DecodedCarsHyundai Nexo vs Toyota RAV4
2026 Hyundai Nexo vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
Across all model years since 2005, the Hyundai Nexo has had fewer recall campaigns (5 vs 50).
The two cars
The 2026 Hyundai Nexo is a small SUV and front-wheel drive. There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,746 lb (Le 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2024 Nexo and the 2022 RAV4 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 Nexo and the 2019 RAV4.
| 2026 Hyundai Nexo | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Engines | FCV | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | – | 43 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | – | 47 city |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | – | $1,550 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | – | 186 hp |
| Seats (most) | – | 5 |
| Driver-assist features standard | – | 13 |
| Length | – | 181.1 in |
| Width | – | 72.8 in |
| Height | – | 66.5 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | – | 3,746 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 0 | 2 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 5 | 50 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 0 | 42 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 2,179 | 45,921 |
| Best used year | 2024 | 2022 |
| Year to avoid | 2020 | 2019 |
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Hyundai Nexo if…
- You put reliability history first (5 vs 50 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if…
- You need AWD or 4WD
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2026 Hyundai Nexo
- No AWD or 4WDTwo-wheel drive only, unusual for a small SUV.
2026 Toyota RAV4
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 43 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Hyundai Nexo specs →Full 2026 Toyota RAV4 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →