The new fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has the same innovative spirit with its atypical exterior.
The car is called "a bold stylistic language". Its creators have used many innovative solutions that have appeared in the automotive industry in recent years. The road clearance is increased by 15 mm which together with the big wheels widens the usage scope of the hybrid.
Japanese radiator grille has become more elegant, the front bumper has been modernized, and beautiful headlights have been created using LED technology. The rear optics also became more stylish.
Advantages
Given the fuel prices, which continue to rise, users are looking at hybrids, which will allow to save significantly.
According to the tests conducted by the Americans, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid fuel consumption is 6.3 liters per hundredth in the city mode and 5.7 liters on the highway. Gasoline models have much more - 9,4 liters in a city and 7,1 liters outside a megapolis.
The all-wheel drive novelty Toyota RAV4 has electric motor rotating the rear wheels, which gives an advantage in traction and power: the total power is 219 hp.
Controllability
The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is based on the TNGA-K platform, which it shares with the Camry and Avalon. It allowed increasing the rigidity of the body by almost 57% and placing the engine with the transmission lower, which had a positive effect on the handling. The latter became better even on average quality roads.
However, the suspension has become less rigid and the response to the steering wheel is slightly delayed. It does not allow the automobile to react to the actions of the driver as the Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V "knows".
But, as a whole, steerability of Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is not bad for a crossover, which mass is more than 1700 kg.
The rolls are controlled well, so the car enters the corners with dignity.
The 18-inch wheels with Dunlop Grandtrek tires help in it.
Roads with an abundance of potholes and hills do not scare this car, as the suspension perfectly copes with shock absorption, which is a greater achievement than even steerability.
Drive
In normal use the steering wheel is not bad and for sure it should be like that here. But at the same time the VAG competitors of the same class steer better, and here it is not informative enough. Of course, it is not difficult to direct the car along the trajectory, but here the suspension begins to give up earlier and the car willingly pulls out, and if to overdo the speed - the back suspension seems to be unpredictable. The car is equipped with a sport mode, but there is no desire to dash around in RAV4.
At first I didn't even understand what it was about, but I found the answer on one of the YouTube channels. There you can clearly see how the RAV4 fails the elk test. Yes, the conditions are, to put it mildly, difficult. Speed of 75 km/h is a lot, but KIA Sportage passed this test much better. Probably the reason is also in the slippery stock rubber, but a fact is a fact.
The previous Rav4 was rigid enough. This one is much more comfortable. If you want to drive in normal city modes with comfort - you have come to the right place. In the new RAV4 in this respect, everything is as it should be. Now precisely we can say that such suspension and should be in a family crossover. It is necessary to notice only that struts work not too aristocratically on compression.
It's a pleasure to drive the RAV4 around the city. Adequate steering, comfortable suspension, good noise insulation. But you should not drive this car at speed. Firstly, the running gear is not calculated for it, and secondly - brakes. The brake pedal here is kind of "cotton" and you don't always understand when brakes will grab. But it is necessary to tell that it is peculiarity of the hybrid version. Besides, despite that it is really silent at a low speed, especially on electric drive, the sound of pressing of this pedal of the brake really annoys in the interior. It is even strange somehow.
As for fuel consumption, we heard different things. Someone says about 4,5 liters in the city, and someone got the figure of 9 liters. I will say so: if you set a goal to save money, you can enter 6 liters in normal traffic without any problems. It's also possible to get less, but with some tricks. If you drive absolutely without limiting yourself, it will turn out something about seven liters. In general, the consumption is excellent, and period.
The exterior
Despite its massiveness, the petrol-electric Toyota RAV4 Hybrid does not look like a sissy. It's excitable and is able to give everyone the pleasure of driving, even though the brake pedal is very soft, and the steering is not sufficiently clear and responsive.
It became more masculine, because it does not have, as competitors do, rounded lines, which crossovers approached the classic passenger cars, which lost the very meaning of the crossover.
The front end of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is styled after the brand. The trend is supported by square wheel arches. The rear compared to the older models has become more relief.
Manufacturing quality, materials
Toyota's interior is equipped rationally, but comfortably. Japanese lower foam covers most of the area above the knees and the armrests. The fabric cushions on the front seats with a slightly tapered surface are soft. How comfortable it is to sit on depends on the desired posture. Those who like to get close to the steering wheel have to compromise. An additional range of steering column adjustment is desirable.
The rear seat is fixed, but its backrest can be adjusted in several steps. In the outermost rear position, you can sit quite comfortably. On the whole, everything looks good. Nothing wobbles or rattles.
Equipment
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is available for Americans in the Hybrid Limited package, in which entertainment and media are available to passengers through the Toyota Entune 3 interface implemented on the 8-inch touch screen. The screen has excellent response to presses, and Entune has clear large icons, duplicated by the physical keys on the sides of the screen.
Navigation is provided in-house, JBL audio system, including 11 speakers, connectivity, Bluetooth.
USB port will help charge your tablet and phone. In addition to it, there is a 12-volt outlet and a wireless charging pad located at the base of the center console. There are additional 2.1A USB connectors in the center armrest. The same are available in the rear center console for the passengers of the second row.
All modifications of Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have:
a system that warns of a possible collision, activating the automatic braking in case of an emergency;
auto-switching of lights (high and low);
system that recognizes lanes and road signs;
blind spot monitoring and side-approaching traffic warning;
digitally adjustable mirrors;
All-around visibility (optional).
Features and prices
The cost and equipment of the car depends on the date of its production:
The 2021 version is equipped with the XLE series (for $28,700) and Limited (for $33,600). The basic configuration is equipped with air conditioning, 4 speakers, airbags, and 18-inch wheels. Expensive versions are available with leather upholstery, powerful multimedia, climate control, and electric flaps and trunk.
Who is suitable for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
The car will appeal to fans of long journeys. It is an excellent choice as a family car, as it is roomy and comfortable. Crossover is not bad for young people who choose somewhere a big company because of the fuel economy and a spacious trunk. Fans of extreme driving speak well of the crossover - it confidently travels on highways, mountain passes and unpaved roads.
