2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid new car review

Australian car buyers are lining up in droves to get their hands on this car with many happy to wait more than a year for theirs to arrive. We find out why.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The Toyota RAV4 hybrid is one of the most in demand vehicles in Australia with wait times stretching out to 18 months. We find out what all the fuss is about.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid still has a wait time of up to 18 months.

VALUE

The RAV4 range kicks off with the front-drive GX model at roughly $44,000 drive-away. The GXL model costs $3600 more and adds cosmetic changes, wireless smartphone charging, premium cloth seats, roof rails and rear privacy glass. Hybrid power, available on all models, adds a further $2500. The RAV4’s cabin doesn’t feel as hi-tech as some rivals, but it’s solidly built. The central screen isn’t the biggest in the class but it’s easy to navigate on the move.

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There’s wireless Apple CarPlay but you need a cord for Android phones. At this price, there are some notable omissions from the features list, including an auto tailgate, premium stereo and in-built satnav. Capped price servicing is reasonable at just $1300 for five years.

The petrol-electric power delivers big fuel savings.

COMFORT

It may not be the most modern cabin, but the RAV4 is roomy and comfortable. The front seats are excellent, with padding in all the right places and plenty of adjustment to find a decent driving position. The airconditioning cools quickly and efficiently and rear passengers have their own air vents, as well as two USB ports. There are three USB plugs in the front, as well as a 12-volt charger. There aren’t many in the class that can match the Toyota’s rear leg, head and shoulder room and the rear load area will swallow a tonne of bags and sporting gear. The cabin is very quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, while the suspension does a great job of cushioning occupants from less than perfect road surfaces.

The cabin isn’t as flash as newer rivals.

SAFETY

Toyota deserves credit for having all the latest driver aids as standard across the entire range. It has auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist protection, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, radar cruise and rear cross-traffic alert. The car will also stop you from turning into oncoming traffic. The RAV4 was awarded five stars in independent crash tests in 2019. It scored well across the board – 93 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupants and 83 per cent for driver assist tech.

The RAV4 is one of the better SUVs to drive.

ON THE ROAD

The RAV4 is one of the more impressive SUVs to drive. It hangs on well through the corners, resisting the excessive pitching and rolling that can afflict some SUVs. Nicely weighted, accurate steering adds another layer of confidence for drivers. There are plenty of hybrids on the market these days, but none of them do the technology as well as Toyota. The RAV4’s electric motor and battery work seamlessly with the 2.5-litre engine and continuously variable transmission to deliver strong, smooth acceleration, both off the mark and when called on to overtake at speed. It’s quiet and refined, too. Claimed fuel consumption is just 4.7L/100km and we managed 5.2L/100km in a mix of urban, freeway and country driving. Unlike conventional petrol cars, the hybrid is as efficient in stop-start traffic as it is on the open road.

VERDICT 4/5

Newer rivals have nicer cabins and more tech, but none does the fundamentals as well as the RAV4.

ALTERNATIVES

Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-power, from about $54,200 drive-away. More expensive but includes all-wheel-drive, more up-to-date cabin, thirstier.

Haval H6 Lux hybrid, $44,990 drive-away. Much cheaper, longer warranty, more hi-tech modern cabin with leather and other luxuries. Average driving manners.

Honda Z-RV e: HEV LX, from $54,900 drive-away. Smaller car but better equipped, with a high quality cabin. Efficient and refined hybrid set-up and nice to drive.

RAV4 GXL Hybrid

PRICE $50,250

ENGINE 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid, 160kW/221Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $1300 for five years

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

THIRST 4.7L/100km

SPARE Space saver

LUGGAGE 580 litres