If you’re in the market for a car similar to the Toyota RAV4, you’re likely prioritizing all-wheel drive, comfortable seating, and generous cargo space. You’re not alone – compact SUVs are a popular choice for many drivers.
But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit. Let’s take a closer look at some top contenders that check these boxes and more – you might just find your next vehicle waiting in the wings.
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Key Takeaways
- The Subaru Forester offers standard all-wheel drive and 75 cubic feet of cargo space, similar to the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V provides a turbocharged engine and comfortable interior with a touchscreen navigation system.
- The Hyundai Tucson features a 10.25-inch touchscreen and heated/ventilated seats, providing a similar blend of comfort and technology as the RAV4.
- The Mazda CX-5 boasts a swanky interior, spacious enough for five, and a comfortable ride, making it a strong competitor to the RAV4 in terms of passenger space and comfort.
- If off-road capabilities are a priority, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Forester offer spacious cargo areas and strong all-wheel-drive systems.
- For those prioritizing cargo space, the 2025 Honda CR-V offers 76.5 cubic feet, while the 2025 Subaru Outback provides 73 cubic feet, both rivaling the RAV4’s cargo capacity.
Similar Compact SUVs
If you’re in the market for a compact SUV similar to the Toyota RAV4, you have several options to ponder.
The Subaru Forester, priced at $29, offers standard all-wheel drive and up to 75 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Hyundai Tucson, priced at $28,705, features a 10.25-inch touchscreen and heated/ventilated seats.
The Mazda CX-5, priced at $28,770, boasts a swanky interior, comfortable seats, and a spacious enough interior for five.
The Honda CR-V, priced at $30,100, offers a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and a comfortable interior with a touchscreen navigation system.
Alternatives to the Toyota RAV4
When shopping for a compact SUV, you’ll find several models that rival the Toyota RAV4.
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, for instance, offers similar exterior dimensions, passenger space, and safety ratings at a lower cost, with a teen mode for beginner drivers.
The 2025 Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester also boast all-wheel drive, great fuel economy, and high resale value, with excellent safety features.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Kia Sportage offers a comfy ride, great interiors, and a potential turbocharged engine.
Off-Road Focused Options
While searching for a vehicle that can tackle challenging terrain, you’ll find that off-road focused options abound in the compact SUV market.
If you’re looking for a rugged ride, consider the following options:
- The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport with a spacious cargo area large enough to fit two mountain bikes
- The 2025 Subaru Forester featuring a standard Symmetrical AWD system, comfortable and spacious two-row interior, and up to 75 cubic feet of space
- The 2025 Nissan Rogue combining off-road ruggedness with everyday comfort, and the new Rogue Rock Creek Edition
- The 2025 Jeep Compass, a compact crossover with a strong off-road reputation, featuring available upgrades like a 10.25 touchscreen
Compact SUV Characteristics
Compact SUVs boast varying characteristics that cater to your needs and preferences.
You’ll find compact cars with great features, such as the 2025 Hyundai Tucson, which scores 9.1 out of 10 overall.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 stands out with its 9.2 overall score and excellent handling capabilities.
In terms of tech, the 2025 Honda CR-V offers up to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded, making it a great option for those who need a smaller footprint.
With so many similar cars, you’re sure to find one that fits your lifestyle.
More Cargo Space
When you prioritize cargo space, you’ll want to weigh models that offer ample room for passengers and gear.
You’ll find cargo space options ranging from the 2025 Mazda CX-5’s 59.6 cubic feet to the 2025 Honda CR-V’s 76.5 cubic feet with seats folded.
These varying capacities will help you determine which model best fits your needs.
Space for Passengers
You’ll appreciate the cargo space in these alternatives to the Toyota RAV4.
In terms of space for passengers, these compact SUVs prioritize comfort without sacrificing cargo capacity.
As regards passenger space, these models offer:
- 2025 Honda CR-V: 39.3 cubic feet (76.5 with seats folded)
- 2025 Subaru Outback: 35.5 cubic feet (73 with seats folded)
- 2025 Kia Soul: 24.2 cubic feet (62.1 with seats folded)
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson: 28.3 cubic feet (61.3 with seats folded)
- 2025 Mazda CX-5: 30.9 cubic feet (59.6 with seats folded)
These family SUVs offer a comfortable ride, rear legroom, and automatic climate control, making them ideal for daily commutes and road trips alike.
Cargo Space Options
Cargo Space Options abound in these alternatives to the Toyota RAV4. If you prioritize cargo space, these compact SUVs are worth considering. Here’s a comparison of their cargo capacity:
| Model | Cargo Space with Seats Folded |
|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | 76.5 feet |
| Subaru Outback | 73 cubic feet |
| Hyundai Tucson | 61.3 cubic feet |
| Kia Soul | 62.1 cubic feet |
| Mazda CX-5 | 59.6 cubic feet |
These alternatives offer varying levels of cargo capacity, with the Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback providing the most space. The Mazda CX-5, Kia Soul, and Hyundai Tucson still offer decent cargo space for daily needs.
Higher Fuel Economy
If you’re in the market for a vehicle that sips fuel, you’re in luck.
You’ve got options that can help you save on gas.
- 2025 Honda CR-V – up to 28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson – up to 28 mpg city, 38 mpg highway
- 2025 Mazda CX-5 – up to 28 mpg city, 31 mpg highway
- 2025 Kia Soul – up to 28 mpg city, 33 mpg highway
- 2025 Subaru Outback – up to 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway
Used Cars and Car Shopping
Twenty-seven percent of car buyers opt for used vehicles, and it’s not hard to see why: depreciation hits hardest in the first few years, and a well-maintained used car can offer significant savings.
When shopping for cars similar to the Toyota RAV4, you’ll find options like the RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Mazda CX.
Consider the Ford Escape, which boasts a smaller footprint.
Guarantee the used car you choose has modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Research and compare models to make an informed decision, weighing factors like fuel efficiency, safety features, and overall value.
Conclusion
You’ve delved into the top alternatives to the Toyota RAV4, from the Subaru Forester to the off-road focused Ford Bronco Sport. Notably, a recent study found that compact SUVs like these now account for over 40% of all new car sales, making them the most popular vehicle segment in the US. With their perfect blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and versatility, it’s no wonder they’re flying off dealership lots.
