2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser 2WD Review

This has been one of the best selling family cars in the country for years and its popularity has hit fresh highs this year. We find out why.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is one of the most in demand vehicles on sale with a waiting list stretching well into 2023.

We put it to the test to see what all the fuss is about.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is in demand with Aussie car shoppers.

VALUE

The cheapest ticket to a RAV4 is about $38,400 drive-away for the front-drive GX model, but our test car was the circa $50,000 Cruiser hybrid. You pay $2500 extra for the hybrid engine, which has more power and uses considerably less fuel, especially around town. If you want the added assurance of all-wheel-drive, that adds another $3000 to the price tag. The Cruiser is well equipped, with luxury items including heated and cooled leather-accented seats, a sunroof, an excellent JBL sound system, in-built satnav, digital radio and a wireless phone charger. The cabin doesn’t feel as hi-tech as the rival Tucson and Sportage, which have digital driver display screens, but it’s user-friendly and spacious, with high quality materials and impressive build quality. Services are cheap at $1150 for the first five years and the Toyota holds its value better than most rivals.

The waiting list stretches well into 2023.

COMFORT

The driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive, with ample adjustment for all types and sizes of bodies. Ergonomics are sound and heated seats are a welcome inclusion for winter mornings and sore backs on long trips. The aircon also delivers a wintry blast on hot summer days. There’s plenty of leg and head room in the back seats, while rear passengers have their own air vents and USB ports. The rear load area is larger than most in the class and the tailgate can be opened and shut via the key fob, which is convenient if your hands are full. The Toyota soaks up bumps and sharp edges better than most rivals and the cabin is quiet at speed on the freeway.

The cabin is functional and well appointed.

SAFETY

All RAV4s have an extensive range of active safety aids including auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, auto high-beam, traffic sign recognition and radar cruise control. Rear cross-traffic alert is particularly handy when reversing out of the driveway while parking sensors front and rear add another level of protection. While cheaper models make do with a standard reversing camera, the Cruiser provides a “bird’s eye” view of the car and its surroundings. The RAV4 was crash-tested in 2019 and scored a 93 per cent rating for adult occupant protection.

It’ll cut your fuel bills in half.

ON THE ROAD

A hybrid engine combined with a continuously variable transmission isn’t normally a recipe for driving joy but the RAV4’s set-up is surprisingly punchy. While it lacks the grunt of a diesel and the punch of a turbo petrol, it is a smooth combination well suited to family cruising. Fuel economy is exceptional, particularly in stop-start traffic. We managed roughly 5.4-5.8L/100km at freeway speeds, where the petrol engine will occasionally cut out when cruising to save fuel. Remarkably, consumption was roughly the same in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The engine will make itself heard under hard acceleration, but generally it’s quiet and refined. The RAV4 is a surprise packet on a twisting round. There’s the inevitable SUV body roll when changing direction, but precise steering and well-sorted suspension inspire confidence through the bends. The RAV4 is rarely unsettled by mid-corner bumps, providing a serene, controlled ride even on rougher surfaces.

VERDICT 4/5

The RAV4 isn’t cheap but it delivers a class-leading blend of space, comfort and fuel efficiency.

ALTERNATIVES

Hyundai Tucson Elite, from about $49,800 drive-away. Strong diesel engine. all-wheel drive and smooth 8-speed auto. More modern looking cabin, can tow up to 1900kg.

Kia Sportage SX+ diesel, from about $51,100 drive-away. Shares the same diesel engine and 8-speed auto as the Tucson. Hi-tech cabin and solid roadholding.

Mazda CX5 Touring Active diesel, from about $50,400 drive-away. Great balance of comfort and cornering ability. Punchy diesel and all-wheel drive grip.

TOYOTA RAV4 CRUISER HYBRID 2WD

PRICE About $50,200 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years, unl’td km, $1150 over five years

ENGINE 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol electric, 160kW and 221Nm

SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, radar cruise, rear cross-traffic alert

THIRST 4.7L/100km

LUGGAGE 580 litres