Toyota RAV4 vs BMW 3 Series

What's the difference?

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.

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.

The previous RAV4 had a distinct, unmistakable look, particularly from the rear but the new design feels a little more subdued by comparison.

It leans into a more conventional SUV shape, with a front grille that borrows heavily from the HiLux, including a strong use of body-coloured panelling. It still presents well at the kerb, but it doesn’t quite have the same standout presence as before.

Inside is where the biggest changes have happened. The dashboard sits lower, there are more storage cubbies and the new displays modernise the space nicely. There are fewer physical buttons than before, with some seat and climate controls now integrated into the touchscreen. It’s not my preference, but overall the layout remains intuitive and easy to navigate.

Looking around the cabin, it still feels very Toyota in its execution. There’s a noticeable use of plastics, even in this flagship grade, though there are enough soft-touch areas to keep things feeling solid and well put together.

One small drawback is the dual-opening, reversible centre console lid as it tends to squeak and doesn’t feel quite as robust as the rest of the interior.

Sharper than its predecessor, the new 320i has LED everything with the rear lights being longer and curving around to the sides of the car.

The classic 'kidney' grille is darkened and more pronounced, with the black panelling extending to the rear to create an unapologetically sporty presence. A presence that’s accentuated by the twin exhausts.

The batcave interior with its black headliner, black seats… black everything, looks smart and stylish.

You do have a fair bit of harder touchpoints throughout but the customisable ambient lighting helps to soften the overall effect.

With its 2068mm width, 4709mm length and 1435mm height, the sedan makes its presence known without feeling cumbersome to manoeuvre. Urban dwellers need not fear their local car park!

As far as mid-size SUVs go, the Toyota RAV4 still hits a solid beat when it comes to overall practicality. It doesn't get everything right but it does enough.

The space up front is generous and the seats are comfortable, especially with their added heat and ventilation functions. Access is decent enough with wide door apertures and an easy ground clearance and the only drawback is the high lip in the footwell, which can catch your foot slightly when getting out.

Storage is a highlight due the sheer number of options with a deep middle console, centre trays, sunglasses holder and dashboard shelving. Add in a couple of cupholders and drink bottle holders and it shouldn't be difficult to keep the cockpit tidy.

In the second row, there’s plenty of space for adults, with good leg- and headroom and a seat that’s supportive enough for longer trips. The leather trim feels nice, and practical touches like large map pockets and cupholders are appreciated.

However, for a flagship grade, it feels a little underdone on features. You get rear air vents and USB-C ports, but miss out on things like climate control, sunblinds and more thoughtful storage solutions. There are two ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchors, though realistically two child seats will fit best.

As mentioned, the technology upgrades are a big step forward. The new multimedia system is clean, responsive and easy to use, and while wireless Apple CarPlay can get confused if you have multiple device connections stored, it works seamlessly once pared back to one.

There’s built-in satellite navigation, a highly customisable digital instrument cluster that can display directions, and a solid mix of charging options including dual wireless pads, a 12-volt socket and four USB-C ports (two in each row).

Around the back, the boot is well-shaped and easy to load, with a claimed 705L of capacity when measured to the roofline. A powered tailgate, 12-volt socket and temporary spare tyre all add to its usability.

That said, the adjustable boot floor and cargo cover feel a bit flimsy and awkward in practice, which is slightly at odds with the otherwise practical and family-friendly focus.

For such a sleek looking sedan, it’s generous up front with plenty of head and legroom.

You can adjust the seat to sit quite low and both front seats have extendable under-thigh supports, which should excite taller drivers. 

My 189cm (6’2”) brother has the 328i and is very comfortable but taller front passengers will encroach on back seat passenger comfort.

The front seats are quite firm on the backside, they also lack adjustable lumbar support, so expect to stretch the kinks out on a longer trip.

The amenities and tech feel well thought out and easy enough to use. The 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system looks great and has the best-looking graphics I’ve sampled.

The BMW system is intuitive to use once you get used to it. If you’re not interested in using the touchscreen, you can also utilise the rotary-wheel for menu selections.

There’s also Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus built-in satellite navigation.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is customisable and the information displayed simply but you won’t really look at it because of the head-up display.

Front occupants enjoy a wireless charging pad for their smart phone, a USB-A and USB-C port plus a 12-volt socket. Rear passengers get a couple of USB-C ports, too.

The storage is good for this size sedan but overall passenger room takes priority, but the glove box and middle console will suffice for everyday use.

While it may not excite others, I love the big bottle holders in the doors. They’re large enough for my big 1.5L bottle and angled for easy access. These are found in the rear doors as well.

Back seat passengers enjoy climate control, directional air vents, two cupholders, netted map pockets and reading lights.

My six-year old was happy with the amenities and lower ground clearance because he felt comfortable and had his independence.

The boot offers a good capacity of 480L and the aperture isn’t too narrow, so you can comfortably access items if they roll to the back.

I had plenty of room for my little family’s needs but if you’re a larger family, you may need to get strategic with gear storage.

Being a base model, you do miss out on a powered tailgate, which is a shame but not too much of an issue given this is a sedan and the lid isn’t heavy.

There’s also no spare tyre or even a puncture repair kit but you have run-flats, so you should be able to limp to a service centre if need be.

There are seven variants for the BMW 3 Series sedan and our model is the base model for the petrol variants.

There is a plug-in hybrid version, the 330e, if you’re after a more fuel-efficient option but it will up the price by about $20K.

As it stands the 320i M Sport is $78,900, before on-road costs. Our model has been finished in 'M Brooklyn Grey', which adds $1539 to the price.

That puts it at a similar price point as its rivals. You get a well-specified package with the M Sport but it doesn’t have the same sense of cushioned comfort as the Merc does, but more on that later.

Still, the sporty and streamlined interior is headlined by BMW’s dual 12.3-inch screens that sit propped on the dash like a futuristic cockpit.

The mix of synthetic leather and cloth seats are electric and have adjustable side bolsters for when you want to go hard in a turn.

The interior also boasts a sunroof and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. There are some other highlights like the 18-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and the crystal-clear head-up display, to name a few. 

Under the bonnet, the RAV4 pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor as part of its updated hybrid system. Toyota doesn’t quote a combined torque figure, and total power has dropped slightly to 143kW, down 17kW from the previous front-wheel drive variant.

On paper, that reduction might raise a few eyebrows, but in practice it’s not something you notice often. What is more apparent is the improvement in refinement, with smoother transitions between electric and petrol power that make the overall driving experience feel more polished.

The 320i M Sport has the ‘baby’ engine in the 3 Series line-up but the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol powertrain still delivers on power with a maximum output of 135kW/300Nm. 

This is a rear-wheel drive and has an eight-speed auto-transmission which delivers very smooth gear changes.

Despite having the smaller engine, it can still go from 0-100km/h in just 7.4 seconds.

Efficiency remains a strong point for the RAV4. Toyota claims a combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel consumption figure of 4.5L/100km, and with a 55-litre fuel tank, that equates to a theoretical driving range of over 1000km.

In the real world, my average came in at 5.5L/100km across a mix of urban and open-road driving, which is an impressive result. The only caveat is Toyota’s recommendation for 95 RON premium fuel, which may add slightly to running costs over time.

In a world with rising fuel prices, the efficiency of this decently powered sedan should excite you.

The official combined fuel cycle is 6.5L/100km. Real world testing saw my figure at 7.4L/100km after a mix of open-road and urban driving this week.

I thought that was great for how hard I drove it and for the power, you won’t be wincing when you put your foot down. I would expect it to be higher in an urban setting.

The 320i has a 59L fuel tank and based on the official combined cycle figure, you should get just over 900km of driving range, which is great, especially if you do 'roadies' like me!

On the road, the RAV4 Hybrid 2WD performs confidently across most situations. It can sound a little strained when pushed hard, but there’s enough power on tap to keep up with traffic without issue.

The ride leans towards slightly firm, paired with responsive steering that gives it a more controlled feel through corners than you might expect. It remains stable at speed and around town feels punchy and easy to drive.

For those who prefer a stronger regenerative braking effect, switching to 'B' mode adds a noticeable increase, which works well in urban traffic. Refinement is another highlight. It’s impressively quiet on the move, even at highway speeds and feels well suited to longer trips.

One of the standout improvements is the 360-degree camera system. Where the previous version fell short, this one is clear and easy to use, making parking straightforward.

There's a lot that I like about how this performs but a highlight is how eagerly the car responds when you accelerate.

However, it’s not unbridled power. There’s no bucking at the front or shuddering through the steering wheel. It’s controlled but still very fun.

The lower centre of gravity and coupe-like height of this does mean it handles corners well and the bolstered seats hold you firmly into place, meaning you can be free to drive this a little harder than you might normally. Which I did and can confirm it handles itself well.

This has the M Sport suspension, which means it’s stiff, but you feel very connected to the road.

You do get a lot of talk-back from bumps in the road but unless you hit a big pothole, you never feel rattled by them.

But it is a harder ride than other luxury models, which doesn’t bother me as I like the handling, but if you want limo-like comfort, look elsewhere.

The cabin is very nice to spend a lot of time in and relatively quiet, even at higher speeds.

The 11.4m turning circle and sleek dimensions makes it very handy to park, even in tight car parks. The nose is long but the front and rear parking sensors take out any ‘will I make it’ moments and the super clear reversing camera is great. 

The safety list includes a suite of features and the following come as standard: adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking (operational from 5.0-210km/h), blind-spot monitoring, speed sign recognition, forward collision warning, SOS emergency call button, daytime running lights and rear cross-traffic alert.

I like the intelligent seatbelt reminder and that the bonnet is considered 'active', meaning it will lift up and away from the engine if the sensors detect that a pedestrian has been hit.

However, I have to call out the lane departure and keeping aids. It’s a hit or miss system and I tested it extensively this week once I noticed it.

You can customise the sensitivity levels and even on the highest sensitivity, it works too sporadically for my liking. BMW should improve this system for future instalments.

The 3 Series has been awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating but it was done a while ago in 2019. It only has seven airbags and is missing the newer front centre airbag. 

There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats and three top tether anchor points but the back seat is a bit too narrow to comfortably fit three child seats side by side.

You'll be able to fit a 0-4 rearward facing child seat but may struggle if you're a tall family.

The RAV4 is backed by Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which now sits slightly behind some rivals offering longer coverage (upwards of seven-years on some).

Servicing is more competitive. A five-year capped price program comes in at $1625, averaging $325 per visit, with intervals set at 12 months or 15,000km. That’s well priced for the segment.

You also get complimentary roadside assistance, which is service-activated, along with a one-year subscription to the 'myToyota Connect' app. This allows remote access to functions like climate control and locking or unlocking the vehicle, adding a layer of convenience.

The 320i comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, which is standard for this class.

You can choose between a three- or five-year capped-priced servicing plan. The five-year plan costs just $2150, or $430 a year, which is competitive for this class.

Like other BMWs, servicing intervals are condition-based, with the car letting you know when it needs to be serviced.