2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

On the public data alone the Tucson edges it 3–1.

2021 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Tucson FWD, is EPA-rated at 25…

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid compact SUV. The most efficient version, the RAV4 Prime 4WD, is EPA-rated at 38 mpg combined.…

	2021 Hyundai Tucson	2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Segment	Compact SUV	Compact SUV
Powertrains	Gas	Plug-in hybrid
Best combined mpg	25	38
Safety Signal	85	66
NHTSA recalls	1	4
Critical recalls	1	1
Owner complaints	78	98
NHTSA overall stars	5	—

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.

Recalls at a glance

Source: NHTSA

Tucson

!critical

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

195

Park outside652,024 vehicles

ProblemHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.RiskAn engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.FixHyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.

NHTSA campaign 20V543000reported Sep 4, 2020Hyundai Motor America

RAV4 Prime

!critical

Electrical System

23TB07/23LB01

43,442 vehicles

ProblemToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. The electric current rectifying module contained within the DC-DC converter may have been damaged during production, which can result in an electrical short-circuit.RiskA short circuit can cause the DC-DC converter to overheat, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.FixOwners are advised not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). Dealers will replace the DC-DC converter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB07/23LB01.

NHTSA campaign 23V478000reported Jul 12, 2023Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

▲high

Electrical System

23TA01

16,679 vehicles

ProblemToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. During certain cold weather driving conditions, while driving in EV Mode, the hybrid vehicle control engine control unit (HEV ECU) software may cause the hybrid system to shut down if the accelerator is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle, resulting in a stall.RiskAn engine stall increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the HEV ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 27, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA01.

NHTSA campaign 23V041000reported Feb 2, 2023Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

○minor

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

22TA03, 22LA01

458,110 vehicles

ProblemToyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."RiskDriving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.

NHTSA campaign 22V239000reported Apr 13, 2022Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing