THERE is a RAV4 for nearly everyone in an 11-model vary that provides front- and all-whel drive, hybrid petrol/electrical and straight petrol powertrains. On check, we’re wanting on the mid-spec, front-wheel drive GXL hybrid that sells for $40,450 plus on-road prices.
RAV4 prospects overwhelmingly select hybrid variants for good cause… they’re low-cost to run in comparison with ICE autos and have loads of get-go. This explicit RAV4 is sweet for round 4.0 litres per 100km economic system for those who attempt… Higher than a diesel engine by a longshot and practically half what the two.5-litre petrol mannequin is able to.
Extrapolate that to the bowser and it means large weekly financial savings for the common household.
Hybrid powertrains may be thought of a cease hole en-route to full electrification however the reality stays Toyota’s hybrid petrol electrical autos are about nearly as good as they get. And so they’re not as inconvenient as half-baked plug-ins (PHEVs), thank goodness.
You simply leap in, drive, and infrequently put in some (91 RON) petrol. No cables, no plugs, no ready round, no worries.
Beneath is just about a direct raise from Camry hybrid which implies a 2.5-litre, petrol four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine mated to an electrical “motor generator” working via a CVT transmission to the entrance wheels.
Complete output is a claimed 160kW, however Toyota is cagey in regards to the powertrain’s whole torque which appears like 350Nm or extra with each energy sources working at capability.
The five-seat RAV4 rides on a traditional MacStrut entrance and multi-link rear suspension identical to Camry and is roughly the identical dimension clearly with extra inside area as a result of wagon physique. It has a purposeful, some may say aggressive look, to its angular face and flanks which can be pleasingly completely different to the generic rounded look of many opponents.
The GXL does properly when it comes to exterior package with auto LED headlights, taillights and daytime working lights, entrance fog lamps, heated and folding electrical exterior mirrors, automated rain-sensing windscreen wipers, rear window wiper, hatch-top spoiler, shark-fin antenna, roof rails, privateness glass, twin oval tailpipes, 18-inch alloy wheels (with a 17-inch momentary spare) and entrance and rear mudflaps.
Inside is equally properly catered with “premium” embossed material seats, a leather-accented steering wheel with steering wheel controls, leather-accented shift lever, auto-dimming rear view mirror, 60:40 folding rear seat again, rear armrest with built-in cupholders, two-level reversible (carpet one aspect/resin different) boot deck board (which isn’t obtainable with full-size spare wheel choice), sunglass storage, entrance and rear door bins with bottle holders, 4.2-inch Multi-Data Show (MID), Hybrid-specific indicator (Hybrid solely), entrance 12V DC accent socket.
From a security perspective the RAV4 GXL scores with Toyota’s Security Sense package deal that features a reversing digital camera with steering strains in GXL.
Consolation and comfort options embody dual-zone local weather management with rear vents, a Qi wi-fi telephone charger and keyless ignition, whereas the infotainment system makes use of an 8.0-inch touchscreen incorporating, sat-nav with SUNA service, voice management, SIRI and ToyotaLink companies.
