Toyota RAV4 vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?

Toyota RAV4

$45,990 - $66,430

2026 price

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Polestar 2

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2026 price

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Summary

2026 Toyota RAV4

2026 Polestar 2

By Emily Agar

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Electric motor type

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Vehicle type

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Fuel Efficiency

4.8L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

Hybrid system is efficient
Charming technology
Easy ride and handling

Fun and agile to drive
More efficient and quicker charging
Amazing (yet optional) Bowers & Wilkins sound system

Dislikes

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

Cabin space and storage still compromised
Options add up quick
No cover for panoramic glass roof

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 Polestar 2 Summary

The Polestar 2 was one of the first electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia to break through to the mainstream, however it has always been relegated to the Tesla Model 3’s shadow.

As a result Polestar is constantly playing catch up, releasing update after update for this premium-pushing electric liftback. The most notable was a major mid-life update in 2024.

Two years after this, Polestar has just rolled out the 2026 model year (MY26) update which introduces a range of subtle changes, largely under the surface.

It comes as Polestar is now introducing newer models, there’s mounting pressure from legacy carmakers who are only now catching up to EV tech, and Australians are moving away from buying passenger cars to SUVs.

Has this latest update improved the appeal? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota RAV4 2026 Polestar 2

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

This latest update for the Polestar 2 is lovely, but driving the original is a reminder of how solid this car has always been if you overlook the inherent impracticalities of being an EV on a combustion-engine platform.

The fact you still get steady flow of over-the-air software updates bringing new features, plus you can now upgrade to the new Qualcomm processor chip, saving some coin and getting a second-hand model that’s a couple of years old isn’t a bad option at all.

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

Toyota RAV4 vs Polestar 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota RAV4 vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?