Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2024 Review

A long time ago, in what feels like a galaxy far, far away, the default choice for a family car was a three-box sedan – remember those?

Well, maybe it wasn’t that long ago, and maybe it wasn’t that far away, but it certainly feels like a long and distant memory when you look at today’s Australian automotive landscape dominated by utes and SUVs.

Thirty years ago, Aussie families generally chose a Falcon or Commodore. But, right at that time, Toyota debuted a cool and funky new vehicle – the RAV4.

Over the decades since, the RAV4 (for ‘Recreational Active Vehicle with four-wheel drive’) has matured into adulthood, growing substantially in every possible physical dimension, and cementing itself as not just Australia’s number one midsize SUV, but also our favourite SUV, full stop.

Just last month, Toyota celebrated 500,000 RAV4 sales in Australia, and over the first six months of this year, more than 25,000 new RAV4s made their way into Aussie households, with the SUV on track to deliver a yearly sales record for the nameplate.

Such is the RAV4’s popularity that wait times during its current generation have at times blown out to a year, or sometimes even more. 

As the RAV4’s popularity has increased, so has the take up of its hybrid variants, to the point where the entire line-up is now exclusively hybrid as buyers increasingly navigate to more fuel-efficient vehicles.

These are all results that would make Toyota executives jump with glee, and are particularly impressive considering the RAV4 debuted its current generation in Australia way back in May 2019.

Today, we have the RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid FWD in the garage – a spec we’ve tested a few times at Chasing Cars and one we’ve generally been big fans of as a bit of a sweet spot in the RAV4 range.

So how’s it stacking up? Is it still all it’s cracked up to be five-and-a-half years after it debuted? Or is it all just clever marketing, solid reputation, and maybe a case of keeping up with the Joneses that’s driving its sales success?

What are the RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid’s features and options for the price?

When we reviewed the Cruiser Hybrid FWD, in this very colour, two years ago it cost $45,700 plus on-road costs.

Today, it’s $51,510. Granted, there’s been some subtle equipment upgrades in that time, but it’s also largely been because of inflation-fuelled price rises. And even though the price has escalated, supply has started to improve, helping to drive this year’s incredibly strong deliveries.

As standard, the RAV4 is equipped with features like LED daytime running lights, front LED fog lamps, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, digital radio, front dual-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch media display.

Stepping up to the GXL brings additional features like 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and a wireless phone charger, with the vaguely sporty XSE gaining heated front seats, a powered driver seat, a 10.5-inch media display, and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. 

Meanwhile, the Cruiser gains 10-way power adjustment to the front passenger seat, leather-accented interior, driver’s seat memory, ventilated front seats, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, panoramic view monitor, and tilt and slide moonroof.

You can also identify the Cruiser hybrid version on the outside thanks to its black 18-inch wheels, chrome door handles and silver grille. And any colour but white is going to cost you an extra 705 bucks.

How does the RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid drive?

Powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain, the Cruiser Hybrid FWD has combined system power output of 160kW.

You also have the option of spending an extra $3000 over front-wheel-drive variants to access the all-wheel-drive ‘e-Four’ hybrid. That’ll also get you an extra three kilowatts and a torque bump, although it’s undisclosed by how much.

This reviewer has only driven the Cruiser Hybrid FWD, so that’s what we are focusing on today, and on the whole, it delivers an easy-to-master and easy-to-like driving experience. 

It’s smooth and quiet, and the transitions between petrol and electric drive are relatively seamless.

Some may lament the fact it has a CVT transmission but for what the car is and what it intends to do, it does a good job.

If you extend the RAV4’s drivetrain then you can definitely hear the petrol engine buzzing as the CVT sends revs soaring – which is in contrast to the serenity you experience when the RAV4 is running exclusively via the electric motors – but in context of the overall package, this is hardly a dealbreaker.

The Cruiser Hybrid FWD doesn’t deliver what you’d call a sporty driving experience, and some buyers might appreciate a bit of extra oomph, but for me, the power felt more than adequate for a family SUV, especially around town.

While I haven’t driven the AWD – which adds a second electric motor on the rear axle – it’s prudent to note the Chasing Cars team have previously pointed out its torque benefits and additional traction in some conditions.

The RAV4’s ride is well sorted, with a compliant and comfortable suspension tune that soaks up bumps nicely on the Cruiser’s 18-inch wheels.

In terms of handling, the Cruiser Hybrid FWD is competent on a set of twisties, delivering a planted, balanced, and reasonably communicative feeling on the road.

The steering is also light, predictable and faithful, making it very easy to place on the road, and adding to what is overall a solid, pleasant and fuss-free medium SUV.

However, it is worth noting that if towing ability is high on your consideration list, then the Cruiser front-wheel-drive hybrid isn’t your best option. It has a braked towing capacity of just 480kg compared to the all-wheel-drive hybrid’s 1500kg.

What is the RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid’s interior and tech like?

Putting it simply, the interior of the RAV4 works. 

Granted it might not be the most luxurious interior, nor is it the most visually impressive from a showroom ‘wow-factor’ perspective. It’s also a bit dark, though you can spec a beige leather interior if you like. Yet even in two-tone, it still feels functional and utilitarian rather than fancy.

Some creature comforts include a wireless phone charger pad in the centre console, as well as three-setting heating and cooling for both front seats.

The switchgear all feels good – I like the conventional, chunky gear shifter which has a solid feel to it. And I also appreciate the large, easy-to-use controls for things such as the dual-zone climate control. 

The RAV4’s leather-bound steering wheel feels nice to hold, the driving position is good, and buyers can also enjoy 10-way power adjustment with power lumbar and memory settings for the driver on the Cruiser, combined with eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger.

In terms of tech, a 10.5-inch touchscreen media display is featured in the centre console – a relatively easy-to-use system, familiar to Toyota owners. You also get wireless Apple CarPlay but wired Android auto.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster has nice and simple graphics but the only downside is it does seem a bit reflective and hard to read in direct sunlight.

Another bit of extra fruit the Cruiser gets is a nine-speaker JBL audio system, so in terms of spec, the Cruiser is a well-equipped vehicle.

Ergonomically, another element I appreciate is the outward visibility – it’s good all round, and that makes it an easy SUV to reverse and park. It’s also impressively practical with a decently-sized central bin and glovebox, a little storage ledge in the centre console, and proper full-size grab handles on all doors.

It has good rear-seat space too. With my 180cm frame, there’s plenty of leg and head room for me, and you can recline the rear backrests for added comfort on long journeys.

As well as this, it’s not that bad in the centre seat. The transmission tunnel isn’t that tall and is actually wide enough to rest your feet on.

There are some soft materials in the back too, as well as rear air vents, USB-C outlets, and strong visibility for rear passengers too, as well as a centre armrest with cupholders.

It is worth noting that you can’t get the RAV4 with a third row and seven seats. If that’s important for you in a midsize SUV then other models you can look at with three rows, dependent on grade, include the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan. 

If you want a hybrid with seven seats then your options are limited to vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, however, unlike the RAV4, it’s a plug-in hybrid.

Boot space is 580 litres, with the two-tiered floor in its lowest position, or 542 litres in its higher position.

There are decent storage sections in there, too, and a wide boot opening.

Good news – you get a spare wheel. The bad news is it’s a 17-inch temporary spare, however that’s better than a tyre puncture repair kit.

Outside of that, the tailgate on the RAV4 has long been a bugbear in the Chasing Cars office because of its constant beeping when opening and closing – so if you like to remove things from your boot stealthily without annoying the neighbours, it’s probably not the SUV for you.

Is the RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid a safe car?

The RAV4 is a safe family hauler. It has a five-star ANCAP crash safety rating and is packed with lots of passive and active safety features including:

• AEB
• Lane departure alert
• Lane trace assist
• Road sign assist
• Auto high beam
• Active cruise control
• Blind spot monitor
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Seven airbags

During my time with the RAV4 Cruiser, I found the safety systems to be pretty well calibrated. The lane keeping wasn’t too intrusive and the adaptive cruise control worked effectively too.

What are the RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid’s ownership costs?

The RAV can take 91-octane fuel, and has a quoted 4.7L/100km combined consumption figure for the front-wheel-drive hybrid. AWD hybrid models are quoted at 4.8L/100km.

Over my time with the RAV4, I averaged 5.1L/100km, which included a mixture of urban, highway and B-roads.

In terms of servicing, intervals are every 12 months or 15,000kms, and each service is $260. So that’s an impressively modest $1300 total for five years.

Warranty is five years/unlimited kilometres.

The honest verdict on the RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid

While the fifth-generation RAV4 is clearly ageing, it isn’t showing signs of slowing down any time soon.

Overall, it has the feeling of being extremely well-suited for the job it’s intended for. It might not be a fast or flashy SUV, but it’s likeable for the reason that it does what it intends to do in a fuss-free and pragmatic way.

Chasing Cars has previously used the phrase ‘fit for its purpose’ to describe the RAV4 and I’d agree – it’s a good all-rounder and an easy vehicle to recommend if you’re looking for a solid family SUV.

If you want to check out the competition then the Honda CR-V e-HEV and Nissan X-Trail e-Power both offer hybrids in the same class at various price points, though it’s worth noting they don’t quite match the RAV4 when it comes to fuel efficiency.

As well as that, Chasing Cars is also running a Kia Sportage Hybrid GT-Line as a long-termer, so make sure you check out our review of that rival model. Hyundai has also now launched its first ever Tucson Hybrid in Australia, meaning that the RAV4 Hybrid’s competition is now stronger than ever.

A future hybrid midsize SUV comparison is definitely in order, however for now, based on sales at least, the RAV4 continues to dominate. How long can it continue its glory run? Time will tell.