Cupra Ateca vs Toyota RAV4
What's the difference?

Cupra Ateca

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2025 price

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Toyota RAV4

$45,990 - $66,430

2026 price

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Summary

2025 Cupra Ateca

2026 Toyota RAV4

By Laura Berry

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

7.1L/100km (combined)

4.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

The 'mysterious' brand
Volkswagen quality and engineering
Lower price into the Ateca model

Hybrid system is efficient
Charming technology
Easy ride and handling

Dislikes

Safety tech could be more cutting edge
Fuel economy on the high side
No head-up display

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

2025 Cupra Ateca Summary

Not many people even know what a Cupra Ateca V is… and this is the second best thing about this small SUV. The first best thing is that Cupra is owned by Volkswagen.

So, this means you can have your mysterious SUV not many other people drive while knowing it’s underpinned by one of the largest car manufacturers in the world which makes cars millions of people drive and one which also has a reputation for high quality vehicles.

The big news here is the Ateca model range has a new and lower entry fee with the arrival of this V grade. See, until now the only Ateca Australians could buy is the high-performance VZx which while really sporty also came with a pretty big price tag.

So, how much is the Ateca V and what do you get for the money? We found this out at the Australian launch along with how practical and safe it is and what it’s like to drive.

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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

2025 Cupra Ateca 2026 Toyota RAV4

Verdict

The Cupra Ateca V is a much needed more affordable way into this small SUV while still offering a high-end feeling with plenty of standard features. Yes, the V isn't as high-powered as the VZx but it's still great to drive in the city and on the open road. Big on the inside and small on the outside the Cupra Ateca can perform urban and (small) family duties well.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

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.

Cupra Ateca vs Toyota RAV4 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Ateca vs Toyota RAV4
What's the difference?