Test drive Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Feel!, logically hybrid

This week, in the road test section of Highmotor, we take an in-depth look at one of the best-known SUVs with the most history of all time.

We’re talking about the Toyota RAV4, which over the years has gained maturity, debuting last year an interesting hybrid variant that we now test in combination with the Feel! trim.

In 2013 the fourth generation of Toyota’s RAV4 was unveiled, and we tested its diesel version with all-wheel drive. This model is considered one of the pioneers of the now well-known SUVs ever since its launch back in 1996. Successive generations of the RAV4 have gradually refined its character, but its spirit remains intact.

Exterior design, form subordinated to function

The fourth generation of the RAV4 stands out, in terms of design, for its logic. The RAV4, especially in its early days, was distinguished by a youthful and dynamic design, but since the third generation it has lost part of that “youthfulness” to focus on a more family-oriented audience that, nevertheless, does not want to give up the adventurous component.

The RAV4 received a slight restyling in 2015 that brought improvements both to the mechanicals and the cabin, without neglecting the design of its bodywork, which improved overall, resembling the latest creations of the Japanese brand.

The front is, as is usually the case, the area where the changes are most noticeable. The image the RAV4 projects is one of strength, a strength made evident by a bulky, sharp bumper, arrow-shaped light clusters and a small, almost non-existent grille that houses the large brand logo at its center.

The side hardly changes from the original fourth generation, so there is a generously sized glass area, carefully finished with a chrome strip that enhances its look. The body also features a prominent character line, slightly above the door handles, which conveys a greater sense of robustness in combination with pronounced wheel arches and 18″ wheels that, in this case, feature a two-tone finish.

At the rear, the most striking elements are the taillights, which, taking advantage of the aforementioned restyling, now have a dark background and LED technology, giving the whole a distinctive light personality together with the daytime running lights. Some functions, such as the reverse light and the fog light, are placed in the bumper to emphasize the vehicle’s adventurous and rugged character.

This unit also features the Full Color Pack, which includes, among other things, bumpers and wheel arches painted entirely in body color, giving the RAV4 a more refined look. We still have a large tailgate that, moreover, is electrically operated.

Interior design, spaciousness and perceived quality

The cabin of the fourth-generation RAV4 surprised friend and foe alike from its original launch due to a dashboard with original shapes that completely broke with the designs previously seen in the Japanese model.

The RAV4 focuses on spaciousness and comfort equipment
The restyling was used to update some elements, also improving the perceived quality of certain trims. The dashboard is therefore essentially the same as that of the unit we tested two years ago, but with several new elements that slow its aging.

It keeps the main design, with a relatively vertical dashboard topped by a large padded trim that integrates the climate controls and the start button. Beneath the main dashboard there is a large recess in the center where we find some switches.

The center console is generously sized, allowing for numerous compartments, the mechanical handbrake and the automatic gear selector. Above it, a padded armrest serves as a lid for a large storage compartment.

The materials used in its construction are, in general, of good quality. The appearance and feel of elements such as the door panels have been improved, with a higher proportion of padded plastics and, in this version, with a pleasant Alcantara upholstery that is also found on the trim running across the dashboard.

However, we still find, for example, an upper dashboard section and a center console made entirely of hard plastic, as well as the upper part of the rear doors. The fit between parts is, in any case, good, with no gaps or rattles.

Some buttons and switches still lack backlighting. It is not a decisive detail, but it is surprising that in a vehicle priced above €36,000 the mirror controls or the window switches – the latter without one-touch function except for the driver’s – have no illumination.

Both the instrumentation and the steering wheel are new, as is the infotainment system which, however, still feels outdated compared with competitors’ systems. The seats feature a mixed upholstery of fabric, leather and Alcantara which, together with well-judged shapes, make them very comfortable.

As for interior space, the RAV4 offers plenty of room for occupants in both rows of seats. In the rear row there is good headroom, as well as a practically flat floor that allows three people to be seated with relative comfort. The boot offers 501 litres, with a flat floor that makes loading easier.

Driving dynamics, smoothness as the main goal

The hybrid variant of the RAV4 uses the same hybrid system as the Lexus NX300h we tested last year. It consists of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with Atkinson cycle producing 152 CV and 206 Nm, combined with an electric motor delivering 143 CV and 270 Nm. In total, there are 197 CV.

Connecting the two is a clutchless transmission with epicyclic gears, operating in a manner similar to a CVT continuously variable gearbox. This transmission works in a somewhat peculiar way that does not convince all users, but it achieves the best compromise between performance and consumption.

In this unit, equipped with all-wheel drive, there is a second electric motor on the rear axle. It does not increase the total maximum power or even performance, but rather improves traction in certain low-grip situations, although its off-road capabilities are quite limited, sufficient on easy tracks but scarce when the terrain becomes demanding.

The hybrid variant is the most powerful and fastest in the entire RAV4 range, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h. According to Toyota, average fuel consumption is 5.1 litres/100 km, the figure being identical in urban cycle and 4.9 litres/100 km in extra-urban cycle.

With the hybrid powertrain the RAV4 is very agile in acceleration
Reality is quite different, since although in town it is possible to move within the range of 6-6.5 litres, which is a very notable figure considering we are talking about a 1,765 kg SUV with all-wheel drive, on the open road it is difficult to get below 6.8-7 litres since aerodynamics and weight significantly weigh down the vehicle.

On another note, the steering is very assisted, ideal for manoeuvres, but very uncommunicative. The braking system, with two phases (regenerative and conventional), has good deceleration capacity, and the pedal feel is quite well achieved for a hybrid vehicle.

Dynamically, the RAV4 Hybrid stands out for the smooth and comfortable response of its suspension system, consisting of a MacPherson strut at the front and a deformable parallelogram at the rear. Although it controls body movements well in most situations, the RAV4 reveals its family-oriented approach with a manner more focused on comfort and calm.

In any case, as expected, there is a full range of driver assistance systems that act before the situation escalates. Notably, the standard Toyota Safety Sense global safety system is fitted, which includes systems such as pre-collision braking, road sign recognition and automatic high beam assist.

Range and versions, how much does the unit you see cost?

The RAV4 range has an entry price of €25,900 including discounts, but our unit is somewhat more expensive. To begin with, its trim level is the so-called Feel!, one of the highest in the range, which includes as standard items such as the driver’s seat with electric adjustment, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, multifunction steering wheel, electric tailgate, JBL audio system with 11 speakers or the aforementioned Toyota Safety Sense.

Our unit additionally fits the Full Color Pack (€350), the Toyota Touch 2 & Go system with navigation (€650) and Plata Luna metallic paint (€550). In total, the price of our unit amounts to €38,000 after promotions, placing it around the segment average when taking into account features such as the automatic gearbox or all-wheel drive.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadToyota RAV412 versions · from 46,500 €