Comparison · family SUVs

Ford Kuga vs Toyota RAV4: which is more reliable?

The Toyota RAV4 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 103 for the Ford Kuga, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 413,548 real MOT tests in 2024.

Ford Kuga

103Above average
MOT tests285,773

Toyota RAV4

108Well above average
MOT tests127,775

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testFord KugaToyota RAV4
3–5 years
102About average
106Above average
6–9 years
104Above average
107Above average
10–14 years
103Above average
115Well above average
15+ years
102Above average
107Above average

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearFord KugaToyota RAV4
202190.3%92.1%
202089.7%91.3%
201985.3%90.9%
201884.6%85.8%
201783.9%84.3%
201680.2%84.3%
201576.7%81.4%
201473.2%79.6%
201371.8%78.3%
201264.1%74.9%
201161.4%69.7%
201059.2%68.8%
200959.7%65.8%
200858.7%61.3%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaFord KugaToyota RAV4
Lights & electrics9.311.0
Brakes6.28.5
Suspension3.29.6
Tyres6.34.3
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.24.4
Emissions & leaks2.03.8
Body & chassis1.73.3
Seat belts & airbags0.41.2

Ford Kuga: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.7%
  2. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%

Toyota RAV4: top failures

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  2. Position lamp: not working2.1%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
  4. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.1%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.0%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Ford Kuga or the Toyota RAV4?

The Toyota RAV4 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 103 for the Ford Kuga, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4 can be compared?

Both were tested for 14 registration years (2008–2021). The Ford Kuga had the higher pass rate in 0 of them and the Toyota RAV4 in 14.

What fails most on each?

Ford Kuga: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; position lamp: not working. Toyota RAV4: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; position lamp: not working.