8-9 month wait on the RAV4 is ridiculous. Cannot wait that long. Have just bought a Tucson Highlander with the 1.6l turbo. Very nice car to drive. Effortless and smooth and love all of the features, especially the 360 degree camera. Better styling and interior.
I bought Rav4 hybrid - it was a decision based on the fact that Toyota started making hybrids in 1997, exactly 20 years before Hyundai released their firts hybrid. Also, Rav4 was the second best selling car in the world last year, which tells a great deal about the quality. That said, if I were to get a petrol, I would consider Hyundai because of the bold design and more elegant interior.
Now, Hyundai is even better hybrids than Toyota! Old glory days of Japanese cars are fading very fast now! Korean cars will probably surpass Japanese car sales within next a year or two, bro!! Koreans are on a roll these days...
@@3811eric agree, Japan is no longer what it use to be, several known issues with some Toyotas, even class action over hilux. Korea and soon to be China serious threat..
Just ordered the Highlander Diesel which is the pic of them all, pick it up Friday this week. Never liked the RAV and the CVT is just appalling and makes the car gutless. Toyotas look a decade old in comparison. Had the previous model Tuscon, one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven (also owned RR Sport and ML500) But the 2.0 Petrol is just woeful and worst in class. looking forward to the new Tucson. looks fantastic although I prefer the outside of the new Sportage over the Tucson
The exact decision I'm facing right now in buying a new mid SUV. Great review. Thanks for your efforts and thoughts. To be honest, I want the lovechild of these two vehicles. Tucson interior/ exterior styling & tech, with the RAV 4 drive train, economy, road handling, colours and servicing costs.
I’d take the Hyundai any day of the week. I used really like the old Rav but laterally Toyota Jane stopped the ball on styling. While the Hyundai feels like a high end like Merc or BMW.
Thanks for this. I've had a RAV4 Hybrid on order since Nov 21 and have just been given a build date of May/June. This review has confirmed it' still the best choice (for me). The Hyundai with a bog standard 2L petrol engine makes me think of putting lipstick on peppa pig for some reason.
I’ve just taken delivery of a new RAV4 hybrid AWD had to wait six months for build but I am wrapped with the car.It’s fuel economy is fabulous and it is comfortable competent on the road and yes it is a real cruiser on a long trip.I love the car
There isn't a Hybrid Tucson at the moment but there is a petrol RAV4 so why not test that version here and come back and do the hybrids when both models have an example?
Apparently it's unlikely that we'll get the Tuscon Hybrid in Aus, since it's made in the Czech Republic (i.e. higher costs). Our Tuscons will come from S.Korea, which don't make the hybrid. This is a fair test, as the Cruiser Rav is similarly priced, if not cheaper than the Tuscon Highlander.
It's the "most popular" of the Ravs vs the same priced Tuscon. This is the comparison that a lot of buyers are going to want to see if they have $50k to spend.
@@abcdefgh1 Yes the RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid is the most popular because it is clearly the best combination. No one will be buying the top of the range Tuscon with the base engine, clearly the worst combination.
Thanks for your really comprehensive video review. Because I'm a extremely satisfied long term Hyundai owner, Tuscon is my decision. The choice of Hyundai to go with the Long Wheel Base model sealed the deal. As for Toyota. I see its appeal but since my 'shopping' Getz onward, Hyundai has treated my family well. [I get that's not a fair go from me but "it is what it is". :-) :-)]
We are waiting on the 2 litre diesel Tuscon. Approx. 6 month wait as appeared to greater than 12 for any Toyota Hybrid. It would be good to know the replacement cost of the Rav4 batteries as this should be factored into the running costs.
I’ve never liked the looks of this RAV4 nor its interior. The Tucson has a lovely interior in my view. The RAV4’s fuel economy is undeniable but not enough to win me.
With 10 year power train warranty you really can’t go wrong with Hyundai save yourself some money with better quality made car than any Japanese cars these days!! We don’t live in the 80’s or 90’s. Japanese cars are all just boring and shi* ty looking these days....
@@3811eric I have a 2008 rav4 non hybrid. It drives like the first day it left the dealer. Tucson can keep the 10 year power train because the owner will be needed later. My best friend has a 2012 Hyundai and he has to put a new refurbished transmission to stretch its life a few more years. I never buy first year vehicle and always looked through Consumer Report for reliability and you can not go wrong with Toyota. Some how I think the RAV4 would be a better comparasion with the Santa Fe.
Great review/comparison. I think, I’m more inclined towards getting a 1.6L turbo high lander. I test drove the 2.0L petrol a few years back, and it was severely underpowered and super boring. Both the 1.6L turbo and 2.0L diesel felt nice to drive.
Seriously good review, well done. I’d love to see your review of the Mazda CX-5 2.5 turbo. I’m doing lots of research and a 2.0 litre petrol doesn’t do it for me regardless of how pretty the interior is.
Both have well sorted and reliable drive lines. The exteriors don’t appeal to me but RAV4 is less “controversial “ in my opinion. Tuson interior for me over the somewhat ordinary RAV, after all that’s where I’ll be most of the time. I’d probably keep looking.
Just traded a 2020 RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid for a Tuscon Highlander Diesel. Frustrated with the RAV4 that is missing features that should be standard at the price point/top of range of this vehicle The Tuscon has all the features that I wanted, but I accept I am bucking the current trend. I bought the RAV4 just before the new Tuscon was released otherwise I would probably bought it then. Hyundai dealer thought we were odd trading the car but we feel a better vehicle than the RAV4
Both great cars, but I'd pick Tucson Diesel model over Toyota Rav4 hybrid. Worth the extra bucks. 8 speed DCT is smoother and fun to drive. Not sure why it's not on Hyundai Australia website yet. Would be interesting to see the reviews.
Tucson definitely looks better especially that lovely interior that can be mistaken for premium German but let down severely buy the eng .works well in the i30 and Kona but not in a heavier Tucson should have used the 2.5 and most importantly should have had the hybrid option
The Tuscon hybrid is offered in North America and Europe, but not in Australia. Hyundai says it's not economically feasible to offer the hybrid version which is made in the Czech Republic, to Australia due to currency exchange rates. It's too bad because all the reviews I saw on the Tuscon hybrid are raving about its power, smoothness, quietness, and fuel economy.
Tucson looks a lot better than Rav4 in my personal opinion. Tucson it's more modern (looks) while as the Rav4 still offers aircon dails nobs (which is good when driving). Lovi'n the Tucson ❤️
Pity it is not pointed out that Toyota cannot even provide a delivery date for the Rav4 hybrid on purchase. Surely this is a factor in a purchase decision?
I ordered myself 1.6 petrol with 180hp, and it's feels really good.they didn't have hybrid to offer only petrol and Diesel so i went for petrol. It has enought power for quicker start if you need it and car itself is great.
Your report seems to be quite biased in favour of the Hyundai. Why didn't you talk about the larger boot size in the RAV4. Your criticism of the noise from the engine when moving from hybrid to petrol only occurs when you have your foot planted on the accelerator, not something that most hybrid drivers do so much. Your comment on the brakes on the RAV4 simply show your inexperience with this type of braking system. I could go on but let me finish by saying when both cars have completed 400,000kms which car would you choose?
Prefer the Toyota’s engine minus the rubber band cvt transmission you think with the high tech engine they could come up with a good torque converter or DSG gearbox ?
@@briantye110 Nope it really isn't. The hybrid system in the RAV4 is extremely clever with no wearing/friction parts at all. All clutch/gear ratio tasks are cleverly taken care of by the use of the first of the two (and 3 in the AWD models) electric motors. With no "rubber band", not dual clutch plates, no mechatronics unit to fail, not even a slipping torque converter to burn up transmission fluid. It's all explained here in quite a long and technical, but fascinating video. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-O61WihMRdjM.html After watching this and understanding it, you won't look at anything with conventional transmission (and certainly not a dry clutch dual clutch transmission) ever again. Bigger electric motors and a PHEV system would make this nearly perfect. A better interior would be icing on the cake. Bring on the next gen, as it should (hopefully) have all of the above. The engineer in me loves the hybrid tech, and with 20 years of fettling with it, it's hard to go past once you appreciate just how good (and elegant in its simplicity) it really is.
Thanks for the comment. The engine is an old design - multipoint injection is ancient technology, and it should either be turbocharged/downsized, or at least the mild-hybrid design that other markets get. Australia doesn't get the most advanced engines in Tucson. Matt
Tucson petrol in the states has a 2.5L i4 which produces more power than the 2.0. Also 8 spd instead of 6. The hybrid also produces even more power with the electric motor + petrol
Brought me back to 2010 with that music choice in the Rav4 😏 did you pause on that song just for the video? It fits in nicely, as I doubt Hyundai and Toyota are "friends" 😂
100% agree, looked at the Elite spec and it did nothing for me, felt and looked cheap and nasty. Genuinely surprised me how much I didn't like it in person.
I don't get this, you mentioned Hyundai offered 3 different engines.. you chose the base version and questioned why they chose to offer this engine. Why not just choose another engine to review? The option is there for you, you just need to take it..
Cos they other 2 engines aren't available in Australia yet and they cost 4k or 6k more than this engine for the 1.6 turbo and diesel respectively. This version of the Highlander already costs more than the Rav4 Cruiser. These 2 are the most comparable by price point.
Matt, I prefer the Tucson, better quality for a similar price. The on-demand AWD will be rarely used in normal use. I dislike how the DRL's stay on when the indicators are working. Jeep and Fords both cancel the DRL's when using the indicators. Hyundai fuel use is reasonable for the vehicle. Thank you....JM
My wife ordered a Black Rav4 hybrid cruiser AWD, a couple of weeks ago and got a call yesterday from the dealer to tell her that she would get her car in 2 months time. He gave a reason due to a car becoming available, exactly as she ordered, which surprised us.. He said any other combo would be many months. I trust it is the 2022 model which has the electric passenger seat as well as other upgrades. We did not look at a Tucson as we felt it to be plain ugly with a driveline inferior to the Rav 4 plus Toyota's reputation for longevity and reliability is superior to every other brand, I drive a Prado and have a Lexus as a weekender, and can vouch for this.
How can you vouch for anything when all your vehicles are Toyotas? I owned a Hyundai Excel about 20 years ago, and it never had its head off in 300,000 kilometres.
I would lease a Hyundai, but I would purchase a Toyota. There's a reason why the wait times for a Rav4 are so long. I had to wait almost 7 months in Canada for one. The hybrid system is seamless and efficient. I have the two-tone XSE model and I am loving it!
Tucson but I'd wait for the hybrid, hearing lots of good things about it where it's available. RAV4 will never be a poor choice, even here will always be the family faithful and good ol' reliable when you need it. Have to go hybrid these days and the power options that come with both (as hybrids) make both a good choice. In this case, it really comes down to your value for money.
I'm a huge fan of Hyundai's and Kia's (currently own both) and I love the styling on the new Tucson but the lack of power in the engine with the high purchase + servicing costs meant that I've gone with a RAV4 Hybrid and owning a Toyota for the very first time. I would still prefer the interior + styling + tech on the Tucson but I really wanted the power in the RAV4 after driving Hyundai's 2.0L engine for 4 years. It's adequate but too sedate at the same time. Love your reviews. 👍🍻
I chose a Subaru Forester Premium. It has lots of gadgets, drives well, is fairly fuel efficient for me (9l/100 Km). it is also comfortable to sit in, roomy, has good cargo room. I chose a Red one, it is a rather nice colour. I bought it at the end of April but ordered it at the beginning of February. So I made my decision before the current Tucson was out. I had three vehicles on the short list before deciding: 1) Sokda Karoq 2) Toyota Rav4 Hybrid (GL or maybe Cruiser) 3) Subaru Forester Premium. The price (after negotiation) on the Forester was better so I bought it.
Interior on the subi and interface isn't as good as these. Resale less than the rav and boot space less. Fuel efficiency a lot less and also servicing a lot less. Subi is a 2019 face while rav has new 2023 model
Engine types = RAV4 Engine power = RAV4 Engine economy = RAV4 Body look = Tucson Inside look = Tucson Infotainment = Tucson More buttons/knobs than touch = RAV4 ( I dont like touch console ) Panoramic roof option = Tucson Best price tag = RAV4 Best look = Tucson Economy buyers will go RAV4 For the look and modern and willing to spent more u will buy Sorento over Tucson.
In reality the rav 4 hybrid cruiser is cheaper. ($47000) the Hyundai Tucson petrol is more expensive going over $50,000. I picked the rav 4 cruiser because, it’s not as expensive, better fuel economy and has 160kw of with the hybrid power, the Tucson petrol only has 115kw. I wanted fuel economy and power for my car, so picked the rav4 . The Tucson interior is great though, but lacks power😅. Also the digital technology for Hyundai is very new. I know Toyota has had hybrid for years and has the reputation for reliability. I know what I’m picking.
Here in Australia, Tucson costs about 40% more than in S.Korea and the US. It is a budget car there. Here? And the most reason why we have less models, like why no hybrid? Right Hand Drive! Can't we just change to Left like all the other countries in the world?
@@carsguide We SOOOO are! I would gladly have bought the PHEV/Prime if it had been available when I bought my AWD Cruiser Hybrid. The extra performance and fuel economy benefits would make it a very compelling proposition, despite the interior design now languishing behind the smarter looking options from Korea and even China. But - and it's a big one - the others still can't match the sophistication and reliability/effectiveness of the hybrid drivetrain. Toyota's hybrid drivetrain still hard to beat after all the years of being tested and perfected in cabs!
I'm in the market for a PHEV looking at both the Rav4 PHEV or the new Tucson PHEV. Have test driven both vehicles in regular verions. (at the PHEVs are on order in Belgium, not yet in the showrooms). The Rav4 infotainment could be a deal-breaker and looks soo outdated for a (very) expensive car. (€60K in BE), but on the other hand it now comes with a 9" screen with Android-auto/Apple carplay. Will you ever need it's base infotainment system? The Tucson looks more luxurious at first or at least more modern. But the more I think about it, the more I like the Rav4. What makes the Tucson more modern actually also makes it cheaper to build. Almost no buttons, not even for the heater,.. don't really like that. All black shiny plastic.. don't like that too much either. Just a plain tablet infront of the screen, not really embedded or cased into the dashboard. The tech in the Tucson is cool though. Use the turning signal and you see a camera image on the dashboard, that's cool... but is it enough. Not sure yet. Rav4 PHEV is also seriously quick, will even outrun a BMW X3 phev or an audi Q5 phev.
I was really interested in the Hyundai before this comparison, however, Hyundai has shot themselves in the foot by the premium price of their turbo engines, which would have been my choice, particularly the diesel version. However, $6,000.00 on top of the Rav 4 pricing can buy a lot of fuel and the hybrid will give similar economy to the diesel, so it's the Rav 4 for me this time. Very disappointing Hyundai.
knock yourself out Phil, I would take that turbo diesel any day, and the fuel cost, who gives a toss when spending that sort of money. Penny pincher's when spending $50+ on a car.
Hi Matt. You said the service interval for the Rav 4 is the same as the Tuscon which is 12 months. Actually the Rav 4 is 6 months even according to your written review. The 6 month servicing is a major turnoff
The items you covered was the reason we didn’t go the rav 4, agricultural feel, noisy engine, lack of comfort, no new tech, yes it saves on fuel but that is all, and the crazy wait time to get one 😳
It doesn't just "save on fuel". You say no new tech even though it's milles ahead with its hybrid engine compared to the Hyundai. Yeah the Hyundai looks great and has all the luxury points but under the bonnet is probably the oldest motor in current market for its price. Also not to mention the depreciation in value. You could sell your Toyota in 5 years time for 10k more than the Hyundai purely based on reliability and the name.
Same reason why I did not go for the Rav4. When you get inside you dont feel like you are in a 2020/2021 vehicle, feel so behind the tech. Look at the definition of the reversing camera for crying out loud 😆 its got the great matured synergy drive hybrid tech but thats if you are after a hybrid. Noisy engine and driving seat was not comfortable for tall drivers. I think the Rav4 is way overrated!
Toyota well known for RELIABILITY. Whereas Hyundai seems to be not trustworthy. I would go with Toyota any day or any car that has reliable engine. Yes we can say new Tuscon has more features than Rav 4. However Toyota has its own brand image. Hyundai used to make junk cars past days.
@@joe13LP reliability of Hyundai is better than Toyota according to USA records and the 1.6l Turbo petrol is a way better engine than the 2.0l naturally aspirated one in the review.
@@RC-fm6bj of course the 1.6 is better. It's the fact that Hyundai are still using this outdated engine at all is my point. Also, we're talking about the most in demand car in Australia, and it's a Toyota Hybrid. I can guarantee you the Toyota will hold more value than the Hyundai in future years, as they always have against any of its competitors.
Lol it’s only on its 3rd year. Calm down. I’m sure Covid slowed everything down anyway. I like it’s current look and I’m going to grab one before they change it, most likely 2023
