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Renault Espace vs Toyota RAV4 comparison

Compare performance (200 HP vs 306 HP), boot space and price (37500 £ vs 35100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Espace or Toyota RAV4?

Espace

The Face-off of Titans: Renault Espace vs. Toyota RAV4

In the ever-evolving world of SUVs, the competition between models is fierce and exhilarating. Today, we pit two giants against each other: the Renault Espace and the Toyota RAV4. Both are exemplary in the SUV sector, boasting futuristic designs, technological prowess, and a dedication to efficiency and performance. Let's dive into the technical aspects and innovations that set these two vehicles apart.

RAV4

Design and Dimensions

The Renault Espace, known for its blend of style and practicality, has a length of 4722 mm, a width of 1843 mm, and a height of 1645 mm. Its design speaks of elegance and versatility, perfect for both urban and rural adventures. The Toyota RAV4, slightly more compact, measures 4600 mm in length, 1855 mm in width, and 1685 mm in height, offering a strong stance and rugged appeal.

Espace

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Renault Espace features a full hybrid engine, producing 200 HP (147 kW) with a maximum speed of 174 km/h and an impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.8 seconds. The model runs on a three-cylinder engine with a capacity of 1199 cm3. On the eco-friendly side, it shows a fuel consumption rate of 4.7 L/100km and CO2 emissions at 107 g/km, classifying it under the C efficiency class.

Conversely, the Toyota RAV4 comes with options for a full hybrid or a plug-in hybrid engine. Power ranges from 218 to 306 HP (160 to 225 kW), granting this SUV a quicker acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 6 seconds for the plug-in version. Its CO2 footprint shows a range from 22 g/km to 128 g/km, demonstrating its B efficiency class and cutting-edge efficiency technologies.

RAV4

Transmission and Drive

Both vehicles are equipped with automatic transmissions; however, the Espace uses an automatic gearbox, while the RAV4 utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), offering a smoother ride experience. The Espace features a front-wheel-drive system, whereas the RAV4 provides both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, catering to drivers demanding flexibility in various terrains.

Espace

Innovations and Technology

The Espace and the RAV4 shine with their innovative designs. Renault's focus on hybrid technology ensures minimal fuel consumption without compromising performance. Its intelligent cabin configuration offers an option for seven seats, making it a family-friendly vehicle with a generous trunk capacity of up to 581 L.

The Toyota RAV4, acclaimed for its plug-in hybrid variant, delivers an electric range of 75 km, ideal for eco-conscious urban driving. It boasts a suite of advanced safety features, part of its Toyota Safety Sense package, ensuring a secure drive. Navigational advancements and enhanced connectivity make it a tech-savvy vehicle by any standard.

RAV4

Conclusion

The Renault Espace and Toyota RAV4 are both titans in the SUV market, each offering distinct advantages. Whether you prioritize the Espace’s hybrid technology and interior versatility or lean towards the RAV4’s hybrid options and cutting-edge safety, both models stand out with outstanding engineering and forward-thinking innovations. Ultimately, the choice between these two marvels comes down to personal preference and lifestyle needs.

Renault Espace vs Toyota RAV4: Key differences

Renault Espace

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • slight lighter
  • a bit more trunk space

Toyota RAV4

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • minimal cheaper
  • clearly perceptible more power
  • decisively more efficient
  • decisively quicker from 0–100 km/h

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Espace

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Toyota RAV4 has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 35100 £ , while the Renault Espace costs 37500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2408 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Toyota RAV4 manages with 1 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Renault Espace with 4.90 L. The difference is about 3.90 L per 100 km.

RAV4

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Toyota RAV4 has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 306 HP compared to 200 HP. That’s roughly 106 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Toyota RAV4 is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 6 s, while the Renault Espace takes 8.80 s. That’s about 2.80 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Toyota RAV4 performs barely noticeable better – reaching 180 km/h, while the Renault Espace tops out at 174 km/h. The difference is around 6 km/h.

Espace

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Renault Espace offers clearly perceptible more seating capacity – 7 vs 5.

In curb weight, Renault Espace is slight lighter – 1673 kg compared to 1745 kg. The difference is around 72 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Renault Espace offers a bit more room – 692 L compared to 580 L. That’s a difference of about 112 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Renault Espace performs clearly perceptible better – up to 2224 L, which is about 534 L more than the Toyota RAV4.

When it comes to payload, Toyota RAV4 slight takes the win – 600 kg compared to 581 kg. That’s a difference of about 19 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota RAV4 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

Frequently compared as well

Toyota RAV4
Volvo XC60
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The Toyota RAV4 is the no-nonsense, go-anywhere compact SUV that scores on reliability, fuel economy and roomy practicality — ideal if you want low fuss, sensible running costs and maximum value. The Volvo XC60 swaps thrift for Scandinavian refinement, with a classier cabin, advanced safety tech …
Mazda CX-60
Toyota RAV4
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The Mazda CX-60 feels like the small SUV that went to design school — rear-driven poise, a near-luxury cabin and punchy petrol or PHEV options that reward drivers who crave refinement and involvement. The Toyota RAV4, by contrast, is the stubbornly sensible choice: roomier, more practical, famously …
Renault Espace
Toyota RAV4

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £35,100
RAV4

Toyota RAV4

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 218 - 306 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1 - 5.6 L
  • Electric Range : 75 km
details

Renault Espace

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate

The Renault Espace is the sort of roomy, clever family cruiser that makes long journeys feel effortless, its interior prioritising comfort and practical thinking without drifting into blandness. It won't pretend to be a sports car, but its composed ride, smart packaging and a whisper of French flair make it a sensible and subtly stylish choice for buyers who value space and versatility.

details
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r230361p
r230345p
r230344p
r230333p

Toyota RAV4

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate

The Toyota RAV4 feels like a sensible friend on the road, marrying dependable practicality with a dash of SUV personality that keeps daily driving from turning dull. Comfortable and easy to live with, it looks tough without shouting and quietly gets the job done — a sensible pick for buyers who want versatility without drama.

details
73487-rav4prexterior34front-web-lr
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Reviews Renault Espace

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
BIEVELEZ
18 Nov 2025, 10:34:15

A very pleasant vehicle to drive, with excellent comfort and plenty of rear legroom.

Reviews Toyota RAV4

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate
Mariana González
5 Jan 2026, 23:15:27

I love it — it’s super comfortable, I’ve never had any trouble with it, very reliable and stable.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Renault Espace
Toyota RAV4

Costs and Consumption
Price
37500 - 41400 £
Price
35100 - 55700 £
Consumption L/100km
4.90 L
Consumption L/100km
1 - 5.6 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
75 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
110 g/km
co2
22 - 128 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L
Fuel tank capacity
55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1673 - 1783 kg
Curb weight
1745 - 1910 kg
Trunk capacity
212 - 692 L
Trunk capacity
520 - 580 L
Length
4746 mm
Length
4600 mm
Width
1830 mm
Width
1855 mm
Height
1645 mm
Height
1685 mm
Max trunk capacity
2054 - 2224 L
Max trunk capacity
1604 - 1690 L
Payload
404 - 581 kg
Payload
390 - 600 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 HP
Power HP
218 - 306 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.80 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6 - 8.4 s
Max Speed
174 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
-
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
147 kW
Power kW
160 - 225 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
2487 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
Brand
Renault
Brand
Toyota

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What drivetrain options does the Renault Espace have?

The Renault Espace is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.