Toyota RAV4 vs Genesis GV80
What's the difference?

Toyota RAV4

$45,990 - $66,430

2026 price

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Genesis GV80

$119,928 - $141,750

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Toyota RAV4

2026 Genesis GV80

By Emily Agar

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.8L/100km (combined)

11.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Hybrid system is efficient
Charming technology
Easy ride and handling

Prestige look and feel
Ride and handling
All-wheel drive

Dislikes

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

Digital rear-view mirror
Driver visibility is constricted
No spare tyre

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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2026 Genesis GV80 Summary

If you want luxury it will cost you. But that’s okay if the product or service you’re buying delivers on the promise or hype.

Posh has a price and even though times are tougher now, economically, and people’s belts are a little tighter, Genesis, Hyundai’s prestige spin-off, has released its GV80 line-up, which is headlined by the GV80 Black SUV and GV80 Black coupe.

These new range-toppers are based on the GV80 Signature 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol all-wheel drive and as such are now aimed at setting the gold standard for plush vehicles.

So, does the GV80 Black deliver? Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota RAV4 2026 Genesis GV80

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.

Verdict

I rarely drive luxury vehicles so it doesn’t take much to impress me. However, it’s clear to anyone with half a brain (even me) that the GV80 is a premium ride and in Black guise it’s even better, albeit by increments only and those perceived improvements largely hinge on styling tweaks to the Signature platform on which it’s based.

Does it tick all of the boxes that someone considering this type of vehicle would want ticked? Sure it does and then some. But there’s plenty of stiff competition in the form of other premium AWDs on the market nowadays and even some 4WD wagons that offer similar levels of prestige.

Toyota RAV4 vs Genesis GV80 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota RAV4 vs Genesis GV80
What's the difference?