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 strains between metropolis automobile 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 like it. Over 31 years and 5 generations, the RAV4 has gone on to grow 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 spite of everything, Toyota Australia has confirmed the sixth-generation RAV4 will arrive within the first half of 2026, bringing a recent look, new powertrains, and know-how upgrades.
What’s extra, the competitors is hotter than ever. RAV4 rivals embrace, however will not be 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 great time to buy round.
So, with a substitute on the horizon and adversaries nipping at its heels, we spent per week behind the wheel of a well-appointed RAV4 Cruiser FWD to see if it’s value shopping for in 2025.
How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 price?
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 yr.
| 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 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
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What’s the Toyota RAV4 like on the within?
There’s not a lot “shock and delight” concerning the within a RAV4, however the inside stays a useful area that caters to simply about all wants.
Whereas bodily buttons are going out of style, you don’t need to be an iPad child to make changes within the RAV4.
Under the infotainment display sits a conventional local weather management panel with temperature dials, and the old school gear lever is inconceivable to overlook. It’s likewise simple to modify between drive modes utilizing a rotary selector positioned by the motive force’s left knee.
The tech is all very easy, too. Larger 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 truly use their automobiles every day, Toyota hasn’t bothered to boost the infotainment system with a ‘Disco Mode’ or selfie digital camera. Slightly, it’s a easy unit that prioritises in style features similar to smartphone mirroring, navigation, and digital radio. All could be accessed by means of shortcut icons pinned to the correct facet of the display.
Apart from 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. When you desperately want a steady connection, there’s all the time the choice to pair your cellphone utilizing the USB-A outlet beneath the centre stack. A pair of USB-C charging retailers can be discovered within the centre console.
The digital instrument cluster contains giant gauges with customisable information readouts in every, so you possibly can regulate issues like gas financial system and tyre pressures. The show has a sharper look than the infotainment display, and it’s a major 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 patrons to spend up on the dealership.
No matter trim degree, the RAV4 does with no head-up show, which units it again in comparison with fashionable rivals.
However in Cruiser trim, the RAV4 remains to be greater than aggressive when it comes to 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 snug highway journey companion.
Different excessive visitors areas are completed in soft-touch plastics, aside from the perimeters of the centre tunnel which aren’t all that snug to relaxation your knee towards.
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 prime 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 area for kids and adults alike to journey in consolation. At 6’1″, I used to be pleasantly shocked to discover a full inch of area 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 by means of the center of the ground, so the center seat is completely usable.
Rear facilities embrace twin USB-C retailers, air vents, a central armrest and shiny overhead lighting, whereas drinks could be saved within the doorways or devoted cupholders within the armrest.
Toyota quotes 542 litres of boot area for this explicit RAV4 variant, which is about par for the section. 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 whenever you’re coping with cumbersome gadgets like furnishings or home equipment.
The boot additionally comprises helpful extras like a 12V energy supply, retractable cargo blind, and tie down factors on the ground.
Ought to further area be required, the rear bench folds flat to broaden the storage space. Underneath the boot flooring you’ll discover a area saver spare tyre.
| Dimensions | Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD |
|---|---|
| Size | 4600mm |
| Width | 1855mm |
| Peak | 1685mm |
| Wheelbase | 2690mm |
| Cargo capability | 542L |
To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Hybrid energy is now commonplace proper throughout the RAV4 vary, leaving patrons 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 |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 4.7L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 6.1L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 55 litres |
| Gasoline requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 107g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 5 |
| Braked towing capability | 480kg |
The following-generation RAV4 will likely be supplied 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 autos 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 essentially the most highly effective RAV4 up to now – 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 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How does the Toyota RAV4 drive?
The Cruiser could sit towards the sharp finish of the RAV4 vary, but it surely’s no totally 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 yr, committing to hybrid energy as a method of decarbonising the lineup. As such, RAV4 patrons are left with one easy alternative – front- or all-wheel drive.
In case your life-style entails filth roads or campgrounds, spending up for all-wheel drive is a no brainer. In spite of everything, peace of thoughts is value no less than a number of grand.
However for city-slickers, there’s so much to be mentioned for FWD variations of the RAV4, even people who aren’t totally 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 recognized.
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 check automobile sipped a median of 6.1L/100km over the course of per 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 alternate options.
Along with unrivalled effectivity, Toyota’s hybrid system affords ample efficiency in city driving. Whereas no featherweight, the RAV4 feels zippy round city, with sufficient electrical torque to rapidly 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 character 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 by means of the suburbs with confidence.
And whereas the trip is on the firmer facet, the suspension soaks up bumps with out transmitting harshness and vibrations into the cabin. The RAV4 can also 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 supposed with solely a lightweight contact. That is significantly irritating in stop-start visitors, and drew complaints from passengers who hardly ever 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 type 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 so much to love although. The RAV4 cruises fortunately at 100km/h and isn’t quick on overtaking energy. Additional, Toyota’s superior adaptive cruise management system helps to cut 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 great, as you’d anticipate from a tall SUV, though the rear window could possibly be greater. You gained’t have any points parking although, because the Cruiser is supplied with entrance and rear sensors, in addition to a surround-view digital camera with a number of views which is relatively useful in tight buying centre carparks.
To see how the Toyota RAV4 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What do you get?
The RAV4 is obtainable in 5 totally different trim ranges – on check right here is the Cruiser variant.
2026 Toyota RAV4 GX gear 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 cellphone 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 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
Is the Toyota RAV4 secure?
The RAV4 has a five-star security score from ANCAP, primarily based on assessments performed by Euro NCAP in 2019.
| Class | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 93 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Weak highway consumer safety | 85 per cent |
| Security help | 83 per cent |
Customary security gear contains:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Daytime bicycle owner detection
- Intersection help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Lane Hint Help (lane centring)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Emergency Steering Help
- Pace 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 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How a lot does the Toyota RAV4 price to run?
The RAV4 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Toyota doesn’t supply 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 yr |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years or 75,000km |
| Common annual service price | $270 |
| Complete capped-price service price | $1350 |
Whereas roadside help will price you a number of further bucks, the RAV4 remains to be cheaper to service than most rivals.
The recognition of this mannequin additionally interprets to robust 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 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD
The RAV4 is Australia’s favorite SUV (and best-selling Toyota) for good motive – it’s a sensible and environment friendly package deal with runs on the board.
And that package deal is arguably finest skilled in Cruiser trim, as examined right here. The additional outlay nets an entire heap of premium gear 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 seems 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 one of the vital well-rounded autos in its section. Positive, there’s an all-new RAV4 arriving in early 2026, however that could be too lengthy a await some. It additionally stays to be seen whether or not the next-generation RAV4 stays an inexpensive choice for Australian households, and certainly whether or not it’s any higher than the mannequin it replaces – which it can must be given the numerous value hikes anticipated.
As such, the present mannequin remains to be nicely value shortlisting for those who’re after a fuss-free mid-size SUV.
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