BMW 3 Series vs Toyota RAV4
What's the difference?

BMW 3 Series

$47,490 - $92,888

2023 price

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Toyota RAV4

$45,990 - $66,430

2026 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 2

Mazda 3

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2023 BMW 3 Series

2026 Toyota RAV4

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.5L/100km (combined)

4.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Driving performance
Well-specified base model
Sexy styling

Hybrid system is efficient
Charming technology
Easy ride and handling

Dislikes

Harder ride might bother some people
Cosy back seat for child seats
Lacklustre lane keeping tech

Heavy-use of plastics is a buzzkill
Missing some second-row features
Grade distinctions are too close

2023 BMW 3 Series Summary

Back in the day, the 3 Series sedan was often the entry to the brand for first time BMW owners, and for good reason. They offered practical interior space without compromising on engine performance.

And they simply looked good, no boring nanny design elements. Then the 1 Series came along and price points bumped up, so how does the ‘entry’ BMW 320i M Sport live up to its long-standing reputation?

With an updated dashboard that brings the interior and tech up to market and a sharper exterior design, it more than holds its own at the table of luxury sedans, despite hard competition from the likes of the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C200 and Jaguar XE.

However, if the Merc is a placid and well-behaved mare… the BMW is the barely-broken-in bronco and it takes a certain kind of ‘rider’ to enjoy what the 320i has to offer.

I’ve been discovering just that this week with my family of three. What did we find out? Read below!

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2026 Toyota RAV4 Summary

The Toyota RAV4 is arguably Australia’s darling and has been for years. It’s long set the benchmark in the mid-size SUV segment - a position rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 would love to occupy.

It’s also been close to a decade since we’ve seen anything new from the RAV4, so expectations for this sixth-generation update are understandably high. For this family review, we’re testing the flagship Cruiser Hybrid 2WD, which brings the most features and the biggest price tag in the line-up.

On paper, it promises meaningful upgrades, particularly in technology and refinement, while holding onto the practicality and efficiency that made it so popular in the first place.

But with stronger competition and rising expectations in this segment, the question is no longer whether the RAV4 is good, it’s whether it’s done enough to stay at the top.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 BMW 3 Series 2026 Toyota RAV4

Verdict

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the BMW 320i M Sport. It’s fun to drive and I felt connected to what the car was doing on the road. The harder ride may not appeal to some but I didn’t mind it. The cosy back seat and boot mean it will probably suit a smaller family best and one which doesn’t have to worry about carrying a lot of gear around regularly, but it suited my needs just fine.

I reckon this is a car for those drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance but still have a kid or two. If you’re after the cushioned comfort of a Merc, this won’t appeal but I didn't want to give this one back and happily give it a firm 8/10.

My son liked the sports car looks and enjoyed the amenities in his row. He gives it a 10/10.

Verdict

The new Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2WD builds on what made it so popular in the first place. It’s easy to drive, efficient and well equipped, with enough features to suit a wide range of buyers.

The updated technology is a clear step forward and lifts the overall experience, but there are still elements that feel out of step with the flagship positioning, particularly the use of hard plastics and some less refined finishes. Even so, it remains a practical and well-rounded option in the segment.

BMW 3 Series vs Toyota RAV4 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 3 Series vs Toyota RAV4
What's the difference?