FUELLED BY SUCCESS
VALUE
Prices for the four-tier Toyota RAV4 range start at $36,490 drive-away for the base petrol GX with a manual transmission. A CVT auto adds $2200, hybrid power a further $2500 and allwheel drive $3000.
We are testing the GXL all-wheel drive hybrid, the second rung on the RAV4 ladder, which is priced at about $47,000 drive-away.
Exterior highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and LED daytime running lights, while inside there is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satnav and digital radio, all accessed via an easy to navigate eight-inch touchscreen.
There are plenty of places to charge the family’s devices, including a wireless charging pad, three USB ports in the front and two in the rear. The RAV4 could do with a digital driver display. Its mix of analog dials and a small digital readout looks outdated. Toyota backs the RAV4 with a five-year/unlimited km warranty. Servicing is very cheap at $1150 over five years or $230 a pop.
COMFORT
Passengers are greeted with firm but supportive cloth seats. You need to jump up to the Cruiser grade for leather-accented upholstery and electronic adjustment.
Dual-zone airconditioning is controlled by easy to reach dials and buttons and the system blows frigid air like it’s coming directly from Antarctica. There is plenty of rear seat legroom, while two aircon vents and large windows keep the kids comfortable.
The boot is on the bigger side at 580L, but there is no auto tailgate.
Well sorted suspension soaks up most road imperfections, making for a smooth and supple ride around town. Tyre roar is kept to a minimum, but there is some wind noise at highway speeds.
SAFETY
Toyota’s list of standard safety equipment is comprehensive.
The RAV4 will automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision with a car, pedestrian or cyclist.
Lane-keep assist will stop you wandering out of your lane by gently tugging the steering wheel to pull you back into your lane. Blindspot warning and rear cross-traffic alert keep an electronic eye on hard to see places.
DRIVING
Toyota’s hybrid set-up provides ample performance while going easy on the fuel.
The petrol-electric combo makes 163kW of power, which is generous for a mid-size SUV. Toyota doesn’t provide combined torque figures, but there is plenty on tap early, the electric motor delivering willing acceleration off the mark. The RAV4 has no problem bounding up steep hills or overtaking on the highway. It is one of the better mid-size SUVs to steer with sharp, direct steering and lots of grip thanks to the all-wheel drive set-up. It’ll lean a bit through corners, but has better body control than most rival SUVs. Toyota claims fuel use is 4.8L/100km. You’ll get close to that in stop-start traffic, but expect to see mid-sixes on the open road.
Toyota’s hybrid SUV delivers a unique combination of power and efficiency
ALTERNATIVES MAZDA CX-5 TOURING AWD, FROM ABOUT $45,800 DRIVE-AWAY
Stylish and luxurious cabin. Turbo engine is strong but thirsty.
HYUNDAI TUCSON ELITE 1.6 TURBO, FROM ABOUT $47,200 DRIVE-AWAY
Punchy turbo engine. Packed with hi-tech features and safety equipment. Bold styling is not for everyone.
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 132TSI LIFE, FROM ABOUT $48,000 DRIVE-AWAY
Great to drive and has plenty of standard tech. Can be expensive to service.
VERDICT
Polished all-rounder is cheap to run, safe and a great drive, although the cabin doesn’t look as modern as newer rivals.