The best value RAV4 Hybrid? (Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid 2022 review)

[@mmcin719]

We own a 2022 Rav4 Cruiser hybrid AWD and I spend a lot of time in the front passenger seat, which is heated and cooled, has electric adjustment and is very roomy and comfortable. For that reason alone I would go for the Cruiser, plus the Cruiser has a lot of other things like leather and sunroof. BTW the headlights are excellent, something reviewers never seem to mention. So far we have covered 4000km at 5.5 litres per 100k. The car is actually better than I anticipated, something I have never experienced in a new car before.

[@Anthony-lx8tj]

Was Lucky enough to pick up my 2022 Rav4 XSE 2WD Hybrid early March, upgraded from my 2018 C-HR Koba. Loving the fuel economy and the extra room and visibility from this SUV. I was looking at the GXL but at the time I visited the dealership wait times on GXL and Cruiser had blown out to 6-12months, and the XSE was just new and had all the added tech I wanted that the GXL was missing. Very happy.

[@haidaigia102]

When did you place your order if you don't mind me asking? :)

[@LoneWulf278]

You’re so lucky! I hope to be getting one this year.

[@allaussie]

Hi, what state are you in and when did you place your order for the XSE?

[@Anthony-lx8tj]

@@haidaigia102 Ordered mine around the 28/12/2021

[@Anthony-lx8tj]

@@allaussie Hi in QLD and around the 28/12/2021

[@JasonISF]

I'm not a big fan of SUVs so bought a Camry hybrid SL. Only had to wait just over 4 months to get it. Getting low 4l/100km around town, handles brilliantly, comfortable, huge boot, heads up display, panoramic moon roof, rear seats fold down. Looks like a Lexus to boot. Absolutely love it!

[@7amido12]

Was tossing up between both, no kids yet here but when they do come, the rav4 will likely be more practical than the camry i reckon

[@JasonISF]

@@7amido12 the Camry is a great family car. Cabin space is huge. We have a 1 month old baby and there's plenty of room in the boot for the pram and other baby bits and pieces. The rear seats also do fold down 60/40, so you can fit longer things in the boot too.

[@7amido12]

@@JasonISF great to hear, just not keen to wait 18 months tbh

[@JasonISF]

@@7amido12 The Rav4 is a good car but not worth waiting 18 months good. Got the Camry in little over 4 months from deposit to delivery.

[@7amido12]

@@JasonISF 4 months only?? Insane

[@86fee]

I've ordered the xse about 2 weeks ago, which will replace our much loved 2004 Rav. We have 3 children and I dont mind that the back doors don't open as wide as some might like, it means the children are less likely to accidentally swing the doors open onto other cars in the car park (which they have not done yet).

[@kiramiftari9486]

I had my RAV-4 2004 up until this past December when the drunken idiot smashed into it on a suburban street and ran off.. I couldn't believe that after all these years this is how I lose my car - it was such a reliable awesome vehicle, only 1 big problem in all these years... I keep reading that the new RAVs are of much worse quality now, which gives me pause on buying the new RAV again.

[@Rally4Life1982]

I hope you don't intend on towing.

[@kiramiftari9486]

@@Rally4Life1982 Yo are right - absolutely not;-)

[@austin.2716]

⁠@@kiramiftari9486Sorry about what happen to your Rav4. In terms of quality of these new Rav4’s, they aren’t as good as what they used to be for sure, however, most of the gremlins have been addressed. That being said, the quality of some of the materials (namely plastics) do feel significantly cheaper than that of older models. I know this a weird thing to pick on but it is something that is there. I’m in and out of 2 Toyota Rav4’s very often, one is a 2012 and the other is a 2022 and I notice the difference each time. But I wouldn’t exactly hesitate on buying a new Rav4 due to quality, as we get the better Japan built version here in Aus which usually have less issues than the US/Canadian built ones (not always perfect but usually pretty good). I say this obviously if u can even get ur hands on one.

[@garyye7057]

Hey mate, have you received your XSE yet, now Nov 2023

[@888lawrence]

Ordered mine a few weeks ago and the dealer told me that it will be built in May and delivered to Au in June! Can’t wait!

[@7amido12]

That’s not much of a wait!!! How lucky

[@brenton8210]

Commentary is exactly what I would expect from someone wearing a Ralph Lauren jacket 😂

[@taylaann]

I managed to get an inflated priced 2022 Cruiser Hybrid 2WD pearl white with walnut interior with 6000km... but with the long wait everyone's going on about, I think I got lucky. The car is amazing and feels solid, only disappointment is the small and simple multimedia system. Wish there was a bigger screen and HUD.

[@MYOLOLS]

Car is huge when I saw it in person

[@chasingcars]

All depends on your reference point I guess!

[@tr7287]

That’s subjective. Depends what you drive now too. It’s a midsize suv.

[@naved5176]

I've done nearly 6k on RAV 4 Hybrid Cruiser 2 WD and I am confident it can last long and pleasure to drive around.

[@chasingcars]

Enjoy.

[@naved5176]

Not sure its mechanical issue but once the RAV 4 jump on a street potholes, one of the dashboard light flashes for sec. Is it normal ?

[@vrs76r]

@@naved5176 Traction control sensing wheel spin?

[@dalepurton8118]

Up and down the Monash car park (freeway) in Melbourne on a daily basis, our 2019 Cruiser hybrid averages 4.7l/100km. That's LESS than the stated economy. If it's really bad we get even less than that. And quiet & smooth to boot. Cannot fathom why other manufacturers have been so slow to compete. Fill it up (with 91 unleaded) and the computer says 1050km to empty. No wonder the wait is so long.

[@chasingcars]

Gotta be happy with that.

[@freetowhat]

Nice to hear a real review, cheers!! Appreciate the honesty. How did you find the height of the front passenger seat? I sat in a XSE and felt like I was sitting in an umpire’s chat!

[@christina5588]

Getting my Rav 4 XSE hybrid from Crestmont Toyota NJ at MSRP, Picking it up tomorrow. Salesman Brandon D has been great!

[@davidarter9670]

Excellent review, Tom. The Rav seems to be the best “regular” car on the market at present

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, it's clear a lot of thought went into this product as it strikes a good balance between ride, handling, performance and especially economy; other SUVs are more luxurious or sportier or whatever but it is the specific balance here that seems so right. Hence the long wait times!

[@Richard-sl8we]

@@chasingcars Spot on.

[@JasonISF]

Drove both. Rear of RAV looks terrible. Much prefer my 2022 Camry hybrid SL. Didn't have to wait 12-18 months. Also better fuel economy than the RAV, getting low 4s per hundred km if I'm gentle.

[@kerry8553]

solid review, thanks for that. The color of your model here?? Eclipse Silver sky? cheers

[@notorioushsg1]

Also, you should add a slow pan around the entire car while you are gabbing about boring bits... less of you in the cabin and more of the car. Not trying to be rude here either 😀

[@tightlines6641]

You mentioned that because it has a black roof it can’t be had with a sunroof. That is NOT correct. In the USA the XSE has a sunroof on its black roof. Also many other cars that are all black have sunroof’s too.

[@rogersmith1643]

Awesome, I will take one!.....but wait....I can't actually get one anywhere can I 😂. I couldn't believe it when I saw Landcruiser ads on TV, why waste money on advertising a product you cannot actually buy?

[@chasingcars]

No, you'd be joining a waitlist with 10,000s of other Aussies.

[@TenzWang88]

$52k car haven’t got a sun roof. In US XSE model got panoramic roof and Canadian version got a sun roof. But here in Australia Toyota selling us nothing for $52k. That’s why many people Waite for CRV hybrid or cx60 hybrid 😅😅

[@lukepasqualotto4827]

I was gonna go for the XSE but my brother (who is a frequent passenger of mine) is quite tall (6’2) and his head was touching the roof so I ended up ordering a cruiser purely for the hight adjustment on the passenger seat

[@tldrinfographics5769]

So you spent couple of thousand for your tall bro?

[@justinjp9211]

6.2 is fine that is nothing fit easy I have a passenger 6.5 not complaints

[@lukepasqualotto4827]

@@tldrinfographics5769 I was going to get the AWD XSE but i ended up ordering the 2WD cruiser, the price is pretty much the same

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, we found that anybody over about 6' tall might struggle in the Edge/XSE/GXL/GX seat. Our journalist John Law is 6'2" and does not have sufficient headroom, so the Cruiser's height-adjustable passenger seat makes the difference. I think 6'5" would be very unlikely to fit unless their proportions are short torso, long legs

[@justinjp9211]

@@chasingcars I am.over 6 foot and it fine freind is 6.5 never said anything or noticed hitting his head.

[@Alphapunk2]

why is it so difficult for toyota to provide a high resolution rear camera? even for this new model, it's still really bad

[@kylosolo6128]

gotta wait for next gen i guess

[@hyehyesun9980]

because they have so much stock for the antique kind of screen

[@chasingcars]

Someone bought too many VGA cameras

[@allaussie]

Agree, really brings down the driving expetience

[@kylosolo6128]

@@allaussie no it doesn't lol

[@craigelliott2524]

Two questions anyone getting better than 49k driveaway for a 4wd XSE? And anyone heard of water stopping hybrids (pretty shallow like 300mm fords found in regional Australia?)

[@rimloch3919]

The two tone Black Roof is so nice looking.... ❤

[@chasingcars]

Looks pleasant against the silver.

[@deanescott3331]

I ordered a Cruiser Hybrid in February 22. I was told the wait was about 265 days. I received a phone call last week from the dealership advising I would not be seeing a new car for at least 18 months. Was advised I would be getting a 23 model. 😰

[@lukepasqualotto4827]

That’s what happened with me too 😩

[@vrs76r]

I guess I will also be waiting on a phone call at some stage as I ordered a FWD Cruiser Hybrid a couple of weeks back and was told 12 months and contract stated ETA end of March 2023. Im in no hurry and was wanting to buy mid next year anyway so hopefully Toyota put some nice upgrades in and don’t bump the price too much on the MY23 model

[@abraham4640]

Hi Deane, in what State did you order your Hybrid?

[@deanescott3331]

@@abraham4640 South Australia

[@chasingcars]

So your expected delivery is now October 2023 or so?

[@akabill79]

Got my GXL switched out to custom leather interior

[@chasingcars]

What did that cost you?

[@akabill79]

@chasingcars 1500$ got the auto boot opener installed as well total 1800$ for both

[@mrjagat6348]

How's the audio system sounds like ?

[@MrrrrMime]

Great looking video. I'll come back to it in 18 months when it might be conceivable to own one of these

[@Longstuff]

The next gen prob be available by then

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, the long waits are pretty bad. Ironically, it was possible to get straight into an XSE when they launched because it was a new variant with no wait list. That is, sadly, no longer the case.

[@JasonISF]

Get a Camry hybrid. Only waited just over 4 months, from Japan!

[@Mromidt]

Thanks for the review, the listed price is Australian dollar?

[@Richard-sl8we]

Yes, it's an Australian channel. All prices are given before on-road costs; which are different in each state.

[@serenecheng3502]

Did they fix the lethal roof water leakage problem in this gen of RAV4?

[@wyw201]

Thought roof leaks only happen on the Taiwan assembled models

[@Donster888]

Hi Tom any chance of we getting PHEV RAV4 in not so distance near future?

[@kenglover9359]

A PHEV variant certainly makes a lot of sense and would get my vote.

[@chasingcars]

Possibly, now that the NX 450h+ is in the country, but I would guess that Toyota product planners hardly reckon they need *another* RAV4 variant imminently given the standard hybrid is selling very strongly. We might see the BZ4X before the RAV4 Prime!

[@johnmartin7158]

@@chasingcars Also unlikely that NZ will get the Prime as well. From what I heard is, Toyota Japan has refused to sell the Prime to NZ & Australia. I think Tom is correct. It’s more to do with the advent of the BZ4X. Anyway let’s see what happens in 2023.

[@HotSizzleTV_]

This was the suv I was going to buy, until recently I think I’m going with a 4Runner it’s more capable car vs the rav4, I wish the 4Runner was hybrid

[@kbling2946]

As always Tom great review. I wish they had the gloss black on the Cruiser model, I think it looks a treat. In fact I think I’ll get mine painted if it ever arrives. Totally agree on your last statement, why aren’t other manufacturers getting on the hybrid train 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, you always have the option of wrapping the roof, mirrors etc!

[@netsiteing]

Can you actually run this in Electric mode only using a battery? I thought this is only on Plug-In-Hybrid which we do not get in Australia?

[@chasingcars]

It will run in electric mode for a while, if you’re gentle with the throttle (maybe 1-2km at most)

[@notorioushsg1]

How bad is the speaker system? Is it rubbish?

[@kerrysmith1154]

Does the cruiser come with the new gloss black wheel archers like the XSE? I love them

[@kerrysmith1154]

@@FFXIVArtist I’ll get the XSE then. Thanks for that 😊

[@sherlockshaful]

Is the roof water leaking problem fixed in this generation??

[@chasingcars]

We've never experienced it on a RAV4 including our long-termer with sunroof, but I understand some people have.

[@Richard-sl8we]

Hi Tom, another great review. I think the XSE will sell very well. My only 'criticism' (personal opinion) is the gloss black roof and wheel cladding, would prefer matt black.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, the gloss black styling won't be for everyone, but I didn't mind it.

[@michellehepner4886]

Hi, does the Hybrid AWD 2022 Cruiser come with a black roof? Cheers.

[@wd9807]

nope

[@edc0119]

You mentioned the XSE gets heated and ventilated seat, but I think the XSE only comes with heated seats right?

[@chasingcars]

I said XSE gets heated, and Cruiser gets heated and ventilated

[@edc0119]

3:38, you said" you get seat cooling as well as heating, which this car does get" ???

[@wd9807]

@@edc0119 he is referring to the extra features you get in the cruiser for the $2500 extra. go listen to it again

[@dsinghr]

This is my dream car

[@aznlee2]

Currently, debating to get GXL OR XSE. AHHHH

[@breaker1685]

Good review - I noticed the RAV has black gloss sil, wheel arch and rear bumper - does the Cruiser have gloss as well? (because I saw a new Cruiser demo at a Toyota yard and it was only flat black)

[@jerrysnowland9398]

Cruiser has the silver front grill and the Matt black finish on the wheel arches. The rims are gloss, exactly the same rims as what you see in this video.

[@chasingcars]

As Jerry puts it here!

[@breaker1685]

@@jerrysnowland9398 Thanks Jerry

[@gene978]

What’s MidSized to AUS is Compact here in the States

[@chasingcars]

True; we don't have full-size American 4WDs here generally speaking

[@AH.gamer400]

Hi everyone i have a question that this car get seat heating and cooling or not please tell me

[@chasingcars]

Yes, it has two-stage seat heaters in the front row. Only the RAV4 Cruiser has cooled seats as well.

[@diogodeoliveiraguerreiro3911]

I ordered my in November/21 and Toyota just told to me the delivery of my RAV4 Prime in September.

[@hyehyesun9980]

Price raise couple times a year plus endless waiting list, I will not even step into the showroom

[@chasingcars]

Very difficult to get a midsize SUV of most types at the moment, but RAV4 is by far the hardest

[@whatthe6532]

Who would have thought a decently coordinated colour scheme good turn an ugly pumpkin into a great looking carriage. Well done somebody.

[@Ash_Simo]

I know you’ve done a bit a RAV content. But maybe a cruiser review. I maybe a bit bias though.

[@jerrysnowland9398]

This model looks best in the range. I see so many cruisers and can’t tell them apart from the gxl.

[@kbling2946]

@@jerrysnowland9398 I agree! The cruiser should have the gloss blackouts to distinguish it from the others not this model 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@3h4yj8]

They already did one for the 2022 model

[@chasingcars]

You can find our 2022 RAV4 Cruiser review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGHbnaWrqKeFgas

[@mybyhiphae8072]

Nice, I'm waiting on the 2022 Cruiser 2WD in Nutmeg 😀 Edit: White :)

[@chasingcars]

Nutmeg really lifts the interior!

[@kuku7330]

Hey, did they charge you extra for the nutmeg interior?

[@mybyhiphae8072]

@@kuku7330 Nope, no extra charge.

[@manuelrusu7052]

91 petrol? In Europe 95 is the cheapest.😱 We have petrol (gas) here with 100 octanic number.

[@Richard-sl8we]

You can get 95 and 98 octane in Australia; for a premium price. Most of the petrol cars sourced from Europe require a minimum octane of 95 RON. Some of the SK and Japan sourced vehicles only require 91 octane as a minimum.

[@manuelrusu7052]

@@Richard-sl8we thank's! 😀

[@chasingcars]

Yes, you can still get relatively low-quality, high-sulphur 91 RON petrol in Australia. In some ways bad, but hey, it's cheap!

[@JasonISF]

My Camry Hybrid SL 2022 says it "needs" 95 RON... same motor as Rav4!!

[@Richard-sl8we]

@@JasonISF I believe the hybrid engine in the updated Camry and the new Kluger hybrid have been updated and tuned for better performance. They both require 95 RON octane as a minimum. In all cases, it's best to follow the recommendation from the manufacturer.

[@BESTBeforeExpiration]

I don't believe resale value will not hold up (despite Toyota being renowned for it). As soon as most the new hybrids hit in 2023 and 2024 the outdated features like no wireless connectivity, no duel climate control etc will weigh on consumers minds. This is because KIA, HYUNDAI, MAZDA, SUBARU Hybrids have already announced these will be standard features in their near base models. So therefore you have vehicles with the same fuel economy but now you have all these extra features hitting the market at the same time.

[@utube9487]

Hi, I am from the future Aug 2023. A Cruiser Rav4 Hybrid you could get in 2022 for $45k is now $65k in mid 2023. I would advise you to buy buy buy.

[@BESTBeforeExpiration]

@@utube9487 Hi i'm from the present. GX $43K GXL $47k drive away. Makes you not too smart if you are buying used are current 40k and 43k respectively for same models. Think you need to get off the hype train fella

[@utube9487]

@@BESTBeforeExpiration Hi, i am from the future. No no no, you are wrong. $47k is if you want to get your car in 2025. $65k if you want it now. Buy buy buy.

[@BESTBeforeExpiration]

@@utube9487 You have brain damage and didn't listen in maths.

[@Mrmark154]

I have one of these on order... I'm hoping its great!

[@jerrysnowland9398]

I’ve had mine since March, you’ll love it. Any questions, feel free to ask.

[@chasingcars]

I think you will like it!

[@Mrmark154]

@@chasingcars I had to order mine without having a test drive, as I’ve been stuck overseas due to covid. I finally got back to OZ for a few days in late April and went on a test drive while I was back home. It’s super comfy and goes really well. It ran in EV mode a lot of the time in my 40 minute test drive, so I’m expecting VERY impressive fuel economy. I’m a little disappointed that I can’t spec the JBL sound system that’s available in the US, and the onboard navigation is garbage (it couldn’t even find ‘Toyota’ when I used the voice input). But I’m happy to report, I haven’t cancelled my order and am pretty excited about taking delivery next time I get back to OZ, hopefully in late 2022.

[@jerrysnowland9398]

@Sherry Ann Kornegay mine was around 5 weeks but I secured mine through a car broker who knew a dealer was getting one as extra stock. I paid retail on it, but didn’t have to wait like many others.

[@ravikro012]

55k now for xse hybrid...

[@davidarter9670]

I wish lighter interiors would come back into fashion in Australia.

[@tldrinfographics5769]

Yup, so sick of black and grey interior

[@chasingcars]

Same! Mind you, the Cruiser's nutmeg interior option is great.

[@anthonywalsh2164]

AWD gives a much higher towing capacity.

[@chasingcars]

That's true.

[@wd9807]

Yea we needed to tow 750kg unbraked so went with the AWD

[@coldude2559]

Good luck getting one in less than 12 months and at retail price...I just don't think the design is that great 🤔🤔

[@chasingcars]

People tell us they're able to get retail price, but the wait is very long.

[@Rally4Life1982]

And yet it can't tow diddly squat. Only the AWD versions can tow anything respectful.

[@chasingcars]

True, though most people don’t tow. Those who do can bias the AWD version in their research.

[@Mightyhawk84k]

Both Rav4 n Camry hybrids use same engine, not sure y Camry requires 95RON n rav4 which is more premium vehicle uses cheaper 91 🙄

[@stevocaspo7414]

RAV4 is Euro 5 compliant. Camry and Kluger are Euro 6 compliant, which requires 95RON Premium ULP to achieve.

[@NANGSGARAGE]

Sign me up for one ☝️ of those 📝

[@robertceroli3512]

Not a prob put a deposit down and wait for 12 months

[@marva1801]

you look like dantdm

[@justinjp9211]

The xse is better looking car then the cruiser. The feature is really missing on the xse is nit a big deal mostly the same car same engine. This is a no brainier choice

[@justinjp9211]

@@FFXIVArtist but the cruiser looks cheap exterior wise compared to the xse all those features I don't need personally would rather have the nicer looking car which alot people fail to mention with the xse. Use seat covers anyway. The softex interior is nice. The moon roof alot people won't use it anyway

[@Snapit551]

Very ugly looking suv compared to Lexus nx

[@chasingcars]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course.

[@mharro88]

Boring

[@Mexxx65]

Pity its so damn ugly. And only an "average" drive.

[@chasingcars]

We think the drive is better than average. Ride and handling is actually pretty good. Upper third of the segment I'd say.

[@naved5176]

Which one is better to drive ?

[@Mexxx65]

@@chasingcars Yes I'm very aware it won your recent comparison test. But they say Toyota make bland motor cars. And I think this is just another one. Bland cars sell the best in Australian.

[@JasonISF]

Yes I think the back looks pretty ugly. I bought a new Camry hybrid SL. Uses less fuel than the Rav4, looks better and handles better. Loving it.

[@wd9807]

@@JasonISF hows it tow Jason?

[@supergee1070]

Ugly. Looks like Walter White’s car