Toyota says new RAV4 stock should be arriving in November, but there might be some XSE models still available if you ask nicely…
Toyota hybrids are interesting. Up until now, it has been our humble opinion that the best hybrids Toyota has to offer carry the GX entry level specification.
For some reason, GX models drive better and are easily able to exceed Toyota’s stated efficiencies, which is great news for fleets: you get the best for the lowest price, a fleet manager’s dream.
Camry’s, Corollas, Yaris’ – no model appears immune, and so it was with the RAV4 until January of this year, which is when the XSE model was introduced, taking the number of hybrid RAV4’s to five.
The RAV4 has been a runaway bestseller since its launch in early 2019. The new generation has sold 16,814 units since its launch, with 62% in the hybrid electric powertrain options.
The appointment and performance of the XSE suited the vehicle’s positioning between the GXL and Limited grades perfectly.
Granted, it had been a while since I last drove a hybrid RAV4, but the 2022 XSE clearly delivered on its promise of athleticism and elegance from its outward appearance alone.
Chiselled character lines, contrasting colours and a charismatic front-end treatment all lend an air of athletic forward motion, while the gloss black bumpers, side garnishes, roof, wheels, wheel arches and mirrors contribute to the refinement Toyota promises with the XSE grade.
Inside, things are simple, but sophisticated for all that. Black faux leather seats are accentuated by blue ribbed insert and side stitching and front seats are heated.
Only the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable, but all five positions are comfortable and supportive. Headroom is excellent and instrumentation is both intuitive and cleanly positioned throughout the cabin, from the wireless phone charging system to the drive/EV mode selector dial.
The black leather multifunction steering wheel is standard Toyota fare with cruise controls and voice activation button tidily integrated into the switchgear and the push to start button being well positioned and easily recognisable.
As we have come to expect of hybrids, the dashboard display is a little different with the traditional tachometer being replaced by a charge/eco/power gauge on the left, conventional fuel on the right and the central 7-inch screen delivering speed readout and more on the multi-information display.
An 8-inch colour touchscreen takes pride of place, delivering a wealth of information such as power flow, Bluetooth audio streaming, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay audio functionality.
Toyota’s advanced Safety Sense suite, comprising all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking including pedestrian detection and daylight bicyclist detection, road sign assist, lane tracing assist and automatic high beam are standard.
The XSE takes on the more advanced systems including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, and seven airbags, all contributing to a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Performance wise, the XSE sports the power of the 2.5-litre petrol engine and a nickel metal hydride battery mated to an e-CVT to deliver power and torque to all four wheels. I would love to say this is a seamless transition between the two power sources, but it isn’t.
Still, a little loss of sophistication in terms of sound is a small price to pay for the fuel efficiencies, low running costs and low emissions without range anxiety a premium hybrid has to offer.
SPECIFICATIONS
Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid
BODY TYPE
5-door SUV
DRIVE
All wheel/ e-CVT
ENGINE TYPE
4-cylinder, inline with Nickel Metal Hydride battery
ENGINE CAPACITY
2498cc
MAX POWER
131kW (163kW total)
MAX TORQUE
221Nm
L/100KM (COMBINED)
5.3 (WLTP)
CO2 EMISSIONS
121 g/km (WLTP)
ANCAP RATING
5 Star
PRICE
$53,990 (list)
