2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2021 Toyota RAV4
On the public data alone the RAV4 edges it 3–1.
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 2021 Toyota RAV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Compact SUV | Compact SUV |
| Powertrains | Gas | Hybrid, Gas |
| Best combined mpg | 25 | 40 |
| Safety Signal | 85 | 92 |
| NHTSA recalls | 1 | 1 |
| Critical recalls | 1 | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 78 | 405 |
| NHTSA overall stars | 5 | 5 |
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 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model
A2021 Toyota RAV4
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the RAV4 Hybrid AWD, is EPA-rated at 40 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign f
Recalls at a glance
Tucson
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
criticalProblem: Hyundai 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Hyundai 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.
RAV4
Air Bags
highProblem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
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.