Toyota Rav4 2.5 VVT-h CVT 4wd
Discussion
We had one of these as a rental car last month when holidaying in New Zealand. The hybrid system works very well, it's seamless really and has a good turn of pace when needed. And of course you get solid Toyota build quality, reliability and practicality. We got around 50 mpg which is pretty decent for a fairly large vehicle.
As for the CVT, I didn't much like it. It's OK until you want to 'press on'. Some will say that it's not that sort of car, but if you're any sort of enthusiastic driver, you'll not like the gearbox. When accelerating it makes a high pitched whine and I found it slow to respond. Then again, if the car's use is for everyday driving in a suburban area, then it's fine and you don't really notice it. So it depends on intended use really.
As for the CVT, I didn't much like it. It's OK until you want to 'press on'. Some will say that it's not that sort of car, but if you're any sort of enthusiastic driver, you'll not like the gearbox. When accelerating it makes a high pitched whine and I found it slow to respond. Then again, if the car's use is for everyday driving in a suburban area, then it's fine and you don't really notice it. So it depends on intended use really.
Not sure what sort of age of Rav4 you're looking at or what budget you have but make sure you drive the PHEV version. If buying secondhand, keep an eye out for the Suzuki Across, it's the same car with different headlights and comes fully specced up - they're often significantly cheaper than the same aged Rav4.
We have an Across PHEV and I'd go as far as to say it's the best all rounder we've ever had, it's genuinely fast with over 300 bhp and 60 in 5.5s, it'll do 45+ miles as a 240bhp EV if you plug it in, 500+ miles with the full 306bhp on petrol if you don't at ~50mpg. The extra performance of the PHEV makes it feel much more responsive and effortless than the standard hybrid.
It's comfortable, spacious, ergonomically well thought through, rides properly and the interior feels built like a bank vault compared to our rather shonky and rattly Model Y. Being a Toyota hybrid it should be durable, low maintenance and reliable for long term ownership too. It's even passably good off road for what it is.
The only negatives I can think of are the slightly dated touchscreen graphics - works fine though so doesn't bother me and that, despite the almost unnecessary performance available, it's not a sporty car in the slightest.
We have an Across PHEV and I'd go as far as to say it's the best all rounder we've ever had, it's genuinely fast with over 300 bhp and 60 in 5.5s, it'll do 45+ miles as a 240bhp EV if you plug it in, 500+ miles with the full 306bhp on petrol if you don't at ~50mpg. The extra performance of the PHEV makes it feel much more responsive and effortless than the standard hybrid.
It's comfortable, spacious, ergonomically well thought through, rides properly and the interior feels built like a bank vault compared to our rather shonky and rattly Model Y. Being a Toyota hybrid it should be durable, low maintenance and reliable for long term ownership too. It's even passably good off road for what it is.
The only negatives I can think of are the slightly dated touchscreen graphics - works fine though so doesn't bother me and that, despite the almost unnecessary performance available, it's not a sporty car in the slightest.
Edited by Snow and Rocks on Thursday 3rd April 12:57
My boss got one a few months ago and he absolutely loves it.. he was driving an Audi A3 Hybrid before, which he liked, but the Toyota is considerably better in every single area.
The only negative I can see is (as mentioned above) the CVT gearbox. I've not driven a CVT which I liked and after a while the gearbox in these cars started to grate. Clearly a Rav4 isn't a sports car you'll want to drive the wheels off, but you will need to get up to speed when joining a main road, maintain speed on an incline, execute overtakes, etc.. so you will have to work the CVT hard on occasion.
The only negative I can see is (as mentioned above) the CVT gearbox. I've not driven a CVT which I liked and after a while the gearbox in these cars started to grate. Clearly a Rav4 isn't a sports car you'll want to drive the wheels off, but you will need to get up to speed when joining a main road, maintain speed on an incline, execute overtakes, etc.. so you will have to work the CVT hard on occasion.
It is worth pointing out that the much more powerful EV side of the PHEV version means that the normal rev flaring that you get with low powered Toyota hybrids is much less noticeable. You only really hear the engine at all if accelerating properly hard, the rest of the time it's quiet, smooth and pretty torquey feeling.
Certainly worlds away from some of the dreadful CVTs fitted to other cars and once you get used to it, it makes something like a jerky DSG feel pretty old fashioned.
Certainly worlds away from some of the dreadful CVTs fitted to other cars and once you get used to it, it makes something like a jerky DSG feel pretty old fashioned.
I have owned a 2022 hybrid RAV4 and for the last year a plug in RAV4.
The plug in in my opinion is a significantly better car. I charge at home and only put petrol in every three months. It’s got a great range and turn of speed as stated above. On petrol alone mid to high 40’s is easily achievable.
Again the infotainment display is poor but use Apple or android carplay and it works.
The CVT you get used to but it’s the worst bit about the car.
The ten year warranty if annually serviced at Toyota is reassuring
I do recommend them although my wife has just bought a Kona electric and I really like that….
The plug in in my opinion is a significantly better car. I charge at home and only put petrol in every three months. It’s got a great range and turn of speed as stated above. On petrol alone mid to high 40’s is easily achievable.
Again the infotainment display is poor but use Apple or android carplay and it works.
The CVT you get used to but it’s the worst bit about the car.
The ten year warranty if annually serviced at Toyota is reassuring
I do recommend them although my wife has just bought a Kona electric and I really like that….
I *think* the Lexus NX I test drove had the same drivetrain. It’s deeply impressive, and that’s coming from a real CVT hater. In terms of drivetrains these and the Prius/Yaris/Corolla hybrid stuff are as good as it gets imho - super reliable and pretty economical too. Build quality is exceptional imho and they’re pretty well kitted out as standard.
One question on the Suzuki would be if it comes with the 10 year warranty like the ToyoLexuseses?
One question on the Suzuki would be if it comes with the 10 year warranty like the ToyoLexuseses?
The Suzuki warranty is 7 years - no issue for us as we'll be well over 100k miles by then anyway but worth considering if you're a lower mileage user.
You're right about the drivetrain though, despite common perception it's not actually a conventional CVT, worth a look on YouTube to see how it works - very cleverly engineered and is not only smooth and efficient but also hugely reduces the complexity, common wear points and maintenance requirements of most conventional drivetrain.
There's no clutch, no gears, no complicated DSG or autobox, no turbo, no starter motor, no alternator, no timing belt, no belts at all in fact - all adds up to an incredibly durable drivetrain.
You're right about the drivetrain though, despite common perception it's not actually a conventional CVT, worth a look on YouTube to see how it works - very cleverly engineered and is not only smooth and efficient but also hugely reduces the complexity, common wear points and maintenance requirements of most conventional drivetrain.
There's no clutch, no gears, no complicated DSG or autobox, no turbo, no starter motor, no alternator, no timing belt, no belts at all in fact - all adds up to an incredibly durable drivetrain.
I've only ever driven the PHEV version which is our family bus. No complaints with it at all, averaged 54mpg, nippy enough, comfortable and feels very solid. Predictably 100% reliable in 40k miles. My only real gripe is the outdated infotainment system which feels like it's from 2010, but it's got carplay so it's not much of an issue.
youngricharduk said:
What's the easiest way to check? Typing the reg in brings mixed results for me. Some just have the *
I think easiest is to put the exact reg into the gov tax page https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/ and it will say at the bottom when the additional rate is payable until. I’ve had the PHEV version from new for just over 2 years and 73k miles. Considering its size, it handles really well and the acceleration is ridiculous for the size of the car. It spends a day a week driving round fields and there’s never any traction issues with the trail mode engaged, even in winter.
I think the more powerful electric motor set up in the PHEV takes the strain off the engine and makes the CVT a bit quieter under hard acceleration.
At work, it’s referred to as the Swiss Army knife as it does everything on and off road brilliantly.
I think the more powerful electric motor set up in the PHEV takes the strain off the engine and makes the CVT a bit quieter under hard acceleration.
At work, it’s referred to as the Swiss Army knife as it does everything on and off road brilliantly.
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