Compare

Hyundai Nexo vs Toyota RAV4

2026 Hyundai Nexo vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Hyundai Nexo

2026 Hyundai Nexo

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
VS3 – 0Hyundai Nexo wins 3 of 3 categories
Toyota RAV4

2026 Toyota RAV4

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

Swap in a different car →

The short version

Across all model years since 2005, the Hyundai Nexo has had fewer recall campaigns (5 vs 50).

The two cars

The 2026 Hyundai Nexo is a small SUV and front-wheel drive. There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,746 lb (Le 4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2024 Nexo and the 2022 RAV4 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 Nexo and the 2019 RAV4.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
FCV
Fuel
Hybrid
FCV
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

–
Best combined MPG
43 MPG
–
City / highway MPG (best)
47 city
–
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$1,550

Performance & space

–
Horsepower (most powerful)
186 hp
–
Seats (most)
5
–
Length
181.1 in
–
Width
72.8 in
–
Height
66.5 in
–
Curb weight (lightest)
3,746 lb

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
13
0
Recalls (2026)
2
5
Recalls, all years since 2005
50
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
42

Interest

2,179
Wikipedia views, 30 days
45,921

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2022
2020
Year to avoid
2019

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Hyundai Nexo if…

  • You put reliability history first (5 vs 50 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if…

  • You need AWD or 4WD
  • You want a hybrid or electric option

Pros & cons of each

2026 Hyundai Nexo

  • No AWD or 4WDTwo-wheel drive only, unusual for a small SUV.

2026 Toyota RAV4

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 43 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Full 2026 Hyundai Nexo specs →Full 2026 Toyota RAV4 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →