Road tested By Hugh Maguire
The Toyota RAV4 (RAV stands for, Recreational Activity Vehicle) was first introduced back in 1995 so Toyota know this market well. However since then rivals such as the new Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and VW’s offerings and the Land Rover Discovery Sport, to name but a few, have stolen some of the limelight.
In 2013 the fourth generation of the model was launched. It boasted a complete new body, revised engines and better specification across three trim grades. This then is the 5th generation of the model and is available as a self charging hybrid in the base models and as a plug in hybrid with the higher spec models.
My test car is the new Toyota RAV4 GR Sport PHEV.
First Impressions.
The styling is good with clean sharp lines and some wonderful brave new colours which I like. The exterior design features an imposing front grille while LED daytime running lights are set within the front light clusters. Overall not a bad looking SUV but not a head turner either.
Behind The Wheel.
The elevated driving position is very good with great visibility all around and standard equipment is very comprehensive. Highlights include heated seats, electric lumbar support, dual zone climate control, blind spot indicator and a host of other safety kit too numerous to list here. The digital driver display with round analogue style dials is very good.
The interior is very well finished and apart from the slightly oppressive black colour scheme to the whole interior it looks and feels top quality.
Accomadation is very good with ample room for four adults and five if required. The load area which with the rear seats in place offers 500 litres of load space is good.
Performance.
The RAV4 PHEV is powered by a 2.5 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors. At the front is a 134kW electric motor and at the rear a 40kW electric motor with intelligent all wheel drive. The battery is 18.1kWh capacity and actually manages to give this PHEV a really good and easily achievable pure electric 65km to 70km range (Toyota quote 75km).
I found performance to be most impressive. It also proved quiet and refined.
The combination produces some 306 bhp so acceleration is punchy, delivering safe brisk overtaking despite its 2 tonne mass.
Overall then its economical and really shines as a PHEV. Expect about 32 mpg if on petrol power alone and about 75mpg averaged out if you use electric power.
Road Behaviour.
The RAV4 gives a smooth compliant ride over all road surfaces. It handles well too though its not an inspiring or engaging car to drive. The CVT gearbox is a bit sluggish and the engine can sound harsh when you need to rev it but otherwise its all good here. Noise levels are commendably low and really the new RAV4 proves a very refined car overall.
Hugh’s Verdict.
This is now a very competitive segment with some excellent rivals so the RAV4 needs to be very good. The PHEV version of the RAV4 does work really well. It boasts all the attributes of the self charging RAV4 but with a really achievable 70km range it can really work as a PHEV for those that are disciplined enough to plug in at every opportunity.
So likes: Well built, excellent electric range, well equipped, economical.
Dislikes: Some less attractive interior plastics, oppressive dark interior, out of date infotainment graphics. Price.
Priced at €59,430 thats quite a hit and puts it into premium German brand territory but this is a really good PHEV.