Australia has fallen in love with mid-size SUVs, and that is the mannequin that arguably began all of it.
Launched again in 1994, the unique Toyota RAV4 reworked the automotive panorama by blurring the traces between metropolis automotive and SUV. It was sufficiently big for a household, compact sufficient for the city grind, and hard sufficient to enterprise off-road – a real all-rounder.
And didn’t the world find it irresistible. Over 31 years and 5 generations, the RAV4 has gone on to turn out to be one of many best-selling SUVs of all time. Toyota’s Jack of all trades has additionally pushed the rise of the ‘crossover SUV’, Australia’s hottest automobile sub-genre.
The RAV4 has little left to show, however is that sufficient for it to deserve ongoing endorsement?
In any case, Toyota Australia has confirmed the sixth-generation RAV4 will arrive within the first half of 2026, bringing a contemporary look, new powertrains, and expertise upgrades.
What’s extra, the competitors is hotter than ever. RAV4 rivals embody, however are usually not restricted to, the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, BYD Sealion 6, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Nissan X-Path. In different phrases, it’s a very good time to buy round.
So, with a substitute on the horizon and adversaries nipping at its heels, we spent every week behind the wheel of a well-appointed RAV4 Cruiser FWD to see if it’s price shopping for in 2025.
How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 value?
RAV4 costs haven’t modified for 2 years, and one can solely anticipate that they may maintain agency till the brand new mannequin arrives early subsequent 12 months.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GX FWD | $42,260 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GX AWD | $45,260 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL FWD | $45,810 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL AWD | $48,810 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE FWD | $48,910 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser FWD | $51,410 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD | $51,910 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser AWD | $54,410 |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Edge AWD | $58,360 |
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
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What’s the Toyota RAV4 like on the within?
There’s not a lot “shock and delight” concerning the inside a RAV4, however the inside stays a practical house that caters to simply about all wants.
Whereas bodily buttons are going out of style, you don’t must be an iPad child to make changes within the RAV4.
Beneath the infotainment display sits a standard local weather management panel with temperature dials, and the old school gear lever is unattainable to overlook. It’s likewise straightforward to change between drive modes utilizing a rotary selector positioned by the motive force’s left knee.
The tech is all very simple, too. Greater trim ranges of the RAV4 like this Cruiser get a ten.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, each of which modernise the cabin with out introducing pointless complexity.
Contemplating how most individuals really use their automobiles each day, Toyota hasn’t bothered to boost the infotainment system with a ‘Disco Mode’ or selfie digital camera. Somewhat, it’s a easy unit that prioritises common capabilities equivalent to smartphone mirroring, navigation, and digital radio. All could be accessed via shortcut icons pinned to the best aspect of the display.
Other than the selection to maintain or ditch the shortcuts, the system doesn’t afford a lot configurability, not that I ever desired it.
Tech-heads could bemoan the uninspiring graphics and typically sluggish loading speeds, however we by no means skilled any wi-fi CarPlay dropouts or associated reliability points. For those who desperately want a secure connection, there’s at all times the choice to pair your telephone utilizing the USB-A outlet beneath the centre stack. A pair of USB-C charging shops will also be discovered within the centre console.
The digital instrument cluster contains giant gauges with customisable knowledge readouts in every, so you’ll be able to regulate issues like gas economic system and tyre pressures. The show has a sharper look than the infotainment display, and it’s a big improve over the 7.0-inch model present in lesser RAV4s.
Likewise, the upgraded nine-speaker JBL sound system has sufficient oomph to set it aside from the bottom six-speaker setup. It’s enhancements like this that encourage consumers to spend up on the dealership.
No matter trim degree, the RAV4 does and not using a head-up show, which units it again in comparison with fashionable rivals.
However in Cruiser trim, the RAV4 remains to be greater than aggressive by way of supplies and construct high quality. Tan leather-based (sure, the true stuff) coats the seats and steering wheel, in addition to sections of the sprint and door playing cards, including a premium really feel to this mainstream SUV.
The Cruiser additionally brings heated and ventilated entrance seats with full electrical adjustment, lumbar, and prolonged thigh assist. All of the aforementioned options make the RAV4 a cushty highway journey companion.
Different excessive visitors areas are completed in soft-touch plastics, apart from the edges of the centre tunnel which aren’t all that snug to relaxation your knee in opposition to.
The buttons are all click-y and well-weighted, whereas the door handles and local weather management dials are wrapped in a sturdy rubber coating.
Such hardwearing touches are a nod to Toyota’s desire in the direction of operate over type, and that philosophy is mirrored within the practicality of the cabin.
On high of all the usual storage options, the RAV4 homes an extra tray above the glovebox, a wi-fi charging pad beneath the centre stack, and a sun shades holder overhead. There’s really a spot for all of your ins and outs up entrance, which declutters the inside to no finish.
The second row is equally sensible, with sufficient house for youngsters and adults alike to journey in consolation. At 6’1″, I used to be pleasantly shocked to discover a full inch of house between my knees and the motive force’s seat, whereas headroom is even much less of a problem.
The rear bench reclines to permit for a extra relaxed seating place over longer journeys, and big home windows stave off any whiff of claustrophobia.
Additional, there’s solely a slight driveline hump operating via the center of the ground, so the center seat is completely usable.
Rear facilities embody twin USB-C shops, air vents, a central armrest and vibrant overhead lighting, whereas drinks could be saved within the doorways or devoted cupholders within the armrest.
Toyota quotes 542 litres of boot house for this explicit RAV4 variant, which is about par for the phase. Nevertheless, numbers don’t inform the entire story.
That’s as a result of the cargo space has been designed with practicality entrance of thoughts.
For instance, the powered tailgate lifts to disclose an enormous aperture and flat loading bay, each of which assist if you’re coping with cumbersome gadgets like furnishings or home equipment.
The boot additionally accommodates helpful extras like a 12V energy supply, retractable cargo blind, and tie down factors on the ground.
Ought to additional house be required, the rear bench folds flat to develop the storage space. Underneath the boot flooring you’ll discover a house saver spare tyre.
| Dimensions | Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD |
|---|---|
| Size | 4600mm |
| Width | 1855mm |
| Top | 1685mm |
| Wheelbase | 2690mm |
| Cargo capability | 542L |
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Hybrid energy is now commonplace proper throughout the RAV4 vary, leaving consumers with the selection of front- or all-wheel drive.
| Specs | Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4cyl hybrid |
| Engine outputs | 131kW / 221Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 88kW / 202Nm |
| System outputs | 160kW |
| Battery | 6.5Ah nickel-metal hydride |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Pushed wheels | FWD |
| Weight | 1755kg |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 4.7L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 6.1L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 55 litres |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 107g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 5 |
| Braked towing capability | 480kg |
The following-generation RAV4 might be provided right here with hybrid and, for the primary time, plug-in hybrid energy, in addition to front- or all-wheel drive. No matter drive kind, all new RAV4 Hybrid automobiles will produce 143kW of energy – down 17kW on the present mannequin.
Nevertheless, the PHEV brings a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery, upping most system output to 227kW. That makes the PHEV probably the most highly effective RAV4 thus far – much more highly effective than the three.5-litre V6 model of the third-generation RAV4 that produced 201kW of energy.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
How does the Toyota RAV4 drive?
The Cruiser could sit towards the sharp finish of the RAV4 vary, but it surely’s no completely different from the bottom GX in a mechanical sense.
Toyota axed petrol variations of its Corolla, Corolla Cross, Camry, RAV4 and Kluger in June final 12 months, committing to hybrid energy as a method of decarbonising the lineup. As such, RAV4 consumers are left with one easy alternative – front- or all-wheel drive.
In case your life-style includes dust roads or campgrounds, spending up for all-wheel drive is a no brainer. In any case, peace of thoughts is price at the very least a number of grand.
However for city-slickers, there’s loads to be stated for FWD variations of the RAV4, even those who aren’t absolutely loaded like our Cruiser tester. As a result of no matter how energy is distributed, the RAV4 is an SUV that boasts an array of universally wanted attributes.
For starters, it’s quiet and effortlessly environment friendly. That is obvious from the second you hit the beginning button, because the hybrid RAV4 awakens in silence. And shifting into drive doesn’t disturb that peace, because the RAV4 operates like an EV in low-stress conditions. It’s solely when you lean on the throttle or crank the A/C that the petrol engine makes its presence identified.
Even then, the powertrain is pleasantly muted – it’s quiet beneath acceleration and the e-CVT transmission doesn’t drone as others do.
And naturally, the eagerness of the RAV4 to lean on electrical energy interprets to spectacular gas consumption, or lack thereof. Our take a look at automotive sipped a median of 6.1L/100km over the course of every week spent in heavy metropolis visitors, however Toyota claims a mixed 4.7L/100km – a determine that’s solely bettered by plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and EV options.
Along with unrivalled effectivity, Toyota’s hybrid system provides ample efficiency in city driving. Whereas no featherweight, the RAV4 feels zippy round city, with sufficient electrical torque to shortly set off from a standstill. It’ll dash from 0-100km/h in roughly eight seconds too, which makes it faster than most mainstream SUVs.
There are three drive modes – Eco, Regular, and Sport – with EV mode accessible for brief stints, although the battery isn’t giant sufficient to supply significant electrical vary. Of the accessible modes, Eco finest enhances the persona of the RAV4.
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Nevertheless, that’s to not say the RAV4 is totally devoid of dynamic attraction. It feels smaller and extra nimble than its dimension suggests, encouraging the motive force to scythe via the suburbs with confidence.
And whereas the experience is on the firmer aspect, the suspension soaks up bumps with out transmitting harshness and vibrations into the cabin. The RAV4 can be fast to regain stability after longer undulations.
Each the steering wheel and throttle pedal are user-friendly of their weight and suggestions, though the brake pedal is overly delicate, typically delivering extra stopping energy than meant with solely a lightweight contact. That is notably irritating in stop-start visitors, and drew complaints from passengers who not often criticise my driving.
It’s simpler to make easy progress on the freeway, though high-speed driving highlights beforehand unnoticed flaws within the RAV4.
A kind of is tyre roar, which is accentuated by the quietness of the powertrain. Different noises of the surface world are additionally too simply heard from contained in the RAV4, a criticism that implies Toyota ought to add a bit extra sound deadening to its best-selling SUV.
There’s nonetheless loads to love although. The RAV4 cruises fortunately at 100km/h and isn’t brief on overtaking energy. Additional, Toyota’s superior adaptive cruise management system helps to scale back the driving load throughout longer journeys.
On the similar time, a steering-based driver monitoring system will sound a warning if it senses distraction or fatigue, but it surely’s extra forgiving than the camera-based programs present in rivals. That’s additionally true of different security applied sciences discovered within the RAV4, together with proximity sensors and the lane-keep help function.
Frontal visibility is superb, as you’d anticipate from a tall SUV, though the rear window might be larger. You received’t have any points parking although, because the Cruiser is provided with entrance and rear sensors, in addition to a surround-view digital camera with a number of views which is slightly useful in tight buying centre carparks.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
What do you get?
The RAV4 is obtainable in 5 completely different trim ranges – on take a look at right here is the Cruiser variant.
2026 Toyota RAV4 GX tools highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (gentle gray)
- House-saver spare
- Computerized projector LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- LED entrance fog lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear mud flaps
- ‘Premium’ steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Digital radio
- Material upholstery
- Push-button begin
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Rear centre armrest
The GXL provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (darkish silver)
- Rear privateness glass
- Entrance mudflaps
- Roof rails
- ‘Premium’ gear lever
- Proximity entry
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Wi-fi telephone charger
The XSE provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (gloss black)
- Energy tailgate
- SofTex upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
The Cruiser provides:
- Sunroof
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- 9-speaker JBL sound system
- Leather-based upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- 8-way energy passenger seat
- Driver’s seat reminiscence
- Ambient lighting
- Digital rear-view mirror
The Edge provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels (matte gray)
- SofTex upholstery
- 4-way manually adjustable passenger seat
- Removes driver reminiscence operate
- Removes energy passenger seat
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
Is the Toyota RAV4 protected?
The RAV4 has a five-star security ranking from ANCAP, primarily based on checks performed by Euro NCAP in 2019.
| Class | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 93 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Susceptible highway consumer safety | 85 per cent |
| Security help | 83 per cent |
Normal security tools contains:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Daytime bike owner detection
- Intersection help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Lane Hint Help (lane centring)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Emergency Steering Help
- Velocity signal recognition
- Entrance, front-side and curtain airbags
- Driver’s knee airbag
- Reversing digital camera
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
Cruiser and above obtain a surround-view digital camera.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 value to run?
The RAV4 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Toyota doesn’t provide complementary roadside help like many different manufacturers do.
| Servicing and guarantee | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres 7 years, limitless kilometres (prolonged drivetrain) |
| Roadside help | $99 per 12 months |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years or 75,000km |
| Common annual service value | $270 |
| Whole capped-price service value | $1350 |
Whereas roadside help will value you a number of additional bucks, the RAV4 remains to be cheaper to service than most rivals.
The recognition of this mannequin additionally interprets to sturdy resale values on the used market, though the arrival of the 2026 RAV4 could shake issues up as present homeowners look to improve.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD
The RAV4 is Australia’s favorite SUV (and best-selling Toyota) for good purpose – it’s a sensible and environment friendly bundle with runs on the board.
And that bundle is arguably finest skilled in Cruiser trim, as examined right here. The additional outlay nets an entire heap of premium tools together with an upgraded stereo, sunroof, heated and ventilated entrance seats, leather-based trim, and a digital rear-view mirror, with out pushing the asking value to ridiculous heights.
With all of the add-ons, it looks like a really full mid-sizer with few vices, aside from a gratingly grabby brake pedal. To some extent, that lack of flaws contributes to the RAV4’s lack of character, however that hasn’t dampened its attraction for a lot of.
The underside line is, that is nonetheless some of the well-rounded automobiles in its phase. Positive, there’s an all-new RAV4 arriving in early 2026, however that could be too lengthy a watch for some. It additionally stays to be seen whether or not the next-generation RAV4 stays an reasonably priced possibility for Australian households, and certainly whether or not it’s any higher than the mannequin it replaces – which it should should be given the numerous value hikes anticipated.
As such, the present mannequin remains to be nicely price shortlisting in the event you’re after a fuss-free mid-size SUV.
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