This Used Hyundai Car That's Still Worth Buying Is Reliable And Cheaper Than A Toyota RAV4

When buyers think of affordable, reliable SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 is often one of the first models that comes to mind. This is unsurprising with how popular the model is: Toyota says the RAV4 was America's best-selling SUV for eight consecutive years through 2024. However, popularity doesn't necessarily make it the best value. With used RAV4s commanding substantial premiums over some competitively reliable alternatives, the Toyota RAV4 is arguably becoming less of the smart buy it once was. If you don't need the extra ground clearance of an SUV, it could be wiser to opt for a less expensive, similarly reliable used car, such as the 2020 Hyundai Sonata.

Other Hyundai models may be able to hold their own, but the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, specifically, ranks among the reliable cars that are cheaper than a RAV4. J.D. Power gives the Sonata an 83 out of 100 for quality and reliability, placing it in the publication's "Great" category. By comparison, the 2020 RAV4 received 77 out of 100, which J.D. Power considers "Average." As for the price difference, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) estimates that used 2020 Sonatas can start at $13,350, while even the least expensive RAV4 trim of the same model year typically costs around $21,400. That leaves buyers with a potential savings of around $8,050 before accounting for financing, taxes, or insurance.

The RAV4 may hold its value better, but that doesn't necessarily make it less expensive to own. The 2020 Sonata's large price difference would be difficult for the Toyota to recover through lower maintenance costs. The gap is roughly $8,000 between an entry-level 2020 Sonata SE and a 2020 RAV4 LE, but climbs to $20,000 against a new 2026 RAV4 LE, which starts at $33,350 before considering costlier RAV4 trims. Those premiums are among the reasons you should avoid buying a Toyota RAV4.

Here's how the long-term math works against the RAV4. CarEdge estimates that a Sonata costs $6,443 to maintain and repair during its first 10 years, while a RAV4 costs $6,004. The Toyota's projected advantage is therefore only $439 over a decade. Subtracting that from the Sonata's $8,050 purchase-price advantage leaves the Hyundai ahead by $7,611. This is notable because the comparison uses the cheapest 2020 versions; selecting a newer or more expensive RAV4 would widen the initial gap.

Fuel costs also favor the Sonata over the gas-powered RAV4. Hyundai's specs give the 2020 Sonata SE an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined, compared with approximately 30 mpg for the front-wheel-drive RAV4 LE. Using $4 per gallon — rounded from AAA's average of $4.09 on August 3, 2026 — and assuming 12,000 annual miles, the Sonata would cost approximately $1,500 to fuel each year, compared with $1,600 for the gas RAV4 and $1,200 for the RAV4 Hybrid. Even the hybrid's $300 annual fuel advantage would take decades to offset its higher purchase price, leaving the Sonata as the stronger value for buyers who don't need an SUV.