Toyota RAV4 2023 review: GXL 2WD Hybrid

There are five grades in the RAV4 line-up, from the entry-level GX to the range-topping Edge. Our GXL is second from the base model and is $44,100, before on road costs.

That puts it on par with its nearest competitor, the Subaru Forester Hybrid L but it is cheaper than the MG HS plug-in hybrid which comes in at $46,990.

Our GXL is second from the base model and is $44,100, before on road costs. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

In the hybrid market where the dollar signs can creep up, the RAV4’s price tag is fairly respectable. You can also save yourself about $4K by getting the GX model, if you’re not fussed over having privacy glass, larger wheels or a wireless charging pad. Bonus – the GX has the same engine!

The features list is pretty good and you’ll find the standard mod cons like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation, along with a wireless charging pad for your phone. 

The RAV4 GXL features list includes satellite navigation. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Up front the interior is downright roomy and backseat passengers enjoy loads of headroom, although while it's good for my 168cm (5ft6) height, taller occupants may not love the back seat legroom.

The front row gets the most amenities and tech. The 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system is a bit small for the market now but fairly easy to use, once you get used to it.

Front occupants are spoiled with two USB-C ports, a 12-volt port and a wireless charging pad.

The new GXL also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

Up front the interior is downright roomy. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The front row enjoys the most storage space with two cupholders, dedicated phone tray, drink bottle holders in the storage bins in both doors and a couple of cute cubbies – like the shelf in front of the passenger and a little wallet nook on the driver’s side.

Backseat passengers feel a bit forgotten, I’m afraid, and it’s here the model position makes itself known.

Storage and amenities are a little lean but I like the directional air vents, a map pocket, two cupholders and drink bottle holders plus two USB-A ports. But that’s it.

Backseat passengers enjoy loads of headroom. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The boot space is on the smaller side for this size SUV with 542L of capacity but the level load space makes it easy to slide gear in and out.

There’s another 12-volt port back there with a handy storage cubby on the side for small stuff, and a retractable cargo blind.

The floor is reversible, so if you want a hardier plastic rather than the carpet, you just flip it over (great if you have pets or your kids do water sports).  

I did notice the lack of powered tailgate this week with my errands but the lid isn’t too heavy to open or close. It’s just annoying when you have your hands full!

Interestingly, this shares the same engine across its variants. The 2.5L, four-cylinder hybrid powertrain has a maximum output of 160kW and 221Nm of torque.

I found the engine to be powerful enough to overtake when necessary but you do feel like there’s not heaps in reserve when you put your foot down.

The CVT auto transmission is a little clunky at lower speeds or when you’re trying to ‘zip’ around town, but smooths out on the open road. That clunky-ness is compounded by the noticeable switch from EV to normal engine mode.

Under the bonnet is a 2.5L, four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Even though the interior is a bit basic, the fuel economy is outstanding! The official combined cycle economy figure is 4.7L/100km.

Real world testing saw my figure at 5.5L after a mix of open-road and urban driving this week. With the rising cost of fuel, this is a winning feature for such a large SUV.

The RAV4 has a 55L fuel tank and based on the official combined fuel figure, you have an approximate driving range of up to 1170km.

The RAV4's official combined cycle economy figure is 4.7L/100km. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The safety list is extensive with the following being standard features: LED daytime running lights, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert (always good to have), reversing camera plus front and rear parking sensors.

 The ‘check rear occupant’ alert and, forward collision warning are always great to have on a family vehicle.

It has auto emergency braking with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection and junction assist but it’s only operational from 10-80 km/h. You usually see that operation start at 5.0km/h and that means you’re going 5.0km/h faster before it kicks in.

The RAV4's safety list includes a reversing camera plus front and rear parking sensors. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The RAV4 was awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2019, which is a little while ago now and only has seven airbags which includes a drivers’ knee airbag. It’s missing the newer front centre airbag, though.

There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard rear seat positions and three top tether anchor points but the seat is a bit too narrow to comfortably fit three seats side by side.

Admittedly, my harnessed booster is monster-sized, you might have luck with skinnier seats. There’s just enough room for a 0-4 rearward facing child seat to be installed behind my driving position.

The RAV4 has ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard rear seat positions. (Image: Glen Sullivan)