2022 Toyota RAV4 GXL AWD new car review

Australians are lining up in drives to get their hands on this family-friendly machine. We find out what all the fuss is about.

Medium-sized SUVs are the go-to choice for thousands of Australian families. Toyota’s RAV4 is the hottest ticket in town – the best-selling SUV in the country, with a lengthy waiting list.

VALUE

The current RAV4 was introduced in 2019 and has had a couple of running changes since then, including new LED projector headlamps and dark alloys for the RAV4 GXL AWD Hybrid model tested here.

Priced from $43,325 plus on-road costs (about $45,000 drive-away) in all-wheel-drive hybrid trim, this car is one step up from the basic RAV4 GX.

Toyota RAV4

It covers the modern basics with smartphone mirroring and loads of safety gear but you have to spend more on premium versions to get luxuries such as heated leather seats, a sunroof and 360-degree camera.

The Hybrid’s true value stems from best-in-class retained value and low running costs – servicing is just $230 per year, and it only needs 4.8L/100km of regular unleaded. Some rivals will double those expenses and disappoint you at trade-in time.

COMFORT

Dated at a glance, the RAV4’s interior impresses when you dig a little deeper. A basic 4.2-inch digital readout in the driver’s display joins an 8-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless phone charging.

Quality premium cloth meets smart keys and dual-zone climate control with rear air vents. There are five USB ports – one to connect a phone to the infotainment system, plus four power outlets spread through the front and rear.

2022 Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid

The well-constructed seats are supportive – not something we would say about all cars in this class – and the hybrid is whisper quiet in electric mode, delivering a refined experience.

SAFETY

The RAV4 is loaded with safety gear including auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Active cruise control is part of the deal, as is lane keeping assistance and a camera-based speed-sign recognition system that helps drivers stick to the speed limit.

Passengers are protected by seven airbags and a strong body that performs well in crash tests but some of the very latest features, such as a front centre airbag or auto braking that works at junctions and intersections, isn’t available here.

2022 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid

DRIVING

Powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by front and rear hybrid motors,

the RAV4 produces 163kW and delivers impressive acceleration that defies its truly frugal fuel use.

It’s surprisingly athletic to drive, with quick steering and impressive roadholding that make it one of the driver’s picks in a competitive segment.

A well-sorted ride impresses whether driving alone or in a car loaded with passengers and the hybrid system’s near-seamless energy regeneration and electric power assistance help make this a class leader on the road.

2022 Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid

VERDICT 4.5/5

Efficient, impressive to drive and reasonably well-appointed, the RAV4 is a value-packed ownership proposition let down largely by its popularity – getting hold of one in short order is a tough ask.

ALTERNATIVES

Haval H6 GT, from $46,490 drive-away

Loaded with luxury touches to rival prestige cars, the Haval H6 is let down by a sub-par driving experience and poor resale value.

Kia Sportage SX+, about $45,000 drive-away

Eminently modern and decent on the road, the Sportage is backed by an impressive customer guarantee.

Subaru Forester 2.5i-L, about $45,000 drive-away

A strong choice in this class, the Forester is safe, practical and confidence-inspiring thanks to standard all-wheel-drive traction.

TOYOTA RAV4 GXL AWD HYBRID

PRICE About $45,000 drive-away

ENGINE 2.5-litre 4-cyl hybrid, 163kW

WARRANTY/SERVICE 5-yr/u’ltd km, $1150 for 5 years

SAFETY 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts

THIRST 4.8L/100km

CARGO 580 litres

SPARE repair kit