Toyota RAV4 In-Depth Review | Is the hybrid powertrain worth it?

Watch our detailed review of the Toyota RAV4 SUV in mid-spec Design form. Here, Parkers reviewer James Dennison runs you through the RAV4’s performance, handling, interior, equipment and practicality as well as imparting some handy buying advice.

So, would you pick a RAV4 over the Skoda Karoq, Hyundai Tucson and Ford Kuga? Let us know.

Don’t forget to LIKE the video and SUBSCRIBE to the Parkers channel if you enjoyed this video, and give us your feedback in the comments section below.

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[billycasper]

I've actually test driven this car and the noise under acceleration is acceptable for a CVT. Most of these car reviewers are lazy and fall into the same cliches. Noisy CVT, scratchy/hard plastics, etc.

[LydiaSings]

I love the map screen being set at the top of the top of the dashboard! Easy to see map while driving.

[kubanskiloewe]

after over 20 years of AUDI i switched to Toyota and bought a used LExus superb powertrain, quiet and economic.

[SheldonElectricals]

There speaks a man who doesn't understand hybrid power trains! Where do they find these people??!

[dingbatt]

Poorly executed hybrid drivetrain? You have got to be kidding. Toyota have been honing their Hybrid Synergy Drive system for more than 20 years. This type of comment normally comes from reviewers that haven’t bothered to find out how the eCVT system works in Toyota and Lexus vehicles. When the petrol engine kicks in, it does so at optimum revs to provide the power required at the most efficient setting. Sure, drive it’s rivals, produce more CO2 and, in the case of diesels, spew a whole bunch of particulates into the air, and live with a belt driven CVT or dodgy DCT.

[smarticus]

It’s a good thing he has never heard a diesel rattle.

[ferencvad]

He said why would you not buy a diesel instead? Answer: it won’t last 15 years and no break downs

[robc]

Same old. I have no interest in carplay etc (lucky me eh) but I like the screen up on top where you don't have to take your eyes far from the road. The engine noise I found on my test to be very muted and very quiet on a motorway cruise, wind noise very subdued too, are you sure you had shut all the windows properly? Sure the engine makes some noise under hard work.. what car engine doesn't? Having driven a plug in hybrid for several years I am used to the disconnected engine note from road speed as its acting as a generator so perhaps it doesn't un-nerve me as much as several reviewers seem to feel. Anyway, never had a Toyota but looking forward to my first one later in the year, this car kills the competition on BIK and residuals (cheap leases). Not to mention equipment levels.

[amramweismann]

in normal driving with the engine running its 3 to 5 DB less noisy then my friend 2019 BMW X3 4 wheel drive on hard acceleration its 2 DB less noisy and i personally like the way the engine sounds when pushed i agree that they could have made the infotainment system more integrated like in the CHR but i like the positioning of it hi and in view i also like the fact that you have physical buttons to switch from screen to screen makes it that much more practical when driving. The navigation works nice and is not over instructing like some systems. yes the screen could be of higher resolution but is very clear even in sunny days with the panoramic roof open

[whiterockrunner]

thanks for pointing out the increased noise under acceleration in the hybrid. Lot of people think it will be very quiet compared to the gas rav4.. it is but only under speeds of 20mph when the gas engine does not turn on. If the gas engine turns on it will be the same as the gas rav4. It is not a big deal but people should know what to expect.

[DJ]

no mention of MPG???, like what did you average on your test of it?. Isnt that where this CUV shines?

[smackmud]

*Engine makes a slight sound

"Such a RACKET!"

[Kwisatzhaderachgiveadogabone]

Hybrids work and sound different, what a Twagedy! 😂 Get over it! I bet you complain about the lack of “Vroom Vroom” sounds in a Tesla.

[melvin]

Large SUV... Then I remember this is from EU/UK and not the USA

[no-oneman.]

What a garbage review by someone who does not understand hybrids at all. People who drive electric cars or hybrids adapt their driving, rarely do we have to hammer the engine. All engines will make a racket when pushed hard. It's like driving an electric car and then moaning about the handling due to the extra weight. This reviewer completely misses the point.

[djizzah]

it will outsell everything else in its class its not bad looking for a toyota bulletproof of course but infotainment system and screen are a disappointment

[miked]

He has totally missed the point ! Would never watch this guy again and waste my time .Have watched reviews which are intuitive which criticisms, but this guy is just a big whinger!!!

[Archie]

Poorly executed power train? Are you ok mate?

[ognjencorovic]

‘ poorly executed power train ’ HAHAHAHA

[jaronfisher]

“Battery charged by the engine”.. ah no, that’d be by the brakes champ