2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged appearance, with its aggressive front fascia and angular grey body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the RAV4's performance did not match its looks, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than the vehicle actually delivered. The upper trim levels featured faux skid plates, and the off-road-themed versions came with utility-style roof racks. Our test vehicle, a U.S. specification TRD Off-Road trim, showcased a digital rearview mirror, a feature available on the Limited trims in Canada. The RAV4's interior was practical, with utility-focused elements like a full-width shelf across the dashboard and easy-clean surfaces. The cabin's design emphasized functionality, with options for contrast-colour interiors on select trims for a more upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, with its black-on-black colour scheme, was less appealing in a tropical climate. However, once behind the wheel with the windows down and roof panels removed, the colour became less of an issue. The Wrangler was available in various trims in Canada, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X. The Rubicon 392, with its powerful 470-horsepower V8 engine, was discontinued in Canada after 2024. Our rental Wrangler, equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, had a high MSRP of $66,070 in Canada. Despite its price, the Wrangler's interior was basic, with a focus on function over form. The vehicle's design, rooted in its military heritage, and its off-road capabilities made it popular despite its lack of sophistication.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. This powertrain required high revs to access maximum power, and while it was powerful for its class, it was also loud and unrefined. The RAV4 featured standard all-wheel drive in Canada, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Multi-Terrain Select driving modes. Ground clearance varied between 20.6 and 21.6 centimetres, depending on the model. The RAV4's fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the LE model slightly more efficient at 7.9 L/100 km. During testing, the vehicle averaged 10.6 L/100 km, while the hybrid version offered better fuel efficiency at 6.4 L/100 km.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering better fuel efficiency with a rating of 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving. Our test vehicle, equipped with the four-cylinder engine, averaged 12.3 L/100 km over 300 kilometres. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it capable off-road. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern. The ride was rough, with disconnected steering feel, but the Wrangler's off-road prowess was undeniable.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, with numerous storage options and oversized rubberized control knobs. The test vehicle featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on the Limited trim. The RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, with a spacious cargo area offering 1,059 litres of space, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was comfortable, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Convenience Group option. The Wrangler's rear seat offered adequate legroom, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of the plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in the cupholders. The Wrangler's cargo area was accessible through a tailgate and rear window, offering 897 litres of space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected services included Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect available for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The test vehicle's digital rearview mirror provided a clear view when the RAV4 was fully loaded.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport S trim came with a standard eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system optional. Jeep Connect offered adventure guides and GPS trail logs for off-road navigation. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges, passive entry, and remote engine starting.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. However, the RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler featured standard side curtain airbags and optional ADAS, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler Good for side-impact protection but Marginal in the small overlap frontal-impact test.