The Toyota RAV4 is Australia’s most popular SUV and one of the country’s best-selling cars, but its popularity has led to waiting times of up to 24 months in recent times.
While that period has been shortened to nearly four months, the sheer number of RAV4s on the road may have some looking for alternatives to stand out from the crowd.
In such a competitive segment, there is no shortage of options, some of which become real rivals to Toyota’s popular SUV line.
If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV but don’t want to wait for the Toyota RAV4 — or just want something a little different — this is the one. Car expert team’s alternative.
Paul Maric: Tesla Model Y
With the recent price drop, Tesla Model Y offers a pretty compelling buy over the RAV4. It’s far superior in terms of technology and space and costs about the same as the higher-spec RAV4.
While the RAV4 will be significantly better off when it comes time to sell, you can opt for the benefit of a lease-purchase agreement with the Model Y at a tax-free price, while you can’t do so with the RAV4.
While the Model Y or electric vehicles in general aren’t for everyone, if you can stomach it, it’s a great alternative to the RAV4.
THAN: Everything about Tesla Model Y
THAN: Buy Tesla Model Y
Scott Collie: Honda CR-V e:HEV RS
Honda’s latest hybrids are absolutely fantastic, there’s no denying that.
Sure, the CR-V isn’t as efficient as the RAV4 when it comes to squeezing every last drop of fuel out of your tank, but it’s more fun to drive. It’s comfortable in town, refined and quiet on the road, and handles with more composure than any sensible family SUV can.
The interior is also beautifully designed, offering an impressive combination of practicality and luxury.
Add to that the impressive low prices and you have a winner.
THAN: Everything about Honda CR-V
THAN: Buy Honda CR-V
James Wong: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Until recently, the Korean carmaker had no worthy rival to Australia’s most popular SUV – despite offering an electric version overseas.
New Tucson hybrid It’s the first real alternative from a rival mainstream automaker that offers as many options as the Toyota RAV4, and in many ways it’s a better car.
While it can’t beat the RAV4 Hybrid in performance, the Tucson still offers more powerful turbocharged performance, better features and technology, and a more premium and enjoyable driving experience.
With eight hybrid versions, the Tucson will satisfy everyone’s needs, while still offering the space and comfort of the RAV4.
THAN: Everything about Hyundai Tucson
THAN: Buy Hyundai Tucson
Jack Quick: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
If you like the savings you get with a RAV4 Hybrid and have the ability to charge your car at home, you can save even more money with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
With this in mind, one of the benchmark PHEVs I’ve experienced so far is Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The base ES, which is said to be the top-of-the-line trim, is priced similarly to the flagship RAV4 Edge Hybrid AWD.
In the Outlander PHEV, you can easily achieve a real-world electric range of around 80-100km from the 20kWh lithium-ion battery. When the battery is depleted, the engine kicks in to assist, but it’s very smooth and seamless.
One big reason to consider buying an Outlander PHEV over a RAV4 Hybrid now, especially if you’re considering a lease purchase, is that PHEVs that fall within the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold are still exempt from Additional Benefit Tax (FBT) until 1 April 2025.
THAN: Everything about Mitsubishi Outlander
THAN: Buy Mitsubishi Outlander
Jordan Mulach: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
No, it may not have hybrid tech on par with the Toyota, but the Hyundai Tucson looks great and is packed with tech that makes it more than just a regular car on the road.
For me, it would be hard to beat the top-spec Premium N Line, which has the best exterior and interior equipment, while the turbocharged petrol hybrid powertrain returns an impressive fuel consumption of 5.3L/100km.
If you’re so kind, I’d love to have the Cashmere Bronze one.
THAN: Everything about Hyundai Tucson
THAN: Buy Hyundai Tucson
Josh Nevett: Cupra V Advisor
I’ll add a little European style to it. After all, who says buying a mid-size SUV has to be boring?
A new one Instructor The new model is due out next year, but until then, the current model still offers striking design, powerful powertrains, a spacious interior, and genuine refinement.
It doesn’t have as much boot space as a Toyota and it will cost more to fill up on petrol, but the fact is you’ll enjoy driving the Cupra.
For the price of the top-of-the-line RAV4 Edge, you can get a base Formentor V with a few options. Your kids will love you for it.
THAN: Everything Cupra Formentor
THAN: Buy Cupra Formentor
William Stopford: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The midsize hybrid SUV segment is booming right now, and there are plenty of compelling options.
I quite like the Nissan X-Trail e-Power and Honda CR-V e:HEV in particular, but I’ll give the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid a pass.
In Australia, it comes with four-wheel drive, unlike the CR-V or Kia Sportage, while in the top trim it feels more luxurious than its rivals thanks to brown or grey leather upholstery and ventilated front seats.
I haven’t driven the Tucson Hybrid yet, but I really like this powertrain in the larger vehicle. Santa Fe hybrid so it seems obvious. They also fixed that annoying speed warning…
THAN: Everything about Hyundai Tucson
THAN: Buy Hyundai Tucson
