Is It Still The Best Midsize SUV? (Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2024 Review)

Detailed review and test of the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, including fuel economy, value for money, interior, ride comfort and more.

The Toyota RAV4 has now been on sale for six years, it was good then but is it still good now?

Available in the popular hybrid or pure petrol options, the RAV4 range has seen some price increases in recent years but few significant updates since it was previously crowed the best midsize SUV by Chasing Cars in 2022.

Powered by a 160kW 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid the RAV4 promises solid-real world fuel efficiency and enough performance to appease most buyers, along with comfort and handling that may surprise you.

Journalist Olek Novak shares his take on the RAV4 and discusses supply in Australia and what other options are available to buy in 2024.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:24 - Wait times
1:27 - Price
1:59 - Supply
2:45 - Interior
3:58 - Seat comfort
5:23 - Touchscreen
6:05 - Back Seats
7:15 - No third row
7:58 - Boot
9:01 - Towing capacity
9:30 - Baby seats
10:12 - Running costs
11:31 - Safety
11:58 - Powertrains
12:42 - Driving impressions
14:23 - Do you need AWD?
15:05 - Comfort
16:34 - Verdict

Chasing Cars makes Australia's most independent car reviews.

[coldude]

I ordered mine today, I can't wait to take delivery in 5 years!!

[KookaburraAU]

I ordered my Toyota RAV4 hybrid Cruiser AWD frosted white on 1/2/24 and take delivery on 2/5/24. $60K drive away. Less than 4 months from order to delivery.

[kbling]

Look he’s right, they aren’t the most high tech but they really are the complete package. I test drove every SUV before finally buying my new ‘23 Hybrid AWD Cruiser. People say whatever they want and I have no allegiance to any brand but I couldn’t go past the RAV as a package.

[Tim_in_Australia]

You guys do it better than the rest. Love your work!

[esteban]

I recently purchased RAV4 XSE Hybrid AWD. It took 3 weeks for delivery. Currently Loving it. Coming from 05 Scion TC is a big upgrade for me.

[bliN.K_ray]

I ordered mine couple of weeks ago (NSW) . They are promising max 6months wait. Cruiser hybrid AWD!

[Filo_Guy]

The beeping of the boot can be removed at the dealership at time of pickup or during the maintenance.

[Bob-tc]

After my order was pushed back, dealer games .. I ve said FU Toyota.. got a Mazda CX5 turbo top spec much better value and more fun, does everything I wanted.. never looked back.

[greenchutneyman]

I ordered my rav4 awd cruiser in Nov 2023. I just got an email yesterday that it's been picked up by the factory and is going into production. So maybe another 3 months till I take delivery. My concern is they release the new model as soon as I take delivery. But considering the amount of orders still pending they may delay another year. I really wanted the prime phev. But no luck in aus. If they do release a new version I'm sure it will have its own issues. As do all new cars. At least this one is more refined by the end of its life cycle. Swings and roundabouts. :)

[bauboni]

best in what?
mechanically? yes
fuel usage? yes
interior / exterior / driving engagement - not even close

[Andidas_]

There's a setting in the manual you can get your dealer to modify in order to turn the beeping into a single beep

[Veritasnetwork]

You can switch off the boot beeping in settings.

[ZeryusXD]

I think this exact model is the sweet spot for me

[terp]

This review might sound like an advert for the RAV4, but I've been driving my 2023 Hybrid for over a year now, and I can vouch for Olek's positive comments. The RAV4 is hard to beat as an all-'rounder. I particularly like its solidity and overall feeling of quality. Toyota got it right.

[visceralpsyche]

The boot beep on my Japanese 2020 RAV4 Hybrid can be set to off in the vehicle settings menu accessible via the steering wheel. Maybe the Aussie ones have that too?

[MrNipsi]

If you want 7 seats, you could go for the Kluger hybrid.

[carmattvidz]

I order my 2024 Rav4 GX Hybrid on the 26th of August 2024 and i was told 6-8month wait.

[jamesmitchell]

All but the first rear tail gate beep can be turned off.

[BigPoppaAA]

6:12 6 foot?? are you living in USA?? 7:54 that's a Tank 300 image you are showing. Test drove one it's not even close to the price it asks for now. Constant droning from CVT and loud wind noise at freeway speeds.

[samhowie]

I ordered one in Feb and was told there is a two year wait. The salesman was not going to overcommit.