The Toyota RAV4 is a hugely popular compact SUV, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. However, some drivers find that their needs evolve, and they require more space, power, or features. This article explores the options for those looking to move up in size from a RAV4, examining vehicles that offer more in terms of interior space, cargo capacity, towing capability, or a more luxurious experience. Understanding the alternatives will help you make an informed decision when considering your next vehicle purchase.
The RAV4's success has spurred numerous competitors to offer similar vehicles, and some manufacturers also provide larger SUVs that build upon the qualities that make the RAV4 appealing. This guide will break down these alternatives, offering a clear comparison to help you determine the best fit for your individual circumstances and preferences.
| Vehicle | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Venza | More luxurious interior, standard hybrid powertrain, smooth ride. | Limited cargo space compared to other mid-size SUVs, less off-road capability. |
| Toyota Highlander | Significantly more interior space, available third-row seating, powerful engine options. | Lower fuel economy than the RAV4, can be expensive in higher trims. |
| Toyota 4Runner | Excellent off-road capability, rugged build quality, high resale value. | Poor fuel economy, outdated interior, less comfortable on-road ride. |
| Lexus NX | More luxurious features than the RAV4, advanced technology, available plug-in hybrid option. | Smaller cargo space than the RAV4, higher price point. |
| Lexus RX | Significantly more luxurious than the RAV4, comfortable ride, spacious interior. | Higher price point, less sporty handling than some competitors. |
| Honda CR-V | Excellent fuel economy, spacious interior for its class, well-rounded performance. | Not significantly larger than the RAV4 in all dimensions, less powerful engine options. |
| Honda Passport | More powerful engine than the RAV4, spacious interior, good off-road capability for its class. | Lower fuel economy than the RAV4, less refined interior than some competitors. |
| Nissan Rogue | Stylish design, comfortable seats, user-friendly technology. | Engine can feel underpowered, less cargo space than some competitors. |
| Nissan Murano | More luxurious interior than the Rogue, comfortable ride, stylish design. | Lower fuel economy than the Rogue, less cargo space than some competitors, lacks a third-row option. |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | Stylish design, well-equipped for the price, comfortable ride. | Less established reliability record than Toyota, some features require higher trims. |
| Hyundai Palisade | Spacious third-row seating, luxurious interior, well-equipped for the price. | Lower fuel economy than the RAV4, can feel large and cumbersome to drive. |
| Kia Sportage | Stylish design, available hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, long warranty. | Less cargo space than some competitors, base engine can feel underpowered. |
| Kia Sorento | Available third-row seating, stylish design, well-equipped for the price. | Tight third-row seating, less cargo space than some competitors when the third row is in use. |
| Mazda CX-5 | Sporty handling, upscale interior, stylish design. | Less cargo space than some competitors, less powerful base engine. |
| Mazda CX-50 | More rugged styling than the CX-5, good off-road capability for its class, comfortable ride. | Less cargo space than some competitors, can be expensive in higher trims. |
| Mazda CX-9 | Stylish design, sporty handling for its size, upscale interior. | Lower fuel economy than some competitors, tight third-row seating, less cargo space than some competitors. |
| Subaru Forester | Standard all-wheel drive, excellent safety ratings, good visibility. | Less powerful engine than some competitors, less stylish design. |
| Subaru Outback | Standard all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, ample cargo space. | Less sporty handling than some competitors, less fuel efficient than some competitors. |
| Ford Escape | Available hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, sporty handling, user-friendly technology. | Less cargo space than some competitors, some interior materials feel cheap. |
| Ford Edge | Powerful engine options, comfortable ride, spacious interior. | Lower fuel economy than the RAV4, can be expensive in higher trims. |
| Ford Explorer | Available third-row seating, powerful engine options, good towing capability. | Lower fuel economy than the RAV4, can be expensive in higher trims, less refined interior than some competitors. |
| Chevrolet Equinox | Comfortable ride, user-friendly technology, affordable price. | Less powerful engine than some competitors, less cargo space than some competitors. |
| Chevrolet Blazer | Stylish design, sporty handling, powerful engine options. | Lower fuel economy than some competitors, less cargo space than some competitors. |
| GMC Terrain | Upscale interior, comfortable ride, user-friendly technology. | Less powerful engine than some competitors, less cargo space than some competitors. |
| Jeep Cherokee | Good off-road capability, comfortable ride, available V6 engine. | Lower fuel economy than some competitors, less cargo space than some competitors. |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Excellent off-road capability, luxurious interior, powerful engine options. | Lower fuel economy than the RAV4, can be expensive in higher trims. |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | Available third-row seating (in some trims), comfortable ride, user-friendly technology. | Tight third-row seating, less powerful engine than some competitors. |
| Volkswagen Atlas | Spacious third-row seating, ample cargo space, comfortable ride. | Lower fuel economy than the RAV4, can feel large and cumbersome to drive. |
Detailed Explanations
Toyota Venza: The Venza is positioned as a more premium option than the RAV4. It offers a more refined interior and a standard hybrid powertrain, prioritizing comfort and fuel efficiency. However, it sacrifices some cargo space compared to the RAV4 and isn't designed for serious off-roading. It's a good choice for those seeking a more luxurious and fuel-efficient daily driver.
Toyota Highlander: The Highlander is a significant step up in size, offering three rows of seating and substantially more cargo capacity. It's ideal for families who need to transport multiple passengers or require ample space for luggage and gear. While it's less fuel-efficient than the RAV4, it offers more powerful engine options to handle the increased size and weight.
Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner is a body-on-frame SUV built for serious off-road adventures. It prioritizes ruggedness and durability over on-road comfort and fuel economy. Its design is more utilitarian, but its off-road prowess is unmatched in the Toyota lineup. It's a great choice for those who frequently venture off the beaten path.
Lexus NX: The NX is the Lexus equivalent of the RAV4, offering a more luxurious experience with higher-quality materials and advanced technology. It's available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, providing even better fuel efficiency than the RAV4 Hybrid. However, it comes with a higher price tag and offers less cargo space.
Lexus RX: The RX is a larger SUV than the NX, offering a more spacious interior and a more comfortable ride. It's known for its plush seats, quiet cabin, and smooth driving experience. While it's less sporty than some competitors, it excels in providing a luxurious and relaxing driving environment.
Honda CR-V: While not a huge leap in size, the CR-V is a direct competitor to the RAV4 and offers a slightly more spacious interior for its class. It's known for its excellent fuel economy and well-rounded performance, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
Honda Passport: The Passport is a mid-size SUV with a more powerful engine and a more rugged design than the CR-V. It offers a spacious interior and good off-road capability for its class, making it a good choice for those who need more power and versatility.
Nissan Rogue: The Rogue is a stylish and comfortable compact SUV with user-friendly technology. It offers a comfortable ride and a well-designed interior, making it a pleasant daily driver. However, its engine can feel underpowered compared to some competitors.
Nissan Murano: The Murano is a mid-size SUV with a more luxurious interior and a more stylish design than the Rogue. It offers a comfortable ride and a refined driving experience, but it lacks a third-row option and offers less cargo space than some competitors.
Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe is a stylish and well-equipped mid-size SUV that offers good value for the price. It provides a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, making it a practical choice for families.
Hyundai Palisade: The Palisade is a large SUV with spacious third-row seating and a luxurious interior. It's well-equipped for the price and offers a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for families who need to transport multiple passengers.
Kia Sportage: The Sportage is a stylish and well-equipped compact SUV with available hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. It offers a long warranty and a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for those seeking a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle.
Kia Sorento: The Sorento is a mid-size SUV with available third-row seating and a stylish design. It's well-equipped for the price and offers a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for families who need occasional third-row seating.
Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 is a compact SUV known for its sporty handling and upscale interior. It offers a stylish design and a fun driving experience, making it a good choice for those who enjoy driving.
Mazda CX-50: The CX-50 is a more rugged version of the CX-5, offering better off-road capability and a more aggressive design. It provides a comfortable ride and a well-designed interior, making it a good choice for those who want a versatile and stylish SUV.
Mazda CX-9: The CX-9 is a large SUV with a stylish design and sporty handling for its size. It offers an upscale interior and a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for families who want a more luxurious and fun-to-drive SUV.
Subaru Forester: The Forester is a compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive and excellent safety ratings. It offers good visibility and a practical interior, making it a good choice for those who prioritize safety and reliability.
Subaru Outback: The Outback is a wagon-like SUV with standard all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance. It offers ample cargo space and a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for those who need a versatile and capable vehicle.
Ford Escape: The Escape is a compact SUV with available hybrid and plug-in hybrid options and sporty handling. It offers user-friendly technology and a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive SUV.
Ford Edge: The Edge is a mid-size SUV with powerful engine options and a comfortable ride. It offers a spacious interior and a refined driving experience, making it a good choice for those who want a more powerful and luxurious SUV.
Ford Explorer: The Explorer is a large SUV with available third-row seating and powerful engine options. It offers good towing capability and a spacious interior, making it a good choice for families who need to transport multiple passengers and tow trailers.
Chevrolet Equinox: The Equinox is a compact SUV with a comfortable ride and user-friendly technology. It offers an affordable price and a practical interior, making it a good choice for those seeking a budget-friendly and reliable SUV.
Chevrolet Blazer: The Blazer is a mid-size SUV with a stylish design and sporty handling. It offers powerful engine options and a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for those who want a more stylish and fun-to-drive SUV.
GMC Terrain: The Terrain is a compact SUV with an upscale interior and a comfortable ride. It offers user-friendly technology and a refined driving experience, making it a good choice for those who want a more luxurious and comfortable SUV.
Jeep Cherokee: The Cherokee is a compact SUV with good off-road capability and a comfortable ride. It offers an available V6 engine and a rugged design, making it a good choice for those who want a capable and versatile SUV.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV with excellent off-road capability and a luxurious interior. It offers powerful engine options and a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for those who want a capable and luxurious SUV.
Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan is a compact SUV with available third-row seating (in some trims) and a comfortable ride. It offers user-friendly technology and a practical interior, making it a good choice for families who need occasional third-row seating.
Volkswagen Atlas: The Atlas is a large SUV with spacious third-row seating and ample cargo space. It offers a comfortable ride and a practical interior, making it a good choice for families who need to transport multiple passengers and carry a lot of gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most fuel-efficient SUV larger than the RAV4? The Toyota Venza, with its standard hybrid powertrain, is typically the most fuel-efficient SUV in the next size class.
Which SUV offers the most cargo space after the RAV4? The Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas are known for offering substantial cargo space, especially with the third row folded down.
What SUV is best for off-roading after the RAV4? The Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee are excellent choices for off-roading, offering robust 4x4 systems and durable construction.
Which SUV offers the most luxurious experience compared to the RAV4? The Lexus RX provides a significant upgrade in luxury, with a more refined interior and a smoother ride.
Is the Honda CR-V significantly larger than the RAV4? The Honda CR-V offers a slightly more spacious interior than the RAV4, but the difference is not dramatic.
Conclusion
Choosing the "next size up" from a RAV4 depends heavily on your individual needs and priorities. If you desire more luxury and fuel efficiency, the Toyota Venza or Lexus RX might be ideal. For those needing significantly more passenger or cargo space, the Toyota Highlander or Volkswagen Atlas are excellent options. And if off-road capability is a primary concern, the Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Grand Cherokee are worth considering. Ultimately, research and test driving are crucial to finding the perfect fit.