Toyota RAV4 Edge

Overview

THE current generation Toyota RAV4 has been one of Australia’s favourite cars for the best part of a decade. Updated in late 2022, the Japanese-built five-seat SUV has topped the sales charts time and again, remaining a popular choice right up until stocks of the model began to run low.

With so little stock now available, it might seem odd that we’re evaluating the outgoing model; should you want to get a current-generation RAV4, you might be all out of luck. Though we reckon plenty of prospective buyers will be shopping a recently traded RAV4 when current owners buy a new one – and it is for them this review is intended.

The current generation Toyota RAV4 arrived in November 2022 as an MY23 update. Prices jumped by almost $3000 at the time to start from $36,550 and culminate at $55,150 for the Edge Hybrid AWD on test here.

The line-up introduced a more modern multimedia system, range-wide Toyota Connected Services telematics suite and newly introduced safety technologies, many of which were lifted from the then-new Corolla Cross.

The RAV4 also scored wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity and, on GX and GXL grades, a larger 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Higher grade XSE, Cruiser, and Edge variants stepped up to an even larger 10.5-inch infotainment array.

Additionally, GX and GXL variants adopted an improved multi-function display in the centre of the instrument panel (up to 7.0 inches from 4.2), while the XSE, Cruiser and Edge gained a full-width 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display.

All 12.3-inch arrangements show a digital speedometer and shift indicator in the centre of the display, with frequently used information such as active safety functions shown below, while the left and right sides can be adjusted to show a range of information such as fuel consumption and audio playback.

Regardless of variant, all RAV4 models picked up the useful Toyota Connected Services suite of safety and connectivity features as standard fare.

The technology offers remote vehicle monitoring, assistance in the event of an emergency and the ability to update vehicle software over-the-air and may be accessed through the myToyota Connect smartphone app providing information such as door and window status, remaining range and fuel level, and even vehicle location.

All RAV4 grades further gained cloud-based satellite navigation, meaning the optional navigation previously offered on GX hybrids was discontinued, with XSE grades and higher offering new-look embedded satellite navigation software accessed through the 10.5-inch touchscreen display.

Importantly, the RAV4 range also picked up an enhanced pre-collision system that bolsters occupant and road-user protection at intersections, emergency steering assist, an upgraded back guide monitor with dynamic guidance lines, and, on Cruiser and Edge variants, an upgraded panoramic view monitor with underfloor view.

Other enhancements include faster powered tailgate operation, the inclusion of USB-C charging ports, upgraded microphones, and LED projector-style headlights for (now defunct) petrol-powered Edge variants.

Toyota backs the RAV4 with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty which covers the vehicle and any Toyota Genuine Parts and Accessories. A two-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty applies to the 12-volt battery while the hybrid’s high-voltage battery is backed for eight years or 160,000km (whichever comes first).

Twenty-four-hour roadside assistance is included for the duration of the warranty period – provided the vehicle is serviced through the Toyota network – while service intervals pegged at 12 months or 15,000km (again, whichever comes first).

Schedule maintenance pricing is capped for five years or 75,000km with average service costs coming in at approximately $270 per visit.

Driving Impressions

Toyota has an all-new RAV4 just around the corner. As a motoring scribe, I always welcome the chance to drive the outgoing model before a new one arrives as it shows where improvements have been made – and sometimes where shortcuts have been taken.

Despite its design age, the current RAV4 remains a solid offering. It’s styling and human-machine interface have largely stood up well to the test of time, the cabin provides excellent accommodation and cargo provisions (542 litres in five-seat mode), the ergonomics are (mostly) sound, and the ride/handling mix is just about spot on.

We also really appreciate the mix of hard and soft buttons, particularly those for the climate control system which are very easy to locate without glancing down. Likewise, the ADAS technologies are cooperative and unintrusive, providing the necessary levels of assistance when required without being overwhelming.

The RAV4’s primary controls are sensibly weighted for a family car, the steering and braking action offering linear progression that, in the case of the latter especially, feels very un-hybrid-like – in a good way!

Regardless of whether the RAV4 is operating as an EV, or with the petrol or electric driveline in use, the brake pedal remains consistent – something that cannot be said of every hybrid we come across.

Were we to nitpick the RAV4 against some of those newer rivals, though, we would be quick to notice a lack of vertical adjustment in the driver’s seat (it simply won’t go low enough for our liking), an abundance of road and wind noise, and fuel consumption that will likely be bettered very soon.

Sure, we love the perky response of the larger 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (163kW combined) and the eager calibration of the continuously variable transmission. There’s always plenty in reserve for overtaking, and hill climbing is a doddle.

But the transition from petrol to electric power and back again is not as smooth as some newer rivals, which may go some of the way to explaining the higher fuel use experienced on test.

In mostly rural driving, we noted a 6.0-litre per 100km average, or 25 per cent more than the claimed combined average.

Given the economy found in the Toyota Camry Hybrid – which features the same new-generation hybrid system as is under the bonnet of the next-generation RAV4 – we reckon the new model will certainly shape us as a more economical alternative.

That said, a 6.0-litre result is nothing to criticise, especially when you consider the performance and all-wheel drive grip the RAV4 offers. With a new model just around the corner, we reckon the current RAV4 will stand up as an excellent used car – or a cheaper new option, should you be able to find one.

The price tag of the new RAV4 sits some $3020 and $5930 more than the current one – which means it might be worth considering a current-gen car if you’re shopping on a budget.