Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Detailed Review with Real World Economy

[@StevieFletcher-o3n]

This is the first time I've seen you review a car and I'm mightily impressed with you, no showing off, real time driving, a brilliant all over review of every aspect the average driver wants. The Rav4 is a very impressive SUV, it time to say goodbye Evoque, hello Rav4.

[@alioumaiga6116]

Me too 👏🏾

[@BigPaul3122]

I hear the Évoque is not reliable, but you will know better than me. One thing I do know is the Rav is extremely reliable. So, if you want a car that just works, it has to be the Rav. Not flashy, but quality.

[@stiggertoot]

Hi, well I've had my Evoque 4 years, 1 sensor failed me last year. The problem isn't the Evoque, the problem is Land Rover after sales department. From reporting it to Landrover it took 122 days to finally replace the sensor. I can't go into details, it's too long a story but I'll give you 1 example. My 4 year old Evoque passed its mot, 1 advisory, rear brakes. Landrover serviced it two weeks later, Red Alert for both front and back brakes and disks, need changing urgently, hmmmmm. I questioned Landrover, they said the technician said they all need replacing,Two weeks later an independent garage replaced my rear pads and disks, half of Land rovers price. He also said front brakes are still good. 2 weeks later back into Landrover for the sensor, new report said Amber alert for front pads, 6.5mm of pad left. Hmmmmm, 4 weeks ago you gave me a Red alert, now they have 6.5mm of pad left. There's more of this, this isn't the only incident and lie they've told me over 122 days. The Evoque is beautiful and reliable up to now but their after sales service is absolutely disgraceful. Steve

[@paulmackintosh9964]

Good evening Richard, Firstly, I have JUST found your channel! I am a 77year old YOUNG lifelong petrolhead and I gotta tell you, I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed this review 😎🙏🙏 I genuinely cannot think of many other presenters who give as much detail as you do and more to the point for me, you have covered everything a potential buyer would ask and is looking for, from style,engines performance, comfort,practicality, REALISTIC and REAL DRIVING conditions for MPG. Superb job, thank you. I have now subscribed to your channel. Paul

[@gzoltanJoy]

I've just ordered mine a week ago. 2024 Hybrid model. I can't wait ❤

[@chrutnz]

Same. The dealer in NZ says 2-3 months wait. XSE model similar to the one in this vlog, with the updated display and entertainment centre.

[@pedroreis3969]

lucky you!

[@Nguyen1996-w1p]

Have you checked out the BYD Sealion 6? You won't even want to take a look to RAV4

[@BigPaul3122]

I have a Rav 4 with all the options in France. The car was made in Japan. Two things only touched on in this video which are absolutely superb. The heated steering wheel is one, but the winner is the heated windscreen. In winter the ice is cleared from my windscreen while I’m turning round in my driveway. No scraping, no delay. It just works. Like the whole car really.

[@PilotJan]

why is it important, build in Japan? The plugin I bought should also be build in Japan? Still happy with it?

[@BartoszRybacki0]

@@PilotJan Maybe BigPaul does not like Toyota cars built in France.

[@mmww_]

Explaining what you get with each trim level is such a great idea to put into a review. First time I've seen a reviewer do it

[@jonathanryan4212]

I purchased an XSE (US version) 2 months ago. Your review is spot on! After 15 years of Honda's I initially did not care for the Toyota's interior quality and drive dynamics. But the more I drive it and get used to the layout the more I love it. It is easily the best all around vehicle I have ever owned.

[@LeoStep93]

would you say that Hondas have better interior quality and dynamics?

[@jonathanryan4212]

@@LeoStep93 totally subjective but to me Honda’s feel sportier and my Toyota is more utilitarian. Some of the button/control layouts in the Toyota feel awkward coming from Honda’s. All that said the Toyota hybrid system is just incredible. Glad I made the switch instead of waiting for the new Crv to come out.

[@LeoStep93]

@@jonathanryan4212 thanks!

[@agoodbogey]

@@LeoStep93 Yes, to me the honda interior feels better, i wish the honda had the birds eye view but the extra space for me was the deal breaker. TO me the rav 4 felt sportier and more rigid on the suspension

[@LeoStep93]

@@agoodbogey thanks!

[@JMB1891]

Best review, no silly nonsense or trying to be a comedian, just everything you need to know as a potential buyer. 👍🏻

[@kanayoonyeka6472]

Was that a shot at carwow's Mat Watson?

[@bastar]

Best reviews on youtube. Loads of info people actually need and no gimmicky carwow stuff.

[@ikennaokere1769]

This is what a car review should be 👍🏽

[@r7coo]

I have a 2022 excel, it's my first Toyota & it's utterly fabulous.The fuel consumption is superb, the local dealer is very good & only £240 for its first service , I understand why Toyota's are so popular now.

[@craigb8379]

Richard, This is a very refreshing real world review, covering performance and usability of features that real people will care about. Keep up the good work. I will check out some more of your reviews.

[@sniperpatch]

By far the most comprehensive rav 4 hybrid review that I have watched thank you . Subbed

[@fwood1231]

Certainly the best review of this car I’ve seen. And I agree with everything you’ve covered. Purchased a XSE model (US) and have 8000 miles on it so far. My total fuel economy is 45.2 mpg US. I’ve been so happy and impressed with the RAV4 Hybrid. And I tested and compared with the CRV Hybrid before I purchased this one. Thanks for your great review.

[@DevonDumpling70]

This is the best Rav4 vid by a country mile. It swung me to go order one. Thanks Richard.

[@tj9382]

This is a really excellent review. You do yourself proud much better than some of the professionals you go into a lot of detail and really bring the car to the viewer. Fantastic job

[@SarahWalker-Smith]

Hi . I love the style of your review . It’s very informative and much better than many others. We ‘re considering a RAV 4 after being committed Honda enthusiasts for over 20 years.

[@billyrock8305]

Great review mate! 🇨🇦 Works awesome at -40c and 50CM of snow ❄️ 🥶

[@RaymondoLeeTravel]

Mate that’s a cracking review! Very detailed especially with the MPG and hybrid running! As a previous owner of a Rav 4 I agree with everything you say!

[@debashishpaul8342]

Wow!! I've watched so many car review videos made by others, but your review is by far one of the best I've seen so far - although I must say this is just the 2nd video I've seen as I came across your YT channel by chance. What I like most is your in-depth detailed review, actual driving experience on both country and urban roads, and also the features comparison and pricing across different grades. I subscribed to your channel hoping to watch more videos. When these cars become available, I'd be interested in a comparative review of 2023/24 models of Nissan ePower SUV vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus NX350h vs NX450h+, Mercedes GLC 300 coupe vs GLC 300 SUV.

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you, I plan to do more reviews as and when I get the cars.

[@simon269]

I liked your honest review! Different and better than the usual reviewers on KZbin. Many thanks.

[@marc3964]

My favourite driving instructor is now reviewing cars! Awesome content mate!

[@davidbailey1689]

Thanks again, Richard. I have just re-watched your excellent video. On Friday I did a short test drive in the Rav4 Design and was impressed (my current car is a bigger Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which I love, but it’s 7 years old). Yesterday I placed my order for the Rav4 and my confidence in the car is largely based upon your review, confirmed in my test drive. Cheers!

[@MrPeteJMc]

Brilliant Richard. I have a 2019 excel and everything you have said is accurate. The only bit that I can say to compliment is that the instrument display does change to a full digital speed display and that there are various information displays if one toggles through them. One area you didn't cover was the infotainment system that Toyota should be improving on the 2023 models. I have a rav4 phev on order for next year. I hope that you can compare the phev to the normal hybrid at some stage.

[@tectoramia-sz1lu]

Good review. Unlike other reviewers you didn't constantly feel the need to compare it to other makes. They are AWD, not 4WD, there is a subtle difference. Only some of the older Rav4's were 4WD. We've only had our 2020 Rav4 for a week, and we are getting similar MPG results as you.

[@phillipbeharall6271]

This review is one of the best car reviews I've watched and at 74yr old I have watched a lot well done 👏👏👏👏 I have had a RAV4 before and I am waiting for a RAV4 2022 excel 2WD ex demo in white itv liked and subscribed thank you again

[@RichardFanders]

That's really nice to hear. Thank you.

[@dainfowler8262]

Best review I've seen yet! Editing and cameras were great. I'm in the US, so there are a few differences in the models, and warranty. I'm getting a 2023 Woodland Edition. Thanks for explaining all the features to a layman.

[@peter6411]

Thank you Richard, I really enjoyed your review of the Rav 4 Hybrid I'm pretty well convinced now it's the right car for me to change to from my 1.2 litre 2015 Qashqai petrol, I've been considering a Qashiqai E- power as well as the Rav 4 but your review was the most informative and I have seen, the camera footage of the dash read out's and average mpg was brilliant. Thank You once again. Peter.

[@reinmansmith]

An excellent thorough review. Top marks!…. As an owner of a 2wd ‘Dynamic’ with panoramic roof for a year now (10,000mls) I can agree with all the points you’ve made. The Toyota app, (which allows you to locate your car and gives you trip info etc) shows that in that time I’ve averaged 50+mpg and have spent 50% of my time and just over 30% of distance in EV mode. Unless you look at the dashboard you will never know when it is switching between EV and petrol, it’s that smooth. On a 1300ml trip from Cornwall to Northumberland and back on a mixture of motorways and A roads I averaged 53mpg sticking it in cruise at 70-75mph on the motorway and keeping to 60mph on A roads. For a a very comfortable SUV the economy is amazing whilst you are never lacking in performance. It’s simply an efficient comfortable ‘daily driver’ which, with the 10yr/100,000ml warranty, is hard to fault.

[@dcdc8lc]

Thanks

[@RichardFanders]

That's very kind of you. Thank you.

[@ffotograffydd]

I’d already shortlisted this car and plan to test drive. Your review has been incredibly helpful because you concentrated on the importance things! Thank you!

[@davidbailey1689]

I have just watched this video for the second time, just to remind myself of the facts/opinions that you offered. I had been watching other reviews but they were from all around the world and the specs vary. So thanks again for an excellent review.

[@gumper3239]

I learned something new about my car (it has 3 motors). Excellent video!

[@chrismcgowan5180]

Toyota all the time for me. I do however worry about the all the technology over time and then being out of warranty, 100,000 miles goes pretty quick for me (3-5 years), however this is the case with all new cars. Love to see you review the GR Yaris circuit, looks like a fun little car (or not so little)

[@TheAndyPeacock]

What a wonderfully delivered review.

[@davidbailey1689]

Thank you, Richard. I am interested in a Rav4 Hybrid and tried reading all of the Toyota online blurb but so much of it is marketing flannel. I was very pleased, therefore, to watch your excellent pragmatic review - the world as it is! It looks to be a great, economical car. Thanks again.

[@PilotJan]

Bought it in 2025, 3 years old model 2022, in Germany as the plugin hybrid, still having 12 years Garanti, is this real I think, or allmost everything excluded? It seems that Battery (18 kwh) and most vital parts are included. Any one has experience with this Toyota garanti?

[@longdang3379]

Can you please do more review? i LOVE your style. U talk about everything i want. Other ppl talk so aggressively. U are straight to point and calm. Can you also describe cabin noise? No need for measurements because they are inaccurate for this area.

[@longdang3379]

Oh sr u did in the later parts :)

[@dougturner370]

A well done review. So much more attention paid to driving dynamics which is most important to me. Thanks!

[@uk7866]

A nice looking car would. Would definitely take it over Evoque.

[@lev5396]

first review I've ween actually using cruise control and the lane assist. cheers for that. getting my 2023 SE in August, can't wait

[@cliveowen334]

Just bought the dynamic version, I'll be honest it just looked cooler! Didn't know there was one below it, I thought they had 3 versions not sure how I missed it. It seems like it's only the heated steering wheel I'd miss, which my current car has

[@Benjimikey]

Toyota have updated the infotainment system with a 10.5 screen which looks much better with higher resolution. I'm in the UK and Toyota are saying it's 9 months before they get those with the 2023 updated interior. Great review by the way

[@veorens]

That slot would be for an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) reader, which are used for automatic toll collection on Japanese expressways. They take a credit card-sized card and look just like that.

[@johnmartin7158]

Thanks for your outstanding review. I’ve got the RAV4 Adventure Hybrid. I wouldn’t like to be over 6’ 4” getting in and out of the drivers seat. I’m 5’ 9.” Especially with the sunroof. You are correct, lane centring is not as smooth as say Kia and others. But as an all round vehicle, it’s good value. Chasing cars AustralIa website gave it 1st place comfortably out of 11 vehicles tested and there testing was extremely vigorous and comprehensive. Cheers NZ.

[@richardhill6449]

Really excellent comprehensive review. Informative and refreshingly without the all too common feeble attempts at humour. Keep them coming.

[@Roadunner42KM]

Well done Richard, a great review of this car. I like the true to life aspect of what you covered. I want one!

[@brianthomas3921]

Thanks for a very good review! I’m just about to buy a rav and this was very helpfull!

[@jimmartin4912]

Another excellent review that I will hapily share with all my friends cause the work you are doing even on your second channel never dissapoints and is always of the highest quality for anyone who is intrested in helpful and honest car reviews.

[@JWORLDKING]

Hey a pretty honest rav4 review, the rav4, that's really the best out of all Classes

[@bitelogger]

Thanks mate, your videos are the best

[@terp8373]

Exceptionally well done review.

[@dougg8166]

We have had our 2023 hybrid for 3 months and pretty consistent 600 miles on 10 Canadian gallons. Mainly coty

[@nirupmurs]

You are an amazing driver. Loved what you did there - 15:20 to 15:48 - my man, respect!! Excellent review.

[@ZachAscot]

Hi Richard, wishing you a wonderful Christmas & '23! - Just would like to say thanks for all the amazing videos you make. You've truly made me a better driver and I notice every day. Thank you and I'm forever learning! - Love your extra vids that aren't just technique based, but about your trips abroad & your MX5. You 'da man.

[@RichardFanders]

That's really nice to hear! Thank you for watching and I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year also.

[@scotttravis86]

Excellent and thoroughly enjoyable video, buddy! Subscribed!

[@dreamkiss]

Fabolous video just what I needed I now can understand the difference between the models, I will be getting Excel or Dynamic

[@rodriguezahr]

The most complete review of the RAV4. The fuel economy of this car is in epic! Wonder how this car performs off-road or on snow?!

[@Btithare66]

Thank you, Richard. It's informative and jargon free. Please do the 2023 version with new digital display and infotainment system.

[@nuray3486]

Amazing, in 2 years i will buy this car.

[@rjirving]

Absolutely superb car review - love your style. Thank you!

[@artemkatelnytskyi]

The slot right of the steering wheel may be for credit cards, or parking passes and what not. However it was hard to see. Very nice car indeed, thanks for the review. I like your in-depth interior reviews as well.

[@RichardFanders]

The thing is, it seemed completely blanked off. I could be wrong though.

[@brandonleasure1234]

@@RichardFanders I'm thinking it could be a remnant of Japanese electronic toll collection card slots for high speed fareways that they just blocked off for export cars. I'm not sure though

[@jac2384]

@@brandonleasure1234I think you are right

[@NigelFoster1969]

Another great review. Keep up the good work 👍

[@shamone10]

I’m glad the steering wheel is a good fickness, always helps

[@Frostfire40]

I really appreciate this detailed review. I'd like to get a new vehicle in the hopefully near future and I've considered the Rav4. So a detailed review helps tremendously in choosing. I want this so bad.

[@gavinwithenshaw1981]

great review again lots of important insight , ive also watch your view of the Toyota Corolla estate Facelift Detailed Review - New 5th Gen Hybrid, im looking to upgrade my car to one or either of these cars but interested to know your own preference , my guess is the corolla estate handles better but is the rav4 still good on the twisty stuff , both cars would suit my needs as have a small family , daily i do alot of urban journey to work in rubbish traffic so the mpg and assistance looks really good to reduce stress in traffic but equally i do a lot of distance travel every couple of months for family needs via motor ways and into france i think i can see the benefit for the high seat position with the rav4 for such but equally my vw golf estate is fine. Im a car fan and when given the chance i also like to enjoy a car via the back road through twisty stuff. the rav4 look quite impressive in your video given its hight but lower centre of gravity always wins with the corolla . i drove a SUV in scotland and shocking i liked it , i can see the appeal , but equally i like good handling cars .mpg is important for me hence the interest in toyota, and lastly both cars will only be hybrid, don't see the benefit of PHEV with the cost of elec and weight of the additional battery pack. all feedback greatly appreciated given you own one of these already . i will of course test drive both but value your second well thought out option. kind regards gavin

[@gord8743]

Good clear & comprehensive review here of the RAV 4 hybrid which I’m looking at amongst few other hybrids to,choose from for future use. Thx for the review…liked & subbed!!👀😉👍🏼

[@BDTTK9]

Such a good detailed review, you really explained what it’s like to drive so well

[@mabeljoe4305]

Learn All About Your New RAV4 Limited Hybrid - Buttons, Controls & much more! - ToyotaJeff Reviews kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnuQaWCugZ2Vn6s

[@nirmalantony459]

Amazing review. I was searching for these kind of vedios

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Fab car and one I’d happily trade my RX450h in for as a cheaper to run version. The hybrid is basically a Lexus NX300h in different clothes. It’s more practical than the NX and imho the better car.

[@nllewellin]

Annoyances with Toyota ACC is that it only goes up and down in increments of 5mph (non adaptive cruise seems to go up and down in ones, and if you hold it then goes up in 5s, 10s), so in ACC you have to do the work around of setting it above what you want (say 60mph if you want 58) then press "Cancel" then press "Set" as it decelerates. The buttons don't give much feedback either so sometimes feels like they don't respond.

[@BigPaul3122]

How picky can you be? I speak as a Rav 4 owner of 3 years and I can honestly say the problem of which you speak has never bothered me. It is what it is. Get over it. Why anyone would switch off adaptive cruise, which may save your life, is beyond me.

[@pelocitdarney5718]

Excellent review. Subscribed. Thank you.

[@Grahamvfr]

Great review again Richard just ordered a yaris hybrid (helped by your mazda 2 hybrid review), from the CA cars (driving school cars) looking forward to hybrid tech, and economy.

[@TheAxeman33]

This is a great review. Can you tell me which model you are driving, front wheel drive or all wheel drive? I need this car! :-) ❤

[@BigPaul3122]

He did say AWD

[@HDX539]

Richard, wonderful review from your channel, it;s much better when you put english subtitle on each of your videos, please

[@RichardFanders]

I would like to but at the moment I don't have the time.

[@MRT.1977]

Great video. Very impressed with the car 👍👍👍

[@Lecia-lithium]

What trim is the best bang for buck for looks and convenience ?

[@planetpeckham1]

Congratulations on a great review - unusually it's about the car and not you!

[@foxlake6750]

I have a friend who has had two CRVs, the first one had the fuel dilution problem, so I suggested he buy a RAV4. He purchased another CRV and has had cam chain and guide issues, as well as emission system problems. He has had enough and bought a RAV4.

[@BigPaul3122]

You can’t help some people. I have a friend who asked for advice. I advised Corolla or Yaris hybrid for her needs. She bought a Nissan Juke petrol model automatic and complains it uses too much fuel. I had just given her all the advice she needed to buy the right car. I’m just waiting for the breakdown issues as the Juke ages.

[@CUng-xc1xp]

I like your review of the RAV4

[@cra3ylad]

Great review mate..

[@pedroreis3969]

I've got one question regarding it is plug-in or those ones that recharge themselves when the car is in motion?

[@kokekan75]

Amazing review - thank you! Would you recommend this engine over the quicker hybrid?

[@nllewellin]

Would you recommend this or the Corolla TS, am looking to upgrade from 1.8 Corolla HB

[@moonsapling]

I really do believe hybrids are more beneficial for the environment. Combining the efficiency of electric with the long range of gasoline is rrally the best way to go imho. The RAV4 is a lovely vehicle to travel with!

[@TimZ007]

I love the lane assist Sienna 2023 AWD. I think the sienna is slightly faster 0-60 even though i doesn't feel like it. Its rated 245hp. Not sure where the extra is coming from as its the same 2.5lt. I note it is very loud on throttle compared to the 1.8 in the prius. But its quieter at light throttle as the bigger engine does not work at hard.

[@jairiangrowyourfood6659]

Excellent review my friend, no doubt going to get one 👍

[@jonjones6583]

Thank you for a detailed review.

[@123HIP]

Lovely car just have to win the lottery to buy one.🤞

[@piotrprus4184]

Very good review 🎉

[@MarjorieBowey]

I have had this car a few years now had to replace hand break cable at 32000 miles at a cost of £1200 and had to wait months for the part this year at 37000 miles air con gas cit needs replacing part alone costs £500 seriously not happy

[@Seeyan86]

very informative and useful review - thanks!

[@troecurov3]

Should I buy this car instead of Kia Sportage? Please help me.

[@beautyofnature4890]

New subscriber here... really great detailed video. You deserve more Views and subscribers

[@cyber_fujv-8675]

Have they fixed the cablegate corrosion?

[@benhill452]

I purchased a 2021 Hybrid Limited in June 2021. I currently have 53000 miles and I've average 42.5 mpg overall (detailed records). I'm totally satisfied with the vehicle in all aspects. The trip computer is not very accurate, just an indication only.

[@JBinthesticks]

Just put it in Eco mode and it softens the cruise control response, saving even more fuel.

[@markmorgan7773]

I'm about to choose a new company car, Ive narrowed it down to teh RAV4 Hybrid or BMW x3 hybrid. Any thoughts i'm not a car guy need a decent boot.

[@mjr7817]

This is a fantastic review! Should compare it to the Toyota highlander!

[@Eddie.3-rifles2li]

Hi bud what are these like on bad uk a-b roads can make my mind up between this and a hybrid Corolla on 17 or 18 wheels