Best hybrid SUV in Australia? Toyota RAV4 2024 review

I've been recommending the RAV4 for years. It's still the best midsize SUV. Here's why!
It offers great space, with a five-seat layout and a larger-than-average boot capacity as well.
There's the choice of petrol or petrol-electric hybrid models, including all-wheel drive if that's what you need.
It has been updated with new tech recently, including a bigger, better touchscreen. And it has a super practical cabin with great controls and materials.
Are there any catches? Yes. But you'll have to watch the video to see why I still think this is a better choice than Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, GWM Haval H6, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape and plenty of others.
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00:00 Intro
00:32 Is it the right price?
04:02 What are the best alternatives?
05:50 Is it the right size?
07:28 Interior
11:10 Under the bonnet
12:35 Driving
16:48 Efficiency
18:06 Is it safe?
18:53 Ownership
19:40 Verdict
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#toyota #rav4 #review

[@UB6IB91314]

The small space beside the stick is for McDonald Chicken Nuggets dipping sauce

[@fale892]

😂 Ill remember this if I decide to buy one

[@worldmedia1476]

LOL thanks for the tip!

[@piyaphaneemanching4433]

I have changed my mind from your last reviewed with Honda ZPV, It cost me more. The RAV4 is the best of mid SUV like your suggested and I so lucky can have my one with only 2 months waiting . Thank youuu🙏

[@shaundobbs4630]

hi from NZ, i have just received my Edge model (called an Adventure here). The mystery area in my car is a terrain and drive mode collection of buttons and a dial. I also have a new company hybrid Rav that has the CVT, I soon became a fan of this combination with its smooth and effortlessly acceleration

[@steviemaycreative8651]

XSE for me. Picking it up soon. Thanks for this review. I've always enjoyed your videos.

[@therightcar]

Good choice! And thank you. Really appreciate that.

[@patricklin6177]

If Toyota can solve the supply issue and fulfil the waitlist, they can even sell more of this. I own a 2020 Cruiser AWD, and the efficiency is still impressive with 6L/100km.

[@therightcar]

Yep, they would sell plenty more if they could get the stock. Not a bad problem to have.

[@kalengkong]

A friend of mine put deposit 18 months ago and still havent got it. I said Forget about it.

[@xXYellie12Xx]

Isn’t the small little ‘coin’ spot next to the gear stick where the drive type change goes on the AWD version?

[@stevenmuscat8126]

Pro Tip- 50c space near gear stick is great as a Maccas Nugget sauce holder

[@therightcar]

Amazing! This is why I ask these questions 😁

[@applesauceawesome]

the weird slot thats 50c sized.... I wonder if thats not the equivalent of a blank off plate which is where you could put the ash tray if you spec the "smokers package"

[@qldgooner]

that void for the 50 cent piece is great for your gate or garage fob.

[@therightcar]

Ahhh good tip!!

[@stevenmargieson8503]

I ordered a rav 4 hybrid 2wd cruiser in febuary and we have just received it this week a great car to drive would recommend the rav 4

[@therightcar]

Great to hear! Thank you.

[@Mro183]

Oh you beauty I was just thinking about looking into one of these

[@therightcar]

Cool!

[@Lanfaire864]

What are the main changes from the 2023 models?

[@rj.vir.singh.]

Wow man an amazing video .I was wondering that you might don't have a lot of free time and I want to help you with that I'm a video editor and I want to ask you if you need any video editing for your videos. Let me know to have my portfolio or your edited sample video. Cheers, Rajvir Singh

[@qldgooner]

your review is bang on Matt. my wife has the GXL FWD 2 litre petrol and I have the Cruiser hybrid AWD. both great cars but when you drive both regularly you realise how much better the hybrid is. once mine is 5 years old I will probably get another one, it's that good.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for the comment mate - always great to get an owner’s perspective. And I’m sure there aren’t many owners who have both a petrol and a hybrid version!!

[@elwynjordan9492]

Interesting comment - you being an owner of both versions. Do you find the petrol version is a bit under-powered? It's a Corolla engine in a much bigger vehicle. Or is yours (your wife's) the 2.5 litre engine? Same as the Camry).

[@qldgooner]

@@elwynjordan9492 yes it is a touch under powered with the 2.0 litre engine. The hybrid is much quicker off the mark at junctions and roundabouts. given the choice you should go hybrid if you can

[@elwynjordan9492]

@@qldgooner Really? The petrol version has more power than the combined figure of the hybrid. And it is a bigger engine (2 litre compared to 1.8). I would have gone for the petrol version because of the better power figure.

[@akabill79]

The pictures you show are not the tech upgrade ..Screen is touch now and the the GXL has digital instruments

[@LawlessRaafay]

Brilliantly done mate... nice to be subscribed to you.

[@therightcar]

Thank you!

[@jonathanwillis8130]

Sir, I am thinking of getting the Hybrid Cruiser-AWD version, and have been watching heaps of reviews, which are all very positive. None of the reviews, talk or tell you about the vehicle's security systems. Would you be able to advise me please. Regards. Jon.

[@iEnofadov]

Good advise regarding ringing around or jumping on websites to get better deals Matt, do some research people, yes it may mean you have to deal with a dealer from another state or territory and eventually have to get the vehicle transported back to you, but it could save you thousands of dollars. I did the same with my Skoda Karoq, bought it from a dealer in NSW and had it transported back to me in SA and saved myself around $8K-$9K on the same vehicle I could've bought in SA, it's just crazy!

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate. Yep, lots of people are in the mindset of “go to the dealership”, not “call ALL the dealerships”. I get it - time is precious. But if you can, like you did, save thousands and find the right car, then you’re winning!

[@David-rf5dj]

I think ringing dealers far away from you is a ridiculous, selfish and irresponsible suggestion that only exacerbates the problem and turns purchasing a car into a version of The Hunger Games. Just think what would happen if everyone did that. Dealers would be swamped by phone calls and messages. And if they started filling up their allocation with out of area orders then there’ll be less cars for customers in the local area. It doesn’t solve the problems with Toyota’s allocation system. That’s the priority! And that’s what respectable motoring journalists should be doing - highlighting the inequities in the allocation system and putting pressure on Toyota to change it. I can’t believe the Dealers aren’t complaining more about the system. Or is everyone just too afraid of Toyota Australia?

[@Webb4life-asy7971]

When comparing the RAV4 Hybrid 2023 to the 2024 model year, are there any changes to the base trim, externally or internally, that is different add or remove?

[@therightcar]

Compared to early 2023 arrivals this model saw a few media screen changes and stuff.

[@b0sc0chan]

Ordered a Cruiser AWD hybrid, but one thing disappoints me most, is the missing of a head-up display. I am driving a MY19 Corolla ZR sedan and the HUD is a great feature.

[@Munyabrwn]

Thats my exact spec..color and everything. That small storage spot is actually a drive mode sele tor wheel. Probably its missing on that specific car because of micro chip shortages.

[@therightcar]

Nah this had drive mode buttons …? Maybe it’s a 2WD thing?

[@Brian-jb2gv]

​@therightcar the AWD has a dial there to select drive modes. The 2WD has the dial missing, which is the reason for the random coin storage area😅

[@Munyabrwn]

@@Brian-jb2gv oh yeah makes sense. Mine is AWD

[@vincejeisman2197]

Great review. Your last comment about trying a regional dealer in the hope of getting a Rav 4 sooner caught my attention. I ordered a Rav 4 Cruiser hybrid in Alice Springs 18 months ago and am still waiting.

[@therightcar]

Wow! Maybe you should call Adelaide :D

[@mindfreeze0838]

Very thorough review and good suggestion on how to beat the horrendous wait time. The alternates are pretty good as well, the H6 hybrid is a good bet, my only qualms with it are that you get no spare wheel and you lose the split level in the boot.

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate. Glad you liked the vid! And yep, good point re H6.

[@elizabethanderton1105]

I am looking to upgrade to the newer model hopefully next year. I have the cruiser 2020 2wd. It is a great car to drive! The only thing I would say is the lighting at night. Not so good. I use the little area near the gear shift for 1 or 2 dollar coins for the shopping trolley. :)

[@therightcar]

Thank you for your feedback. What is your issue with the lighting?

[@VelvetLogan]

Hey Matt, i agree with what you say. It is the best hybrid suv if one can wait. I ordered my Gxl hybrid 2wd in Aug 21 and received the updated 2023 model in Feb. was happy to find some good inclusions like the wireless apple car play and the illuminated side buttons. Plus the alloy looks really cool. The car has driven 10000 plus k and it is averaging 5.2/100. The only caveat with this model is the lack of automatic tailgate and the side wing mirrors.But the car is serving an absolute purpose for me and my family. Looking forward to the new generation rav 4 in 2025-2026!

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate! Glad you’re enjoying it. And I can’t wait to see what comes next from Toyota!

[@VelvetLogan]

@@therightcar thanks Matt. Yes, looking forward to that too. Your videos are great. Keeping bringing your A game. I really like your honest opinions you share in your videos.

[@therightcar]

Thank you!

[@TimUckun]

In your review of the ZRV you said it's a competitor to the RAV4. You didn't mention it here. What's your take on the comparison after this?

[@therightcar]

I didn't call out ZR-V as a rival here because it's a fair bit smaller. And I shot this before I'd driven the new CR-V, so didn't include it. I'd say the CR-V is the most convincing alternative in the RAV4 space now.

[@leonardoolaer7777]

What about the new Honda CRV RS hybrid.hope do you have a review too.Ty.

[@therightcar]

CR-V review coming in the next few weeks.

[@user-me7dq9mi3b]

Keen to see a review for the new Honda CRV. I reckon it would be a good alternative for the petrol model.

[@therightcar]

Thanks - I’ve got a review on it coming next month 😎

[@daweigo6851]

​@@therightcarhas honda blocked reviews? Odd that car on sale and yet no local reviews

[@Dancingtime4SR]

Even I was wondering if they have an embargo or something

[@snsum2853]

Look at the US reviews, there's been many done since it's been our there for a while now, everyone says it's a very good competitor for the RAV4 - not just in looks, performance, practicality but also mechanically

[@13Dalek]

I have ordered the XSE Rav 4 six months ago I was told 18 month wait so Nov 2024, hopefully it will be earlier!

[@therightcar]

Did you call around to other dealerships?

[@13Dalek]

@therightcar I live in Adelaide for XSE 18 Months is average waiting time

[@sajithkaradiyil4198]

How do we compare edge hybrid AwD vs Cruizer hybrid AWD. What will be your pick if you ignore the price and looks.TIA

[@therightcar]

I don’t think you can compare them without considering looks - I’m a fan of the Edge’s appearance and interior. It’s more Subaru-like to my eye. I’d go for it over the Cruiser personally.

[@sajithkaradiyil4198]

Thanks Same here .. I love the edge apart from the organs interiors. May I know if there is there much difference in the gear box (ecvt vs automatic ), 18vs 19 inch wheels and comfort for long ( as seats uses diff materials ).TIA

[@Clim326]

I'm deciding between xse or cruiser which one is better ?

[@therightcar]

Cruiser gets a few really nice features - but the XSE is easier to get your hands on, as there are more in stock.

[@0097King]

Hey Matt, great video but I think your prices are last year's prices - they have gone up since! (Toyota's website)

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate, but I think you’ll find that the prices advertise on Toyota’s website. I driveaway pricing based on your location. What l I’ve listed is the MSRP (before on-road costs) price is that the brand sets themselves.

[@0097King]

@@therightcar Ah that makes sense thank you

[@HowTo-ny8ol]

hi. is it upcoming rav4 gxl. i am on a queue for gxl

[@therightcar]

It’s a good spec!

[@user-fi3uu2ry8i]

Anyone planning to put a towbar bike rack on the back make sure you get the AWD as the FWD hybrid has a download limit of only 50kg

[@robertceroli3512]

There seem s to be no shortage of Rav4 hyb available now with delivery kms just be prepared to pay 10k above rrp via a scalper /flipper

[@therightcar]

It’s a problem. 🤨

[@freetowhat]

@@therightcarEvery dealer I’ve called said they don’t sell their Demo cars from the dealership, they sell them via Used sales which allows them to hike up the price 😔 so I ordered a Kluger. I don’t want a Kluger but I refuse to pay $76k for a RAV4.

[@austin.2716]

You bet I’m excited for this one 😂.

[@therightcar]

Cool! It'll be a fun one.

[@kobymile5453]

Nice review. I want to love this car. Exterior is very nice. But Hyundai Tucson is so much better inside. And it comes with better technology. Hope Toyota can keep up with the technology.

[@therightcar]

Fair enough. Each to their own. I like the Toyota’s cabin more - it’s better to live with.

[@TenzWang88]

rav4 cruiser hybrid FWD drive away price is $56,911 and awd is $60,061 now.

[@TheHayabusa09]

So if I'm correct, I place a deposit down for one and in 18 months it finally turns up...but that also means I'm 18 months behind with any possible styling or interior updates...

[@AhmedFahmin]

The model and pricing will change. Every year the price is increasing. If you order now get a car in 2025. It will be a 2025 Rav4 with then pricing and specifications

[@therightcar]

Nah you get the latest spec and stock available. There’s a document you sign that even states that you might end up getting the next-gen model. 😀

[@metcard]

Just an fyi. According to the rav4 brochure, the rav4 gx hybrid has dual climate control.

[@therightcar]

Correct. Hybrid gets it, petrol doesn’t.

[@hal3137]

We have a 2020 model , solid vehicle but really noisy on the freeway and at high speed the 2L engine chews through the juice.

[@talkingheadsforever]

Unbearable road noise. Any tips on how to reduce it?

[@therightcar]

Unbearable? What sort of area do you live in? You could move house? 😂 There are sound proofing materials you can get to place under the carpet.

[@talkingheadsforever]

@@therightcar Located in country Victoria and its mainly at highway speeds. Definitely looking into sound proofing materials. Not sure why my Kluger was so much quieter? Both are built on a unibody construction.

[@LawlessRaafay]

I have ordered Kia sportage Diesel GT-Line, Once I use it for couple of years, I'll order a Rav 4 or Kluger hybrid 😅

[@therightcar]

Nice!

[@therightcar]

Or maybe you’ll fall head over heels for the Sportage. 🤪

[@josephpereira1390]

Surprised you didnt recommend the xtrail hybrid or forester as alternatives.. thats what i am considering 😊

[@djizzah]

great car but not available, you also didnt mention outstanding reliability, incredibly cheap and easy to source spare parts, all mechanics know how to work on these, particularly the four cylinder petrol engine, and resale unrivalled by any other manufacturer

[@therightcar]

It is available if you’re willing to shop around and / or wait! And yes, all strong points.

[@pauld6556]

Any reason you glossed over the CX-60 hybrid? I think this trumps them ALL.

[@therightcar]

It does not. Have you seen my review? It’s got terrible refinement and a tight back seat.

[@frankwang5166]

I’ll get my rav4 next week. I hope it worth all the waiting.

[@therightcar]

Let us know if you reckon it is!

[@351tgv]

fuel consumption wise its worth it, once you see the low 5's per 100km range you will be saying yep I can easily do approx. 19km per 1L which is 980km on 50 fuel and of course this can be done with 91 RON.

[@viatameainaustralia7752]

Toyota hold the value up in a long run

[@saintkenny9296]

ECVT bro Not CVT. Big differences between them

[@MichaelGarrard-kw2qr]

I have been waiting for 16 months now and the dealer says it will likely be 24 months. Not good enough Toyota. I have now ordered the new Honda CRV hybrid which is a better and more updated car with a wait time of only 6 months.

[@therightcar]

Did you shop around? Or just stick with one dealership?

[@MichaelGarrard-kw2qr]

Went to 2 different dealers but both said wait time was 18 months. Now I am told it will be 24 months or more. Toyota Aust boss made a statement about 6 months ago about clearing the backlog and stopping the dealer rorts. My experience tells me that was all hot air.

[@351tgv]

the CRV Hybrid is also a top spec model so so be full of great features , that said it omits a lot of basic stuff like Blind Spot Mirrors and other active safety gear (why HONDA why?) and the engine/ hybrid tech is just as good as Toyota but down on overall torque and power also its limited to FWD which is okay but annoying at those prices.

[@hscomet]

12 months ? Try 30 months early 2026, but that is the model I want, fingers crossed they don't f8 it up...

[@pauld6556]

Beat the long wait times…… look for a dealer demo or “cancelled order” with a markup of $10,000 to $15,000 😂

[@therightcar]

LOL

[@351tgv]

@@therightcar - the sad thing though is that PaulD6556 is not joking.

[@montybaby7181]

i have been waiting for a RAAV4 hybrid cruiser for 17 months of a 14 month contract and still no confirmed build date. with the car price increases x3 times has made the car more expensive than a Tesla 3. 12 months is a joke it will be near 2 years. i have telling as many people as possible to avoid the disappointment. A frient bought a Mitsibushi SUV and got it in 4 months..

[@sidjyothi]

Isn't the haval equally efficient...people are reporting 5.5l/100

[@therightcar]

I got 6.7 - same driving. Is 1L/100km worth it? Well, on paper, no - but the RAV4 has a lot of other promising elements to it, including expected better resale value, which is the biggest ownership cost!

[@sidjyothi]

@@therightcar no doubt about the higher resale. It's phenomenal how much RAV4s are going for used nowadays. Btw Matt, you would have done the test with an uphill run to your resisdence on the way to the blue mountains...how did the RAV4 fare with the uphill section, was it still in the ballpark of 5.5-5.6?

[@351tgv]

@@sidjyothi - I had a rental earlier this year which was a Rav4 GX FWD Hybrid, looking back at the fuel consumption logs after 3,800km in a 5 1/2 week period the average was 5.5L per 100km and that was using both E10 94 RON (eeewww) and 91 RON fuel. I drove out to Campbelltown to Penrith (which included several trips to Picton/Wilton) several times which a few times also going to Katoomba, went down south to Jervis Bay at least 4 times, and just general driving around Sydney including heavy start stop CBD traffic (which the Hybrid system loves) and no I did not baby it at all (again a fleet rental special - basically a a November 2022 model which already had 28,000km when I got it back in June - think about that for a moment), which explains why people are waiting of paying overs for this car, its economical in terms of fuel consumption and also to service.

[@Nightster7777]

Will there be a new Rav 4 model next year? Any rumours of this. Hoping you might have the inside gossip. 😂

[@therightcar]

There is a chance we will see a new model in the next 18 months, from what I understand. Could be sooner! It doesn’t feel like it needs refreshing, to be honest!

[@funkyjoe]

2024 RAV4 is not out yet

[@therightcar]

This car will be delivered to buyers in 2024.

[@0097King]

The small space is for dipping sauces for nuggets

[@therightcar]

You’re the second one to say it. 💪

[@d15z1sux]

People are selling the hybrid for 70k 😭

[@therightcar]

By people, do you mean dealers? 🫣

[@d15z1sux]

@@therightcar both private sellers and dealers

[@robertceroli3512]

yeh scalpers read somewhere they advertise them 24hrs prior to take delivery.its annoying Toyota are well aware and don't seem to be addressing it

[@harryrose6254]

Towing limitations would stop me buying this

[@therightcar]

Fair enough. That’s why I put it in there!

[@buncha5651]

Haval H6 hybrid is a better option and available now.

[@therightcar]

I don’t think a better option. But it is a good alternative.

[@LP-ct6xe]

never lean on the door of a car

[@therightcar]

I DO WHAT I WANT 🤪

[@Peppermint1]

Hard uncomfortable front seats with very little head and foot room for tall drivers. Clumsy touchscreen

[@brendansmith1982]

If you can get one

[@therightcar]

That’s the theme of the vid…

[@351tgv]

@@therightcar - Yep, I was indeed quoted 18 months for the XSE Hyrbid AWD, its been what? 6 weeks now and I have the X-trail Ti NA Petrol AWD. the sad thing is that some dealers who have had customer cancel orders are putting rego on those vehicles and marking up prices selling them as undriven dealer demonstrators whe what they should be doing is calling the next person in the cue, screw those dealerships namely Illawarra Toyota at Albion Park.

[@austin.2716]

@@351tgvI have seen this markup crap too much, especially with the Rav4 Hybrids. Like I get they are in demand and stock is fairly limited (not as much as 2022 but they’re probs still catching up with orders) but come on, that’s not a reason to have like a $15k markup, sometimes more. I was extremely lucky myself to get my hands on mine quickly but I reckon that was because I was actually wanting to get the GX 2WD Hybrid in white, nothing fancy. Congratulations on your new vehicle by the way!

[@brendansmith1982]

I ended up getting a hyundai kona hybrid premium n line slightly smaller by 300mm and 100 liters less in the boot, I get it in 3 weeks. Toyota don't know how to make cars anymore as this is happening everywhere

[@351tgv]

@@austin.2716 - base model, how is your back doing after long stints behind the wheel as that sat has no lumbar support? that said even in base model GX the RAV4 Hybrid FWD/AWD is a decent vehicle (save for the driver seat).

[@RobertBaillie-ek4xb]

garage door remote

[@craigelliott5028]

They can’t deliver one…..even after 12 months…good luck sourcing one

[@mrz1281]

why does everyone complain about the boot opening speed? it opens the same speed as a manual one, its just because your standing there waiting for it doing nothing.

[@therightcar]

No it doesn’t. It’s heaps slower than a manual boot.

[@mrz1281]

@@therightcari dont notice any speed issues side by side ? maybe im just more patient lol

[@buncha5651]

Too long wait for rav 4 who wants to wait 12 plus months for a car. The base model wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding.

[@lukeclifton4392]

…but boy, can the Hybrid move!! 🤘

[@buncha5651]

​@@lukeclifton4392 I'd consider one but not prepared to wait that long, plus they are butt ugly.

[@kalengkong]

Toyota= hey look at 2024 model here. We got no stock. Please buy the 2027 model later

[@therightcar]

Sign a contract that says “the car you’re buying is not the car you’re buying”. 😂

[@jameslabs1]

I agree with you. I can't stand the "Beep - Beeps," that come with car now a days. There annoying, distracting, and dangerous.

[@mmcin719]

With the Rav you can permanently turn them off, except for the tailgate. We have a 2022 hybrid cruiser that had covered 49000 k and it an excellent car.

[@samsamoa1429]

Toyota is taking its customers for a ride by charging insane amount of money for their old fashioned cars.

[@therightcar]

Old fashioned? Come on.

[@Brian-jb2gv]

What are you talking about? The RAV4 won medium SUV of the year for 2 years in a row and came second this year, despite being almost 4 years old already.

[@samsamoa1429]

You may disagree but they are called box on wheels for a reason. Their interior is far less attractive than Chinese and South Korean cars, warranty is subpar. Their dealers have been engaged in dodgy practices, wait times are absurd. Not sure how their cars win car of the year, surely not all criteria are checked.

[@Brian-jb2gv]

@samsamoa1429 I think the box on wheels applied before Toyota switched to their TNGA platform. Since then their cars drive well and have been winning awards. I have both a Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Sante Fe. Both new models. The Toyota drives better and the suspension is better than the Hyundai, in my opinion. Obviously it's subjective so others may find it the other way around.

[@hal3137]

Man under the hood is a disaster , Hybrids 1 step forward and 1 step back.

[@nw7270]

5 star ancap rating in 2019😂😂😂 it's now 2023

[@therightcar]

Yep. We are in 2023. I can confirm it.

[@lukeclifton4392]

Nothings changed in ANCAPs testing criteria since 2019… and neither has the RAV4! Your point?😂

[@nw7270]

Extract from Fleet Auto News The popular RAV4 was tested in 2019 and achieved a five star rating before the ANCAP changes in 2020. Star ratings expire after six years which means an updated RAV4 will need to be crashed using the 2023 standards before December 2025.

[@David-rf5dj]

Matt, I usually love your reviews and find them very practical and helpful. But I think your suggestion of ringing dealers far away from you to try and find a RAV4 is a ridiculous, selfish and irresponsible suggestion. It only exacerbates the problem and turns purchasing a car into a version of The Hunger Games. Just think what would happen if everyone did that. Dealers would be swamped by phone calls and messages. And if they started filling up their allocation with out of area orders then there’ll be less cars for customers in the local area. It doesn’t solve the real problem; which is Toyota’s opaque and inequitable allocation system. That’s the priority! And that’s what respectable motoring journalists should be doing - highlighting the inequities in the allocation system and putting pressure on Toyota to change it. Mind you, I don’t know of any motoring journalist with the courage and tenacity to take on the challenge. Thank goodness for Facebook groups like “Australians waiting for new RAV4s” which give us Toyota customers some insight into the allocation shenanigans. I can’t believe the Dealers aren’t complaining more about the system. Or is everyone just too afraid of Toyota Australia? Has Toyota become too big, powerful, greedy and complacent in Australia?

[@therightcar]

Hi David, I understand your perspective - but if a car is in stock at a dealership outside of the metro areas, and it is not sold, someone in the market should be able to figure that out and buy it. I’ve heard of this happening on a few occasions - people finding unsold hybrid RAV4s on showroom floors because their particular area wasn’t into the spec they had. I think you’re being a bit dramatic with the Hunger Games reference.

[@lukeclifton4392]

Everyone should do the shop around outside of their local dealer… you’d be amazed at how good it can be.

[@David-rf5dj]

@@therightcarbut as you say, you’ve only heard of it happening “on a few occasions”. It wouldn’t be a common occurrence. And who has the time to ring around dealers? And how do people do it? Ring 10 dealers a day for 2 weeks to hopefully luck into a dealership with a car? Kudos to those with the time and patience to do that. My point is that customers shouldn’t have to do this. There a lot of disgruntled Toyota customers with unfulfilled orders from 2021 who every day hear of someone who ordered post June 2022 receiving the exact same car! Most of us just want to see Toyota implement a fairer and transparent allocation system. It seems crazy to me that I can order the exact same car on the same day from 3 different dealers and there could be YEARS difference between when I receive each car! Pre pandemic you used to go to a few dealerships to get the best price. Now you have to contact a few dealerships to try and get the shortest wait time … IF you can believe what the salesperson tells you. Clearly the system is broken.

[@johnlambert1744]

@@David-rf5dj Do what I did and if you don't want to wait, buy something else! I waited 5 months for my 2020 RAV4 hybrid and I thought that was a long time to wait!! I recently sold it for just under what I paid for it and bought a full EV - MUCH happier with it than the RAV4. No servicing costs and as we have solar it's basically free to charge. I really liked the RAV4, but having to wait up to 2 years (or calling every dealership in Australia to find one) is ridiculous, so I simply refuse to do that.

[@David-rf5dj]

@@johnlambert1744 fortunately I don’t need a car right now so I’m just planning ahead. But I feel for the customers who ordered in 2021 and still haven’t received their car and yet see plenty of customers who ordered months after them receive the exact same car. I’m disgusted with Toyota’s behaviour and lackadaisical attitude. It’s not good enough. I’ve also put an order in for a Corolla Cross but I predict that’s going to turn into even more of debacle than the RAV4 mess. It just astounds and frustrates me that the world’s biggest car manufacturer is seemingly so disinterested in customer support. They just fob the customers off to the piranhas…I mean dealers. The one consolation is that it’s much worse in the USA. Over there dealers are allowed to charge more than RRP and tend to load the car up with accessories so you pay even more!

[@hantusmostert]

toyota keeps value

[@stendecstretcher5678]

Toyota is having a laugh. Just buy the Chinese equivalent.

[@redwhite_040]

Skoda Kodiaq is the better deal

[@boozedad3773]

Yeah but with Toyota visit service once in a year , Chinese multiple times.😢 buy and learn how shit they are after 3 years

[@shadowmysticranger]

Lol Chinese 😂😂

[@mvnorsel6354]

Someone is buying Chinese, sale figures don't lie.

[@boozedad3773]

@@mvnorsel6354 sure . And regret later