The first plug-in hybrid version of Toyota’s RAV4builds on Toyota’s market leading hybrid expertise. So is this just a mutant Prius on steroids or is it still the famous Rav4? Let’s find out.
By the way, if you’re new to us, our reviews are quite different to other websites. We are here to save you time and make things easy for you. So we’ll tell you what the others think as well as our thoughts. You will find:
What We Think:
A reliable, well-equipped SUV, with plenty of cabin and boot space. A slightly noisy engine and unexciting interior but hey it’s a Toyota. It’s not Kanye West’s favourite car but we like it. You can see a list of alternatives below our review round up.
The model is expected to retain it’s resale value quite well but doesn’t have a 7 seater option. That and the poor driveability compared to rivals may influence your decision.
What They Think:
| RAC |
| The first plug-in hybrid version of Toyota’s RAV4 draws on more than twenty years of the brand’s leadership in hybrid powertrain technology to offer customers a ‘D’-segment SUV that promises to be not only more powerful than any other in its class but also more efficient in terms of emissions and fuel consumption. There’s quite a price to pay for this technology but the stats look tempting – a total output of 302bhp, an all-electric driving range of 46 miles and a CO2 reading of 22g/km. |
| What Car |
| The Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has an impressive all-electric range and low emissions, but the extremely high list price limits its appeal for private buyers and company car buyers alike. The regular front-wheel drive RAV4 hybrid is the sweet spot in the range. It’s fairly ordinary to drive, but strong resale values, astounding economy and a fantastic reliability record make it a tempting option in the large SUV category. |
“Efficient and surprisingly fast”
Autotrader
| Autotrader |
| Efficient and surprisingly fast with strong safety features. The existing RAV4 already gets Toyota’s proven hybrid assistance for improved efficiency, this standalone plug-in – or PHEV – version going a step further toward electrification with impressive battery-only range. It’s considerably more expensive but in other respects it’s the same deal as the regular RAV4, which is to say spacious, well-equipped and stylish in its unapologetically angular way. Toyota’s longer warranty, additional equipment and proven track record for reliability arguably make it a more appealing choice than the near-identical Suzuki Across, which is in effect a RAV4 PHEV with a different badge. |
| The AA |
| The RAV4 has been around a long time but has proved to be a popular model for Toyota. As part of the original movement that kick-started the compact sport utility trend, the RAV4 is seen by many as a fun alternative to a family hatchback. A recent facelift and inclusion of a diesel engine has only served to strengthen the car’s appeal. |
| Car Buyer |
| A fun chassis and smooth performance in town. The RAV4 sits on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TGNA) platform, which is also used in the Toyota Prius, C-HR and Corolla models. It brings big benefits in ride and handling, with more sophisticated suspension than the old model, so the RAV4 is capable of turning into corners with a surprising amount of vigour and poise, with plenty of grip while resisting dramatic levels of body lean. The hybrid version is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine along with an electric motor and a battery. This combination makes performance reasonably brisk, with both 215bhp in the front-wheel drive version and 219bhp in the four-wheel drive serving up 0-62mph times of 8.4 and 8.1 seconds respectively, which are competitive for the class. |
| Car Magazine |
| Plenty to like! Producing a medium-sized SUV that stands out from the crowd may seem like an impossible task in today’s market, but Toyota has had a damn good go with its current-generation RAV4. The previous version may have had its trick hybrid hardware hidden up its sleeve to help lower running costs, but it was wrapped up in such a dreary package the RAV4 Hybrid never made it onto anyone’s radar. The current model is built on a fresh global architecture GA-K platform, and is styled in that angular, almost cartoon-like form that only Japanese designers seem to have truly perfected. |
Alternatives Vehicles To Consider:
- Mazda CX-5
- Peugeot 5008
- Honda CR-V
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Ford Kuga
- Suzuki Across
- Citröen C5 Aircross
- Range Rover Evoque P300e
