The RAV4 is fingers down among the finest promoting Toyota’s in the marketplace. That truth in all probability doubles as an indicator that not a lot has modified with the present technology through the years, which isn’t a criticism.
Such is its success, the Japanese automotive maker has seen match to stay by the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it”, a minimum of from an exterior design perspective (all that may change subsequent 12 months, when a totally new mannequin is launched).
Sustaining its rugged look and purposeful look, it’s obtainable in an array of colors, together with the Saturn Blue of our check automobile, together with Frosted White, Silver Sky, Graphite, Eclipse Black, Atomic Rush and Mineral Blue.
Our front-wheel drive Cruiser trim options black 18-inch alloy wheels which we really feel disappear towards the darkish paint. In front-wheel drive (as examined), you’ll be spending $56,326 drive away, however you’ll be able to personal a base mannequin GX for about $10,000 much less.
Inside is the place the updates develop into extra obvious. The infotainment display screen has grown to 10.5-inches in measurement and utilises Toyota’s newest working system. It feels contemporary with its white background and simple to make use of menu system.
There’s wi-fi Apple CarPlay, however for the remainder of us Android customers you’ll nonetheless depend on a wired connection. A wi-fi telephone charger is supplied together with three USB ports up entrance for a cabled connection/charging possibility.
Native maps are additionally included however we think about most homeowners will use their most well-liked telephone app as soon as linked. Local weather controls characteristic bodily buttons and a separate display screen within the centre console relatively than counting on menus within the infotainment display screen, which is sweet.
Entrance seat consolation is assured because of heated and ventilated leather-based seats up entrance (together with twin seat reminiscence). The motive force advantages from 10-way electrical adjustability and lumbar help.
The inside may be optioned in typical black or nutmeg (beige) at no additional price. One other useful comfort is a digital rear view mirror. A tilt and slide sunroof with a blind can be included for some additional mild within the cabin.
Up entrance is a big 12.3-inch multi-information show that features an ‘Eco Rating’ that measures metrics primarily based in your driving fashion and gasoline consumption, so you’ll be able to gamify your commute, must you select.
Rear entry is okay, however we famous the doorways didn’t appear to swing open so far as what the competitors can supply lately. It made entry to the second row really feel a bit of cramped at instances. That apart, the seats are fairly snug.
Younger youngsters will admire the upper seating place. There’s rear privateness glass, air-conditioning vents and two USB ports again there as nicely. For baby seats, there are three rear tether factors and the outer seats characteristic ISOFIX connectors.
A powered tailgate (accompanied by quite a lot of audio beeps) opens to disclose a good 580-litre boot that expands to 1690-litres with the second row folded. The boot ground may be adjusted in peak for simpler loading/offloading. Beneath the ground is a space-saver spare.
On the highway, the two.5-litre hybrid-only RAV4’s engine notice isn’t notably inviting, sounding prefer it was enterprise some first rate effort to eke out any of the 160kW and 221Nm on supply.
Being paired to a CVT means there’s no sensation of substances modifications, however as an alternative an aural wail, that’s fairly noticeable. Street noise crept into the cabin fairly noticeably as nicely, notably at increased speeds on Australia’s lower than pristine highway surfaces.
Maybe this may be drowned out by the spectacular 9 speaker JBL audio system, which features a subwoofer within the boot. What can’t be denied is that the hybrid system is excellent on this automotive, with the RAV4 sipping gasoline.
Whereas Toyota claims 4.8-litres/100km, we weren’t far off, with our actual world numbers at round 5.5-litres/100km, giving a theoretical vary of 890km to a full tank. The RAV4 has additionally been tuned to essentially the most price efficient 91RON gasoline.
Now bigger than in earlier years, we discovered positioning in tighter spots, like automotive park ramps, felt a bit harder with out assistance from the parking cameras. Fortunately there are many these and the motive force help capabilities work a deal with.
The parking digital camera suite is excessive decision and affords completely different views to help, together with a 360-degree, in addition to indicating which path the wheels are pointing whereas maneuvering.
Driving round city the place the roads are a bit wider, the RAV4 performs nicely. The hybrid system permitting for an electrical solely expertise if the situations are proper, whereas occupants journey in consolation because of a compliant suspension setup.
There are three drive modes to vary issues up with Eco and Regular offering the snug settings and extra regeneration into the battery, whereas Sport improves acceleration and pickup for these extra pressing situations.
Being a Toyota, the RAV4 comes full with loads of security options, beginning with Toyota Security Sense, a collection of programs that features lane departure alert, pre-collision security with pedestrian and bike owner detection and emergency steering sssist.
You’ll additionally discover highway signal help, auto excessive beam and lively cruise management, amongst others. The RAV4 is moreover outfitted with blind spot monitoring, rear cross visitors alert, entrance and rear parking sensors, and a reversing digital camera with dynamic guides.
House owners get a 12 months of complimentary entry to Toyota Linked Companies, with the RAV4 Cruiser backed by a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee. The primary 5 companies are additionally capped.
It’s clear that the RAV4 is the market chief as a result of it units out to carry out a process, and it does that very nicely. Nonetheless, the competitors hasn’t been sitting idle, so there are many choices to think about.
You could find out extra by visiting the Toyota Australia web site, or by speaking to your native dealership. To get a low fee finance quote, speak to Australia’s greatest reviewed automotive finance dealer; Credit score One. To see an important vary of autos on the market, try OnlyCars.com.au.
Our check automobile was equipped by Toyota Australia for unbiased assessment functions.
