Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Detailed Review with Real World Economy

A detailed review of the 5th Generation Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (XA50) including a comprehensive overview of the interior and storage space. I drove it in the city, the country and on 70mph roads. I reset the trip computer to see what the efficiency is like on each drive. This particular car is the top spec four wheel drive dynamic.

Trim Levels:

Icon
Main features
17" light silver alloy wheels (5-spoke)
Spare Wheel
Toyota Safety Sense includes Pre-Collision System with Cyclist Detection, Day & Nighttime Pedestrian Detection, Full-range Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Trace Assist
8" touchscreen with Toyota Touch® 2 media system with smartphone integration, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, 6 speakers, DAB & Bluetooth® connectivity
Reversing camera
Rear parking sensors
Black roof rails
Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
Push-button start
LED Fog lights & automatic headlights
Black fabric seats
Electronic parking brake
Heated, auto-retractable door mirrors
Illuminated window switches
Rear privacy glass
eCall emergency call system
AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Approach System)
Grey roof lining

Design
Main features (additional to Icon)
18" dark silver alloy wheels (5-spoke)
Toyota Touch® 2 with Go navigation
Front parking sensors
Smart Entry with Motion Sensor Key
Power back door

Excel
Main features (additional to Design)
19" silver alloy wheels (5-double-spoke)
Leather interior, with heated front seats and power-sliding, height adjustable driver seat with lumbar support and memory function
Ambient lighting in cup holder and centre console tray areas
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Puddle lights on door mirrors
Projector LED headlights
Heated steering wheel and windscreen wiper de-icer
Headlight cleaner

Dynamic
Main features (additional to Design)
19" glossy black alloy wheels (10-spoke)
Black bi-tone roof, rear spoiler, antenna and door mirrors
Gloss black wheel arches and front and rear bumpers
Dynamic sport, heated front seats and power-sliding, height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support and blue stitching
Ambient lighting in cup holder and centre console tray areas
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Puddle lights on door mirrors
Black roof lining

00:00 Looks
00:41 Boot
01:24 Engine
01:58 Getting in and out
02:17 Rear interior
03:31 Driving position
04:36 Front interior
08:09 Trim levels
11:06 Manoeuvring
12:33 Country roads and launch
16:01 Urban driving
20:19 Motorway driving
26:51 Conclusion

[uzjtdof]

This is the first time I've seen you review a car and I'm mightily impressed with you, no showing off, real time driving, a brilliant all over review of every aspect the average driver wants. The Rav4 is a very impressive SUV, it time to say goodbye Evoque, hello Rav4.

[jonathanryan]

I purchased an XSE (US version) 2 months ago. Your review is spot on! After 15 years of Honda's I initially did not care for the Toyota's interior quality and drive dynamics. But the more I drive it and get used to the layout the more I love it. It is easily the best all around vehicle I have ever owned.

[paultrewin]

I have a Rav 4 with all the options in France. The car was made in Japan. Two things only touched on in this video which are absolutely superb. The heated steering wheel is one, but the winner is the heated windscreen. In winter the ice is cleared from my windscreen while I’m turning round in my driveway. No scraping, no delay. It just works. Like the whole car really.

[gzoltanJoy]

I've just ordered mine a week ago.
2024 Hybrid model.
I can't wait ❤

[RaymondoLeeTravel]

Mate that’s a cracking review! Very detailed especially with the MPG and hybrid running! As a previous owner of a Rav 4 I agree with everything you say!

[craigb]

Richard,
This is a very refreshing real world review, covering performance and usability of features that real people will care about. Keep up the good work. I will check out some more of your reviews.

[sniperpatch]

By far the most comprehensive rav 4 hybrid review that I have watched thank you . Subbed

[dougturner]

A well done review. So much more attention paid to driving dynamics which is most important to me. Thanks!

[bastar]

Best reviews on youtube. Loads of info people actually need and no gimmicky carwow stuff.

[simon]

I liked your honest review! Different and better than the usual reviewers on YouTube. Many thanks.

[DevonDumpling]

This is the best Rav4 vid by a country mile. It swung me to go order one. Thanks Richard.

[JMB]

Best review, no silly nonsense or trying to be a comedian, just everything you need to know as a potential buyer. 👍🏻

[marc]

My favourite driving instructor is now reviewing cars! Awesome content mate!

[jimmartin]

Another excellent review that I will hapily share with all my friends cause the work you are doing even on your second channel never dissapoints and is always of the highest quality for anyone who is intrested in helpful and honest car reviews.

[nirupmurs]

You are an amazing driver. Loved what you did there - 15:20 to 15:48 - my man, respect!! Excellent review.

[davidbailey]

Thanks again, Richard. I have just re-watched your excellent video. On Friday I did a short test drive in the Rav4 Design and was impressed (my current car is a bigger Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which I love, but it’s 7 years old). Yesterday I placed my order for the Rav4 and my confidence in the car is largely based upon your review, confirmed in my test drive. Cheers!

[ffotograffydd]

I’d already shortlisted this car and plan to test drive. Your review has been incredibly helpful because you concentrated on the importance things! Thank you!

[dainfowler]

Best review I've seen yet! Editing and cameras were great. I'm in the US, so there are a few differences in the models, and warranty. I'm getting a 2023 Woodland Edition. Thanks for explaining all the features to a layman.

[BDTTK]

Such a good detailed review, you really explained what it’s like to drive so well

[tj]

This is a really excellent review. You do yourself proud much better than some of the professionals you go into a lot of detail and really bring the car to the viewer. Fantastic job