Professionals: One thing-for-everyone variants; sturdy gasoline economic system; accessible plug-in hybrid; reliability and resale worth
Cons: Unrefined powertrains; tech interface can frustrate; much less luxurious than rivals
It could appear exhausting to imagine, however 2019 was a very long time in the past. Or wait, does it really feel prefer it was 100 years in the past? Both approach, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 represents the sixth mannequin 12 months for the reason that best-selling compact SUV was completely redesigned. It was a totally spectacular redesign, which injected character and functionality into what had been a moderately boring product, however as they are saying, time strikes on. Importantly, so does the competitors, and the RAV4 is now one of many phase’s elder statesmen. The Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and most notably, Honda CR-V have all been redesigned lately and in some ways are stronger than the RAV4 in consequence.
All of that mentioned, we nonetheless advocate the 2024 RAV4 attributable to its unmatched number of trim ranges, distinctive gasoline economic system and long-term possession prospects. Fairly merely, it’ll nonetheless make sense for lots of consumers. The hybrids specifically, together with the Prime plug-in hybrid, are our high decisions given their superior gasoline economic system and efficiency. Plus, with the introduction of the Woodland Version final 12 months, there may be now a hybrid reply to the extra rugged, gas-only Journey and TRD Off-Street trims. Must you be extra right into a sportier vibe, the SE and XSE stay unique to Hybrid are the most effective RAV4s to drive on-road. Actually, there’s one thing for everybody, together with a stable spine of well-rounded practicality.
So, how has it fallen behind, then? Effectively, the gas-only and hybrid powertrains are louder and fewer refined. Toyota’s infotainment system is a tolerate-or-hate-it proposition. The cabin design isn’t as premium in look or supplies as many rivals. There are then loads of smaller issues that one competitor or one other simply does a bit higher. Mainly, nothing deal-breaking per se, however it makes for a more durable alternative between the RAV4 and people newer, very spectacular rivals.
Inside & Know-how | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gas Financial system
What it is prefer to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Scores & Security Options
What’s new for 2024?
Final 12 months’s new Woodland Version will get probably the most consideration this 12 months with the addition of a brand new two-tone paint possibility, a 1¼-inch “exercise mount” pictured above (it’s a trailer hitch you may plug bike racks into moderately than a trailer), and a brand new Climate bundle that provides heated entrance seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Woodland, Journey and TRD Off-Street are additionally now accessible in Military Inexperienced, which dates again to the FJ Cruiser as a Toyota SUV favourite. It’s pictured above and simply appears to be like sensational with the Woodland’s bronze wheels.
What are the RAV4 inside and in-car know-how like?
Inside supplies are acceptably common for the RAV4’s compact crossover class, and a lot better than previous generations. Supplies and construct high quality are wonderful. That mentioned, the RAV4 by no means achieves the near-luxury vibe of its rivals’ high trim ranges. Real leather-based is just not accessible, and the SofTex vinyl that comes on up-level fashions is not a convincing substitute. This might actually be an issue on pricier trim ranges, particularly the Prime that may strategy $50,000 with choices. Nonetheless, we like using colourful trim items that differentiate the assorted fashions. And if you happen to are going for a extra premium vibe, the Toyota Venza is principally only a fancier RAV4 Hybrid. And the new Lexus NX is a fancier step past that.
In-car storage is best than most with massive and versatile cupholders, an simply accessed spot to retailer and cost your cellphone, an under-armrest bin and distinctive cabinets constructed into the sprint. Within the cargo space, the ground is double sided (one carpet, one easy-to-clean plastic) and the cargo cowl might be hidden away beneath it. Neither is included with the RAV4 Prime, however we do like that it gives a spot for the cumbersome moveable cost wire: It cleverly might be wrapped round a foam doughnut throughout the spare tire. Normally a plug-in car resorts to a small briefcase-like bag that takes up cargo area.
An all-digital instrument panel is discovered on high trim ranges and is principally anticipated now within the phase. It’s superb. The touchscreen interface, which was new final 12 months, can also be simply superb. The excellent news is that it appears to be like way more fashionable than the RAV4’s previous interface, has extra state-of-the-art options, and reacts far faster to person inputs. The screens are additionally greater, with the bottom touchscreen rising to eight inches (beneath left) and the top-of-the-line rising to 10.5 (beneath proper). The unhealthy information is that they’re now not accompanied by the helpful bodily menu buttons that made the outgoing system so user-friendly (the radio controls have been additionally much better). Moving into between Toyota’s controls and the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto interfaces are notably annoying with out the previous dwelling button or at the very least menu buttons completely docked on the display. How you’re feeling about any of this can largely rely upon how you employ a automotive’s tech interface, however both approach, we expect the methods of most rivals stay superior.
How massive is the RAV4?
The RAV4 isn’t class-leading on the subject of passenger or cargo area, however we’re actually speaking about levels of “actually massive and sensible” when sizing up the deserves of the RAV4 versus the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The necessary factor is that it stays one of the vital sensible small SUVs. Full-sized adults and rear-facing little one seats can have no downside becoming, and if you happen to’re in search of family-friendly transportation, it’s exhausting to think about being upset by the RAV4’s passenger area.
It is a related state of affairs with cargo area. The specs say it has 69.8 cubic-feet of most cargo area and 37.5 cubic-feet with the again seat raised. That’s greater and higher than most compact crossovers (together with the Honda CR-V), however in the end lower than the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Our cargo testing confirmed the RAV4 does certainly fall into that third-place zone on the subject of carrying precise stuff. We might be fast to notice, nonetheless, that the RAV4 Hybrid features a spare tire, whereas the Tucson Hybrid and CR-V hybrid fashions don’t (the Sportage does). Now, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid does lose its spare tire and a few cargo area as nicely since its ground is larger, however we doubt you’d discover the ensuing distinction.
We might even be remiss if we did not point out the RAV4’s ample floor clearance, particularly within the Journey and TRD Off-Street trim ranges, which contributes to it being one of many extra succesful compact SUVs off the crushed path. Solely the Subaru Forester, and particularly its Wilderness mannequin, and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk have larger clearance than the off-road-oriented RAV4s. Even the bottom RAV4 — the XSE Hybrid — nonetheless clears 8 inches, which is best than most.
What are the RAV4 gasoline economic system and efficiency specs?
The usual RAV4 powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder good for 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That is above common for the phase, however acceleration would not wow, with a run from 0-60 mph taking an estimated 8.1 seconds.
An eight-speed computerized transmission and front-wheel drive are normal, whereas two all-wheel-drive methods are non-compulsory relying on trim stage. The primary is a fundamental reactive system that sends energy to the rear wheels within the occasion of slippage, whereas the second accessible on the Journey, TRD Off-Street and Restricted trim ranges extra actively sends energy round, together with between the rear wheels to enhance moist climate traction in addition to dry street dealing with. It additionally contains off-road car settings for “Mud & Sand,” “Rock & Dust” and “Snow.”
Gas economic system estimates for 2024 weren’t accessible on the time of this writing, however it’s uncertain they’d modified considerably from the 2023 estimates listed right here. With front-wheel drive, the RAV4 returns 27 mpg metropolis, 35 mpg freeway and 30 mpg mixed. Choosing one of many all-wheel-drive methods knocks down the freeway and mixed numbers by 1 or 2 mpg. No massive deal, actually. That features the TRD Professional and its all-terrain tires – we even managed 31.3 mpg throughout a 700-mile street journey within the TRD Off-Street.
The RAV4 Hybrid will get a unique 2.5-liter engine together with three electrical motors that mix to supply up 219 horsepower. The electrical motor on the rear successfully provides the Hybrid normal all-wheel drive. Its 0-60 estimate is 7.8 seconds, which means the Hybrid is just not solely a extra fuel-efficient alternative, however the next efficiency one too (albeit barely). Gas economic system stands at 41 mpg metropolis, 38 mpg freeway and 40 mpg mixed for all trim ranges however the Woodland, which will get knocked right down to a still-exceptional 38/35/37 attributable to its all-terrain tires.
Lastly, there’s the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid that has extra highly effective motors and the next capability battery pack. When totally charged, it yields 302 whole system horsepower, a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds and an EPA-estimated vary of 42 miles (greater than most different PHEVs). Must you exhaust the all-electric vary, it principally operates just like the common hybrid and returns related gasoline economic system. So, the extra you employ its all-electric vary, the extra environment friendly it’s.
RAV4 TRD Off-Street and RAV4 Prime
What is the RAV4 prefer to drive?
The RAV4 is not the boring, nameless crossover it as soon as was. It could not interact like a Mazda CX-50, however there may be nonetheless an eagerness to its turn-in and a commendable poise by way of corners with out sacrificing trip high quality. The dealing with functionality and steering really feel of the assorted fashions additionally is not huge, although the sport-tuned SE/XSE Hybrid (pictured above) and Prime fashions are actually more proficient at tackling a winding mountain street. Even the TRD Off-Street and new Woodland Version are succesful handlers, though their all-terrain tires do end in firmer reactions to bumps and a bit extra street noise.
Actually, the largest distinction comes right down to powertrain alternative. The bottom four-cylinder appears to be like good on paper, however in apply, it is merely acceptable for the phase and we discovered it a bit loud and buzzy. The Hybrid truly improves this, because it provides that preliminary kick of electrical energy to easy issues out. Nonetheless, extended acceleration reveals the everyday Toyota hybrid drone that you simply simply don’t get within the Hyundai/Kia or Honda methods. Finally, each of those engines are about offering good gasoline economic system and not using a penalty for drivability (there isn’t any throttle lag or uncommon transmission programming, as an example). They succeed, however if you’d like extra refinement or guts, you will need to look elsewhere.
Now, “elsewhere” might very nicely be the RAV4 Prime. It has 302 horsepower when the battery is totally charged and its acceleration is a robust and galvanizing as its 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds would point out. It genuinely seems like an electrical automotive. Nonetheless, that modifications when that all-electric vary is exhausted. Acceleration goes from inspiring to unremarkable. So, whether or not you are speaking efficiency or gasoline economic system, it is best to maintain the Prime charged.
What different Toyota RAV4 critiques can I learn?
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime First Drive
Our particular assessment of the Prime reveals {that a} plug-in hybrid powertrain makes for a greater RAV4, however a RAV4 additionally makes for a greater plug-in hybrid. It has a unique tech interface and instrument panel now, however our impressions stay broadly the identical.
2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Street Overview
We drive (and sail!) probably the most off-roady model of the RAV4 on a 700-mile street journey to western Canada. Although it appears to be like barely completely different now and has a unique tech interface, our general conclusions stay the identical.
2020 Toyota RAV4 Inside Overview
We dive deep into the RAV4’s inside storage, high quality and know-how. Because the know-how has now been changed, be at liberty to skip these bits.
Automotive seat comparability take a look at: Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester vs (last-gen) Honda CR-V
A deep dive comparability of the area and ease of set up offered by the RAV4 and three key rivals for little one seats.
2019 Toyota RAV4 First Drive Overview | Undoubtedly not taking part in it secure
A complete have a look at all of the modifications undergone for the present RAV4 technology, together with particulars about its design and engineering.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Journey Drivers’ Notes Overview | Extra character, extra functionality
Our assessment of the off-road-oriented Journey trim stage, which boasts extra floor clearance and chunky beauty that we favor over the usual model.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Drivers’ Notes Overview | A wallflower no extra
Our Fast Spin assessment of the RAV4 Hybrid, which we discovered may be very good to drive regardless of its meant position because the fuel-sipping possibility.
What’s the 2024 Toyota RAV4 value and the place is it made?
The RAV4 gives consumers probably the most various array of decisions within the compact SUV phase. Fairly than only a conventional trim stage construction the place every trim stage has extra function content material, the RAV4 gives completely different appears to be like and ability units. Particularly, something with “SE” within the identify has a sport-tuned suspension and steering, and has racier appears to be like with plenty of cool black trim. The Journey, Woodland and TRD Professional are extra rugged and meant for outside adventures. Something with “LE” is extra of a conventional alternative by way of look and suspension/steering tune, whereas the Restricted is probably the most luxurious a RAV4 can get (although it’s admittedly much less luxurious than the comparable trims of rivals).
You will discover a breakdown of every trim stage’s options, specs and native pricing right here at Autoblog for the gas-only RAV4, right here for the RAV4 Hybrid and right here for the RAV4 Prime. Sure, it’s annoying that we don’t put all of them on the identical web page. Sorry.
All costs beneath embrace the $1,335 vacation spot cost. The RAV4 Prime may additionally be eligible for state-level rebates or tax credit.
Gasoline-only RAV4
LE: $29,825
XLE: $31,335
XLE Premium: $34,225
Restricted: $38,130
Journey (AWD solely): $36,020
TRD Off-Street (AWD solely): $39,445
All-wheel drive is a $1,400 possibility on all gas-only RAV4s however the Journey and TRD Off-Street, which included it as normal. All-wheel drive is normal on all hybrids, that are listed beneath.
RAV4 Hybrid
LE: $32,825
XLE: $34,335
XLE Premium: $37,225
SE: $35,520
Woodland: $36,045
XSE: $38,485
Restricted: $41,130
Pricing for the Prime was not accessible on the time of this writing.
The place the RAV4 is constructed is determined by what powers it. The gas-only RAV4 is in-built Woodstock, Ontario; the RAV4 Hybrid is in-built Georgetown, Ky.; the RAV4 Prime is in-built Nagasuka, Japan.
What are the RAV4 security rankings and driver help options?
Each RAV4 comes normal with ahead collision warning and computerized emergency braking with pedestrian and bike owner detection, emergency steering help, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help, computerized excessive beams, and adaptive cruise management. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning methods are non-compulsory on the LE trim stage and normal on all others. A rear cross-traffic computerized braking system is normal on the Restricted and non-compulsory on all trims however the LE.
The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration gave the RAV4 5 out of 5 stars for general and facet crash safety, and 4 stars for frontal. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named the RAV4 a Prime Security Choose for its “Good” rankings in all crash checks however the two latest, extra stringent IIHS crash take a look at the place it received a second-best “Acceptable.” Its “Good” headlight score and high marks for its collision prevention tech rounded out its credentials for the award.
