Compare the2025 Toyota Rav4 Plug-In HybridVS 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer knee airbags.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid achieved an “Acceptable” rating for its forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid which scored only a “Marginal” in these critical safety features.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid and the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

There are over 47 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s reliability 32 points higher than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota second in reliability, above the industry average. With 51 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 13th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota third in overall reliability. Hyundai is ranked 10th.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 34 more horsepower (302 vs. 268) than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is faster than the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid running its gasoline engine (40 city/36 hwy vs. 35 city/35 hwy).

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 42 miles. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has to start its internal combustion engine after only 32 miles.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (14.5 vs. 11.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid are solid, not vented.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid SE’s turning circle is 2.5 feet tighter than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s (36.1 feet vs. 38.6 feet). The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE’s turning circle is 1.2 feet tighter than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s (37.4 feet vs. 38.6 feet).

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has .2 inches more front shoulder room and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid with its rear seat up (33.5 vs. 31.9 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s (2500 vs. 2000 pounds).

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a higher standard payload capacity than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (1295 vs. 1132 lbs.).

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Insurance will cost less for the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid will cost $495 to $1385 less than the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid over a five-year period.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid will retain 59.06% to 59.32% of its original price after five years, while the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid only retains 52.89% to 54.4%.

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Rav4 outsold the Hyundai Tucson by over two to one during 2024.