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The Toyota RAV4 could possibly be the Big Mac of SUVs. A legend. World-renowned. It’s been Australia’s hottest SUV because it debuted in 1994, racking up greater than half one million gross sales right here (and greater than 14 million globally) over the previous 32 years.
Meanwhile, Toyota has been the native market chief for 23 years and the world’s largest automaker for the previous six years, arguably making it the auto equal of McDonald’s – the prolific, dominant model you’ll be able to rely upon whether or not it’s noon or 4:00am.
Sure, Maccas sells fancy burgers too – your Angus thingamajig and your Wagyu what-have-you – however they’re nonetheless only a beef patty and some different issues slapped between buns, they usually sometimes price considerably extra.
They’re additionally the quick meals equal of the RAV4 Cruiser, the top-spec plugless hybrid (HEV) model of the uber-popular mid-size SUV with particular upgrades together with larger wheels and leather-based trim – and the next worth.
It has the identical 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain with an equivalent 143kW output to the most affordable RAV4 GX 2WD grade, so is it value paying a worth premium for, given it comes with the identical meat within the center?
And is a high-end model of the RAV4 an excessive amount of to swallow, like a ‘premium’ late-night kebab, an aesthetic goon bag, or an upmarket polyester swimsuit? The most interesting, or Coles Finest? We take the RAV4 Cruiser 2WD out of its consolation zone to seek out out.
How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser price?
The Cruiser HEV sits beneath the flagship GR Sport plug-in hybrid (PHEV) within the six-grade RAV4 lineup, priced at a cool $56,990 earlier than on-road prices (ORCs).
That will get you a 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain and front-wheel drive (2WD), with the ‘E-Four’ all-wheel drive (AWD) model costing one other $3350, at $60,340 plus ORCs.
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Our take a look at automotive is completed in Dusty Bronze paint, an additional $675, and the beige leather-trimmed cabin prices the identical as the usual black leather-based, bringing the official worth to $57,665 plus ORCs.
It’s value noting the identical powertrain, with an equivalent mixed output of 143kW and 221Nm from its petrol engine, in addition to the identical passenger and baggage house, could be had within the entry-level front-drive RAV4 GX for $45,990 plus ORCs, and within the RAV4 GX AWD for $49,340 plus ORCs.
There’s an $11,000 step up from the GX 2WD to the Cruiser 2WD, with the $55,340 Edge AWD variant positioned in between.
Beyond Toyota, non-plug-in hybrid rivals embrace the Nissan X-Trail e-Power Ti with AWD at $54,580 plus ORCs, and the Honda CR-V e:HEV L at $53,900 drive-away.
Worth a glance, too, is the Kia Sportage GT-Line HEV at $57,370 plus ORCs, whereas there’s additionally the Hyundai Tucson Premium AWD Hybrid at $58,350 plus ORCs to contemplate.
Toyota RAV4 HEV
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 GX FWD | $45,990 |
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 GX AWD | $49,340 |
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 GXL FWD | $48,990 |
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 GXL AWD | $52,340 |
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD | $55,340 |
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 XSE AWD | $58,340 |
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD | $56,990 |
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD | $60,340 |
Toyota RAV4 PHEV
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 XSE FWD | $58,840 |
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 XSE AWD | $63,340 |
| 2027 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport AWD | $66,340 |
To see how the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What is the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser like on the within?
The Cruiser’s cabin is a clean mix of class and Toyota sturdiness, with our take a look at automotive’s heat beige leather-accented upholstery being a welcome respite from the bitter Melbourne winter.
So too are the heated entrance seats – greater than sufficient to toast your buns – and heated steering wheel, which type a part of its added commonplace tools. The seats are supportive but comfy, and there’s loads of hip and legroom, even when there’s not a great deal of headroom within the driver’s seat.
The entrance seats are power-adjustable, and the upholstery isn’t swathes of clean, artificial stuff – as a substitute, there are perforated cushions, piping and detailing that reveal a nicely thought-out design as a substitute of default spec-box ticking.
The identical goes for the doorways and sprint: the cake-like, layered beige-grey-beige-grey steps as soon as once more present deliberate design selections, including a thoroughness and authenticity to the upmarket push.
From the driving force’s seat, the chunky, sq. steering wheel boss with its rounded-off edges enhances the 2 turret-like raised bonnet sections flowing from the LED headlights, including character and giving an impression of ruggedness.
The head-up show is crisp, and the centre console affords two wi-fi telephone charging areas, a stubby gear selector, and a dual-opening centre bin.
The rattly, plasticky sound of the double-hinged console lid, which cleverly opens in the direction of both the driving force or passenger, or could be utterly eliminated, is a uncommon space of sloppy cheapness, with the remainder of the cabin supplies being well-finished, good, and stable.
The central infortainment touchscreen has sharp graphics and a row of bodily buttons beneath it for key features, together with a handy central quantity knob, which isn’t solely straightforward to achieve but in addition means the identical format can be utilized in left- and right-hand drive automobiles.
While there aren’t bodily air-con buttons, the controls are in a hard and fast graphic alongside the underside of the responsive touchscreen, making them extra readily accessible being buried throughout the digital menu.
Looking rearward, the usual tilt-and-slide panoramic moonroof stretches over the second row, the place there’s extra leather-accented upholstery and a great deal of legroom and headroom.
The rear seats are heated, too, and there is a pair of air vents behind the centre console to feed air to the rear passengers, plus two USB-C ports.
All three rear seats have adjustable head restraints, whereas a fold-down centre armrest comes with a pair of mounted cupholders. There are additionally storage bins and audio system within the rear doorways, and map pockets behind every entrance seat.
The 60:40-split/folding rear seatbacks present entry to a superbly flat, carpeted boot space, with the powered tailgate operated by way of the important thing fob or a dash-mounted change subsequent to the driving force’s seat.
There’s a space-saver spare beneath the single-tier boot ground, a number of shopping-bag hooks, a netted side-storage bin, and a lightweight within the load space, with a normal cargo cowl hiding the lot.
| Dimensions | Toyota RAV4 Cruiser |
|---|---|
| Length | 4600mm |
| Width | 1680mm |
| Height | 1680mm |
| Wheelbase | 2690mm |
| Cargo capability | 705L |
To see how the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
The RAV4 Cruiser runs the identical plugless hybrid powertrain as different RAV4 HEVs, consisting of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electrical motor built-in into the repeatedly variable automated transmission (CVT).
| Specifications | RAV4 HEV FWD | RAV4 HEV AWD | RAV4 PHEV FWD | RAV4 PHEV AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol 4cyl hybrid | 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol 4cyl hybrid | 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol 4cyl PHEV | 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol 4cyl PHEV |
| Engine outputs | 105kW/221Nm | 105kW/221Nm | 105kW/227Nm | 105kW/227Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 100kW/206Nm | 100kW/208Nm (entrance) 40kW/121Nm (rear) |
151kW/272Nm | 151kW/272Nm (entrance) 41kW/123Nm (rear) |
| System outputs | 143kW | 143kW | 201kW | 227kW |
| Battery | 4.4Ah li-ion | 4.4Ah li-ion | 22.7kWh li-ion | 22.7kWh li-ion |
| Transmission | e-CVT | e-CVT | e-CVT | e-CVT |
| Drive kind | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Electric driving vary | – | – | 154km (NEDC) | 144km (NEDC) |
| Max AC cost price | – | – | 11kW | 11kW |
| Max DC cost price | – | – | 50kW | 50kW |
The petrol engine produces 105kW/221Nm, whereas the electrical motor makes 100kW/206Nm, for a mixed peak energy output of 143kW. Toyota doesn’t quote a mixed torque determine.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser drive?
With energy comes duty – and Toyota hasn’t rested on its laurels relating to driveability.
The RAV4 is way, significantly better to drive than its recognition may counsel: it’s composed, balanced, and comfy.
It’s not the final phrase in dynamics, however for the mid-size SUV class, it’s spectacular. There’s a great driving place, with vital adjustment within the steering column and electrical driver’s seat – which incorporates lumbar adjustment, whereas the entrance passenger seat doesn’t.
There’s good imaginative and prescient and stable switchgear, though the indicator and wiper stalks really feel rather less stable than the remainder of the cabin.
The digital devices are clear and simple to learn, with a selection of configurations together with the all-important digital speedo, and the head-up show can also be wonderful.
The key change in contrast with decrease grades is the rise in wheel measurement from 18-inch to 20-inch alloys wrapped in 235/50 R20 Dunlop tyres.
The Cruiser’s steering takes 2.6 turns lock-to-lock, and whereas there’s a good bit of play within the steering in a straight line – which suggests just a little bit extra arm work via roundabouts – the bigger wheels nonetheless supply a good experience.
While bigger bumps produce the occasional crash, as you may count on, the core experience high quality is excellent, smoothing out small and mid-size bumps with a layer of insulation nicely past most mass-market SUVs.
The physique management and steering are good, too, and parking is aided by the centre display’s wonderful 360-degree digital camera show, which exhibits silhouettes that let you ‘see via’ the car.
The Cruiser is clean on the freeway, with little powertrain noise. It sits solidly on the open highway with good composure, and is simple to vary lane in due to its efficient blind-spot monitor and massive aspect mirrors – which can contribute to a tad of wind noise.
Around city, the Cruiser nonetheless takes the sting (pun!) off the bumps, and has a excessive stage of manoeuvrability and obedience on its larger wheels.
It feels extra nimble than its precise measurement suggests it ought to, and its brakes are stable and constant (for a hybrid), however the powertrain is the weakest hyperlink by way of efficiency.
Here, it will get attention-grabbing. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder is sufficient, however below full energy it proves considerably underwhelming. Yet the trade-off is great fuel-efficiency.
Our 5.7L/100km as-tested determine got here on 95-octane petrol – as specified on the gas flap – after a wide range of driving throughout our take a look at, in contrast with an official mixed declare of 4.5L/100km.
We switched between Eco, Normal and Sport modes, pushed it round corners as if it was a Supra, stood on the stable brakes a lot, and customarily abused it within the title of making an attempt to make it crack.
Yet the Cruiser spilled little blood – in truth, it left with barely any bruising, such is skill to cope with the unpredictable and the kind of remedy many homeowners will topic it to over a few years.
In Eco mode, the throttle pedal is flaccid, and wishes plenty of stress to get previous the preliminary useless spot – however then the four-cylinder engine begins to whir and it responds nicely, even when it’s not fire-and-brimstone.
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Switching to Sport mode, which as in so many different vehicles provides ‘red mist’-themed dials, merely provides weight to the steering. This means it’s no extra exact, simply heavier, though the useless spot within the throttle appears a tad narrower.
The variations between modes are minimal, with Normal someplace in between, so you could as nicely depart it in Eco as a result of the powertrain’s mediocre efficiency stays it doesn’t matter what.
If you’re not a fan of idle-stop/begin programs, the Cruiser’s hybrid powertrain might also be a winner for you, given its clean, instantaneous and punchy electric-only acceleration off the road, as a substitute of providing a delayed response earlier than its petrol engine kicks in, as in some rivals (hey, Mazda CX-5).
The preliminary take-off is nice in EV mode, too, however full-throttle acceleration typically ends in the petrol engine firing up – as does something above 35km/h – with little fuss.
Oh, and whereas annoying security tech makes all kinds of random noises and tugs aggressively on the steering wheel of many new vehicles today, that does not occur in a RAV4. Its driver aids not often interrupt, solely making themselves identified after they’re wanted, as they need to. Refreshing.
Overall, the RAV4 hybrid has a well-measured, environment friendly and succesful powertrain teamed with a well-sorted chassis (for a mainstream SUV), and presents few drawbacks, making it surprisingly good to drive.
What do you get?
The RAV4 is out there in six trim ranges, nearly all with a number of powertrain choices.
2027 Toyota RAV4 GX tools highlights:
- 17-inch darkish gray metallic alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- 10.5-inch multimedia touchscreen
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Embedded satellite tv for pc navigation
- Embedded Drive Record (dashcam)
- Dual-zone local weather management
- Fabric seat upholstery
- Six-speaker audio system
- 5 x USB-C ports
- Reversing digital camera
- Full Toyota Safety Sense suite
RAV4 GXL provides (over GX):
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Privacy rear and aspect glass
- Silver-painted entrance and rear skid plates
- Premium inside trims (doorways, sprint)
- Leather-accented steering wheel and shift knob
- 8-way powered driver’s seat with lumbar help
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Wireless smartphone charger
RAV4 Edge (AWD HEV) provides (over GXL):
- Dark matte gray metallic alloy wheels
- Unique entrance and rear bumpers
- Wider black wheel-arches
- 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen
- Premium seat upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- Powered tailgate
RAV4 XSE (AWD HEV) provides (over GXL):
- 20-inch black alloy wheels
- Black entrance and rear bumpers
- Two-tone exterior paint
- Panoramic view monitor (360-degree digital camera)
- Enhanced LED headlights
- Combination premium trim and suede upholstery
- Climate concierge
- 3-stage heated and ventilated entrance seats
- 8-way powered entrance passenger seat
- Driver’s seat reminiscence
- Tilt and slide moonroof
RAV4 Cruiser provides (over GXL):
- 20-inch machined black alloy wheels
- High-grade LED headlights
- Tilt and slide panoramic moonroof
- Genuine leather-accented seat trim
- Driver’s seat reminiscence
- Shift-by-wire gear lever
- Head-up show (HUD)
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Powered tailgate with kick sensor
- Two wi-fi smartphone chargers
- 9-speaker JBL premium audio system
RAV4 XSE PHEV provides (over XSE HEV):
- Larger disc brakes
- 1500W inverter within the cargo space
RAV4 GR Sport PHEV provides (over XSE PHEV):
- GR-specific mechanicals (entrance damper, rear brace, distinctive springs)
- 20mm wider monitor
- Exclusive electrical energy steering tune
- Unique entrance and rear bumpers, wing-type spoiler
- Red brake calipers
- Aluminium pedals
- GR Sport heated steering wheel with paddle shifters
- GR logos and purple stitching
- Premium trim and suede upholstery
- Digital rear-view mirror
- 45W USB-C charging ports
- Head-up show (HUD)
- Powered tailgate with kick sensor
- Two wi-fi smartphone chargers
- 9-speaker JBL premium audio system
To see how the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser protected?
Despite being probably the most well-liked automobiles in the marketplace at this time, from the most important auto model in Australia, the Toyota RAV4 stays unrated by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program – higher referred to as ANCAP.
Standard security options embrace:
- 8 airbags incl. front-centre, driver knee
- Auto high-beam
- Autonomous Emergency Braking – AEB
-
- Pedestrian, bike owner, oncoming car detection
- Intersection collision avoidance help
- Adaptive cruise management incl. curve pace discount
- Blind-spot monitoring incl. protected exit help
- Connected Services
-
- SOS emergency name
- Automatic collision notification
- Emergency driving cease system
- Emergency steering help – brake actuated
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Lane Trace Assist – lane-centring
- Parking sensors – entrance, rear
- Parking Support Brake – rear
- Reversing digital camera incl. dynamic pointers
- Road signal help
RAV4 XSE provides:
- Panoramic view monitor – 360 cameras
RAV4 Cruiser provides:
- Adaptive High-Beam System
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser price to run?
As with the broader Toyota lineup, the RAV4 is roofed by Toyota Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre new-vehicle guarantee, and as much as 10 years of traction battery protection with common well being checks via the Japanese manufacturers seller community.
| Servicing and Warranty | Toyota RAV4 HEV |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, limitless kilometres – car Up to 10 years, limitless kilometres – battery (conditional) |
| Roadside help | 4 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years or 75,000 kilometres |
| Average annual service price | $325 |
| Total capped-price service price | $1625 |
The RAV4 stays one of many cheaper SUVs to service, although this new-generation mannequin has seen yearly upkeep prices rise from about $270 a 12 months to $325 yearly. For reference, the Honda CR-V e:HEV prices $199 a 12 months for the primary 5 years.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
CarKnowledgeable’s Take on the Toyota RAV4
There’s just one factor the RAV4 Cruiser does at 10/10ths: compromise. That’s not a criticism, however reasonably the Toyota’s enchantment.
Are there extra partaking SUVs out there? Yes, however they use extra gas. Are there extra economical SUVs in the marketplace? Well, you can go all-electric, however then there’s additionally the RAV4 PHEV to contemplate. Are there rivals with extra options? On paper, sure, however do they really work…?
Nothing can stability these attributes just like the RAV4, which signifies that – like quick meals – it comes all the way down to style, what number of extras you need, and due to this fact which model you purchase.
The RAV4 Cruiser is nice, however relating to crunching the numbers, it provides few requirements lacking from cheaper variants. Yes, there’s an additional layer of luxurious and luxury, which is its raison d’être, nevertheless it’s all largely superficial.
The base RAV4, then, is a stable begin. That’s why this mannequin is so well-liked: it affords one thing for everybody with a comparative lack of fuss, and – with the most recent era – extra character and enchantment.
The Cruiser provides one other layer to that, if you happen to’re prepared to pay the extra price, nevertheless it doesn’t add or take away any of this world-beating SUV’s core capabilities.
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