10 Funds-Pleasant Used Alternatives To A Toyota RAV4 – Jalopnik

If you have spent a lot time driving recently you are prone to have seen one in every of Toyota’s best-selling fashions: the RAV4. Those issues are in every single place — particularly when you begin counting. In reality, Toyota offered 479,288 of them in 2025! And a tick over 475,000 the yr earlier than. Keep going again and you retain seeing large gross sales numbers. These issues are standard, and it is easy to see why: they’re environment friendly, have a popularity for reliability, and supply that confidence-inspiring upright seating place on the planet of massive vans and full-size SUVs we encounter when commuting. 

So, what is the catch? Well, like we identified with the brand new RAV4, standard additionally means individuals are keen to pay additional to get one. Before we get to the numbers, here is the standards we used when organising this record. For one of the best apples-to-apples comparability, we turned to A-Z Eventz and their Fair Purchase Price vary from a dealership. Then, we in contrast 2021 mannequin yr autos. At the 5 yr mark autos it needs to be doable to seek out loads of examples in nice mechanical form, with below 100,000 miles on the odometer. 

So, how a lot does a 5 yr outdated RAV4 go for in accordance with KBB? You’re taking a look at $23,100 to $28,600 for the gas-powered mannequin; Hybrid and plug-in hybrid fashions (known as the RAV4 Prime in 2021) tack on a number of thousand to these costs. Also word, pricing was correct on the time of publication, however will naturally change over time. The excellent news is there are many choices within the compact SUV section, and pricing begins practically $10,000 decrease than the entry-level RAV4. Let’s dig into it!

A KBB used worth vary of $13,100 to $17,700 makes the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox the most cost effective different on this record, however that does not imply it is a barebones providing. The Equinox has seating for 5 individuals and a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 paired with a standard computerized transmission. With simply 170 hp on faucet, the small Chevy is not going to win too many stoplight drag races, however it needs to be sufficient to get it in control comfortably. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be found throughout the lineup, however if you’d like adaptive cruise management you will have to step as much as the highest Premier trim. 

Comparing an Equinox to the RAV4 is an attention-grabbing train. The Chevy does not have any of the non-compulsory hybrid techniques the Toyota may be had with, although it falls only a few MPG quick compared with the gas-only powertrain. If you are commuting a bunch, the choice to get a hybrid may push you out of Equinox territory. Then once more, when worth is a significant component, you’ll be able to in all probability discover a lower-mile, properly appointed Equinox for 1000’s lower than a comparable RAV4.

Another home contender is the Ford Escape, which has a KBB used worth vary of $13,700 to $18,000. This one is on the market with extra powertrain choices than the RAV4 even, with a pair of gasoline engines, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. 

Though the 2021 Ford Escape provides a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 which makes a stout 250 hp, it is on the Titanium and SEL trims. Of the 2, the Titanium is extra luxurious than sporty. That 250 hp ties the Escape with the definitely-sporty Mazda CX-5 Turbo for essentially the most horsepower of any fuel mannequin on this record. While these two are eclipsed by the 302 hp 2021 RAV4 Prime, that Toyota is usually greater than $10,000 costlier on common than the Ford Escape.

Like the Equinox, Ford Escape buyers ought to be capable to combine and match trim ranges and mileage to suit their funds and desired options. They all include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto assist, too. Be conscious of the big selection of mixtures and choices — it might get overwhelming making an attempt to determine which mannequin got here with what options, after which what’s out there in your space on the market. Decide what you want — and what you choices you may want – then buy groceries.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has one actually unusual function for the compact SUV section – a 3rd row seat! Be warned, nevertheless, it’s small. Really small. It’s in all probability finest suited to younger youngsters and quick journeys throughout city. Kinda like third row seats in bigger SUVs, we think about it’d keep folded flat more often than not. Outside of the third row, the Volkswagen usually competes effectively within the segments for options. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are current, and the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 has an sufficient 184 hp, and adaptive cruise management is on the market throughout a lot of the lineup. All that and the KBB used worth vary is $14,350 to $20,400.

To counterpoint the Tiguan’s positives, it is solely out there with that turbo 2.0-liter in 2021 and a alternative between front- and all-wheel drive. A hybrid is nowhere to be seen. The gasoline economic system ranking tops out at 25 mpg, which falls about 5 mpg wanting the gas-only RAV4 and is way under any of the hybrid fashions. Then there’s the inside. Depending on private desire, the simplicity of the German inside may strike you as minimalistic, or sparse and plain. It comes down extra to paint decisions — when you get the black seats it might really feel somewhat plain with the remainder of the darkish colours and supplies. If you need a extra extroverted inside, search for the non-compulsory black-and-orange two-tone seats.

The 2021 Kia Sportage occupies a center floor within the compact SUV section. A used one falls between $14,700 and $17,900 in accordance with KBB. Kia has at all times been priced for worth, with plenty of choices for a greater worth than the competitors. 

What can we imply? Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are accompanied by an 8-inch infotainment display throughout the lineup, with choices for heated seats and a passive smart-key entry at larger trim ranges. The base RAV4, whose used costs begin at greater than $8,000 larger than the bottom Sportage, has a smaller display, material seats, and a bodily key with buttons it’s a must to push for entry. Some of these niceties will assist the Sportage really feel extra upscale and handy, and are solely out there on the RAV4 within the higher trim ranges. 

Under the hood, the 2021 Sportage has a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-4 that makes 181 hp, or a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that makes a wholesome 240 hp. Both are lots to get the Sportage shifting, however the Kia lacks hybrid choices, and gasoline economic system scores of 26 mpg and 23 mpg fall between 4 and seven mpg quick when in comparison with the non-hybrid RAV4. Though each have practically the identical quantity of room for passengers, the Sportage has solely 31 cubic ft of cargo capability to the RAV4’s 37 cu-ft. If you like to do large Costco runs or usually haul a full automotive of individuals and baggage to the airport, maintain that in thoughts when contemplating the Sportage.

Though the 2021 Hyundai Tucson shares the identical platform because the Kia Sportage, the 2 are very completely different. For starters, the Tucson provides a pair of non-turbocharged engines: a 2.0- and a couple of.4-liter inline-4, which make 161 hp and 181 hp, respectively. Fuel economic system is sort of a wash between the 2 engines at 25 mpg every, leaving each about 5 mpg under the gas-only RAV4. Finally, its KBB used worth vary runs from $14,900 to $18,450. 

Like the Kia, the Hyundai Tucson was not out there in 2021 with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain. If gasoline economic system is a much bigger issue for you the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V provided hybrids in 2021, each of that are inexpensive than their RAV4 equal.

Features and gear are beneficiant with the upper SEL and Ultimate trims, however watch out when procuring and ensure the mannequin you are taking a look at has the options you need. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be found throughout the lineup, however if you’d like adaptive cruise management, you will have to go for the Ultimate trim. That mentioned, you additionally get a 360-degree encompass view digital camera, heated and ventilated entrance seats, heated rear seats, and a premium sound system for 1000’s lower than the bottom LE trim of the RAV4.

One of the promoting factors of the 2021 Jeep Compass must be the succesful Trailhawk trim. That worth stroll from the $15,000 base Compass to the $16,350 Trailhawk is a pleasant constructive, too. It means you will discover a reasonably succesful off-roader for roughly the identical worth because the extra pedestrian Compass fashions. One factor the compact SUV section isn’t identified for is correct off-road functionality. Sure, most of the contenders can be found with all-wheel drive, however the Compass Trailhawk provides in skid plates and further floor clearance. 

Off-road means apart, the Compass provides a middling gasoline economic system ranking of 25 mpg and no hybrid system. The engine is a 2.4-liter inline-4 that makes 180 hp. The little Jeep is aggressive in any other case, with niceties like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Getting to the upper trims nets you adaptive cruise and a few superior driver help techniques. This is similar basic Jeep Compass physique model that was launched again in 2017, and that may be a plus or a minus.

Automotive journalists like to advocate the Mazda CX-5. Any Mazda, actually, and the attraction is comprehensible. Mazdas completely ship on their zoom zoom popularity, and the dealing with is lots higher than you may count on from the section. The 2021 Mazda CX-5, which runs from $16,900 to $22,400, is on the market with a naturally-aspirated or turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, which makes both 187 hp or 250 hp, respectively. 

The energy of the turbo mannequin ties the CX-5 with the Escape, however the Mazda is certainly the extra thrilling one to drive. When in contrast immediately with the RAV4, the non-turbo CX-5 is simply 2 mpg behind the Toyota at 28 mpg, whereas the turbo engine’s thirst places it roughly 5 mpg decrease with a mixed ranking of 25. For 2021, the Mazda doesn’t supply a hybrid powertrain of any type.

Some reviewers have famous that the rear seats are somewhat cramped for bigger passengers, however the spec chart reveals ample legroom. During your check drive, set the motive force seat for your self, hop out someplace secure, and sit behind ‘your self’ to see if it’s going to be just right for you. The CX-5 does include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and adaptive cruise management throughout the lineup. When cross-shopping the CX-5 towards the RAV4, patrons can get a loaded Grand Touring Reserve for nearly $1,000 lower than the far-less-exciting RAV4 LE, which is the entry level to the Toyota’s lineup.

With Nissans usually making our least expensive new automobiles lists you’d suppose the Rogue could be nearer to the start of this record. Clearly, the 2021 Nissan Rogue does not depreciate as quick as another autos, for higher or worse. According to the KBB used vary, a 2021 will run you between $17,450 and $21,400. 

The Rogue does not have a hybrid choice, however it did include a 2.5-liter inline-4 that makes 181 hp or a 201 hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3 that was launched as a part of a pilot program late in 2021.. Both engines are paired with a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT). A CVT is a kind of computerized transmission that is extremely frequent in newer automobiles, however lots of drivers (and auto journalists) have complained about the best way CVTs sound when accelerating. Take one for a drive and see what you suppose. Efficiency clever, the Rogue’s 2.5-liter engine matches the gas-only RAV4’s 30 mpg mixed ranking, whereas the turbo 1.5-liter engine beats it by 3 mpg.

The 2021 Rogue got here with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base stage, and relying on trim the Nissan may be geared up with various luxurious options. At the highest, the Platinum will get a much bigger infotainment display and a navigation-assisted adaptive cruise management system that may mechanically gradual for a curve within the highway. The Nissan Rogue Platinum comes with all the posh options the automaker provided, together with hanging leather-based seats with a quilted sample, and it begins practically $1,500 decrease than that entry-level RAV4.

The 2021 Subaru Forester is understood for being sure-footed when the going will get powerful. All-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of floor clearance, and a strong suite of superior driver security techniques all add as much as a succesful and confidence-inspiring trip. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter flat-4 engine paired with a CVT that makes 182 hp. Fuel economic system is 29 mpg mixed, which is similar because the all-wheel drive gas-only RAV4, and only one mpg shy of the front-wheel drive RAV4. Unfortunately, for tremendous commuters, the Forester wasn’t out there with a hybrid in 2021, so the RAV4’s hybrid choices will probably weigh within the Toyota’s favor for these use circumstances. All advised, the KBB used vary for a 2021 Forester is between $18,900 and $21,500.

Inside the cabin the Forester isn’t solely regarded to be comfy with plenty of room for small gadgets, it is bought good tech too, together with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto throughout the lineup, and an out there 8-inch infotainment display. And when you just like the expansive views supplied by panoramic moonroofs, each Forester above the Base trim had one, whereas solely the highest trims of the RAV4 might get one as a part of an non-compulsory bundle. The Subaru Forester additionally obtained glorious security scores for 2021, incomes a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-star ranking from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Those are the absolute best scores from each security companies for 2021. The RAV4 matched the 5-star ranking, however solely bought a Top Safety Pick designation for 2021.

Well, effectively, effectively. In the world of strong-selling dependable autos, it is sensible that the 2021 Honda CR-V is correct up there with the RAV4 for holding its worth with KBB used costs that run from $20,900 to $24,300. The CR-V has saved up with the RAV4 in a feature-for-feature battle for years. The Honda matches the Toyota’s 30 mpg mixed determine, and the CR-V is on the market with a hybrid that’s solely 2 mpg behind the RAV4. Under the hood the Honda is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 paired with a CVT that makes 190 hp, or that hybrid which pairs a 2.0-liter inline-4 with an electrical motor for 212 hp mixed. One factor the CR-V does not match is the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime. 

When evaluating the 2 on the subject of inside tech, the Honda does omit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the bottom trim of the Honda. Other than that, the 2 compact SUVs are inside a number of figures of one another on all the foremost metrics: 39.2 cu-ft of cargo area within the Honda, to Toyota’s 37 cu-ft; 103 cu-ft of passenger area within the Honda to the Toyota’s 99 cu-ft. The record of similarities goes on with exterior dimensions, too, with each SUVs inside about an inch of one another. 

At this distance in worth from the RAV4 (about $3,000), which one you go together with is extra probably going to come back right down to native availability and your means to attend to seek out one of the best deal. If you want a automotive instantly, you then’re caught with what’s out there regionally. If you’ll be able to afford to take a while, then you will discover a greater deal, decrease miles, or simply that right combination of options within the coloration you need.