2025 Toyota RAV4 review | CarExpert

The Toyota RAV4 has been hybrid-only for a while now, and it was virtually Australia’s favorite automotive in 2024.

Word: That is an up to date model of a overview first revealed in August. Spare some minor specification tweaks, there haven’t been any adjustments to the pricing.

Now we have up to date key particulars such because the specs with probably the most up-to-date data accessible. Learn the unique model of this overview here.

WATCH: Paul’s video overview of the 2024 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid

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 likely look like an enormous deal, a whopping 94.2 per cent of RAV4s offered within the first half of final yr have been geared up with the two.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. That is an excellent larger break up than the bigger Kluger (76.9 per cent) and smaller 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 was the second best-selling car general in 2024, behind solely the Ford Ranger. It even outsold the Toyota HiLux.

When the present RAV4 debuted domestically in 2019 it was properly forward of the pack, nevertheless it hasn’t actually modified since its newest replace in 2022.

There are additionally significantly extra hybrid choices within the hot-selling mid-size SUV section in 2024 – is the RAV4 nonetheless the section benchmark? Learn alongside to seek out out.

How does the Toyota RAV4 evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Toyota RAV4 in opposition to equally sized autos.

Toyota

RAV4

How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 value?

On take a look at is the flagship RAV4 Edge Hybrid which solely is available in all-wheel drive – priced from $58,360 plus on-road prices.

To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool

What’s the Toyota RAV4 like on the within?

Very like it has been for a number of years now – blocky and user-friendly.

The RAV4 is a straightforward automotive to get out and in of because of its high-riding 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 slightly inoffensive-looking fake leather-based seats that Toyota dubs SofTex. They’re mushy to the contact however I’m not sure how they’ll final in future as our tester had solely 6000km and we seen some creasing on the bolsters.

The driving force’s seat has 10 methods of electrical adjustment which is a lot discover the right seating place for most individuals. I personally like how a lot thigh help you’ll be able to dial in, because it helps these with longer legs sit comfortably.

I additionally like how a lot lumbar help you’ll be able to both pump up or deflate. I injured my again not too long ago and I by no means obtained uncomfortable behind the wheel like I’ve in among the RAV4’s rivals. The entrance seats are heated however even of their highest seating they don’t get very popular. There’s additionally air flow which is useful throughout summer time.

A useful characteristic in regards to the RAV4 is it remembers what you had the seating heating/cooling set as whenever you final drove the automotive. This implies you don’t have to smoosh the button to show it on once more.

Forward of the motive force is the acquainted Toyota steering wheel that feels good within the hand, although after holding it for some time made my arms get a little bit clammy on the leather-based rim. It could be good if there have been some perforations to assist regulate hand warmth.

The steering wheel doesn’t provide heating which is a little bit weird given the Edge is the flagship variant within the vary. A lot of its rivals provide this characteristic, which is nice 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 satisfying to work together with.

Behind the steering wheel is a full-width 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that appears nice and presents high-resolution. The structure is simplistic however you’ll be able to customise a number of completely different widgets to show numerous driving data, in addition to themes.

The digital instrument cluster is nowhere close to as configurable as Volkswagen Group autos nevertheless, and a majority of the customisation choices are locked when you begin driving, which is a traditional Japanese automotive 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 improbable unit that’s a far cry from what Toyota used to supply.

It seems to have loads of processing energy, which suggests it boots up shortly on 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 straightforward and clear, that means it’s onerous to get misplaced in. In contrast to the older touchscreen nevertheless, there aren’t any bodily shortcut buttons on both facet.

As a substitute there’s solely a singular quantity knob which is annoyingly on the motive force’s facet and doesn’t present any ratcheting suggestions when turned. That is significantly better than press buttons nevertheless.

By way of smartphone mirroring, the RAV4 presents wired and wi-fi variations of each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With my iPhone 15 Professional Max linked wirelessly I didn’t expertise any dropouts throughout my week of testing, which is fairly shocking as I drive by identified interference factors on my technique to the workplace which catch lots of programs out usually.

Satellite tv for pc navigation is constructed into the infotainment and is very easy to make use of. It’s additionally linked to the web which suggests there’s stay site visitors and routing.

There’s additionally a wi-fi telephone charger tucked subtly in entrance of the centre console. It charged my plus-sized telephone fairly properly, although nothing secured it in place which prompted it to slip round and off the charging pad at instances.

Wanting across the cabin the RAV4 Edge stands out with its orange highlights. It’s an acquired style that I perceive is not going to be for everybody. It undoubtedly differentiates this flagship variant from the remainder of the vary.

I’m an enormous fan of the chunky, but funky local weather management setup that has cartoonishly massive rubber temperature knobs. It’s additionally good to have clearly labelled bodily buttons for each different HVAC-related perform, as so many carmakers at the moment are integrating these into touchscreens.

One unusual inclusion in higher-spec RAV4s is a digital rear-view mirror. This doesn’t actually make sense on this automotive, except you could have the boot loaded up, as all-round visibility is superb because of the massive quantities of glass.

The vast majority of the primary contact factors together with the armrests and dashboard are mushy, 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 seen in different RAV4s I’ve sampled is the quantity of flex among the inside parts 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 slightly good place to be as you’ll be able to stretch out and loosen up for lengthy journeys – a equally sized sedan presents extra space, nevertheless.

At a leggy 182cm I had a lot 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 outward visibility.

It could be very straightforward to have two adults within the second row, and pushing it to 3 is doable for probably the most half. Having three massive adults sat throughout the bench would get a tad squishy, nevertheless.

By way of 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 endlessly to open and beeps incessantly all through the method. It’s a ache if you happen to’ve parked in a busy carpark.

As soon as the tailgate is open nevertheless, the RAV4 Hybrid has a slightly massive boot. At 542-580 litres with the rear seats upright, it’s a extremely usable area that’s each broad and deep.

There’s a retractable cargo cowl that’s nice at hiding issues you could have stowed away within the boot, although it does really feel a little bit low cost and flimsy. I virtually anticipate one thing a little bit nicer in a automotive that prices $60,000.

Lastly, below the boot ground there’s a short lived space-saver spare wheel. It is a good inclusion as as rising quantity of rivals aren’t coming with a spare wheel in any respect.

To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool

What’s below the bonnet?

The RAV4 Edge is solely supplied with the two.5-litre hybrid system and AWD as normal. Different RAV4 Hybrid fashions in Australia additionally provide a extra inexpensive front-wheel drive possibility.

All through my testing it was 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 prepared to be switched off for very lengthy.

Throughout one explicit five-minute journey up the highway to seize a espresso the petrol engine didn’t change off in any respect, leading to a mean gasoline consumption of 13L/100km. On the flip facet, whereas travelling into the workplace for roughly 45 minutes in heavy peak-hour site visitors I achieved 4.4L/100km, which is improbable for a car this dimension.

To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool

How does the Toyota RAV4 drive?

While you begin up the RAV4 Hybrid with the push-button starter, there’s a singular beep that permits you to know the automotive 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 automotive begins silently with out the petrol engine. It sometimes fires to life quietly a second or two nevertheless 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 often below electrical energy, particularly if you happen to’re mild 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 a substitute it very readily calls upon the petrol engine to help with acceleration.

That is probably all the way down to how Toyota nonetheless equips the RAV4 with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, slightly than a extra subtle and energy-dense lithium-ion unit. Different Toyota hybrids with the model’s newer tech lean heavier on the electrified parts for even higher effectivity.

Fortunately the RAV4 Hybrid’s petrol engine does fireplace slightly seamlessly. Should you weren’t paying full consideration you probably wouldn’t understand it has come to life till it begins revving.

There’s a ‘Sport’ mode that may be chosen which makes acceleration really feel snappier, although it feels prefer it’s in opposition to this automotive’s fuel-saving ethos. With this in thoughts, the ‘Eco’ drive mode is best suited.

Regardless of quoting a complete system energy output of 163kW, the RAV4 Hybrid AWD doesn’t really feel overly quick from behind the wheel. As a substitute it seems like you could coax it to get to hurry, and whenever you push it tougher the engine revs flare.

It doesn’t take lengthy for petrol engine’s word to get outdated. Given the RAV4 is provided with an digital constantly variable transmission (e-CVT) it has an annoying drone that simply hovers on the identical revs. This isn’t unusual for this transmission sort because it sometimes prioritises effectivity over efficiency or engagement.

When you attain cruising speeds round city, the engine often switches off relying on the battery cost and out of doors ambient temperature, amongst different components. One of many few instances the engine would refuse to modify off nevertheless, was once I had the heater and heated seat cranking in virtually freezing Melbourne climate.

EV cruising within the RAV4 Hybrid could be very quiet and serene as there’s solely the odd electrical motor hum. It’s virtually like a recreation to eke out as a lot electrical driving as attainable to maximise effectivity and in addition minimise the droning of the petrol engine.

There’s a devoted ‘EV’ drive mode however it is going to change off as quickly as you press the accelerator that bit too onerous, or when 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 automotive. It reactivates round sure corners for added safety, however in the end it makes the rear electrical motor a little bit redundant.

Regenerative braking on this car solely has one setting, nevertheless it strikes a pleasant steadiness between being too weak or too sturdy. Below mild deceleration solely the entrance electrical motor regenerates vitality, however letting off the accelerator fully lets the rear electrical motor assist out.

The regenerative braking additionally negates that annoying CVT pace creeping you typically get when travelling downhill.

There’s a diploma of added regenerative braking constructed into the brake pedal, although the transition to the bodily brakes when coming to a whole cease generally is a little jarring. It doesn’t take lengthy for the battery pack to cost up, which is good as a result of this equals extra EV driving.

Round city and within the metropolis, the RAV4’s journey could be very compliant regardless of using on bigger 19-inch alloy wheels. Even sharp potholes and pace bumps don’t unsettle this automotive like they do in another mid-size SUVs.

You do hear what the suspension is doing nevertheless as a result of the automotive is already so silent. This doesn’t spoil the driving expertise nevertheless it’s extra pronounced.

The steering has a pleasant weight to it when tossing the automotive round on low-speed streets, whereas not being too unwieldy to twirl in tight carparks.

As normal, the RAV4 Edge comes with entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a surround-view digicam with improbable high quality and a number of views which is slightly useful in tight procuring centre carparks.

Getting out on the open highway, the two.5-litre petrol engine stays on just about on a regular basis, although the electrical motors do assist scale back the load and minimize gasoline consumption. It’s additionally when the engine drone is most obvious.

At instances the engine does change off at larger speeds, particularly when travelling downhill.

The very 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 comfy automotive to cruise the freeway in with poised and compliant steering. It’s additionally considerably dynamic, though the added heft of the electrified parts 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 little bit irritating.

The lane-keep help is essentially good at holding you within the lane if you happen to begin drifting out, although it might typically intervene incorrectly; whereas the lane centring perform generally is 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 space.

There’s additionally an auto high-beam setting that appears nice on paper however in actuality it’s a little bit tentative. There have been moments the place it will flip off high-beam in a short time, even when it detected a vivid road signal, whereas there have been others the place there could be an oncoming automotive and I’d should manually dip the lights.

To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool

What do you get?

The RAV4 is obtainable in 5 completely different trim ranges – on take a look at is the flagship Edge variant.

RAV4 GX highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels (mild gray)
• Area-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 and Android Auto
• Digital radio
• Material upholstery
• Push-button begin
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Rear centre armrest

RAV4 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

RAV4 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

RAV4 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

RAV4 Edge provides:

• 19-inch alloy wheels (matte gray)
• SofTex upholstery
• 4-way manually adjustable passenger seat
• Removes driver reminiscence perform
• Removes energy passenger seat

Is the Toyota RAV4 protected?

The RAV4 has a five-star security score from ANCAP, primarily based on exams performed by Euro NCAP in 2019.

Customary security tools contains:

• Adaptive cruise management
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Daytime bicycle 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 value to run?

The RAV4 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Toyota doesn’t provide complementary roadside help like many different manufacturers.

To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota RAV4

For a very long time now, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been the default possibility for individuals who need a cost-effective mid-size SUV.

Nonetheless, the competitors is now properly and actually scorching, with new 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 take into account 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 whereas additionally providing a extra partaking drive.

Moreover, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid twins additionally kind as eager rivals which can be price a glance.

Wanting solely on the RAV4 vary, the flagship Edge variant on take a look at 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 a substitute, it solely seems to be powerful on the skin and has a variety of orange inside highlights which mightn’t be to everybody’s tastes. It additionally misses out on sure tools supplied within the penultimate Cruiser variant.

With this in thoughts, both the RAV4 Cruiser or XSE kind because the choose of the vary, particularly with the lighter and extra environment friendly front-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.

Eager about shopping for a Toyota RAV4? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers here

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