The Toyota RAV4 is now hybrid-only!
The Japanese model is doubling down on its fuel-saving hybrid tech, and has now dropped petrol engines throughout its core passenger and crossover lineups that had current hybrid choices.
Whereas this will look like a giant deal, a whopping 94.2 per cent of RAV4s offered within the first half of this 12 months have been geared up with the two.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. That is an excellent increased break up than the Kluger (76.9 per cent) and Corolla Cross (85.8 per cent).
In comparison with the previous few years, Toyota now claims to have a way more plentiful provide of RAV4s which has resulted in wait instances nearer to 4 months. It’s a far cry from the greater than 24-month await top-spec hybrid examples within the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to this the RAV4 achieved a brand new supply file in July. With 5933 examples delivered to Australian patrons in the course of the month it was solely behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux for high spot.
When the present RAV4 debuted domestically in 2019 it was nicely forward of the pack, however issues haven’t actually modified an excessive amount of since its newest replace in 2022.
There are additionally a significantly extra hybrid choices within the hot-selling mid-size in 2024. Is it nonetheless the benchmark for the section? Learn alongside to search out out.
How does the Toyota RAV4 evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Toyota RAV4 towards equally sized autos.
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RAV4
How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 price?
On check right here is the flagship RAV4 Edge Hybrid which solely is available in all-wheel drive.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD Hybrid | $42,260 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 GX AWD Hybrid | $45,260 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 GXL 2WD Hybrid | $45,810 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 GXL AWD Hybrid | $48,810 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 XSE 2WD Hybrid | $48,910 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2WD Hybrid | $51,410 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 XSE AWD Hybrid | $51,910 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD Hybrid | $54,410 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD Hybrid | $58,360 |
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.
What’s the Toyota RAV4 like on the within?
Very similar to it has been for just a few years now – blocky and user-friendly.
The RAV4 is a straightforward automobile to get out and in of because of its high-riding crossover SUV profile. That is useful for these with restricted mobility and may’t step too far up or down right into a car.
When you’re in you’re offered with some relatively inoffensive-looking fake leather-based seats that Toyota dubs SofTex. They’re gentle to the contact however I’m not sure how they’ll final in long term as our tester which has solely 6000km already has some creasing on the bolsters.
The motive force’s seat has 10 methods of electrical adjustment which is loads discover the proper seating place for many individuals. I personally like how a lot thigh assist you’ll be able to dial in because it helps these with longer legs sit comfortably.
I additionally like how a lot lumbar assist you’ll be able to both pump up or deflate. I injured my again just lately and I by no means obtained uncomfortable behind the wheel like I’ve in among the RAV4’s rivals.
Each the entrance seats are heated however even of their highest seating they don’t get extremely popular. There’s additionally air flow which is useful throughout summer time.
A helpful characteristic in regards to the RAV4 is it remembers what you had the seating heating/cooling set as whenever you final drove the automobile. This implies you don’t must smoosh the button to show it on once more.
Forward of the driving force is a typical Toyota steering wheel that feels good within the hand, although after holding it for some time made my palms get a bit of clammy. It might be good if there have been some perforations to assist regulate hand warmth.
The steering wheel doesn’t provide any heating which is a bit of weird given the Edge is the flagship variant within the vary. A lot of its rivals provide this characteristic as it’s a nice comfort characteristic whenever you first hop in on a chilly morning.
All of the buttons on the steering wheel are logically positioned and have a clicky motion when pressed. This makes it enjoyable to work together with.
Behind the steering wheel is a full-width 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that appears nice and provides high-resolution. The structure is relatively simplistic however you’ll be able to customise just a few completely different widgets to show varied driving info, in addition to themes.
The digital instrument cluster is nowhere close to as configurable as Volkswagen Group autos nonetheless, and a majority of the customisation choices are locked when you begin driving, which is a basic Japanese automobile trait.
What do look good are the transitions that happen whenever you change drive modes. They take over all the display screen and have animations that present the RAV4 driving.
Shifting throughout the centrepiece of the dashboard is the ten.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It’s a implausible unit that’s a far cry from what Toyota used to supply.
The touchscreen seems to have loads of processing energy, which implies it boots up rapidly upon startup and new pages load snappily. It’s additionally very responsive to the touch inputs which ought to appease iPad customers.
The menu construction within the touchscreen is easy and clear, that means it’s arduous to get misplaced in. In contrast to the older touchscreen nonetheless, there are not any bodily shortcut buttons on both facet.
As an alternative there’s solely a singular quantity knob which is annoyingly on the driving force’s facet and doesn’t present any ratcheting suggestions when turned. That is a lot better than press buttons nonetheless.
When it comes to smartphone mirroring, the RAV4 provides wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay. Android Auto then again is disappointingly wired solely.
With my iPhone 15 Professional Max related wirelessly I didn’t expertise any dropouts throughout my week of testing. That is fairly shocking as I drive by identified interference factors on my method to the workplace which catch numerous methods out often.
There’s additionally a wi-fi telephone charger tucked subtly on the entrance of the centre console. It charged my plus-sized telephone fairly nicely, although nothing secured it in place which triggered it to slip round and off the charging pad at factors.
Satellite tv for pc navigation is constructed into the touchscreen infotainment and is very easy to make use of. It’s additionally related to the web which implies there’s stay visitors and routing.
Wanting across the cabin the RAV4 Edge Hybrid stands out with its orange highlights. It’s an acquired style that I can utterly perceive shouldn’t be for everybody. It positively differentiates this flagship variant from the remainder of the vary.
I’m a giant fan of the chunky, but funky local weather management setup that has cartoonishly massive rubber temperature knobs for. It’s additionally good to have clearly labelled bodily buttons for each different local weather control-related operate as so many carmakers at the moment are integrating this into the touchscreen.
One unusual inclusion in higher-spec RAV4s is a digital rear-view mirror. This doesn’t actually make sense on this automobile, except you’ve the boot loaded up, as all-round visibility is great because of the massive quantities of glass.
Nearly all of the primary contact factors together with the armrests and dashboard are gentle, although understandably there are tougher plastics down decrease. I do want there have been softer finishes the place my legs rested on the centre console.
One thing I’ve by no means observed in different RAV4s I’ve sampled is the quantity of flex among the inside components have. Pushing the centre console back and forth causes it to maneuver considerably, in addition to the local weather management pod.
Regardless of this there have been no loud creaks or rattles within the cabin all through my testing, which leads me to wonder if the quantity of flex is meant.
Shifting to the second row there’s a substantial quantity of area for a mid-size SUV. It’s a relatively good place to be really as you’ll be able to stretch out and loosen up for lengthy journeys. A equally sized sedan provides extra space nonetheless.
At a leggy 182cm I had a number of leg-, head-, shoulder- and head area within the second row of the RAV4. Due to the massive facet home windows there’s additionally loads of visibility.
It might be very straightforward to do two-up within the second row and pushing it to a few is doable for probably the most half. Having three massive adults sat throughout the bench would get a tad squishy, nonetheless.
When it comes to second-row facilities there are air vents mounted on the again of the centre console, USB-C ports, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. There’s just one map pocket on the entrance passenger seatback, in addition to small door pockets.
On the again there’s an influence tailgate nevertheless it takes without end to open and beeps incessantly all through the method. It’s relatively embarrassing if you happen to’ve parked in a busy carpark.
As soon as the tailgate is open nonetheless, the RAV4 Hybrid has a relatively massive boot. At 542-580 litres with the rear seats upright, it’s a very usable area that’s each vast and deep.
There’s a retractable cargo cowl that’s nice at hiding issues you’ve stowed away within the boot, although it does really feel a bit of low-cost and flimsy. I virtually count on one thing a bit of nicer in a automobile that prices $60,000.
Lastly, beneath the boot ground there’s a short lived space-saver spare wheel. That is shocking as many hybrid SUVs are not coming with a spare wheel in any respect.
| Dimensions | Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Size | 4615mm |
| Width | 1865mm |
| Top | 1690mm |
| Wheelbase | 2690mm |
| Cargo capability | 542-580 litres (5-seat) |
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The RAV4 Edge is now solely provided with the hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain. Each different variant is accessible with a less expensive hybrid front-wheel drive choice.
| Specs | Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4cyl petrol + 2 electrical motors |
| Engine outputs | 131kW / 221Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 88kW / 202Nm + 40kW / 121Nm |
| System outputs | 163kW |
| Battery | 6.5Ah nickel-metal hydride |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Pushed wheels | AWD |
| Weight | 1760kg (kerb) |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 4.8L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 5.9L/100km (260km city driving) |
| Gas tank capability | 55 litres |
| Gas requirement | 91 RON |
| CO2 emissions | 109g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 1500kg |
All through of my testing it was completely freezing in Melbourne, which meant the heater was cranking and the heated seats have been on their highest setting. It additionally meant the petrol engine wasn’t keen to be switched off for very lengthy.
Throughout one explicit five-minute journey up the street to seize a espresso the petrol engine didn’t swap off in any respect, leading to a median gas consumption of 13L/100km.
On the flip facet, whereas travelling into the workplace for roughly 45 minutes in heavy peak-hour visitors I achieved 4.4L/100km, which is implausible for a car this measurement.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.
How does the Toyota RAV4 drive?
Once you begin up the RAV4 Hybrid with the push-button starter, there’s a singular beep that allows you to know the automobile is able to be pushed. A ‘prepared’ icon additionally shows on the digital instrument cluster.
The explanation for the beginning beep sound is as a result of the automobile begins silently with out the petrol engine. It usually fires to life quietly a second or two nonetheless to heat up the engine fluids.
The petrol engine will keep on for a good whereas, particularly if it’s bone chilly, to make sure it’s at working temperature and to cost up the battery a tad. Realistically this solely takes a few minutes.
Preliminary acceleration within the RAV4 Hybrid is normally beneath electrical energy, particularly if you happen to’re gentle on the throttle. On a hill or with tougher acceleration the petrol engine will kick on virtually instantly, although.
In all honesty I anticipated the RAV4 Hybrid to supply extra electrical oomph, particularly as this mannequin has an electrical motor-generator on the rear axle. As an alternative it very readily calls upon the petrol engine to help with acceleration.
That is seemingly all the way down to how Toyota nonetheless equips this mannequin with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, relatively than a extra subtle and energy-dense lithium-ion unit.
Fortunately the RAV4 Hybrid’s petrol engine does fireplace relatively seamlessly. Should you weren’t paying full consideration you seemingly wouldn’t understand it has come to life till it begins revving.
Regardless of having a complete system energy output of 163kW, the RAV4 Hybrid AWD doesn’t really feel overly quick from behind the wheel. As an alternative it looks like you might want to coax it to get to hurry, and whenever you push it tougher the engine revs flare.
There’s a ‘Sport’ mode that may be chosen which makes acceleration really feel snappier, although it feels prefer it’s towards this automobile’s fuel-saving ethos. With this in thoughts the ‘Eco’ drive mode is best suited.
It doesn’t take lengthy for petrol engine’s observe to get previous. Given the RAV4 is provided with an digital constantly variable transmission (e-CVT) it has an annoying drone that simply hovers on the similar revs. This isn’t unusual as any such transmission usually prioritises effectivity relatively than driver engagement.
When you attain cruising speeds round city the engine normally switches off, relying on the battery cost and out of doors ambient temperature, amongst different elements. One of many few instances the engine would refuse to modify off nonetheless was after I had the heater and heated seat cranking in virtually freezing Melbourne climate.
EV cruising within the RAV4 Hybrid may be very quiet and serene as there’s solely the odd electrical motor hum. It’s virtually like a sport to eke out as a lot electrical driving as potential as a result of the petrol engine does notably uninteresting the driving expertise.
There’s a devoted ‘EV’ drive mode however it can swap off as quickly as you press the accelerator simply that bit too arduous, or when the battery cost is simply too low.
Each electrical motors assist with preliminary acceleration, however as quickly as you get above 40km/h solely the entrance electrical motor drives the automobile. It reactivates round sure corners for added safety, however finally it makes the rear electrical motor a bit of redundant.
Regenerative braking on this car solely has one setting, nevertheless it strikes a pleasant stability between being too weak or too sturdy. Underneath gentle deceleration solely the entrance electrical motor regenerates power, however letting off the accelerator utterly lets the rear electrical motor assist out.
The regenerative braking additionally negates that annoying CVT pace creeping you generally get when travelling down a hill.
There’s a diploma of added regenerative braking constructed into the brake pedal, although the transition to the bodily brakes when coming to an entire cease could be a little jarring. It doesn’t take lengthy for the battery pack to cost up. That is good as a result of this equals extra EV driving.
Round city and within the metropolis the RAV4’s trip may be very compliant regardless of having massive 19-inch alloy wheels. Even sharp potholes and pace bumps don’t unsettle this automobile like they do in another mid-size SUVs.
You do hear what the suspension is doing nonetheless as a result of the automobile is already so silent. This doesn’t break the driving expertise nevertheless it’s extra pronounced.
The steering has a pleasant weight to it when tossing the automobile round on low-speed streets, whereas not being too unwieldy to twirl in tight carparks.
As customary the RAV4 Edge Hybrid comes with entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a surround-view digicam with implausible high quality and a number of views.
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XSE Hybrid proven
Getting out on the open street the two.5-litre petrol engine stays on virtually continually, although the electrical motors do assist cut back the load and reduce gas consumption. It’s additionally when the engine drone is most obvious.
At factors the engine does swap off at increased speeds, particularly when travelling downhill.
The best pace I used to be in a position to drive on electrical energy alone was round 80km/h. These moments have been solely fleeting because the engine fired again to life very quickly as soon as the electrical motors have been out of their depth.
The RAV4 is a really snug automobile to cruise the freeway in with poised steering and compliant steering. It’s additionally considerably dynamic, though the added heft of the battery pack is noticeable on sweeping high-speed corners.
On the protection entrance the adaptive cruise management system is nice. It does default to the furthest distance each time it’s activated for the primary time although, which is a bit of irritating.
The lane-keep help is basically good at conserving you within the lane if you happen to begin drifting out, although it could generally intervene incorrectly.
The lane centring operate then again could be a little too hands-on for my liking. Fortunately it’s in a position to be switched off for smoother freeway and freeway cruising.
Lastly, the RAV4 Edge Hybrid has fantastically vivid LED headlights. That is nice if you happen to stay in a rural or regional space and wish to have the ability to see far into the gap.
There’s additionally an auto high-beam setting that appears nice on paper however in actuality it’s a bit of tentative. There have been moments the place it will flip off the high-beams in a short time, even when it detected a vivid avenue signal, whereas there have been others the place there can be an oncoming automobile and I’d need to manually dip the lights.
What do you get?
The RAV4 is obtainable in 5 completely different trim ranges. On check right here is the flagship Edge variant.
2024 Toyota RAV4 GX highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (gentle gray)
- House-saver spare
- Computerized projector LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- LED entrance fog lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear mud flaps
- ‘Premium’ steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display screen
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- Digital radio
- Fabric upholstery
- Push-button begin
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Rear centre armrest
GXL provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (darkish silver)
- Rear privateness glass
- Entrance mudflaps
- Roof rails
- ‘Premium’ gear lever
- Proximity entry
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Wi-fi telephone charger
XSE provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (gloss black)
- Energy tailgate
- SofTex upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Cruiser provides:
- Sunroof
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- 9-speaker JBL sound system
- Leather-based upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- 8-way energy passenger seat
- Driver’s seat reminiscence
- Ambient lighting
- Digital rear-view mirror
Edge loses driver’s seat reminiscence and the ability passenger seat however provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels (matte gray)
- SofTex upholstery
- 4-way manually adjustable passenger seat
Is the Toyota RAV4 protected?
The RAV4 has a five-star security score from ANCAP, based mostly on testing performed by Euro NCAP in 2019.
| Class | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 35.7 out of 38 (93 per cent) |
| Baby occupant safety | 43.9 out of 49 (89 per cent) |
| Weak street person safety | 41 out of 48 (85 per cent) |
| Security help | 10.8 out of 13 (83 per cent) |
Normal security gear contains:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Daytime bike owner detection
- Intersection help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Lane Hint Help (lane centring)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Emergency Steering Help
- Pace signal recognition
- Entrance, front-side and curtain airbags
- Driver’s knee airbag
- Reversing digicam
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
Cruiser and above obtain a surround-view digicam.
How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 price to run?
The RAV4 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Working prices | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | $99 per 12 months |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years or as much as 75,000 kilometres |
| Complete capped price-service price | $1300 |
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota RAV4
For a very long time now the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been the default choice for many who need a cost-effective mid-size SUV.
In 2024 nonetheless, the competitors is now nicely and actually sizzling with extra hybrid rivals arriving seemingly each month or so.
The RAV4 Hybrid does stay because the benchmark within the section in lots of regards, however you shouldn’t get complacent and never contemplate different equally sized and priced autos.
The Honda CR-V e:HEV, for instance, mightn’t be as environment friendly however its petrol engine fires to life extra seamlessly than the RAV4 Hybrid’s.
Moreover, the just lately launched Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid twins additionally type as eager rivals which are value a glance.
Wanting solely on the RAV4 vary, the flagship Edge variant on check right here not has any main differentiating issue because it’s not accessible with the non-hybrid 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and eight-speed auto.
As an alternative it solely seems powerful on the surface and has a variety of orange inside highlights which mightn’t be for everybody. It additionally misses out on sure gear provided within the penultimate Cruiser variant.
With this in thoughts, both the RAV4 Cruiser or XSE type because the decide of the vary, particularly with the lighter and extra environment friendly front-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.
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