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The Toyota RAV4 is the most popular small SUV on the market. It outsells many of its rivals despite the stiff competition in the small SUV segment. The Hyundai Tucson got a major redesign for the 2022 model year. Is the Toyota RAV4 better than the Hyundai Tucson?

Is the Toyota RAV4 better than the Hyundai Tucson?

The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling SUV model. Toyota sells more RAV4 models than Hyundai sells Tucsons. How do the two small SUVs compare?

Three Toyota RAV4 small SUVs are parked.
Three Toyota RAV4 small SUVs are parked | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 starts at $26,975. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 203 horsepower. The small SUV achieves 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson starts at $24,950. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 187 horsepower. The Tucson gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Hyundai Tucson

A white 2022 Toyota RAV4 small SUV is driving off-road.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

The Toyota RAV4 gets slightly better gas mileage and makes more horses. That being said, it also costs $2,025 more than the Hyundai Tucson. The RAV4 is popular becomes it comes in many trims and configurations to suit different types of drivers. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 comes in a whopping six different trim levels, including a TRD Off-Road trim designed for trails. Buyers can also choose from RAV4 Hybrid and Plug-in hybrid (Toyota RAV4 Prime) options as well.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson comes in five different trim levels. Hyundai also offers a hybrid and PHEV Tucson. How do the two base models compare?

The RAV4 comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Hyundai Tucson features a larger standard 8.0-inch infotainment system. Both small SUVs come standard with decent safety features, including tire pressure monitoring systems, collision avoidance systems, and lane-keeping assist.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The Tucson has 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The RAV4 may sell better than the Tucson, but when compared side by side, the Japanese small SUV doesn’t have any clear advantage that would make it the obvious choice.

Why do people like the Toyota RAV4?

Drivers like the Toyota RAV4 because it is so well-balanced. The RAV4 has been in production since 1994. The small SUV has a history of reliability and affordability. Drivers know that when they purchase a new Toyota RAV4, it will be more dependable than most of its rivals.

The Toyota RAV4 is the ideal small SUV for consumers that want a new small family vehicle that ages well. Now, Toyota also offers a great hybrid version of the RAV4 that can save drivers big bucks on gas. The RAV4 Hybrid achieves an incredible 41 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway. Kelley Blue Book praises its fuel economy. Best of all, the RAV4 Hybrid doesn’t break the bank. It starts at $29,575, just $2,600 more than the gas-powered RAV4.

The Toyota RAV4 has amassed a huge following over the last few decades since it hit the scene. Challengers will rise up, but it would take something incredible to dethrone Toyota’s small SUV.

Read more about the hybrid version of the RAV4, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, in the next article below.

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