It’s not easy to think of the RAV4 as old. Yet it’s already 28 years, and that’s in the shade. Toyota has added two hybrids to the RAV4 lineup, adding a bit of green-minded pizzazz to the popular model’s range.
The latest addition reminds us of just how much this popular SUV has grown. Perhaps fortunately, the first model was a compact three-door. This allowed lots of room for expansion and there is a lot of expanding involved in 28 years. The really big changes were made in 2019 when the body grew longer and wider but shrank somewhat to cheat some of that drag-creating wind. But not to attract any negative criticism, Toyota made sure that the ground clearance improved by 15mm. All-round a big improvement that will last for some time to come. So no big changes at the moment.
What we do have to add sparkle to the range is two revamped hybrid models, the GX-R CVT Hybrid E-four and the flagship VX CVT Hybrid E-four. We piloted the former with its black cladding befitting the sporty nature of that badge and complimented by LED lighting all-round. The VX is the flagship model that differs only in some added spec.
New colour schemes have been added with particularly attractive non-metallic brightwork in tidal blue and urban khaki that could set a trend. The interior shows upmarket class with mostly soft-touch material, very supportive sporty seats, in the case of the GX-R, both air-conditioned and heated. Orange stitching is used on the seats and is complimented by some orange trimmed oddments trays. Five USB ports now keep all devices happy, plus two 12V outlets, wireless charging and the usual other extras as expected. Electric adjustment is supplied for the driver’s seat too.
The 2,5-litre engine plus electric motor are located up-front with another motor at the rear to take control of the rear-wheel drive, giving all-wheel drive. The Li-ion battery pack is also rear-mounted. As before, the 2,5-litre engine produces 131 kW and 221 N.m and combined with the electric motor power the total is 163 kW. Claimed fuel consumption is 4,71 L/100 km. On our test route that included town, country, gravel and freeway, we saw a consumption of 5,8L/100 km which, for this size of luxury vehicle, is quite spectacular and not far off the usually ambitious claim. The car runs extremely silently with excellent NVH levels.
The gravel roads close to Cullinan that we drove were not at all smooth with a number a potholes and mud drifts. The traction control and constant shifting of drive between front and rear was un-noticeable but could be seen via the on-board display. On pull-away more power will be sent rearwards, then in normal cruise mode front-wheel drive will be employed. All other traction requirements are automatically adjusted to suit the conditions. The 18-inch wheels fitted to the Hybrids cope well enough off-road and have the benefit of allowing the inclusion of a full-size allow spare. This is not the case with others in the range. These have 19-inch wheels that are too large for the wheel well.
Towing capability is increased to 1 000 kg for a braked trailer. As before, the service plan has six services over 90 000 km and the warranty lasts for three years or 100 000 km. More relevant is the battery warranty which is eight years or 195 000 km.
FAST FACTS:
Model: Toyota RAV4 2,5 GX-R CVT Hybrid E-Four Price: R644 100 0 to 100 km/h: na Top speed: 180 km/h Power: 163 kW Torque: 221 +e N.m Fuel consumption: 4,8 L/100km
CO₂: 110 g/km
Words: Peter Palm
Keyword: DRIVEN: Toyota RAV4 2,5 GX-R CVT Hybrid E-Four