Review: Toyota's RAV4 hybrid impresses by Trish Whelan

Toyota’s RAV4 family crossover is now offered only with hybrid technology, writes Trish Whelan.

The car was one of a number of new self-charging hybrid cars (with Corolla and Camry), which have landed on our shores from last January. 

The RAV4 has been a big success since then with a huge demand from both retail and fleet customers. Drivers looking to make the switch from diesel to the more environmentally and economically friendly hybrid are finding it quite affordable to do so as buyers enjoy a lower monthly payment for a hybrid over a petrol. 

Like PHEVs, hybrids are a half way measure to going full electric. They have different characteristics from conventional cars. RAV4’s system combines a 2.5L petrol engine, CVT automatic transmission, a battery pack and an electric motor to give 218bhp in 2WD. The AWD provides 222hp from this system.

Toyota say this new generation of self-charging hybrid vehicles are more fuel efficient resulting in a significant reduction in NOX and C02 emissions. “On average, hybrid drivers spend up to 60pc of their travel time in full EV mode. There’s no requirement for the car to be plugged in which means that there is no infrastructure investment needed and with fewer engine parts to maintain - no clutch, alternator or starter motors - hybrid vehicles are the ideal solutions.”

My car was in an attractive Tokyo red exterior colour with a contrasting dark interior which looked well.

While still retaining its rugged good looks, the RAV4 is a good choice for a family. 

The car is wider and longer with a longer wheelbase than before offering good space and comfortable cabin for five adults. There’s huge head and leg space behind even for someone seated directly behind a 6.2” person in front. The person in the rear middle seat, though, will have to contend with the highish tunnel which restricts legroom somewhat. 

This extra space is combined with an increased luggage capacity of up to 542 litres. The boot floor is high and you’ll find a spare tyre below. The hybrid battery is mounted under the rear seats allowing for the extra boot space.

Five grades are: Aura (€35,900), Luna (€37,590), Sol (€39,590), Sport €41,590 and Platinum (€43,000). Prices exclude metallic paint and dealer delivery related charges. 

The entry level Luna comes well specced with Toyota Safety Sense 2, smart entry, a power back door, front & rear parking sensors, heated door mirrors, LED headlamps/rear lights, front fogs, 17-inch alloys, roof rails, a temporary spare wheel. This spec gets an 8-inch touch system and a 7-inch TFT information screen, dual zone climate control, Hill Start Assist, Electric parking brake with hold. 

Toyota Safety Sense 2 is standard on all new RAV4s. It includes a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist detection (new); Road Sign assist, Adaptive Cruise Control etc.

As you move up the spec includes 18-inch alloys, rear privacy glass, heated front seats, sat nav, leather seats for the Sol. Sport adds a bi-tone roof, projector LED headlamps, driver power seat slide & height adjuster and lumbar support and a paddle shift on the steering wheel. The Platinum trim adds Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, leather trim, driver seat memory, and a heated steering wheel. 

In looks, the RAV4 takes some of its front style cues from the hugely successful CH-R, with a stronger look and more presence. The car is lower and wider with a longer wheelbase than the previous generation model which allows for improved accommodation for passengers.

The whole ambience of the cabin was nicely upmarket; seats were comfy and provided good support to my lower back which is important to me, my driver’s seat came with manual adjustments.

The instruments are bright and clear and user friendly but I found it quite a complicated procedure to pair my mobile phone with the car’s Bluetooth system. This has also been the case with other Toyota models I’ve driven recently. Obviously when you get the hang of it, you’ll only have to do it the once. 

Getting ready for the ‘off’ when the ‘READY’ indicator turns on in the instrument panel, the hybrid system will operate normally. In EV mode the electric power is supplied by the hybrid battery and only the electric motor is used to drive the car. This mode allows you to drive in a residential area early in the morning or late at night without fear of waking the neighbours. 

Drive modes are Eco, Normal and Sport. Eco is suitable for driving to improve fuel economy by more smoothly generating torque in response to accelerator pedal operations; Normal is for your usual driving while Sport controls the steering feeling and hybrid system to create an acceleration response suitable for sporty diving, for when crisp handling is needed such as when driving on mountainy roads. 

I really enjoyed driving this big hybrid car. A very smooth drive offering driving pleasure and quite a premium feel. With hybrids there is good acceleration when you press the pedal. The car takes 8.4s to go from 0-100km/h, maximum torque is 221Nm (FWD). On returning the RAV4 to Toyota, the trip computer showed a reading of 5.9 L/100kms.

Combined fuel consumption is from 5.6 L/100kms (WLTP). Annual road tax is just €190. Towing capacity is 800kg (FWD). Towing capacities are 800kg (FWD)

A family car requires a fair amount of onboard storage and the RAV4 provides decent door bins, glovebox with an over shelf, cup holders and a storage area under the front armrest. 

A big plus for me was that the slim A-Pillars and side mirror mountings didn’t combine to block out my view of pavement kerbs as happens in many other crossovers & SUVs. So full marks for this to Toyota for this. 

All Toyota passenger cars come standard with 3 years’ servicing.