The Toyota RAV4 was one of the best compact SUV series when the first generation was produced. Three decades later, the lineup maintains its spot among best-selling cars worldwide. The car is solid and versatile, offering levels of fantastic driving experiences across trims. It is also one of the most affordable SUVs to maintain. If you seek a sporty yet comfortable car delivering top-class fuel efficiency, you must consider cars similar to RAV4.
Top Cars Similar To RAV4
The RAV4 is popular for reliability and longevity. It is a traditional SUV built with a good engine and a comfortable interior. We have compiled a list of cars similar to RAV4 in this post for drivers looking for a versatile car. Let’s review them together…
1. Honda CR-V
Honda’s CR-V tops our list of cars similar to RAV4. Both of them are compact SUV series sharing a lot of physical and mechanical features in common. Recent CR-V versions offer substantial cargo space, a comfortable five-seater interior, and excellent fuel economy.
Under the hood, the base model houses a potent 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder gasoline powertrain. The engine delivers up to 190 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), delivers top-class responsiveness. You can choose between the AWD and RWD drivetrain configuration.
The car boasts a sleek interior featuring a 9.0-inch infotainment screen, among other impressive tech features. Drivers favor this car for its fantastic fuel economy, delivering 31 MPG combined, as estimated by the EPA. Additionally, the SUV has earned a high reliability score on many car review platforms.
The CR-V also shares a comparable price range with the RAV4, with the most recent models starting at $30,650. The price can go up to $40,550, depending on the trim and options you opt for.
2. Hyundai Tucson
Fuel efficiency tops the list of features that the RAV4 and Hyundai’s Tucson have in common. Both vehicles are ideal for midsize families. You can’t go wrong with a Tucson if you seek cars similar to RAV4 and enjoy a premium-quality cabin. This car has a spacious interior capable of housing five adults, featuring next-level technology and safety features.
The Tucson runs on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, producing up to 187 horsepower. This engine is propped on an eight-speed automatic configured to an FWD. The EPA estimates that this setup has a combined gas mileage of 29 MPG. You can also opt for an AWD layout for a more exciting driving experience but with a gas mileage of 26 MPG combined.
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson has a 10.3-inch practical infotainment system, exciting driving characteristics, and a spacious cargo area. Additionally, Tucson has a long warranty plan, just like all Hyundai cars. You also benefit from Hyundai’s array of safety features, such as the lane departure warning and emergency braking technology. The most recent Tucson models start at $28,875 and go up to $38,135, depending on the trim and options.
3. Volkswagen Tiguan
VW’s Tiguan is one of the most affordable SUVs with the best interior. The vehicle is durable and shares many features with the RAV4. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine delivers insane acceleration compared to others in its range. This engine delivers up to 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard to send power from the engine to the front wheels. Like all German cars, the Tiguan boasts lots of reliable safety and driver-assistance tools. The interior is spacious with a tight detachable third-row. Additionally, you can opt for Volkswagen’s 4Motion AWD layout for more athleticism. The 2024 Tiguan delivers at a reasonable gas mileage. EPA estimates that the Tiguan runs 24 MPG in the city and 31 on the highway.
4. Mazda CX-50
The Mazda is a top-class compact SUV series. The model was first released to the market in 2023 and has earned its spot on this list swiftly, thanks to its compelling performance. The lineup features a handsome, mildly rugged build with a nice, comfortable interior. All CX-50s deliver the same responsive handling and exciting driving experience. If you’re looking for a more sporty version of the RAV4, you should go for a CX-50, as it still delivers excellent gas mileage.
The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline powertrain producing up to 187 horsepower. The EPA-estimated gas mileage for this trim is 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. If you want more power at the expense of fuel economy, there is a turbocharged trim of the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine running on gasoline. This trim produces up to 257 horsepower with a combined gas mileage of 25 MPG.
Both engines are mounted on the same six-speed automatic transmission, powering the AWD standard configuration. You can take advantage of the large infotainment screen, along with other technology and safety features, making this car a top choice for many drivers. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 costs between $31,675 and $44,675, depending on the trim and options.
5. Subaru Forester
You cannot ignore the Subaru Forester when discussing cars similar to RAV4. The Forester is a comfortable crossover, delivering safe handling. The SUV offers a mildly sophisticated, roomy interior with tangible cargo space. Since it delivers a quiet and comfortable ride, many drivers favor it as a cool family vehicle.
The same 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder gasoline engine powers all generations of the Forester series. The engine delivers up to 182 horsepower with a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds. It is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to route power to the AWD drivetrain, which is coming standard. This system delivers an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 29 MPG combined.
Recent Subaru Forester models feature a 6.5 or 8.0-inch infotainment screen with reliable wireless connectivity. The connection lets you enjoy all of Subaru’s technology and safety features. The price of the 2024 Subaru Forester ranges between $28,440 and $38,490, depending on the trim and options.
6. Toyota Corolla Cross
In 2022, Toyota introduced the Corolla Cross, a new crossover series based on the popular Corolla. The car delivers a stellar performance with excellent fuel efficiency, which qualifies it as one of the top cars similar to the RAV4. The Corolla Cross also features a powerful version for off-roading while maintaining good fuel efficiency.
The car shares similar dimensions with the RAV4, providing a spacious interior and cargo space. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine powers the base models. The engine produces up to 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque and is mounted on a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The setup powers the front wheels. However, you can opt for one with an AWD layout for better handling.
In addition to the comfortable ride and attractive interior, this car travels at an EPA-estimated combined gas mileage of 32 MPG. You also get to benefit from a host of practical driver-assistant features. You can get a new Toyota Corolla Cross for between $25,210 and $29,435, depending on the trim and options you want.
7. Kia Sportage
The 2024 Kia Sportage is a mechanical twin to the Hyundai Tucson. The Sportage is listed among cars similar to RAV4 due to its versatility and fuel efficiency. It features a stylish cabin, a comfortable five-seater interior and a mildly sporty driving experience. Furthermore, the cargo and hauling capacity are similar to the RAV4 and most cars on this list.
Like the Tucson, Kia’s Sportage runs on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The engine produces up to 187 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. You get to choose between the AWD and FWD layout.
Additionally, the series boasts a practical infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, and the latest safety tech tools. However, the most exciting features can only be enjoyed in the more expensive trims. The Sportage is an exceptionally affordable SUV with a price ranging between $28,565 and $39,365 for the latest models. It has earned high reliability scores across several car review platforms.
8. Nissan Rogue
Nissan’s Rogue is a top choice for drivers seeking a comfortable family car ideal for trips and daily runabouts. They take advantage of its spacious five-seater interior, excellent fuel efficiency, and remarkable cargo space. This car delivers a calm ride with an acceptable level of sportiness and balanced driving dynamics. The interior is quite sophisticated, with lots of fantastic tech and safety tools.
The 2024 models feature a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google-based software, with myriad driver assists in every model.
All Rogues are powered by a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that delivers up to 201 horsepower. The engine is mounted on a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) standard. A FWD layout comes standard, but you can go for an AWD for more excitement. The series is praised for its durability and high-reliability scores.
In addition, the Rogue delivers the best gas mileage in its category. The FWD trim delivers at 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. The 2024 Nissan Rogue ranges between $29,810 and $40,090, depending on the trim and additional features options.
9. Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass is one of the most capable compact SUVs available today. The base model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The engine is propped on an eight-speed automatic transmission that transmits power to the AWD drivetrain.
The 2024 model features a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior is up to standard and equipped with basic technology. You can also take advantage of the car’s durability and ability to perform in harsh conditions. The Compass delivers poor acceleration compared with others on the list, going from zero to 60 mph in 9.75 seconds. However, it makes that up with a maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds.
Pricing for a 2024 Jeep Compass begins at around $26,390 and goes up to $35,490, depending on the additional features you opt for. The EPA estimates the car’s gas mileage to be 24 MPG in the city and 32 on the highway.
10. Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox is Chevrolet’s best-selling SUV. It shares similar exterior dimensions, passenger capacities, and safety ratings with the RAV4. The price and superior safety features, such as the Teen Mode for young drivers, make it a top choice for most midsize families.
Under the hood, the Chevy runs on a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 175 horsepower. The performance and driving experience may not be as exciting as others on this list, but the car makes up for that with impressive gas mileage. The FWD comes standard and delivers an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 26 MPG in the city and 31 on the highway.
Like most cars featured on this list, you get an FWD layout standard, but you can opt for an AWD system for improved performance. The AWD is detrimental to fuel efficiency. The latest Chevrolet Equinox costs between $27,995 and $33,195.
Let’s Wrap It Up…
The Toyota RAV4 offers a roomy interior featuring a ton of technology and safety features. The base model sports a powerful four-cylinder engine that delivers remarkable fuel efficiency. It is super reliable, and the latest models start at around $31,000. Our list of cars similar to RAV4 features the best compact SUVs available today. The cars we picked range from flagship to budget-friendly models, all delivering similar performance to the RAV4.
