2025 2025 RAV4 vs 2026 2026 RAV4
Picking between two members of one lineup is less about brand and more about the specs that differ. For the RAV4 and the RAV4, those differences are what this page maps out. Most of what matters is shared here; the differences are real but modest. The comparison below separates the gaps that matter from the ones that don’t.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech RAV4 wins
Key Differences
-
The RAV4 has a bigger 12.9 in touchscreen
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the RAV4 leads 12.9 in to 10.5 in. The RAV4’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | RAV4 | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 105.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
If engine & performance matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Bottom line for engine & performance: it’s a wash.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the RAV4 and the RAV4 barely differ. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
RAV4 leads
This area is close, with the RAV4 just ahead of the RAV4. On its side, the RAV4 has a bigger 12.9 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. On safety & tech alone, the RAV4 gets the nod.
Largest touchscreen
RAV4: 10.5 in RAV4: 12.9 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | RAV4 | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 203 hp | 207 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | RAV4 | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | RAV4 | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 37.6 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 69.8 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | 37.80 in | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | RAV4 | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8.40 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | RAV4 | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 10.5 in | 12.9 in (winner) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 | Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | RAV4 | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 105.9 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RAV4 if…
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (12.9 in vs 10.5 in)
- you want the changes the RAV4 brings over its predecessor
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the RAV4 or the RAV4?
There’s no single right answer. The RAV4 leads on the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the RAV4 on safety & tech.
Is the RAV4 worth it over the RAV4?
The RAV4 adds a bigger 12.9 in touchscreen. That’s welcome, but owners of the RAV4 who are happy with it can reasonably wait.
Executive Summary
My short version of the RAV4 versus the RAV4: they share a family, not a spec sheet. Don’t write off the RAV4 entirely: it has a bigger 12.9 in touchscreen.
For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the RAV4 fits better. For safety & tech, the RAV4 is the better match.
My pick: I can’t crown one. The RAV4 wins on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the RAV4 on safety & tech, and your habits decide.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.