Toyota RAV 4 HEV

The angular design theme of the exterior of the Toyota RAV4 HEV has been retained for the interior layout as well, with the SUV having horizontal layers for the dashboard in the dual-tone black and dark beige theme for the cabin.

The RAV4 HEV comes with a functional but decent-looking driver’s cockpit, comprising a three-spoke Y-themed multi-functional steering wheel and a comprehensive instrument console with a 7-inch TFT screen for the MID in between. The centre console looks modern and eye-pleasing with a free-standing 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and supports a 6-speaker audio system.

The lower centre console of the RAV4 HEV has a cascading theme, with old-school physical buttons for the dual-zone automatic climate control in the upper portion and a wireless charging pad in the lower portion, with satin silver accents surrounding this area. The spacious five-seater cabin of the RAV4 HEV gets more premium features like a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, powered front seats with memory function for the driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, push start-stop button and electric parking brake.

The Toyota RAV4 HEV is a popular SUV and is prominently preferred for its rugged looks and stance, which is a great combination of urban and thoroughbred rugged off-road SUVs. However, over the years, the design of the RAV4 HEV has remained unchanged, which now is beginning to show its age amidst the arrival of fresher SUVs.

That being said, the overall look of the Toyota RAV4 HEV has a sense of sharpness and dynamism to it. The front face of the SUV has a large trapezoidal grille in the middle, which has tapered lower edges and a slim horizontal vent above it. On the sides of this slim vent, the RAV4 HEV gets angular trapezoidal headlamp housings, which have LED projectors and C-shaped LED DRLs on their outer contours. The front bumper also looks rugged with a large trapezoidal air dam in the middle, while it has a sporty touch to it with the C-shaped housings for the rounded fog lamps on the corners.

The Toyota RAV4 HEV looks sharp and edgy when viewed from the sides, and that’s particularly due to the squared wheel arches, angular window panels and pillars, and sharp flares above the wheel arches. Here in the RAV4 HEV, the wheel arches and bottom part of the door panels come with thick body cladding, while the door-mounted rearview mirrors and thin black strip on the C-pillar add more sportiness to its look. The SUV comes with 18-inch alloy wheels in the top-spec form, which add to the tall stance.

The angular design theme of the Toyota RAV4 HEV is carried out in its rear profile too, with the tail lamps having LED inserts also having tapered and angular edges all around. The sharply-raked rear windscreen has black curtains on the sides and a roof spoiler at the top for an added sense of aerodynamic appeal.

The Toyota RAV4 HEV is considered to be one of the easiest and most comfortable SUVs to drive in its category, thanks to the light steering setup and well-sorted chassis and suspension. There are three drive modes on offer – eco, normal, and sport, all of which have the right amount of power on tap to enjoy the potential of the SUV to the fullest. However, there are times when the steering can feel lacklustre at higher speeds.

Powering the Toyota RAV4 HEV is a combination of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors – one each at the front and rear. The engine claims a maximum power output of 176 bhp of power and 220 Nm of torque. On the other hand, while the front electric motor produces 118 bhp of power and 202 Nm of torque, the rear electric motor churns out 53 PS of power and 120 Nm of torque. In combination, the entire system produces a maximum power output of 219 bhp, with the power channelled to all four wheels via an eCVT and four-wheel drive system. Toyota claims a commendable fuel economy of 22.5 kmpl for the RAV4 HEV.

The comprehensive suite of safety features offered in the Toyota RAV4 HEV includes the likes of adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, pre-collision system, auto high beam, sway alert system, seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors and 360-degree parking camera.

The Toyota RAV4 HEV has a reputation as a remarkable SUV that is high on reliability, efficiency, and comfort. While the design has begun to show its age, there’s little fault one can find in this durable SUV in long-term ownership.