In-depth reviews

Toyota RAV4 owner reviews

"The hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 will appeal to company-car drivers and its striking design helps it stand out in a busy class”

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.5 out of 5

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Reviews

Owner Reviews

  • 5 out of 5
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  • 3 out of 5
  • 2 out of 5
  • 1 out of 5
thumbs up100%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

  • Electrics (1 case)

Review 1 of 2

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Excel 4x4

Year

2019

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

44
Tell us what you think about your car?
Replaced a VW 7 year old Touareg bought from new. Surprised how far technology has advanced in those years. Car is used daily with two long trips a year and daily runs to supermarket etc. Averages 44 mph, although on one slow drive day in France it achieved 61mpg. Acceleration better than the Touareg which surprised me, as did the electric motor cutting in on the motorway whilst doing 80. Driving a hybrid is a little like playing a video game! Very comfortable motorway cruiser but also showed itself very capable on rough tracks and off road in France. Not like my old Isuzu Trooper, but still good enough to venture into forest or along river bank tracks for picnics away from the roads. Satnav easy to use, sound system is good. The much criticised engine noise seems to be a fantasy sound - or perhaps reviewers just try to make the engine roar by slamming their foot to the floor. Only once have I found it intrusive, under hard acceleration up a steep hill, and then the kind of roar I suspect those same reviewers would love in a sport car. I have loaded it up, seats down, with four foot square paintings with no problems. The only reservation I have is the seats are not as good as the Touareg - but then it is half the price - and a hybrid.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.4 4WD Excel Hybrid

Year

2019

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

53
Tell us what you think about your car?
This replaced a 2017 Rav4 hybrid of the last generation, bought, like the previous one, on a 0% PCP; the new generation car is a marked step up in every way; more economical (average 53 vs 47mpg), much improved ride and handling, faster, better styled (to my eyes) outside and in, and a usefully shaped flat boot, unlike the old one. Others comment favourably about the quietness of the drive and the improved trim. Not unusual to attain mpg figures in upper 50s or even low 60s under ideal circumstances and driving to suit the type of power source. Figures as with all electric vehicles depend upon the ambient temperature. The drawbacks include some surprising faults (drivers memory seat non functional on delivery, 2 of the 5 USB sockets not live, no spare wheel if you opt for the panoramic roof, and the SatNav is poor by modern standards). Mine was only the second delivered to our local dealership so may be the victim of early build issues; the seat was cured by a software reboot and I can live with "only" 3 USB sockets! Overall, it's a very good and remarkably economical medium SUV; strongly recommended.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

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