Most expensive Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – What you get for R723,000

As part of its yearly update cycle, Toyota has introduced a new four-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain into the South African RAV4 line-up.

The RAV4 was available in a hybrid specification before, but the new model is driven by all four wheels instead of only the front two – aptly called the “E-Four”.

The battery-assisted specification is available in rugged GX-R and luxurious VX trim levels, with the latter slotting in at the top of the range at R723,200.

We find out what you get when spending this sum of money on the new Toyota SUV, below.

Hybrid power

The “E-Four” Toyota RAV4 features a 2.5-litre petrol engine working in conjunction with a rear-mounted electric motor and CVT transmission.

The electric side of the powertrain simultaneously delivers 88kW and 202Nm to the front axle, and 40kW and 121Nm to the rear axle – with the petrol motor adding 131kW and 221Nm into the mix.

The total system output is rated at 163kW, while torque is listed as “221Nm + e-torque”.

Toyota did not provide the total torque figure, but has previously said it does not equal the outputs of the electric motor and petrol motor combined – due to “transmission reduction losses.”

The hybrid setup is capable of achieving combined fuel consumption figures as low as 4.8l/100km, while top speed is rated at 180km/h.

This RAV4 can then tow up to 1,000kg, as well as carry up to 733 litres of cargo in the boot.

Standard equipment

The RAV4 in VX trim is kitted out with many of Toyota’s premium features.

Standard fitment includes the Toyota Safety Sense package, which brings blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, radar-based cruise control, lane trace and steering assist, and a panoramic camera system.

All-round parking sensors, trailer sway control, hill assist control, ABS with brake assist, and seven airbags are installed, too.

More luxuries come in the form of automatic LED lights with high-beam control, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, electric and heated front seats, a partial leather upholstery, a digital rear-view mirror, an electric tailgate, a wireless charger, and a semi-digital instrument cluster with hybrid-specific graphics.

In terms of entertainment, a 7-inch display protrudes from the dash providing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and plays through a six-speaker sound system.

Toyota Connect is also supported, bringing services such as checking battery health and vehicle location, booking services, requesting roadside assistance, and keeping a digital logbook with a driver rating on your smartphone.

Additionally, opting in for the service can make your vehicle a moving Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 15 devices, with 15GB of free data provided upon registration.

Price

The Toyota RAV4 2.5 VX CVT Hybrid E-Four has a South African starting price of R723,200.

This includes a 3-year/100,00km warranty, a six-services/90,000km service plan, and an 8-year/195,000km battery warranty.

Buyers of the VX can also choose from four additional exterior colours that are not available on the GX-R: Glacier White, Pearl White Metallic, Chromium Silver, and Moonlight Ocean Metallic.