$1,368 per year. That's what the RAV4 Hybrid costs to fuel. The CX-5 costs $1,995 and the Tucson $1,596. Over 5 years, fuel alone separates these three by up to $3,135. But fuel is just one piece. Here's the complete picture across every metric that matters.
The Numbers That Actually Matter
| Spec | RAV4 GXL Hybrid | CX-5 Touring | Tucson Elite HEV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (RRP) | $44,560 | $40,190 | $48,300 |
| Fuel Economy | 4.8L/100km | 7.0L/100km | 5.6L/100km |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $1,368 | $1,995 | $1,596 |
| Power | 163kW | 140kW | 169kW |
| Torque | 221Nm | 252Nm | 265Nm |
| Boot Space | 542L | 438L | 546L |
| Towing (Braked) | 1,500kg | 2,000kg | 1,650kg |
| ANCAP | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Warranty | 5yr | 5yr | 5yr |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed Auto | 6-speed Auto |
| Drive | AWD | FWD / AWD | AWD |
Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices excluding on-road costs. Verify current pricing with your dealer.
True Cost to Own (5 Years)
| Cost | RAV4 Hybrid | CX-5 | Tucson Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveaway (est. VIC) | ~$49,000 | ~$44,500 | ~$52,800 |
| 5yr Fuel | $6,840 | $9,975 | $7,980 |
| 5yr Servicing | $3,500 | $3,200 | $3,600 |
| 5yr Insurance | $8,500 | $7,800 | $8,750 |
| Resale (est. 5yr) | ~$28,400 | ~$22,000 | ~$24,900 |
| True 5yr Cost | $39,440 | $43,475 | $48,230 |
The RAV4 Hybrid is the cheapest to own over 5 years despite not being the cheapest to buy. Toyota resale and hybrid fuel savings do the work. The CX-5 is $4,035 more over 5 years. The Tucson is $8,790 more.
CarSorted Data Insight
Based on CarSorted's database of 1,041 Australian vehicles: of the 92 SUVs priced between $40,000 and $55,000, only 8 combine 5-star ANCAP, AWD, and fuel consumption under 6L/100km. The RAV4 Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid are two of them. The CX-5 misses out because it doesn't have a hybrid option.
The RAV4 Hybrid's 4.8L/100km makes it the second most fuel-efficient mid-size SUV in our database, behind only the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid at 4.3L/100km. That's a family SUV matching the fuel economy of a small hatchback.
Who Each Car Is For
- Buy the RAV4 Hybrid if: lowest running costs, best resale, biggest boot, and you don't mind the CVT transmission
- Buy the CX-5 if: you enjoy driving, value interior quality, need more towing capacity (2,000kg), and want the lowest purchase price
- Buy the Tucson Hybrid if: you want the most power, the most modern interior with dual screens, and ventilated seats. Budget is less of a concern
The Verdict
The RAV4 Hybrid wins on ownership cost by a clear margin. If you're making a purely financial decision, buy the RAV4. If you want the best driving experience, buy the CX-5. The Tucson is the hardest to justify because it's the most expensive to buy AND own, but it has the most features and the most modern cabin.
None of these is a bad choice. All three are 5-star, AWD-capable, family-sized SUVs with excellent reliability records. You're choosing between good, better, and best value.
Compare all three side by side on CarSorted's comparison tool with 200+ specs, fuel costs, and performance data.
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Disclaimer: All information in this article was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (4 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Specifications, government incentives, and rebates can change without notice. Always verify details with the manufacturer or relevant authority before making a purchase decision. Running cost estimates are based on average Australian driving conditions at 15,000 km/year. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations or rankings.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 4 April 2026
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