I'll admit it up front: I have a bit of a soft spot for the Toyota RAV4.
When I started writing about cars, it was one of the first vehicle launches I attended. That was such a great experience. We drove the RAV4 around Adelaide, reflecting how these vehicles are used 90% of the time - but also took it for a a spin along beaches and (a little) off the beaten track, reflecting its labelling as a "Recreational Active Vehicle".
Fast forward to 2024, and the RAV4 is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
What began as a quirky little SUV – we all remember those bubbly two-door RAV4s that looked more like toy cars – has evolved into Australia's best-selling vehicle.
Image: Supplied
Over 500,000 RAV4's have been delivered to Australian customers in those 30 years, with 6,712 handed over in August alone, which is impressive considering how far it has come from its unconventional roots. Over half (95%) of those were hybrids, much like the RAV4 we're reviewing this week.
In three decades, the RAV4 has gone from an adventurous oddball to an unstoppable sales juggernaut.
It has grown up, taken over the roads, and now, if you want one, you'll have to get in line. Toyota have made inroads on wait times for the RAV4, but you are still looking at just under 4 months wait. So if you like it, you will want to get your order in.
But before we see why, let's look at what you'll pay for one. In Sydney:
The seats are comfortable with a decent driving position that's high enough to give you a commanding view of the road. This Cruiser variant adds some extra premium features compared to the 'XSE' before it, including leather accents, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, which feels like a nice luxury on a sunny drive.
It's not exactly a 5-star hotel, but for an SUV designed to cart kids, pets and half of Bunnings, it's well put together.
Then there's the 9-speaker JBL sound system. I've sat in cars which boast about their sound system, but feel like I'm listening to music through a tin can. Not here. The JBL system is impressive, offering clear sound with solid bass – the kind of audio that will make your favourite tunes just that bit better.
The upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen is a welcome addition. It looks a lot sleeker than the one it replaced, but it's not as intuitive as you'd expect. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is a must these days, but the user interface could do with a bit more polish.
On the practical front, the RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid excels in cabin storage.
There are plenty of convenient spaces to stash your everyday items, with large door bins, a handy centre console, and multiple cup holders.
The back row is spacious enough to comfortably seat adults, with good legroom and headroom. Additionally, rear passengers get their own air vents and USB charging ports, making it family-friendly for longer trips.
The RAV4 Hybrid feels confident on the road, and the combination of the 2.5-litre petrol engine with the electric motors gives it a respectable 163kW of power.
Around town, the electric motor quietly whirs away, making stop-start traffic far less of a headache. It's nippy enough off the line, and when the petrol engine kicks in, there's enough power for highway cruising without it sounding like it's straining too much.
The light steering is also great for maneuvering in tight city streets.
What I appreciate most is the fuel efficiency. Toyota claims 4.8L/100km, and while our real-world figures sat slightly higher than that, it's still impressively economical for a mid-size SUV.
It's not all perfect, though. When you hit the highway there is a bit of noise in the cabin - road noise, particularly from the tyres on rougher surfaces, and wind noise from around the mirrors. It's not obnoxious, but definitely noticeable.
And the CVT transmission, while smooth, does have moments where it feels like it's holding back right when you need a bit more punch.
What the RAV4 Hybrid lacks in outright driving excitement, it more than makes up for with comfort, refinement and impressive fuel economy. These qualities resonate with buyers, as seen in its sales figures.
Open up the boot, and the RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid offers a decent 580 litres of space with the seats up.
It's wide, flat and practical – perfect for a weekend getaway or even helping a mate move a few boxes.
The electric tailgate, which is standard, adds a touch of convenience when your hands are full.
The rear seats fold down flat too, expanding the space to 1690 litres, which is more than enough for a surfboard or camping gear.
How does 580-litres measure up with competitors? The Subaru Forester Hybrid offers 509L, the Mazda CX-60 PHEV is only slightly smaller at 570L and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has 478 litres.
Toyota has packed the RAV4 with a solid suite of safety features, and the Cruiser Hybrid is no exception. It comes equipped with:
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid ticks nearly all the boxes for the modern SUV buyer.
It's comfortable, impressively efficient with fuel economy of 4.8L/100km, and packs plenty of practicality, with 580L of boot space that puts many competitors to shame.
Its popularity is no surprise, with record-breaking sales reflecting just how well it hits the mark for Australian families. However, all this greatness comes at a price - and it is paid for in patience, with wait times currently sitting at just under 4 months.
Looking at a new car? Compare your financing and insurance options at Finder to make sure you are getting the best deal.
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