A benchmark among SUVs.
The Toyota RAV4 was one of the pioneering SUVs that more than two decades after its launch is still at the foot of the canyon, evolving its concept and adapting to market needs. If you are considering your purchase, we bring you five strengths and a weakness that you have to assess before purchasing it.
A design that attracts attention
The RAV4’s image has changed a lot over time and today it probably sports the most presenting design it has ever had.
The fact of opting for straight and angular lines gives it a more aggressive look, something that is emphasized by other elements such as the format of the grille and the front bumper which, together with the headlights, give it an “angry” look. In addition, other details such as the hexagonal wheel arches add tension to the whole.
Space to give and take
With a length of 4.60 meters, it is at the limit of the average SUV, being one of the largest in the segment, something that it takes advantage of to offer a remarkable interior habitability, as well as a trunk that has 580 liters of capacity, enough to be able to handle all the belongings of a family.
A very complete equipment
From the access finish, called Advance, its endowment is very complete: 18-inch wheels, darkened glass, electric parking brake, electric and heated exterior mirrors, light and rain sensor, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, screen 12 inch etc
Where it stands out especially in this field is in the field of safety, which groups multiple elements under the umbrella of Toyota Safety Sense: automatic emergency braking with night vision, automatic lane keeping, anti-crash radar and adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, rear camera, sign recognition, etc.
Hybrid with two versions to choose from
As is customary in most Toyota models, electrification is very present in the RAV4, being available with a self-recharging hybrid propulsion system that varies its performance depending on whether it uses front or all-wheel drive.
It mounts a four-cylinder 2.5 gasoline engine that is supported by an electric block in the 4×2 version and two in the 4×4, developing a power of 218 and 222 CV, respectively. In both cases, consumption is between 5.5 and 6 l/100 km and enjoys the DGT ECO label.
Also in plug-in hybrid version…
In 2019, Toyota broke a barrier and it is that it launched the first plug-in hybrid version in its history, the RAV4 plug-in, which, at the same time, became its top of the range.
It uses a three-engine configuration, with a 2.5-liter thermal one and two electric ones, one on each axle, to develop a combined power of 306 hp and enjoy all-wheel drive. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds, uses an 18.1 kWh battery, has an electric range of 75 kilometers and approves a consumption of 1 l/100 km.
… but considerably more expensive
The addition of a PHEV variant to the range is always a good thing, but the point is that opting for it involves a considerably higher outlay than for the conventional hybrid.
Thus, while the standard RAV4 is available from 39,000 euros per month, the RAV4 Plug-in starts at 49,950 euros, an amount 10,000 euros more. Then it is up to each one to see if the advantages it offers (such as the change from the ECO to the ZERO label) make up for the additional outlay, but it is not a trivial amount.
