Toyota RAV4 Review 2024
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Toyota RAV4 At A Glance
Hybrid fuel economy. Comfortable interior. Good build quality.
Expensive compared to rivals. No seven-seat option.
Insurance Groups are between 27–30
On average it achieves 77% of the official MPG figure
The Toyota RAV4 can take much of the credit for introducing the world to the SUV. Since it made its debut in 1994, it has been one of the most successful models in the company’s stable. Today’s car is much larger than the original, but delivers traditional Toyota reliability and comfort, together with hybrid and plug-in technology. Read on for our full Toyota RAV4 review.
With so many great SUVs to choose from these days, it would be easy to forget about the car that launched the market nearly 30 years ago.
But as our Toyota RAV4 review will demonstrate, the latest version continues to be a good, honest vehicle, delivering a decent drive with lots of interior space and equipment, plus the fuel economy benefits of a hybrid system.
The Toyota RAV4 has grown in size over the years, and the current generation has more style and attitude than previous models.
It’s not a match for the cool looks of the Hyundai Tucson or the sporty persona of the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line, but it still has plenty to offer, and is unlikely to ever let you down.
Although it can be hustled along if you feel inclined to do so, the Toyota RAV4 is engineered to get you and your family from A to B without fuss, providing enough connectivity and comfort to keep everyone happy.
Only available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the Toyota RAV4 is frugal on fuel, delivers acceptable electric range and fits into the budget-friendly lower tax brackets.
Of course, there’s a very long list of rivals, thanks to the massive increase in the number of family-focused SUV-style options that are now available.
There’s the Nissan Qashqai, while the Ford Kuga also has plenty of fans, as do the Kia Sportage and the excellent Mazda CX-5.
Then there’s the Suzuki Across, which is essentially a Toyota RAV4 with a Suzuki badge.
The Toyota RAV4 doesn’t have things all its own way these days, but it’s still a hugely popular choice around the world thanks to its formidable pedigree.
Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar’s Toyota RAV4 review.
Reviews for Toyota RAV4's top 3 rivals
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Toyota RAV4 handling and engines
- Engines range from Hybrid 2WD to PHEV
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 37–62 mpg
Toyota RAV4 2024: Handling and ride quality
The Toyota RAV4 is at its happiest fulfilling the demands of your daily routine or taking the family away for a weekend break.
It does have a Sport mode, dynamic torque control and even a Trail mode for a bit of mild off-roading, but more focused rivals are stronger in these areas.
Instead, the Toyota RAV4 delivers a composed ride that ensures occupants are always comfortable, whether it be on the school run, commuting or on a jaunt down the motorway.
Toyota RAV4 2024: Engines
The bulk of the Toyota RAV4 range features a hybrid electric powertrain, which uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine matched to an electric motor and a battery.
We aren’t fans of Toyota’s ‘self-charging’ marketing line, but as with all hybrids, the battery gets topped up as you drive, so there’s no need to plug it in. The exception is the PHEV, which we’ll get to in a bit.
Two-wheel-drive models produce a total power output of 218PS, with 221Nm of torque from the petrol engine and an additional 202Nm of torque from the electric motor.
That delivers a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds, with a top speed of 112mph.
All-wheel-drive versions get slightly more power, at 222PS. They offer the same torque figure from the front electric motor, but bolstered by 121Nm from the additional motor on the rear axle.
This combination provides what Toyota calls Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, or AWD-i, and helps to deliver a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds.
The PHEV version uses the same 2.5-litre petrol engine matched to two electric motors and a battery. This combination provides 306PS and will hit 62mph in just six seconds.
Normal, Eco and Sport modes are available in each of the hybrid modes, which include the default EV, along with Hybrid, Auto and Charging. The latter provides more energy to top up the battery while driving.
The Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid is capable of travelling up to 46 miles in pure electric mode, and can even use electric power at the motorway speed limit for a while before the petrol engine has to kick in.
The PHEV has a 6.6kW onboard charger, so when connected to a standard 10-amp socket at home it will charge to full in around seven-and-a-half hours.
Ideally, it should be connected to a Type 2 wallbox, however, which will fully charge it in two-and-a-half hours.
Toyota RAV4 2024: Safety
The Toyota RAV4 has been packed with lots of safety equipment, which was sufficient to earn it a five-star rating from vehicle safety organisation, Euro NCAP.
This includes Toyota Safety Sense, with a pre-collision system that has cyclist and pedestrian detection, plus Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.
It also has intersection support to prevent you turning into oncoming traffic at a junction, along with road sign recognition.
Other features include lane keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking, airbags and Isofix child seat mountings.
The PHEV model gets slightly more safety kit, such as Lane Tracing Assist. This keeps the vehicle centred in its lane on a motorway.
Toyota RAV4 2024: Towing
As you’d expect of a popular SUV, all versions of the Toyota RAV4 are capable of towing a trailer or caravan, being rated to pull 750kg unbraked.
Front-wheel-drive versions can tow 800kg braked, but all-wheel-drive models have a big advantage here, with a 1650kg braked capacity.
The figures are slightly different for the PHEV, which also has an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg, but can pull a braked capacity of 1500kg.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid 2WD | 64–66 mpg | 8.1–8.4 s | 102–131 g/km |
| Hybrid 4WD | 64 mpg | 8.1 s | 108–133 g/km |
| PHEV | - | 6.0 s | 22 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Toyota RAV4
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
77%
Real MPG
37–62 mpg
MPGs submitted
336
Toyota RAV4 interior
- Boot space is 657–1690 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4600 mm |
| Width | 1855 mm |
| Height | 1685–1690 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2690 mm |
Toyota RAV4 2024: Practicality
The Toyota RAV4 is almost the definition of practicality. It’s easy to get in and out of, the seats are all comfortable with plenty of adjustment, and there’s no awkwardness to any of its functionality.
It’s simple and honest and delivers lots of space for the family.
The dashboard is well laid-out, with the touchscreen up high so you don’t need to take your eyes from the road. The controls are also easy to use when on the move, including buttons on the steering wheel.
There’s a good amount of legroom and headroom for both those in the front and the back, along with plenty of storage spaces around the cabin.
Boot space is generous at 580 litres, or 1690 litres if you fold down the 60:40-split back seats. The boot has a reversible floor, which is useful for runs to the tip, and storage nets on each side are welcome, too.
In the PHEV, boot space is reduced to 520 litres.
Toyota RAV4 2024: Quality and finish
While the interior design might not be award-winning, the cabin is very nicely built, with soft-touch surfaces throughout and a feeling of quality in all the materials.
There’s a reassuring solidity to all the buttons and controls, and they should all prove to be long-lasting.
Aluminium inserts add a premium feel and the upholstery on the seats feels comfortable but hard-wearing. It lacks the gadgets and feelgood factor of some rivals, but it’s a robust, high-quality environment.
Toyota RAV4 2024: Infotainment
The Japanese company’s infotainment tech is not among the most advanced available. However, the Toyota RAV4’s 10.5-inch touchscreen display is clear and easy to use, providing access to vehicle settings, DAB radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity and navigation.
It’s also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a four-year Smart Service data package that provides live traffic information, and the whole system can be linked to the MyT smartphone app.
This is particularly useful for the PHEV model, with the ability to set charging times, pre-heat or cool the car, and lock or unlock it via your phone.
The Toyota RAV4 has also gone digital when it comes to the instruments. What the firm calls a ‘combimeter’ is, to the rest of us, a digital screen.
You can switch between four styles and three layouts, plus there are other personalisation options. It offers a wealth of driving and charging information.
Toyota RAV4 value for money
Toyota RAV4 2024: Prices
At the time of writing, the Toyota RAV4 range starts at £39,875 for the Design model with a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and front-wheel drive.
A four-wheel drive version of the Design model comes in at £42,255.
The all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 GR Sport version with slightly more power costs a sizeable £46,800.
The Toyota RAV4 Excel has more premium styling and starts at £42,860.
If you want to plug in, the all-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4 PHEV is only available in Design and GR Sport trims, costing £44,175 and £48,990 respectively.
Those prices make it seem rather expensive, especially when compared to the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Toyota RAV4 2024: Running Costs
The Toyota RAV4 is an efficient vehicle to run. All models are hybrids and can average around 48mpg.
The exception is the PHEV, but its consumption numbers are potentially slightly misleading, because they depend on how much driving you do in electric mode.
Toyota claims an average figure of 282.4mpg, but that’s based on you spending most of your time commuting on electric power.
If you frequently drive using the petrol engine, the figure could drop below that of the regular hybrids due to the additional weight of the motor and battery. Realistically, we’d expect something around the 50mpg mark, though, when looking at data from Real MPG.
Toyota servicing and maintenance costs are very affordable at both main dealers and independent workshops.
When it comes to tax, the hybrids all cost £255 for the first year and £180 for years two to five, although you will also have to pay the £390 extra for any Toyota RAV4 that costs more than £40,000 when new – this applies to cars up to five years old.
With CO2 emissions of just 22g/km for the PHEV, there’s no tax payable. However, from 2025, it will be liable for both VED (road tax) and the luxury car tax.
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Toyota doesn’t skimp on kit, so all versions have a good list of standard equipment.
All the safety tech is included, plus a tyre pressure warning system, dual zone air-conditioning, rear parking sensors and tilt/reach adjustment on the steering wheel.
Then there’s more interesting stuff like Drive Mode Select, the Toyota Smart Connect+ infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the MyT app and LED daytime running lights.
The range kicks off with the Toyota RAV4 Design model, which has 18-inch dark silver alloy wheels, an electrically operated tailgate, brushed aluminium exterior trim and front and rear parking sensors.
It also comes with black cloth upholstery, a ‘Hey Toyota’ virtual assistant and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota RAV4 Excel versions have leather seat upholstery, heated front seats, 360-degree panoramic view cameras, a heated steering wheel, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and blue ambient lighting for the front console and cup-holders.
The Excel also gains some silver brightwork on the wheels and grille to make it look a bit more upmarket.
It’s not quite the ‘GR’ of the Toyota Yaris or Toyota Supra, but the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport does have a modicum of sporty character, with 19-inch GR Sport alloy wheels, a darker grille and GR Sport badges.
Inside, it gets GR Sport Alcantara seats and gearshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has the same features as the Design and GR Sport models, depending on which you choose, but the Design version gets unique 18-inch grey alloys. It also has a slightly smaller boot.
With so much standard kit, the options list for the Toyota RAV4 isn’t that long, although it does include an opening panoramic glass roof or sunroof, which are available only on the Excel and GR versions.
There are some optional upholstery choices, notably leather or Alcantara, and you’ll pay a bit extra for most of the metallic paints, but that’s about it.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4600 mm |
| Width | 1855 mm |
| Height | 1685–1690 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2690 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1665–1930 kg |
| Boot Space | 657–1690 L |
| Warranty | 5 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 5000–15000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £35,615–£48,935 |
| Insurance Groups | 27–30 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–Alternative fuel, E |
| Official MPG | 64.2–65.7 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid Design CVT 2WD 5dr | £35,615 | 65.7 mpg | 8.4 s |
| 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid Design CVT AWD 5dr | £37,990 | 64.2 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid Excel CVT 2WD 5dr | £38,600 | 65.7 mpg | 8.4 s |
| 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid Excel CVT AWD 5dr | £40,975 | 64.2 mpg | 8.1 s |
| Design 306 134kW Motor 18.1 kWh Battery Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £41,750 | - | 6.0 s |
| GR Sport 306 134kW Motor 18.1 kWh Battery Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £48,935 | - | - |
| GR Sport VVT-i 222 4WD Start/Stop 5dr | £45,965 | - | - |
On sale until April 2024
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamic 306 134kW Motor 18.1 kWh Battery Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £42,650 | - | 6.0 s |
| Dynamic Premium 306 134kW Motor 18.1 kWh Battery Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £46,150 | - | 6.0 s |
On sale until January 2024
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid Dynamic CVT 2WD 5dr | £39,000 | 65.7 mpg | 8.4 s |
| 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid Dynamic CVT AWD 5dr | £41,380 | 64.2 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid Icon CVT 2WD 5dr | £32,965 | 65.7 mpg | 8.4 s |
On sale until October 2022
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Adventure VVT-i 222 4WD Start/Stop 5dr | £42,740 | - | 8.1 s |
On sale until July 2022
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Black Edition VVT-i 218 2WD Start/Stop 5dr | £36,850 | - | 8.4 s |
| Black Edition VVT-i 222 4WD Start/Stop 5dr | £39,185 | - | 8.1 s |
Model History
- March 2018: Fifth generation Toyota RAV4 launched
- December 2018: Prices announced for Toyota RAV4
- July 2020: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Black Edition announced
- December 2020: Toyota RAV4 Plug-in priced from £47,395
- May 2021: New Design trim lowers Toyota RAV4 PHEV start price to £46,495.
- September 2021: Toyota RAV4 Adventure announced
- June 2022: Toyota RAV4 updated for 2023 model year
- October 2023: Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid now available as top-spec GR Sport model
March 2018
Fifth generation Toyota RAV4 launched
Has a new CVT, which is the world’s first to feature a launch gear that significantly improves transmission efficiency at low speeds. It delivers direct and smooth response to the driver’s use of the accelerator pedal, and improves fuel efficiency by 6% compared to its predecessor. 4,600mm long x 1,855mm wide on 30mm longer wheelbase.
Wheel and tyre sizes are 17-inch with 225/65 R17 tyres or 19-inch with 235/55 R19 tyres.
Toyota’s new 2.0 litre 180PS Dynamic Force Engine uses high-speed combustion technologies and a variable control system. It has been engineered to achieve higher thermal efficiency, with a reduction in the losses associated with exhaust and cooling systems, the friction between moving parts and other operating aspects.
For the 2.0 litre Dynamic Force Engines Toyota has developed a new hybrid electric system, using the same size, weight and loss-reducing technologies applied in the current, fourth generation Prius. The new system gives improved driving performance while maintaining superior fuel efficiency. Under acceleration, the hybrid system reduces engine revs while drawing increased electric power from the battery.
For All Wheel Drive models, Toyota has developed two new all-wheel drive systems with the aim of improving fuel efficiency and achieving high levels of AWD handling, stability and off-road performance.
The new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system is designed for use in petrol-powered vehicles. It uses a torque vectoring mechanism, which independently distributes torque to the left and right wheels according driving conditions, allowing the driver to steer the vehicle exactly as intended.
The new E-Four system will be used in hybrid electric vehicles. It delivers 30 per cent more total torque to the rear wheels (which are electrically driven) than the current version. By using a new control system that optimally distributes torque to the rear wheels, based on driving conditions, it delivers a high level of off-road performance, handling and stability.
December 2018
Prices announced for Toyota RAV4
There is a range of nine exterior colours, including new Urban Khaki, Cyan Splash, Obsidian Blue and Galaxy Black. Metallic paint and a bi-tone finish are included in the standard specification of the Dynamic models, combining a black roof and pillars with White Pearl, Silver Blade, Decuma Grey or Obsidian Blue bodywork. On Excel models, the leather upholstery can be specified in black, grey or beige.
| GRADE | POWERTRAIN | OTR PRICE |
| Icon | 2.5 Hybrid CVT FWD | £29,635 |
| Design | 2.5 Hybrid CVT FWD | £31,190 |
| Design | 2.5 Hybrid CVT AWD | £33,430 |
| Excel | 2.5 Hybrid CVT FWD | £33,610 |
| Excel | 2.5 Hybrid CVT AWD | £35,850 |
| Dynamic | 2.5 Hybrid CVT FWD | £34,400 |
| Dynamic | 2.5 Hybrid CVT AWD | £36,640 |
July 2020
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Black Edition announced
Based on Dynamic grade. Features Galaxy Black paint and black styling highlihgts including the 19-inch alloy wheels. The inside features black synthetic leather with grey stitching. Will go on sale from October 2020 with prices to be confirmed.
December 2020
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in priced from £47,395
The new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the new flagship of Toyota’s hybrid electric range and also the most powerful RAV4 yet, its system producing 306PS. Its default operating mode will be all-electric, with its new plug-in hybrid system enabling a 46-mile driving range on a full battery charge (WLTP data) and speeds up to 84mph. Official fuel consumption is 282mpg with 22g/km CO2 emissions (WLTP combined cycle), securing a benefit-in-kind rate of just six per cent for company car tax payers.
Featuring a 2.5-litre petrol engine, a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery, the RAV4 Plug-in delivers both more rewarding performance (0-62mph in six seconds) and drivability, with 50 per cent more available at 37mph compared to the standard RAV4 Hybrid.
The new model will be available in two equipment grades: Dynamic and Dynamic Premium. Based on the equivalent RAV4 Hybrid specification, RAV4 Plug-in Dynamic will offer 19-inch machined-face alloy wheels, nine-inch multimedia touchscreen, access to connected services, heated front and rear seats and LED projector headlights. To support its EV capability, it will come with a 6.6kW (32A) cable for fast charging (wall box system required).
The Dynamic premium version adds features include black leather upholstery, front seats with ventilation and memory settings, panoramic roof, head-up display and JBL Premium Sound System.
On-the-road prices are £47,395 for the RAV4 Plug In Dynamic and £50,895 for the Dynamic Premium. Orders will be accepted from 4 January with first vehicles being delivered to customers during the second quarter of 2021.
May 2021
New Design trim lowers Toyota RAV4 PHEV start price to £46,495.
Taking its place as the new gateway model in the line-up, the RAV4 Plug-in Design delivers a wealth of advanced technology features for safety, multimedia connectivity, comfort and style.
The Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system includes a nine-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, satellite navigation and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The dual-zone air conditioning system has a remote operation function, so the cabin can be warmed or cooled in advance of a journey, and both front and outer rear seats have integrated heaters.
Convenience features include power driver’s seat adjustment, a reversing camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, smart entry and push-button start and auto-folding door mirrors with integrated puddle lights. The five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels have a contrast dark grey and bright machined finish. Automatic LED dual-beam projector headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, power tailgate and front and rear parking sensors are also provided as standard, together with RAV4 Plug-in’s full complement of Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems, plus a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto braking.
The RAV4 Plug-in is the most powerful version of Toyota’s mid-size SUV, with maximum power of 302bhp from its 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid system, yet it also achieves class-leading performance in terms of zero emissions driving, range, CO 2 emissions and fuel efficiency.
It operates as an authentic electric vehicle: EV running is its default mode, in which it can cover up to 46 miles in urban driving (WLTP city cycle) on a full battery charge, comfortably more than the average European daily commute, and reach speeds of 84mph (where permitted), with no intervention from the hybrid powertrain. When extra engine power is needed, the capability of the 2.5-litre engine ensures efficiency remains class-leading. Battery charging is simple and safe and can be accomplished in 2.5 hours using a 230V/32A connection.
September 2021
Toyota RAV4 Adventure announced
The RAV4 Adventure makes its intentions clear with its more purposeful front-end design. The new look, all-black grille has greater visual impact, with the Toyota emblem moving down from the leading edge of the bonnet to a central position on double horizontal bars that cross the centre of the unit. The vehicle’s commanding stance and SUV capability is amplified by setting the front fog lights in new black surrounds and fitting a bright silver-finished under-run.
The effect is enhanced by wider wheel arches and new 19-inch alloy wheels with a matt grey finish. At the rear there’s a matching silver under-run.
In the cabin there’s a dedicated upholstery design for the seats, combining smooth, black synthetic leather with deeply quilted back and cushion sections, with contrasting orange stitching. RAV4 Adventure scuff plates are also fitted.
UK deliveries for the new Toyota RAV4 Adventure and the refreshed RAV4 model range will begin in first quarter of 2022. Prices and further details will be announced nearer the on-sale date.
June 2022
Toyota RAV4 updated for 2023 model year
Toyota has revealed a series of upgrades for the new 2023 RAV4, a raft of enhancements that focus on improving life on board with new multimedia systems and a customisable new digital driver’s instrument display. Safety is enhanced, too, with new functions added to the Toyota Safety Sense systems.
The new RAV4 adopts Toyota’s latest multimedia system which features a larger 10.5-inch screen with a high-definition colour display.
Smartphone integration with Android Auto® is available and for added convenience, wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay® is featured as standard.
There are more ways to communicate with your car using the new on-board voice agent that will respond to spoken requests to adjust the climate control, choose multimedia options, make a phone call, or open and close the windows. “Hey Toyota” is designed to understand conversational speech, so if you say “I’m cold” it will respond by closing the windows or raising the air conditioning temperature.
A further, optional multimedia system is also available, offering additional functions. It introduces an embedded navigation system that will operate when no data connection is available. It also recognises highway signs and can provide local weather alerts and notify the driver of restricted LEZs (low emission zones).
The new RAV4 comes with more remote functions the driver can make use of without having to be in or near their vehicle. The familiar worries about whether you have left a window open, the doors unlocked or the lights on after you’ve walked away from your car are addressed with remote notifications to confirm the vehicle is secure. This feature is standard on all new RAV4 models.
You can also lock and unlock the doors – a handy feature if someone without a key needs access, for example to drop off a parcel or to clean the car. The hazard lights can also be flashed, making the vehicle easier to spot in a big or busy car park. These features are newly standard on mid-grade models, together with remote operation of the climate control to warm up or cool the cabin before making a journey.
It’s a feature of all new Toyota models that the driver can view and take in key vehicle data at-a-glance, so there is least distraction from their focus on driving and the road ahead. The new RAV4 introduces a new digital combimeter in the instrument binnacle that comes with flexible display settings. There is a choice of four styles and three layouts and personalisation options for the 12.3-inch display so the driver can choose the most relevant information needed between the numerical speedometer and digital dials, as well as other information such as an eco-driving meter, audio track information, or Adaptive Cruise Control display, among others.
These layouts are presented in four different style themes for a more customised look-and-feel: Casual, Smart, Sport and Tough.
The new unit is standard on all grades apart from the entry-level Icon model which uses a 7-inch version of the combimeter.
The new RAV4 gains enhanced Toyota Safety Sense functions that can warn the driver and help avoid a wider range of common road accident risks.
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) gains intersection support that can help with safer turns at junctions. It will detect if the car is about to cross the path of any oncoming traffic, and if there are any pedestrians crossing the road into which the vehicle is moving, alerting the driver and, if necessary, initiating braking control to help avoid an impact.
Emergency Steering Assist is also newly provided, helping the driver avoid a pedestrian who has stepped into the road, while keeping the car under control and within its traffic lane. On the RAV4 Plug-in, the system will also recognise and react to bicycles and parked vehicles. The RAV4 Plug-in’s PCS also gains the ability to detect oncoming vehicles in the car’s traffic lane and reduce the risk of a head-to-head collision.
A new Platinum White Pearl exterior colour is being introduced for all grades of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid. Dynamic grade will see the introduction of a Platinum White Pearl bi-tone with Midnight Black Metallic for both variants.
Production of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 will begin during the third quarter of this year.
October 2023
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid now available as top-spec GR Sport model
Toyota has announced a new top grade for the RAV$ Plug-in Hybrid for 2024, becoming the latest model in Toyota’s range to offer a GR Sport version.
The GR Sport exterior changes include black trim, GR Sport badging and 19-inch black alloy wheels. The interior features more logos and memory electric-powered sports seats.
The new model benefits from Toyota’s latest digital information package: the Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system with 10.5-inch high-definition display, a customisable 12.3-inch driver’s combimeter, and smartphone integration – features that are also shared by the 2024 Design grade.
The GR Sport also comes with a head-up display, paddle shifts, wireless mobile phone charger, a heated steering wheel, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Panoramic View Monitor as standard. Customers can upgrade their car with the option of a panoramic roof or bi-tone exterior paint finish.
The car's 302PS hybrid electric powertrain is unchanged, but the GR Sport includes stiffer suspension springs and revised shock absorber settings.
The new 2024 RAV4 GR Sport Plug-in Hybrid is priced from £48,990.
What to watch out for
Complaint about "piece of flimsy fake leather that covers the top of the steering column (of a new 2019 Toyota RAV4), which has replace the hard plastic cover that afforded it good protection. The current cover is ill fitting and looks like an afterthought.
07-10-2019:Problems reported with dealer installed satnav in April 2019 Toyota RAV-4: From delivery it would not consistently find the car's position - this was found to be a faulty connection behind the dashboard due to the GPS antenna not connected. Since then it has failed to find the best route from N or London to S of London (which should be via M25). Instead it finds the fastest, shortest and ECO route all via central London. Toyota say this is how the Sat Nav works 'within its limitations'
