Toyota RAV4 Review 2026

March 2018

Fifth generation Toyota RAV4 launched

Has a new CVT, which is the world’s first to feature a launch gear that significantly improves transmission efficiency at low speeds. It delivers direct and smooth response to the driver’s use of the accelerator pedal, and improves fuel efficiency by 6% compared to its predecessor. 4,600mm long x 1,855mm wide on 30mm longer wheelbase.

Wheel and tyre sizes are 17-inch with 225/65 R17 tyres or 19-inch with 235/55 R19 tyres.

Toyota’s new 2.0 litre 180PS Dynamic Force Engine uses high-speed combustion technologies and a variable control system. It has been engineered to achieve higher thermal efficiency, with a reduction in the losses associated with exhaust and cooling systems, the friction between moving parts and other operating aspects.

For the 2.0 litre Dynamic Force Engines Toyota has developed a new hybrid electric system, using the same size, weight and loss-reducing technologies applied in the current, fourth generation Prius. The new system gives improved driving performance while maintaining superior fuel efficiency. Under acceleration, the hybrid system reduces engine revs while drawing increased electric power from the battery.

For All Wheel Drive models, Toyota has developed two new all-wheel drive systems with the aim of improving fuel efficiency and achieving high levels of AWD handling, stability and off-road performance.

The new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system is designed for use in petrol-powered vehicles. It uses a torque vectoring mechanism, which independently distributes torque to the left and right wheels according driving conditions, allowing the driver to steer the vehicle exactly as intended.

The new E-Four system will be used in hybrid electric vehicles. It delivers 30 per cent more total torque to the rear wheels (which are electrically driven) than the current version. By using a new control system that optimally distributes torque to the rear wheels, based on driving conditions, it delivers a high level of off-road performance, handling and stability.

December 2018

Prices announced for Toyota RAV4

There is a range of nine exterior colours, including new Urban Khaki, Cyan Splash, Obsidian Blue and Galaxy Black. Metallic paint and a bi-tone finish are included in the standard specification of the Dynamic models, combining a black roof and pillars with White Pearl, Silver Blade, Decuma Grey or Obsidian Blue bodywork. On Excel models, the leather upholstery can be specified in black, grey or beige.

July 2020

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Black Edition announced

Based on Dynamic grade. Features Galaxy Black paint and black styling highlihgts including the 19-inch alloy wheels. The inside features black synthetic leather with grey stitching. Will go on sale from October 2020 with prices to be confirmed.

December 2020

Toyota RAV4 Plug-in priced from £47,395

The new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the new flagship of Toyota’s hybrid electric range and also the most powerful RAV4 yet, its system producing 306PS. Its default operating mode will be all-electric, with its new plug-in hybrid system enabling a 46-mile driving range on a full battery charge (WLTP data) and speeds up to 84mph. Official fuel consumption is 282mpg with 22g/km CO2 emissions (WLTP combined cycle), securing a benefit-in-kind rate of just six per cent for company car tax payers.

Featuring a 2.5-litre petrol engine, a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery, the RAV4 Plug-in delivers both more rewarding performance (0-62mph in six seconds) and drivability, with 50 per cent more available at 37mph compared to the standard RAV4 Hybrid.

The new model will be available in two equipment grades: Dynamic and Dynamic Premium. Based on the equivalent RAV4 Hybrid specification, RAV4 Plug-in Dynamic will offer 19-inch machined-face alloy wheels, nine-inch multimedia touchscreen, access to connected services, heated front and rear seats and LED projector headlights. To support its EV capability, it will come with a 6.6kW (32A) cable for fast charging (wall box system required).

The Dynamic premium version adds features include black leather upholstery, front seats with ventilation and memory settings, panoramic roof, head-up display and JBL Premium Sound System.

On-the-road prices are £47,395 for the RAV4 Plug In Dynamic and £50,895 for the Dynamic Premium. Orders will be accepted from 4 January with first vehicles being delivered to customers during the second quarter of 2021.

May 2021

New Design trim lowers Toyota RAV4 PHEV start price to £46,495.

Taking its place as the new gateway model in the line-up, the RAV4 Plug-in Design delivers a wealth of advanced technology features for safety, multimedia connectivity, comfort and style.

The Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system includes a nine-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, satellite navigation and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The dual-zone air conditioning system has a remote operation function, so the cabin can be warmed or cooled in advance of a journey, and both front and outer rear seats have integrated heaters.

Convenience features include power driver’s seat adjustment, a reversing camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, smart entry and push-button start and auto-folding door mirrors with integrated puddle lights. The five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels have a contrast dark grey and bright machined finish. Automatic LED dual-beam projector headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, power tailgate and front and rear parking sensors are also provided as standard, together with RAV4 Plug-in’s full complement of Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems, plus a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto braking.

The RAV4 Plug-in is the most powerful version of Toyota’s mid-size SUV, with maximum power of 302bhp from its 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid system, yet it also achieves class-leading performance in terms of zero emissions driving, range, CO 2 emissions and fuel efficiency.

It operates as an authentic electric vehicle: EV running is its default mode, in which it can cover up to 46 miles in urban driving (WLTP city cycle) on a full battery charge, comfortably more than the average European daily commute, and reach speeds of 84mph (where permitted), with no intervention from the hybrid powertrain. When extra engine power is needed, the capability of the 2.5-litre engine ensures efficiency remains class-leading. Battery charging is simple and safe and can be accomplished in 2.5 hours using a 230V/32A connection.

September 2021

Toyota RAV4 Adventure announced

The RAV4 Adventure makes its intentions clear with its more purposeful front-end design. The new look, all-black grille has greater visual impact, with the Toyota emblem moving down from the leading edge of the bonnet to a central position on double horizontal bars that cross the centre of the unit. The vehicle’s commanding stance and SUV capability is amplified by setting the front fog lights in new black surrounds and fitting a bright silver-finished under-run.

The effect is enhanced by wider wheel arches and new 19-inch alloy wheels with a matt grey finish. At the rear there’s a matching silver under-run.

In the cabin there’s a dedicated upholstery design for the seats, combining smooth, black synthetic leather with deeply quilted back and cushion sections, with contrasting orange stitching. RAV4 Adventure scuff plates are also fitted.

UK deliveries for the new Toyota RAV4 Adventure and the refreshed RAV4 model range will begin in first quarter of 2022. Prices and further details will be announced nearer the on-sale date.

June 2022

Toyota RAV4 updated for 2023 model year

Toyota has revealed a series of upgrades for the new 2023 RAV4, a raft of enhancements that focus on improving life on board with new multimedia systems and a customisable new digital driver’s instrument display. Safety is enhanced, too, with new functions added to the Toyota Safety Sense systems.

The new RAV4 adopts Toyota’s latest multimedia system which features a larger 10.5-inch screen with a high-definition colour display.

Smartphone integration with Android Auto® is available and for added convenience, wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay® is featured as standard.

There are more ways to communicate with your car using the new on-board voice agent that will respond to spoken requests to adjust the climate control, choose multimedia options, make a phone call, or open and close the windows. “Hey Toyota” is designed to understand conversational speech, so if you say “I’m cold” it will respond by closing the windows or raising the air conditioning temperature.

A further, optional multimedia system is also available, offering additional functions. It introduces an embedded navigation system that will operate when no data connection is available. It also recognises highway signs and can provide local weather alerts and notify the driver of restricted LEZs (low emission zones).

The new RAV4 comes with more remote functions the driver can make use of without having to be in or near their vehicle. The familiar worries about whether you have left a window open, the doors unlocked or the lights on after you’ve walked away from your car are addressed with remote notifications to confirm the vehicle is secure. This feature is standard on all new RAV4 models.

You can also lock and unlock the doors – a handy feature if someone without a key needs access, for example to drop off a parcel or to clean the car. The hazard lights can also be flashed, making the vehicle easier to spot in a big or busy car park. These features are newly standard on mid-grade models, together with remote operation of the climate control to warm up or cool the cabin before making a journey.

It’s a feature of all new Toyota models that the driver can view and take in key vehicle data at-a-glance, so there is least distraction from their focus on driving and the road ahead. The new RAV4 introduces a new digital combimeter in the instrument binnacle that comes with flexible display settings. There is a choice of four styles and three layouts and personalisation options for the 12.3-inch display so the driver can choose the most relevant information needed between the numerical speedometer and digital dials, as well as other information such as an eco-driving meter, audio track information, or Adaptive Cruise Control display, among others.

These layouts are presented in four different style themes for a more customised look-and-feel: Casual, Smart, Sport and Tough.

The new unit is standard on all grades apart from the entry-level Icon model which uses a 7-inch version of the combimeter.

The new RAV4 gains enhanced Toyota Safety Sense functions that can warn the driver and help avoid a wider range of common road accident risks.

The Pre-Collision System (PCS) gains intersection support that can help with safer turns at junctions. It will detect if the car is about to cross the path of any oncoming traffic, and if there are any pedestrians crossing the road into which the vehicle is moving, alerting the driver and, if necessary, initiating braking control to help avoid an impact.

Emergency Steering Assist is also newly provided, helping the driver avoid a pedestrian who has stepped into the road, while keeping the car under control and within its traffic lane. On the RAV4 Plug-in, the system will also recognise and react to bicycles and parked vehicles. The RAV4 Plug-in’s PCS also gains the ability to detect oncoming vehicles in the car’s traffic lane and reduce the risk of a head-to-head collision.

A new Platinum White Pearl exterior colour is being introduced for all grades of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid. Dynamic grade will see the introduction of a Platinum White Pearl bi-tone with Midnight Black Metallic for both variants.

Production of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 will begin during the third quarter of this year.