Discussion
Had a 2023 Rav4 as a hire car in Norway back in January which we used during our ski holiday. I believe it was a 2.5 Hybrid. It was fantastic for getting up to and around the ski resort for the week. Lots of space and despite 45k km on the clock, felt good as new to drive and incredibly sure footed despite deep snow. 4WD & hybrid system worked an absolute treat, even through completely untouched drifts in the forests when we went for our sled ride. (obviously winter tyres helped, but I wouldn't have expected the 2WD Tiguan that Enterprise offered to have been on a par with this).
Amazingly it returned 45mpg over the 400 or so miles we covered in it, which was fantastic considering it was typically -10 to - 20deg. C whilst we were there and, heating/seats/AC/windscreen on full chat at all times, we were either stop start round town, up and down the mountain switchbacks or hammering to/from the airport on the 'highway'.
The interior felt pretty very Japanese...which i'm not necessarily knocking, but considering it was a 2023 car of decent trim level, it was quite simple/basic and lacking any flair / luxury. I do love Jap cars (have had them most my life) but stepping out of my X3 into the Rav4, it felt comparatively agricultural. However, on the plus side, no silly faffy touch screens or easily damaged soft touch finishes and everything could be operated through gloves...it's just managing expectations I guess, because its not like they are cheap cars...
Amazingly it returned 45mpg over the 400 or so miles we covered in it, which was fantastic considering it was typically -10 to - 20deg. C whilst we were there and, heating/seats/AC/windscreen on full chat at all times, we were either stop start round town, up and down the mountain switchbacks or hammering to/from the airport on the 'highway'.
The interior felt pretty very Japanese...which i'm not necessarily knocking, but considering it was a 2023 car of decent trim level, it was quite simple/basic and lacking any flair / luxury. I do love Jap cars (have had them most my life) but stepping out of my X3 into the Rav4, it felt comparatively agricultural. However, on the plus side, no silly faffy touch screens or easily damaged soft touch finishes and everything could be operated through gloves...it's just managing expectations I guess, because its not like they are cheap cars...
Edited by MattyD803 on Monday 29th July 17:08
I've been looking at these too and have ended up ordering a Lexus NX - the same car in a fancy frock and a nicer interior.
Two powertrain options - the standard self charging hybrid, or the plug in hybrid. Both seem very robust with the PHEV being over 300bhp. Reports suggest the PHEV may have additional sound deadening compared to the standard hybrid as noise seems to be one of the few complaints on the standard car. The extra electric punch of the PHEV makes the CVT more bearable too.
If you can charge and it suits your usage (ie lots of short journeys) the PHEV may be worth the premium. Otherwise the normal hybrid probably makes more sense.
The Suzuki Across is worth a look. It's the same car again with a different nose. Warranty on the Suzuki is 7 years compared to 10 years on the Toyota (subject to dealer servicing), but they seem to be cheaper like for like than the Rav4 equivalent.
The Rav4 is the second best selling car worldwide (after the model Y) for good reason. They seem to blend practicality, economy and reliability in a decent package. It's not a car that is going to get pulses racing, but for everything else looks a good bet.
Two powertrain options - the standard self charging hybrid, or the plug in hybrid. Both seem very robust with the PHEV being over 300bhp. Reports suggest the PHEV may have additional sound deadening compared to the standard hybrid as noise seems to be one of the few complaints on the standard car. The extra electric punch of the PHEV makes the CVT more bearable too.
If you can charge and it suits your usage (ie lots of short journeys) the PHEV may be worth the premium. Otherwise the normal hybrid probably makes more sense.
The Suzuki Across is worth a look. It's the same car again with a different nose. Warranty on the Suzuki is 7 years compared to 10 years on the Toyota (subject to dealer servicing), but they seem to be cheaper like for like than the Rav4 equivalent.
The Rav4 is the second best selling car worldwide (after the model Y) for good reason. They seem to blend practicality, economy and reliability in a decent package. It's not a car that is going to get pulses racing, but for everything else looks a good bet.
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