Toyota's best-selling SUV enters a new era with expanded hybrid options.
Image: Jason Woosey
The Toyota RAV4 was an early pioneer of the compact SUV segment back in the mid-1990s, when it was still technically a compact vehicle. It also brought some spunk into the equation at a time when the brand was known for its conservative designs.
Yet over the past three decades, the RAV4 has effectively 'grown up' with its customers, and today it is a fully fledged midsize SUV with somewhat premium aspirations.
In the course of its evolution, it has become Toyota's best-selling model globally, with a considerable 15 million units finding homes around the world since 1994. While it has taken a back seat to the more affordable, locally produced Corolla Cross in South Africa, the RAV4 continues to offer customers a more aspirational experience.
The RAV4's updated front-end styling brings a stronger road presence.
Image: Jason Woosey
The sixth-generation RAV4, launched in South Africa this week, is described as the most comprehensive evolution to date. It gains a more striking exterior design, with Toyota's contemporary 'hammerhead' front-end design accompanied by sharper and more elaborate body creases that give it greater attitude and presence. An all-new digitised cabin also moves it firmly into the modern era, as does the hybrid-heavy selection of models.
Of the five RAV4 derivatives available locally, four are hybrids, while the plug-in hybrid — introduced as something of an experimental vehicle in the previous generation — is now a fully fledged member of the model range.
South Africa is one of the few markets where the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine remains available. Toyota South Africa retained it for customers who are not yet ready to take the hybrid leap. However, because it is sold only in high-spec VX form at R799,900, it is not the most affordable option in the range.
That honour goes to the 2.5 HEV GX, which, at R770,500, is one of three self-charging hybrid (HEV) models in the range. Customers can also opt for the 2.5 HEV VX at R927,800 and the 2.5 HEV GR-S at R941,800. Topping the range is the 2.5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which retails for R1,043,900.
The self-charging hybrid RAV4 balances performance and fuel efficiency.
Image: Supplied
Prices include a six-service/90,000km service plan and a three-year/100,000km warranty, while the EV battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km.
The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine soldiers on with outputs of 127kW and 203Nm. The self-charging hybrid ups the ante with a 2.5-litre petrol engine that produces 137kW and 221Nm, while the system output is listed at 163kW. Featuring a newly designed lithium-ion battery, it achieves a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 4.5 litres per 100km.
The plug-in hybrid boasts a system output of up to 225kW and, thanks to a larger 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery, offers a claimed electric-only range of up to 75km and combined fuel consumption as low as 0.7 litres per 100km, provided the battery is kept charged.
We spent hundreds of kilometres with both the HEV and the PHEV at the RAV4's launch, which took us on a loop between Cape Town, Tulbagh and Paternoster in the Western Cape. Both hybrid versions impressed on the open road, but in our view it is the HEV that hits the sweet spot between value and all-round ability. It cruises quietly at normal highway speeds and beyond, and has ample power for overtaking, with only a mild CVT drone disturbing the peace under hard acceleration, which is rarely required in this vehicle.
The RAV4 GR-S gains sportier styling cues, larger 20-inch alloy wheels and unique trim details.
Image: Supplied
We also got to sample the new GR-S trim grade, which boasts unique front and rear bumper designs with an emphasis on piano-black trim, while a rear spoiler reinforces its racier vibe. The suspension has also been tuned for a sportier and more engaging driving experience, while the VX model's 18-inch alloy wheels make way for 20-inch rims.
Although both versions provided a comfortable ride quality, my driving partner and I appreciated the slightly cushier road manners delivered by the VX, with its smaller wheels and softer suspension tune. Both provide a confident and reassuring feel through corners at speed, and the new RAV4's 9.7% increase in overall body rigidity really shines through. The multi-link rear suspension design also allowed engineers to strike a good balance between ride quality and handling.
The cabin of the new RAV4 is highly digitised, with essential driver information now displayed on a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The GX model features a 10.5-inch central infotainment screen, while the VX and GR-S boast a 12.9-inch unit.
A redesigned cabin brings larger screens and more digital functionality.
Image: Supplied
In my view, this "digital island" cockpit — as Toyota calls it — strikes a decent balance between digital and analogue, retaining a rotary knob for volume control as well as physical controls for some of the climate functions. The only glitch was that the wireless Android Auto function did not work in many of the test units, although we were able to connect using a cable via a port inside the centre-console storage bin.
To walk you through the line-up, the GX entry trim grade kicks things off with standard features such as dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, wireless charging and a full suite of airbags, including front, side, curtain and driver's knee airbags.
Opting for the VX brings a significant jump in specification, standardising heated leather seats, a glass sunroof, a JBL premium audio system, a head-up display and additional Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance features, such as a Panoramic View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor, Safety Exit Assist and Road Sign Assist.
The GR-S gains the aforementioned exterior styling enhancements, along with racier cabin appointments, including sports seats with red contrast stitching, alloy pedals and other exclusive trim details.
The sweet spot for us? That would still be the 2.5 HEV VX model, thanks to its combination of luxury, refinement, comfort and economy.
The new RAV4 will certainly strike the right chord with many buyers in this segment, thanks to its edgier design, new hybrid powertrains and refined road manners. But as much as it impresses with its overall quality, the range has become somewhat expensive, and the new wave of Chinese entrants to the market means there are almost endless options for customers seeking a lower-priced alternative, albeit without Toyota's rock-solid reputation.
IOL Motoring