The Toyota RAV4 continues to lead the way as the best-selling compact crossover SUV. It’s also the best-selling car overall in the world. One of the crossover SUV competitors of the RAV4 is the Hyundai Tucson. See how they stack up in this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson comparison.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Performance

Engine options for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). The engine lineup for the 2023 Hyundai Tucson is similar, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower), a hybrid (226 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (261 horsepower).

However, the RAV4 has the advantage for performance, for it has a higher base engine horsepower and maximum horsepower. 

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Gas mileage

For efficiency, the fully gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. Also, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

In comparison, the fully gas-powered Tucson has an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg, and the Tucson Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

The RAV4 has the efficiency advantage for the fully gas-powered and plug-in hybrid models, but the Tucson has the advantage for the traditional hybrid model.

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Towing

Which crossover SUV can tow more? The 2023 RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the Tucson. 

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the RAV4 has the advantage for off-road use. For one, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance than the Tucson (up to 8.6 vs. 8.3 inches). Also, while the Tucson offers the rugged XRT trim, it doesn’t match the capabilities of the off-road models for the RAV4, which includes the TRD Off-Road, Woodland Edition, and Adventure trims.

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Safety

The Tucson has the advantage for safety. For the previous model year, the Tucson earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the RAV4 received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award. 

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Passenger and cargo space

The Tucson is bigger than the RAV4, which results in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of up to 108 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 80.3 cu-ft. In comparison, the RAV4 has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft.

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Warranty coverage

The Tucson has more generous warranty coverage than the RAV4. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the RAV4.

Also, while both crossover SUVs offer a free maintenance plan, the one for the Tucson is more generous. It’s good for three years or 36,000 miles, compared to two years or 25,000 miles for the RAV4.

RAV4 vs. Tucson: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 RAV4 or the 2023 Tucson? The starting price of the 2023 Tucson ranges from $26,450 MSRP for the SE trim up to $44,310 MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid Limited trim.

For the 2023 RAV4, the official price information is not yet available. However, the 2023 RAV4 will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 RAV4. The starting price of the 2022 RAV4 ranges from $26,975 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,625 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 RAV4, advantages include performance, higher fuel economy for the fully gas-powered and plug-in hybrid models, towing, and off-road capabilities. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Tucson include higher gas mileage for the traditional hybrid model, safety, passenger and cargo space, and more generous coverage for the warranty and complimentary maintenance plans.