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Australia has fallen in love with mid-size SUVs, and that is the mannequin that arguably began all of it.
Launched again in 1994, the unique Toyota RAV4 remodeled the automotive panorama by blurring the strains between metropolis automobile and SUV. It was large enough for a household, compact sufficient for the city grind, and hard sufficient to enterprise off-road – a real all-rounder.
And didn’t the world find it irresistible. Over 31 years and 5 generations, the RAV4 has gone on to grow to be one of many best-selling SUVs of all time. Toyota’s Jack of all trades has additionally pushed the rise of the ‘crossover SUV’, Australia’s hottest automobile sub-genre.
The RAV4 has little left to show, however is that sufficient for it to deserve ongoing endorsement?
In any case, Toyota Australia has confirmed the sixth-generation RAV4 will arrive within the first half of 2026, bringing a recent look, new powertrains, and know-how upgrades.
What’s extra, the competitors is hotter than ever. RAV4 rivals embrace, however are usually not restricted to, the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, BYD Sealion 6, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Nissan X-Path. In different phrases, it’s a great time to buy round.
So, with a substitute on the horizon and adversaries nipping at its heels, we spent per week behind the wheel of a well-appointed RAV4 Cruiser FWD to see if it’s price shopping for in 2025.
How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 price?
RAV4 costs haven’t modified for 2 years, and one can solely count on that they’ll maintain agency till the brand new mannequin arrives early subsequent yr.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GX FWD | $42,260 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GX AWD | $45,260 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD | $45,810 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL AWD | $48,810 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE FWD | $48,910 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser FWD | $51,410 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD | $51,910 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser AWD | $54,410 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Edge AWD | $58,360 |
To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
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What’s the Toyota RAV4 like on the within?
There’s not a lot “shock and delight” concerning the within a RAV4, however the inside stays a purposeful house that caters to simply about all wants.
Whereas bodily buttons are going out of vogue, you don’t must be an iPad child to make changes within the RAV4.
Under the infotainment display sits a conventional local weather management panel with temperature dials, and the old school gear lever is unimaginable to overlook. It’s likewise straightforward to modify between drive modes utilizing a rotary selector situated by the motive force’s left knee.
The tech is all very easy, too. Greater trim ranges of the RAV4 like this Cruiser get a ten.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, each of which modernise the cabin with out introducing pointless complexity.
Contemplating how most individuals truly use their vehicles each day, Toyota hasn’t bothered to boost the infotainment system with a ‘Disco Mode’ or selfie digital camera. Quite, it’s a easy unit that prioritises fashionable features equivalent to smartphone mirroring, navigation, and digital radio. All could be accessed by means of shortcut icons pinned to the suitable facet of the display.
Except for the selection to maintain or ditch the shortcuts, the system doesn’t afford a lot configurability, not that I ever desired it.
Tech-heads might bemoan the uninspiring graphics and generally sluggish loading speeds, however we by no means skilled any wi-fi CarPlay dropouts or associated reliability points. In case you desperately want a steady connection, there’s at all times the choice to pair your telephone utilizing the USB-A outlet below the centre stack. A pair of USB-C charging shops may also be discovered within the centre console.
The digital instrument cluster contains giant gauges with customisable information readouts in every, so you possibly can keep watch over issues like gas financial system and tyre pressures. The show has a sharper look than the infotainment display, and it’s a major improve over the 7.0-inch model present in lesser RAV4s.
Likewise, the upgraded nine-speaker JBL sound system has sufficient oomph to set it other than the bottom six-speaker setup. It’s enhancements like this that encourage patrons to spend up on the dealership.
No matter trim stage, the RAV4 does with out a head-up show, which units it again in comparison with fashionable rivals.
However in Cruiser trim, the RAV4 continues to be greater than aggressive by way of supplies and construct high quality. Tan leather-based (sure, the true stuff) coats the seats and steering wheel, in addition to sections of the sprint and door playing cards, including a premium really feel to this mainstream SUV.
The Cruiser additionally brings heated and ventilated entrance seats with full electrical adjustment, lumbar, and prolonged thigh help. All of the aforementioned options make the RAV4 a snug street journey companion.
Different excessive site visitors areas are completed in soft-touch plastics, aside from the perimeters of the centre tunnel which aren’t all that snug to relaxation your knee towards.
The buttons are all click-y and well-weighted, whereas the door handles and local weather management dials are wrapped in a sturdy rubber coating.
Such hardwearing touches are a nod to Toyota’s choice in the direction of operate over kind, and that philosophy is mirrored within the practicality of the cabin.
On prime of all the usual storage options, the RAV4 homes an extra tray above the glovebox, a wi-fi charging pad below the centre stack, and a sun shades holder overhead. There’s really a spot for all of your ins and outs up entrance, which declutters the inside to no finish.
The second row is equally sensible, with sufficient house for kids and adults alike to journey in consolation. At 6’1″, I used to be pleasantly shocked to discover a full inch of house between my knees and the motive force’s seat, whereas headroom is even much less of a difficulty.
The rear bench reclines to permit for a extra relaxed seating place over longer journeys, and large home windows stave off any whiff of claustrophobia.
Additional, there’s solely a slight driveline hump working by means of the center of the ground, so the center seat is completely usable.
Rear facilities embrace twin USB-C shops, air vents, a central armrest and shiny overhead lighting, whereas drinks could be saved within the doorways or devoted cupholders within the armrest.
Toyota quotes 542 litres of boot house for this specific RAV4 variant, which is about par for the phase. Nonetheless, numbers don’t inform the entire story.
That’s as a result of the cargo space has been designed with practicality entrance of thoughts.
For instance, the powered tailgate lifts to disclose an enormous aperture and flat loading bay, each of which assist while you’re coping with cumbersome gadgets like furnishings or home equipment.
The boot additionally accommodates helpful extras like a 12V energy supply, retractable cargo blind, and tie down factors on the ground.
Ought to further house be required, the rear bench folds flat to broaden the storage space. Beneath the boot ground you’ll discover a house saver spare tyre.
| Dimensions | Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD |
|---|---|
| Size | 4600mm |
| Width | 1855mm |
| Top | 1685mm |
| Wheelbase | 2690mm |
| Cargo capability | 542L |
To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
Hybrid energy is now customary proper throughout the RAV4 vary, leaving patrons with the selection of front- or all-wheel drive.
| Specs | Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4cyl hybrid |
| Engine outputs | 131kW / 221Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 88kW / 202Nm |
| System outputs | 160kW |
| Battery | 6.5Ah nickel-metal hydride |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Pushed wheels | FWD |
| Weight | 1755kg |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 4.7L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 6.1L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 55 litres |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 107g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 5 |
| Braked towing capability | 480kg |
The subsequent-generation RAV4 will probably be provided right here with hybrid and, for the primary time, plug-in hybrid energy, in addition to front- or all-wheel drive. No matter drive kind, all new RAV4 Hybrid automobiles will produce 143kW of energy – down 17kW on the present mannequin.
Nonetheless, the PHEV brings a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery, upping most system output to 227kW. That makes the PHEV essentially the most highly effective RAV4 so far – much more highly effective than the three.5-litre V6 model of the third-generation RAV4 that produced 201kW of energy.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Toyota RAV4 drive?
The Cruiser might sit towards the sharp finish of the RAV4 vary, however it’s no totally different from the bottom GX in a mechanical sense.
Toyota axed petrol variations of its Corolla, Corolla Cross, Camry, RAV4 and Kluger in June final yr, committing to hybrid energy as a method of decarbonising the lineup. As such, RAV4 patrons are left with one easy selection – front- or all-wheel drive.
In case your way of life entails dust roads or campgrounds, spending up for all-wheel drive is a no brainer. In any case, peace of thoughts is price no less than a number of grand.
However for city-slickers, there’s loads to be stated for FWD variations of the RAV4, even people who aren’t totally loaded like our Cruiser tester. As a result of no matter how energy is distributed, the RAV4 is an SUV that boasts an array of universally wanted attributes.
For starters, it’s quiet and effortlessly environment friendly. That is obvious from the second you hit the beginning button, because the hybrid RAV4 awakens in silence. And shifting into drive doesn’t disturb that peace, because the RAV4 operates like an EV in low-stress conditions. It’s solely when you lean on the throttle or crank the A/C that the petrol engine makes its presence recognized.
Even then, the powertrain is pleasantly muted – it’s quiet below acceleration and the e-CVT transmission doesn’t drone as others do.
And naturally, the eagerness of the RAV4 to lean on electrical energy interprets to spectacular gas consumption, or lack thereof. Our check automobile sipped a median of 6.1L/100km over the course of per week spent in heavy metropolis site visitors, however Toyota claims a mixed 4.7L/100km – a determine that’s solely bettered by plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and EV options.
Along with unrivalled effectivity, Toyota’s hybrid system affords ample efficiency in city driving. Whereas no featherweight, the RAV4 feels zippy round city, with sufficient electrical torque to rapidly set off from a standstill. It’ll dash from 0-100km/h in roughly eight seconds too, which makes it faster than most mainstream SUVs.
There are three drive modes – Eco, Regular, and Sport – with EV mode obtainable for brief stints, although the battery isn’t giant sufficient to offer significant electrical vary. Of the obtainable modes, Eco finest enhances the persona of the RAV4.
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Nonetheless, that’s to not say the RAV4 is totally devoid of dynamic enchantment. It feels smaller and extra nimble than its dimension suggests, encouraging the motive force to scythe by means of the suburbs with confidence.
And whereas the trip is on the firmer facet, the suspension soaks up bumps with out transmitting harshness and vibrations into the cabin. The RAV4 can also be fast to regain stability after longer undulations.
Each the steering wheel and throttle pedal are user-friendly of their weight and suggestions, though the brake pedal is overly delicate, generally delivering extra stopping energy than meant with solely a lightweight contact. That is notably irritating in stop-start site visitors, and drew complaints from passengers who not often criticise my driving.
It’s simpler to make easy progress on the freeway, though high-speed driving highlights beforehand unnoticed flaws within the RAV4.
A type of is tyre roar, which is accentuated by the quietness of the powertrain. Different noises of the skin world are additionally too simply heard from contained in the RAV4, a criticism that means Toyota ought to add a bit extra sound deadening to its best-selling SUV.
There’s nonetheless loads to love although. The RAV4 cruises fortunately at 100km/h and isn’t quick on overtaking energy. Additional, Toyota’s superior adaptive cruise management system helps to cut back the driving load throughout longer journeys.
On the similar time, a steering-based driver monitoring system will sound a warning if it senses distraction or fatigue, however it’s extra forgiving than the camera-based methods present in rivals. That’s additionally true of different security applied sciences discovered within the RAV4, together with proximity sensors and the lane-keep help function.
Frontal visibility is great, as you’d count on from a tall SUV, though the rear window could possibly be larger. You received’t have any points parking although, because the Cruiser is provided with entrance and rear sensors, in addition to a surround-view digital camera with a number of views which is quite useful in tight purchasing centre carparks.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
The RAV4 is obtainable in 5 totally different trim ranges – on check right here is the Cruiser variant.
2026 Toyota RAV4 GX gear highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (mild gray)
- Area-saver spare
- Computerized projector LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- LED entrance fog lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear mud flaps
- ‘Premium’ steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Digital radio
- Fabric upholstery
- Push-button begin
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Rear centre armrest
The GXL provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (darkish silver)
- Rear privateness glass
- Entrance mudflaps
- Roof rails
- ‘Premium’ gear lever
- Proximity entry
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Wi-fi telephone charger
The XSE provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (gloss black)
- Energy tailgate
- SofTex upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
The Cruiser provides:
- Sunroof
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- 9-speaker JBL sound system
- Leather-based upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- 8-way energy passenger seat
- Driver’s seat reminiscence
- Ambient lighting
- Digital rear-view mirror
The Edge provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels (matte gray)
- SofTex upholstery
- 4-way manually adjustable passenger seat
- Removes driver reminiscence operate
- Removes energy passenger seat
To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Toyota RAV4 secure?
The RAV4 has a five-star security ranking from ANCAP, primarily based on assessments carried out by Euro NCAP in 2019.
| Class | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 93 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Weak street person safety | 85 per cent |
| Security help | 83 per cent |
Customary security gear contains:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Daytime bicycle owner detection
- Intersection help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Lane Hint Help (lane centring)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Emergency Steering Help
- Velocity signal recognition
- Entrance, front-side and curtain airbags
- Driver’s knee airbag
- Reversing digital camera
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
Cruiser and above obtain a surround-view digital camera.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 price to run?
The RAV4 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Toyota doesn’t provide complementary roadside help like many different manufacturers do.
| Servicing and guarantee | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres 7 years, limitless kilometres (prolonged drivetrain) |
| Roadside help | $99 per yr |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years or 75,000km |
| Common annual service price | $270 |
| Whole capped-price service price | $1350 |
Whereas roadside help will price you a number of further bucks, the RAV4 continues to be cheaper to service than most rivals.
The recognition of this mannequin additionally interprets to robust resale values on the used market, though the arrival of the 2026 RAV4 might shake issues up as present house owners look to improve.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD
The RAV4 is Australia’s favorite SUV (and best-selling Toyota) for good cause – it’s a sensible and environment friendly bundle with runs on the board.
And that bundle is arguably finest skilled in Cruiser trim, as examined right here. The additional outlay nets a complete heap of premium gear together with an upgraded stereo, sunroof, heated and ventilated entrance seats, leather-based trim, and a digital rear-view mirror, with out pushing the asking value to ridiculous heights.
With all of the add-ons, it seems like a really full mid-sizer with few vices, other than a gratingly grabby brake pedal. To some extent, that lack of flaws contributes to the RAV4’s lack of character, however that hasn’t dampened its enchantment for a lot of.
The underside line is, that is nonetheless one of the crucial well-rounded automobiles in its phase. Certain, there’s an all-new RAV4 arriving in early 2026, however that could be too lengthy a look ahead to some. It additionally stays to be seen whether or not the next-generation RAV4 stays an inexpensive possibility for Australian households, and certainly whether or not it’s any higher than the mannequin it replaces – which it’ll must be given the numerous value hikes anticipated.
As such, the present mannequin continues to be effectively price shortlisting if you happen to’re after a fuss-free mid-size SUV.
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