Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: we test-drive the best-selling SUV in the world

Before analysing the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, it’s worth noting that in 2017 more than 807,000 RAV4s were sold worldwide, making it the fifth best-selling model of the year globally. In Spain, sales of the Japanese SUV reached 8,465 units. Remarkable figures that make the RAV4 the most popular crossover internationally and one of the most popular in the domestic market. More than enough reason to get behind the wheel of one.

But which one do we choose? An easy choice. Very easy, I’d say. Of the nearly 8,500 units sold in Spain, a total of 7,706 correspond to the hybrid version of the SUV. In other words, more than 90% of RAV4 sales in our country are the hybrid model, which has almost wiped the diesel and petrol options off the map.

We reveal the reasons after testing a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Feel. It is the hybrid version with 4×4 traction of the SUV from Toyota in the Feel trim, which is currently on the market at a price from €36,550, including the official discount currently in force, which is around 2,450 euros. We’ll discuss this later, but you should also know that there is a RAV4 hybrid from €30,850 with 4×2 traction and Advance trim.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Consumption

The hybrid option has gained market share, largely thanks to the consumption figures of its propulsion system, since it improves on the petrol versions and can match the diesels in the range depending on the situation. That is why we are going to dwell a little longer on this aspect than we normally would.

The homologated data quote figures of 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle. Obviously generous figures compared with those obtained during our test, in real traffic situations over the more than 400 kilometres covered, both on and off the asphalt, on motorways and in urban areas. Here is the real consumption of the Toyota RAV4 on different road sections.

We start with day-to-day driving, with a mixed route of motorway and city, around 80 kilometres a day. The consumption obtained during our journeys remained consistently stable at around 6 l/100km. Depending on the traffic congestion we encountered, we managed to achieve 5.3 litres as our best consumption figure, by driving carefully and with ECO mode activated. The hybrid efficiency in heavier traffic stands out, as it takes advantage of the electric propulsion when starting off and up to a speed of 45 km/h, beyond which the petrol engine takes over. A very good figure for a car of this size and power level, unattainable even for the 150D with its turbodiesel engine.

On weekend trips, with a greater stretch of motorways and fast roads, the RAV4’s consumption is not as kind compared with a diesel. The electric motors barely contribute when driving at a constant speed around the speed limits. Here, the RAV4 went above 8 litres per 100 and we even exceeded 9 litres. Averaging consumption at around 8.5 l/100km, we see a considerable increase compared with a diesel RAV4, which would be around 7 litres. The same happens off the asphalt, where the combustion engine delivers its full power while simultaneously recharging the battery of the electric motors, and consumption easily goes beyond 10 litres.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Driving sensations

The performance of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid is remarkable in every situation we faced. We are talking about an SUV over four and a half metres long and weighing 1,765 kilos which, in the hybrid version, claims 197 CV on paper. And I say on paper because, although it moves with agility and sufficiency, the RAV4 hybrid does not feel like a vehicle with almost 200 CV, at least in Normal and ECO driving modes. When Sport mode is activated, there is a noticeable change in the power distribution, which adds extra acceleration to the RAV4 and makes it more fun to drive. Although there is no lack of agility when overtaking or joining a motorway.

The automatic gearbox used by Toyota is of epicyclic type with gear reduction. This means that there are no fixed gears as such, and the RAV4 delivers power as demanded by our right foot. When the driver accelerates, the engine revs up very quickly and with noticeable noise, until the speed increases and matches the engine speed. But once you release the accelerator and the engine revs drop, it becomes extremely smooth and quiet again. The only choice available in the gearbox is a mode in which engine braking is more pronounced, which allows more energy to be regenerated, for example when going downhill.

It is in the urban environment that the Toyota RAV4 hybrid feels most at home. The SUV from Toyota makes the most of its hybrid potential in the city, where extremely efficient driving is possible thanks to the ability of fully electric propulsion, which can be maintained for roughly 2 kilometres before the batteries run low when using EV mode. This electric driving is possible as long as we don’t press the accelerator too sharply and don’t exceed 45 km/h, making the absence of driving noise very comfortable.

The driver does not have to do anything or worry about any special controls by being behind the wheel of a hybrid vehicle. The system switches between modes automatically, and only by applying a little skill will it be possible to get more or less out of the system, especially if you can drive smoothly… and anticipate (before reaching a traffic light, or when approaching a slope) so that energy regeneration is more effective and the batteries are recharged through braking. The hybrid system uses engine braking for this purpose, making the feel of the brake pedal only minimally different from a ‘normal’ car.

In off-road situations is where the 197 CV claimed by Toyota can really be confirmed. On ramps or moderate gradients, where greater traction is needed, the RAV4 responds perfectly, using the combustion engine for the front axle together with the electric system that drives the rear one. Full-time traction that is activated to deliver maximum power and achieve better grip on mud and loose surfaces.

The work on the suspension of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid makes the SUV extremely comfortable in any situation. With a McPherson-type front suspension and a deformable parallelogram rear axle, it absorbs road irregularities very effectively, and you will find no shortcomings in corners unless you are thinking of taking a RAV4 to the track. But we are sure that is not the case.

Likewise, full-time traction is probably not necessary for most drivers. With the front-wheel-drive option, the RAV4 will lose weight, improve consumption and, above all, we save €3,000 that can be invested in some more necessary extra.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Equipment

The test unit that Toyota provided for us is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD FEEL. A 2.5-litre version with 197 CV maximum power and all-wheel drive, which is available on the market from €36,550. If we add the extras of the Toyota Touch 2 & GO navigation package (€650) and the Midnight Blue metallic colour (€550) fitted to our vehicle, its sale price as of March 2018 is €37,550, including the current promotions.

Overall, the Toyota RAV4 hybrid is a comfortable vehicle for both driver and passengers, with plenty of room in the rear seats and a boot which, although not one of the largest in the segment, has 501 litres of capacity to carry sufficient luggage. Just as sufficient are the storage spaces in the centre console for emptying your pockets and keeping your phone, wallet, keys, etc. The driver’s position also performs well in the layout of the instrument panel in terms of ease of use of the buttons and touchscreen, as well as the ability to operate most of them from the multifunction steering wheel.

Perhaps the only drawback of the cabin is the excess of hard plastics on the upper part of the dashboard and in some other trim areas of the interior, although the feeling is never one of poor quality. What does need a makeover is the touchscreen (only 4.2″ as standard and 7″ when fitted with the extra) and the infotainment system. Let’s remember that the current RAV4 reached the market in 2016, and the passing years take a heavy toll in technological terms. So, the facelift we will see on the SUV for 2019 will surely bring improvements that are becoming necessary. And I don’t say this because of a lack of connectivity, but because at first glance it falls behind what competitors offer.

Even so, the standard equipment of the RAV4 is quite remarkable in terms of value for money. The FEEL trim offers as standard, in comfort terms, dual-zone climate control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, a luggage net in the boot, and folding, heated mirrors among its most notable features. As for the driver assistance systems, there is a rear camera and front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, intelligent high-beam control and a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Comparison

The €36,550 of our test unit we consider an affordable price for a hybrid that offers the advantage of the DGT ECO label and provides a power boost over the diesel RAV4s and, of course, a notable improvement in consumption over petrol versions that are practically no longer sold. So, we compare a Toyota RAV4 hybrid with a diesel on as equal terms as possible, in this case the 2WD version with the ADVANCE trim. And we see that, with the discounts applied by Toyota, the diesel is at €28,950 and the hybrid at €30,850. A difference of €1,900 that will surely be worth it if we don’t opt for the hybrid solely for its consumption, and want to enjoy that extra power and the ecological factor of the electric system.

The comparison with the competition is also favourable to the Toyota RAV4 hybrid. We are talking about an SUV just over four and a half metres long with no 100% real competitor. That is why its value for money must be measured against smaller rivals in the premium segment or against plug-in hybrid crossovers that start with an advantage in consumption. That is why we have chosen the KIA Niro HEV and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV as benchmarks.

The small KIA SUV has 50 CV less, only in the front-wheel-drive version, and 100 litres less boot space. It is available from €22,150, but forget about the Niro if you want to do anything more than get around town day to day. The Outlander PHEV, on the other hand, offers everything the RAV4 does, adding 50 kilometres in electric mode… but with an official price of €48,400. If you manage to get one of the promotional discounts from Mitsubishi, which easily reach €10,000, it is an option to consider very seriously. But with the hybrid SUV from Toyota available from the current entry price of €30,850, we still favour the Toyota RAV4 hybrid. And the sales figures tell us we are not wrong. Now it is up to you.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Conclusion

For a little over €30,000 you can have a hybrid SUV with almost 200 CV. We are talking about a 2016 model that shows its age technologically, but which remains a very appealing vehicle thanks to its ECO credentials and its performance on and off the asphalt. In addition, the Toyota RAV4 hybrid offers a range of trim levels with either all-wheel or front-wheel drive to suit each buyer’s needs. For all these reasons, its final rating is high “notable”.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadToyota RAV412 versions · from 46,500 €