Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2021 review | Chasing Cars

We drive the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL this midsize SUV compares.

Why have Australians flocked to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in record numbers? How has this crossover displaced the Mazda CX-5 at the top of the SUV sales tree? What’s so good about it? Well, when we ran a RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid eFour we thought that was good, but the mid-spec GXL Hybrid packs even more value, so that’s what we are looking at in depth today.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid aims to blend decent power with excellent fuel economy, and it’s a package that seems to be working here in Australia.

In today’s video, Tom takes a detailed look at the mid-range GXL Hybrid eFour AWD to give you detailed insights about this vehicle.

What do you think of this car? Leave a comment below.

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[HazeyAuto]

First time new car buyer here, have put a deposit down and am in line for an AWD Cruiser Hybrid. I was impressed in the off the line performance that this drivetrain delivers (I’m old fashioned and come from a long history of locally made V8 vehicles that aren’t as family friendly) and had Toyota had told me that the Prime was on the cards I would have waited for it. I’m also a fan of the TOM’S body kit that’s available for these!

[limpunsing]

Toyota hybrid system is the smoothest & most refined by far

[bengloster]

If the prime was available in Australia it would be an instant buy for me, the current market is good but we're on the precipice of a flood of electric/hybrid cars in the next 5 years. It's a big commitment to buy a $40k+ car when there's a paradigm shift on the horizon. Personally the prime would be a great option, electric for daily commute but the petrol engine for cross country trips.

[SydneySewerat]

The Rav4 Prime is perfect for Australia from an EV range anxiety and 0 to 100kph perspective (5.9 secs), but you won't see it here. It cannibalises Toyota's internal combustion mkt with lower margins.
I just bought a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Love it. Once you taste EV, you can't go back.

[vinayshsureshram]

Ordered the 2022 RAV4 Edge Hybrid AWD Atomic Rush with Orchid Brown/Light grey interior. Delivery in March.

[andresalv]

I own one and is fantastic. Better than my previus Tiguan. The fuel economy is insane. 💪🏼

[caldeer]

would certainly be keen to see the PHEV version come to Australia

[kbling]

Thanks Tom for another great review! Perhaps you could touch on the life expectancy of the RAV4 batteries and their replacement costs as this may offset the great fuel economy. This will only affect people like myself who plan on keeping their car for a long time.
Cheers

[passerbyfromthesea]

I just hope they can bring the panoramic sunroof into the cruise model then the rav4 would be completed

[jonathanharvey]

I also love my 2020 RAV4 cruiser hybrid for all the reasons Tom indicated. And from what as t I’ve read so far the RAV4 Prime once it comes to Australia will become one of the stand out cars that other PHEV cars will be compared.

[kodessa]

If only Subaru did the same thing with their hybrid Forester. I would've bought one in a heart beat.

[SuperTorquemaster]

2021 has moved to Li-Ion batteries as opposed to Ni-Mh on the 2020 and previous models, otherwise same/same. And yes, the Plug-In Hybrid would be a game changer here in suburban Australia, but i needs to be at a reasonable price.

[stephengrainger]

Hi Tom. Thanks for yet another excellent review. You and your team are doing a great job. I like the RAV 4 Hybrid but dislike the length of time it takes to get one. I know I’m being ‘precious’. I understand the reasons for the delay and accept ‘it is what it is’. That doesn’t change my favourable view of the car. I just wish it wasn’t such a wait.

[peterjames-martin]

Excellent presentation, most useful analysis.

[kamaldaruwalla]

Can anybody tell me why the price of a 2019 2nd hand GX HYBRID that's done 88590 kms is selling for $ 47500/- that's close to 15 K over the new driveway price quoted in this video!

[justincoleiro]

Love my Rav 4 cruiser hybrid, but reckon the Prime would be awesome.

[mcavs]

We ordered the top of the range Edge Jungle Khaki with the Panoramic Sunroof & Light Grey Interior, found it to be a more overall better refined car than the Cruiser, hopefully have it by the beginning of April.

[qldgooner]

we picked up our cruiser hybrid AWD two weeks ago and have been really impressed with it . it's far exceeded our expectations thus far. we added a fair few accessories which bumped the price right up but it's getting very favorable comments from friends and family. it was actually Chasing Cars which turned us towards this model as we were going for the Edge initially. That proved to be disappointing on the test drive.

[vignesh]

Nice video. Is this Mineral Blue Color?

[amido]

You reckon the wait list would be 12 months atm? Considering the 2.5 litre hybrid in atomic rush or white