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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@ikennaokere1769]

This is what a car review should be 👍🏽

[@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.

[@bastar]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@sniperpatch]

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

[@DevonDumpling70]

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

[@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.

[@billyrock8305]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?!

[@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.

[@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)

[@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.

[@uk7866]

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

[@gumper3239]

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

[@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.

[@simon269]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@richardhill6449]

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

[@marc3964]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@scotttravis86]

Excellent and thoroughly enjoyable video, buddy! Subscribed!

[@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

[@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.

[@JWORLDKING]

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

[@brianthomas3921]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@terp8373]

Exceptionally well done review.

[@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

[@Btithare66]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@nirupmurs]

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

[@Roadunner42KM]

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

[@planetpeckham1]

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

[@BDTTK9]

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

[@nuray3486]

Amazing, in 2 years i will buy this car.

[@dougg8166]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@kokekan75]

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

[@pelocitdarney5718]

Excellent review. Subscribed. Thank you.

[@jimmartin6803]

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.

[@marwincastillo3669]

Great vid as always rich. Please can you do a winter driving version of these hybrids so we can compare their mpg at their worst to their best in the warmer seasons

[@RichardFanders]

I will do if I get an opportunity.

[@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.

[@rjirving]

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

[@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!!👀😉👍🏼

[@glareff]

The only thing I think is lacking is better noise insulation. It's not terrible, but having driven Mercedes and BMW on road trips before I feel there was something they did on the highway that made the trips more effortless. Otherwise it's a jack of all trades kind of car, but still the best overall I have owned.

[@dreamkiss]

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

[@shamone10]

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

[@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.

[@beautyofnature4890]

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

[@nirmalantony459]

Amazing review. I was searching for these kind of vedios

[@NigelFoster1969]

Another great review. Keep up the good work 👍

[@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.

[@lexxdrve]

Hi Richard! Greetings from the Philippines! New subscriber here.❤

[@Seeyan86]

very informative and useful review - thanks!

[@markspiers4992]

Just a warning for people looking at once of these. If you do any spirited driving, take an extended test drive. If you put full power down, the noise is awful. So you would never want to drive it like that again. This is not a car that you can occasionally use for spirited driving at all, the noise is that bad. Not helped by the tinny thin windows which do not have good sound deadening. Another major flaw is the EV mode button is near the gear selector. The car regularly does not go into EV mode when it should. You have to look down to find the button. There is no button on the steering wheel to quickly enter EV mode, for example you are just about to go down a massive hill, so you want to use all your battery going up the hill so you are not wasting the recuperation by having an already full battery before you go down the hill. However, compared to my previous 8 series lease which had 3 litre 350bhp engine, it gets double the pence per mile and double the MPG of at least 40mpg compared to the BMW 19MPG. If you are a boring person you will love the RAV4. There is a reason why its the best selling SUV in the world. For me however, cant wait for the lease to end so i can get a more engaging car.

[@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!

[@jairiangrowyourfood6659]

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

[@MRT.1977]

Great video. Very impressed with the 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.

[@CUng-xc1xp]

I like your review of the RAV4

[@Lecia-lithium]

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

[@Gioreto]

If you are looking for smoother cruise control try changing the driving modes - it feels smoothest in ECO mode, normal and sport are a bit edgy. For me it depend on the traffic around and is case by case

[@Jags22079]

Very informative video, thanks

[@Pjhumpy]

What can it tow please? I’d have liked a bit about the tyres and different wheel sizes plus the AWD option. What difference does it make? How does it work, Toyota blurb is not very explanatory. Overall excellent review. Spoken from a real driver’s perspective not trying to sell anything. Thanks.

[@lcook82]

Pretty sure it's 1500kg

[@mjr7817]

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

[@LeoStep93]

Fun video, Richard! Greetings from your Ukrainian fans, as always :)

[@JBinthesticks]

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

[@cra3ylad]

Great review mate..

[@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

[@jonjones6583]

Thank you for a detailed review.

[@piotrprus4184]

Very good review 🎉

[@123HIP]

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

[@cyber_fujv-8675]

Have they fixed the cablegate corrosion?

[@loopop2]

Great Vid Rich. Do you think you'd be able to a real world economy review of the honda hrv hev?

[@RichardFanders]

If I get an opportunity I will.

[@terminator4974]

so long BMW it was nice knowing you.

[@troecurov3]

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