DecodedCarsToyota bZ4X vs Toyota RAV4
2025 Toyota bZ4X vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $1,050 a year less in fuel for the Toyota bZ4X (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Toyota bZ4X is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.
Both earned 5 stars overall in NHTSA crash tests.
Across all model years since 2005, the Toyota bZ4X has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 50).
The two cars
The 2025 Toyota bZ4X is a small SUV powered by electricity and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,211 lb (L/Le EV 4dr SUV).
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,490 lb (AWD Le / Xle 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2024 bZ4X and the 2022 RAV4 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 RAV4.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Toyota bZ4X if…
- You want an EV with more range (252 miles)
- You want more room (4 in longer)
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (4 vs 50 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if…
- You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)
Pros & cons of each
2025 Toyota bZ4X
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2025 Toyota RAV4
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 39 MPG combined — 52% better than the average 2025 small SUV (25.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Many owner complaints106 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 29 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Full 2025 Toyota bZ4X specs →Full 2025 Toyota RAV4 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →