2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Hyundai Tucson : battle
2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Hyundai Tucson : battle
Posted on January 4, 2021
The compact SUV market is one of the most competitive ones around, with most major automakers pitching at least one two-row, family-orientated model that combines comfort, power, and practicality.
The 2020 Toyota Rav4 has been a longstanding success in this segment, and is now into its fifth generation after over a quarter century of development and refinement. Does the 2020 refresh keep to the high standards the range has previously set? To find out, we've put it up against one of its major competitors, the Hyundai Tucson. Read on to find out how the Toyota Rav4 vs Hyundai Tucson battle turned out.
Powertrain and Performance
The Rav4 has an immediate advantage over the Tucson when it comes to raw engine power. With a 2.5L 4-cylinder mill producing 203 horsepower and 184lb-ft of torque, it leaves the standard Hyundai's 161hp and 150lb-ft trailing in its wake. Power-hungry drivers can upgrade the Tucson's 2.0L engine to a 2.4L model, but this still falls short of the Toyota's output, producing only 181 horsepower and 175lb-ft.
The Rav4's power advantage shows through in its performance figures, where it manages 0-100kmh in just 8.3 seconds, comfortably ahead of the Tucson's 11 seconds.
Fuel Economy
However, the extra power doesn't come at the expense of fuel economy. The Rav4 has the better figures of 8.4L / 100km in the city and 6.7L / 100km on the highway, compared to the Hyundai's 10.2L (city) and 8.4L (highway). If economical driving is a factor in your buying decision, the Toyota is a clear winner.
Safety Features
As you'd expect with a modern SUV, both cars offer a comprehensive suite of safety features as standard. However, the Toyota holds two advantages in this area, providing both post-collision emergency braking and rear cross-traffic braking as standard. Neither option is available on the Hyundai.
Resale Value
When you're buying a new car, its resale value might not be the first thing on your mind, but getting a great trade-in price a few years down the line is a major advantage that shouldn't be underestimated. Independent experts Motor Trend estimate that the Rav4 will command up to 53% of its selling price after five years, compared to the Hyundai's 46%.
Toyota Rav4 vs Hyundai Tucson: The Verdict
Both cars are great examples of compact SUVs, showing why the format is such a a popular one. However, the Toyota Rav4's better performance and leaner fuel economy put it ahead of the Hyundai in what's otherwise a closely fought battle.
