The Toyota RAV4 is Australia’s most popular SUV and one of the best-selling cars in the country, but its popularity has lead to wait times of up to 24 months in recent times.
While these have been reduced to almost four months now, the sheer number of RAV4s on the road can lead some to look for alternatives to stand out from the crowd.
In such a competitive segment, there’s no shortage of options, with some becoming genuine challengers to Toyota’s popular SUV.
If you’re looking to buy a mid-size SUV but don’t want to wait for a Toyota RAV4 – or just want something a bit different, here’s the CarExpert team’s alternative choices.
Paul Maric: Tesla Model Y
With the recent price drop, the Tesla Model Y offers quite a compelling purchase choice against a RAV4. It’s light years ahead in terms of technology and space and sits at a similar price point to a higher specification RAV4.
While a RAV4 will be significantly better when it comes time to sell, you can opt for the benefit of a novated lease with a Model Y at that price point that is FBT exempt, where you can’t do the same with the RAV4.
While a Model Y, or an EV in general, won’t be for everybody, if you’re open to the idea it represents a great alternative to the RAV4.
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Scott Collie: Honda CR-V e:HEV RS
Honda’s latest hybrid cars are excellent, without fail.
Sure, the CR-V isn’t quite as efficient as the RAV4 when you’re trying to eke out every last drop of fuel, but it’s more enjoyable to drive. It’s comfortable in the city, refined and quiet on the open road, and handles with more poise than any sensible family SUV has any right to.
It’s also nicely put together inside, offering an impressive blend of practicality and luxury.
Throw in impressively cheap servicing, and you’re onto a winner.
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James Wong: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Up until recently, the Koreans lacked a proper competitor to Australia’s favourite SUV – despite offering electrified options abroad.
The new Tucson Hybrid is really the first alternative from a rival mainstream manufacturer to offer the breadth of choice the Toyota RAV4 does, and in a lot of ways it’s a better car.
While it won’t beat the RAV4 Hybrid in outright efficiency, the Tucson offers stronger turbocharged performance, better features and tech, and an all-round nicer and more upmarket driving experience.
The array of eight hybrid variants means there should be a Tucson for everyone, and there’s as much space and comfort as the RAV4 offers, too.
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Jack Quick: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
If you like how much fuel money you can save with the RAV4 Hybrid and have the ability to be able to charge a car at home, then you can potentially save even more money with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
With this in mind, one of the benchmark PHEVs I’ve experienced to date is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. An entry-level ES variant, which is arguably the pick of the range, aligns in terms of asking price with the flagship RAV4 Edge Hybrid AWD.
In the Outlander PHEV you can easily get around 80-100km of real-world electric range from its 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Once the battery charge is depleted the engine does come alive to assist but very quietly and seamlessly.
A big consideration of why you should currently consider buying an Outlander PHEV over a RAV4 Hybrid, especially if you’re considering novated leasing, is that PHEVs under the luxury car tax (LCT) threshold are still exempt from fringe benefits tax (FBT) until April 1, 2025.
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Jordan Mulach: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
No, it might not have hybrid tech that’s quite on the same level as Toyota, but the Hyundai Tucson looks great and is loaded with tech, holding it back from being just another car in traffic.
For mine, it’d be pretty hard to go past the flagship Premium N Line, which offers the best exterior appearance and interior equipment, while its turbo-petrol hybrid drivetrain delivers an impressive claimed 5.3L/100km.
Give me one in Cashmere Bronze, if you’re offering.
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Josh Nevett: Cupra Formentor V
I’ll throw some European flair into the mix. After all, who said buying a mid-sized SUV had to be boring?
A new Formentor is on the way next year, but until then the current model offers striking design, a punchy powertrain, adequate interior space and genuine sophistication.
It doesn’t have as much boot space as the Toyota and will cost you more at the pump, but you’ll actually enjoy driving the Cupra.
For top-spec RAV4 Edge money you can snag a base Formentor V with spare change for a few options. Your kids will love you for it.
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William Stopford: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The mid-sized hybrid SUV segment is booming right now, and there’s a raft of compelling options.
I’m quite fond of the Nissan X-Trail e-Power and Honda CR-V e:HEV in particular, but I’ll give the nod to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.
It offers all-wheel drive in Australia, unlike the CR-V or the related Kia Sportage, while in Premium guise it offers a more luxurious vibe than its rivals thanks to available brown or grey leather upholstery and ventilated front seats.
I haven’t driven the Tucson Hybrid yet, but I thoroughly enjoy this powertrain in the larger Santa Fe Hybrid so it seems like a no-brainer. Also they’ve fixed that bloody annoying speed alert…
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Max Davies: Nissan X-Trail e-Power
It’s not quite as cheap as the RAV4 can be, but it’s certainly a solid machine if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
The X-Trail has always been a dependable choice in Nissan’s SUV lineup, and with the addition of the brand’s e-Power hybrid system – which works differently to a traditional Toyota hybrid – it drives smoothly, quietly, and has a decent kick of power if you need it.
My pick is the Ti e-Power in particular. It isn’t as efficient as a RAV4, but the interior is well laid-out and interesting enough to not have you bored behind the wheel. For the most part, everything is clean and intentional, with some solid tech to back it up including wireless Apple CarPlay.
Sure, it might cost more to service than the RAV4, but it’s hard to beat the day-to-day driving experience it offers.
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Tyra Lawler-Cass: Kia Sportage Hybrid
For those looking for an alternative that’s just as safe, sleek and smooth to drive, turn to the Kia Sportage Hybrid. Yes, it’s new to the market. Yes, it’ll be hard to find a friend-of-a-friend who’s driven it or owned one, but it’s a direct competitor to Australia’s best SUV.
The interior of the Sportage Hybrid is far sleeker and tech-focussed than the RAV4, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the Kia compared to the RAV4’s 10.5-inch. There’s enough space in the back seats as well, with air vents, cupholders and map pockets that can hold all of your kids’ stuff.
They also have similarly sized boots.
The only downsides worth noting are the current lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) examples in Australia and the higher servicing prices compared to the Toyota.
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