Toyota RAV4 GX 2022 review: snapshot

The base model 2022 Toyota RAV4 GX offers a lot of food for thought for customers on a strict budget, especially considering there are three options for what's under the bonnet.

You can choose the base model 2.0-litre petrol FWD model with a CVT auto (the old manual has been axed), and it'll cost you $34,300 (MSRP); or there's a 2WD petrol-electric hybrid version which adds $2500 to the price ($36,800 MSRP), or the AWD hybrid model, listing at $39,800 (MSRP).

Standard equipment for the GX is a little scant. You do get 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and DRLs, LED fog lights, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB digital radio, five USB ports and cloth seat trim. Sat nav is available, but only on the GX hybrid, for $1000 more. Add navigation and a full-size spare (GX hybrid only) for $1300 - standard is a space-saver temporary spare.

Strangely, the hybrid GX adds dual-zone climate control standard, where the non-hybrid has manual air-con.

Explore the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Range

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At the very least there's a long list of standard safety gear, including a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, front AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The petrol version produces a solid but not exceptional 127kW and 203Nm, while the 2.5L hybrid 2WD model is good for 160kW, and the AWD hybrid - which adds a second electric motor at the rear axle - can produce 163kW.

The fuel use is the real talking point, though. Official combined consumption for the 2.0L petrol CVT 2WD is 6.0L/100km, which is respectably low. The 2WD hybrid claims to use 4.7L/100km, and the AWD hybrid 4.8L/100km.