A blue 2025 Toyota RAV4 parked in right front angle view — 2025 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

15 same-class alternatives to the Toyota RAV4

While RAV4 sales tend to outshine the rest of its class, it might not be the SUV for you.

by Sarah Kennedy

Published on January 16, 2025 10:01 am

2 min read

The Toyota RAV4 belongs to the compact SUV class, one of the most competitive segments in the automotive market. It isn’t just a class member, either: According to GoodCarBadCar data, in 2024, the RAV4 was the best-selling SUV in the U.S. It beat out the Honda CR-V by more than 70,000 units. While it’s ultra-popular, it might not be everything you personally want in a car. Here’s a list of 15 other vehicles in the same class as the RAV4, offering a variety of features and budget options.

Japanese brands

Honda CR-V

Known for its reliability, spacious interior, and hybrid option.

Mazda CX-50

A stylish, sporty alternative with premium interiors.

Subaru Forester

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with standard all-wheel drive and rugged capability.

Nissan Rogue

Offers a smooth ride, upscale interior, and an efficient turbocharged engine.

Mitsubishi Outlander

Features three rows of seating, rare for this class, and a plug-in hybrid option.

Korean brands

Hyundai Tucson

Sleek design, advanced tech, and hybrid or plug-in hybrid options.

Kia Sportage

Bold styling, excellent value, and a choice of hybrid powertrains.

American brands and their RAV4 alternatives

Ford Escape

A versatile choice with a variety of trims, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.

Chevrolet Equinox

A budget-friendly option with straightforward features and a comfortable ride.

Jeep Cherokee

Offers solid off-road capability and a rugged feel.

European brands

Volkswagen Tiguan

German sophistication, an optional third-row seat, and a spacious interior.

Volvo XC40

A premium compact SUV with Scandinavian design and advanced safety features.

Luxury brands

BMW X1

A sporty, luxury compact SUV with refined performance.

Audi Q3

Compact and luxurious with a premium cabin and smooth ride.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Combines luxury and tech in a compact package.

While Toyota RAV4 sales outshine the competition, it’s not the only option

These compact SUVs provide a mix of practicality, style, and capability, catering to different tastes and budgets while staying competitive with the RAV4.

Editor-in-Chief

Sarah Kennedy

Sarah Kennedy is the Editor-in-Chief of MotorBiscuit. She joined the team as Managing Editor in 2021 and has more than 20 years of automotive and operations expertise. She held ASE certifications as an Automotive Service Consultant and Parts Specialist and was a licensed car salesperson for many years. Sarah often focuses on helping drivers navigate used car buying and vehicle ownership. She created “Shop Smarts,” a column for MOTOR Magazine, and was a contributor there for eight years. Her work earned her a Gold Medalist award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors in 2014 and Bronze Medalist awards from the International Automotive Media Competition in 2014 and 2015. She attended the Automotive Management Institute and earned her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.