system across all trim levels. However, the Forester didn’t exceed the 200-horsepower landmark – its i4 engine only produces 182hp. Well, you may like the fact that Subaru Forester starts at $1,000 cheaper than the Rav4 and still offers AWD as a standard feature.
13. Fiat 500X
- Starting Price: $26,000
- Engine Power: 177hp
The Fiat 500X is different from the hatchback coupe Fiat 500. This version, Fiat 500X, is built as a crossover SUV and offers a lot of space and features like the Rav4. You got to love the 500X because it comes standard with an all-wheel drive powertrain paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Power comes from the turbo 1.3L four-cylinder engine, which gives you 177 horsepower for all kinds of driving. Fiat 500X is a super-good SUV sold at a reasonable price.
What More?
These are the common cars similar to the Rav4 and are relatively affordable. All of them support all-wheel drive; it is standard Fiat and Subaru models, while you have it as an option in other models. Toyota Rav4 SUV is a powerful and great ride, so we looked out for similar ideal SUVs that match the Rav4’s abilities across spheres.