Comparison: Turning circle Toyota RAV4 vs. competitors 2025

The RAV4's journey to the sweet spot of turning circles began with the first generation RAV4 XA1 (1994-1998) & XA1 (1. Facelift) (1997-2000) models, for which we sadly don't have available data. Moving onwards, the RAV4 XA2 (2000-2003) remained a mystery, but then the RAV4 XA3 (2006-2009) marked a turning point, flaunting a 10.2 m turning circle. Later, the RAV4 XA3 (1. Facelift) (2009-2010) & RAV4 XA3 (2. Facelift) (2010-2013) settled for a slightly larger 11.00 m. When the RAV4 XA4 series came about, its turning circle grew to 11.4 m (2013-2016) and remained unchanged for the XA4 (1. Facelift) (2016-2018). Ultimately, the RAV4 XA5 reduced the circle back to 11.00 m, holding onto that value for the 2019-now model.

Of course, understanding the RAV4's turning circle prowess requires a comparison to other Toyota models. The RAV4's 11.00 m turning circle overshadowed by a significant margin by the tiny Toyota Aygo X's 9.4 m. It also divulges negligible or mild differences when juxtaposed with the likes of the Toyota Corolla (10.2 m), Toyota C-HR (10.4 m), or the Toyota Yaris (10.4 m). On the other hand, it outshines some larger Toyota models like the Toyota Highlander (12.4 m), Toyota Hilux (12.6 m), and Toyota Mirai (12.6 m).

But the real test comes when the RAV4 squares up against its nearest competitors in the crossover SUV arena. With a remarkable similarity to the RAV4, the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage share the same 11.00 m turning circle. It also stands toe-to-toe with the more expensive BMW X1 (11.4 m) and the luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLA (11.8 m). The RAV4 edges out rivals like the Citroen C5 Aircross (10.7 m), Peugeot 3008 (10.7 m), Mazda CX-30 (10.6 m), and KIA XCeed (10.6 m) in terms of turning circle size. However, it does concede a few points to the substantially longer Nissan X-Trail (11.2 m).