2024 Toyota RAV4 GXL FWD Hybrid owner review

Bob L.P. purchased this Toyota RAV4 new for $49,500 (including all on-road costs). Bob would buy this car again because: “It was a long process to buy the RAV4. 18 months ago I ordered a hybrid Camry but after 12 months on the waiting list I changed the order to a two-wheel-drive RAV4 GXL.

During the wait, I had plenty of time to consider other options and drive other vehicles in this class.

Once I saw that another discerning collector of cars, the Sultan of Brunei also had a RAV4 and a Commodore in his collection it confirmed that I had made the right decision to add the RAV4 to my collection, which also included a Commodore. Unfortunately, my Commodore is not a Group A like the one in his collection, but a VZ executive.

I believe that the GXL is the Goldilocks version (or sweet-spot if you are not a follower of children’s novels) in the range. I have had the opportunity to use a RAV4 GX both as a company car and as a hire car on numerous occasions. The GXL adds a proximity key, wheels that are in my opinion the most attractive in the range, wireless phone charging and privacy glass.

Moving up in the range from the GXL does not give you cloth seats which in a hot Australian climate I think is a backward step.

I did spend some time considering whether to get the two-wheel drive or the four-wheel-drive version however for my personal needs the two-wheel drive does everything I require of the vehicle”

How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues

It has been a trouble-free run so far with no issues. Based on my experience with my work vehicle and several friends and family who have had RAV4s, I am expecting a trouble-free run based on their recommendations and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.

What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?

Unlike the Sultan, my RAV4 gets used daily and is a comfortable place to spend the peak hour trips to and from work. After many years with sedans, I can see why many other people are moving to SUVs. It is easy to get into and out of, access for rear passengers is good and it has flexible loading options for goods in the rear.

How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?

My RAV4 was purchased from my local dealer, Scifleet Toyota. The purchase experience was pleasant. My experience with them with the servicing they have provided with my wife’s 2014 Camry certainly made sure I went back to them for the RAV4.

Are you happy with the price and features of your car?

I think it is very well equipped for the price and has all the safety features you would expect with a car at this price point. Not only does it have features such as lane keeping assist, but they are also well calibrated. There are no annoying features that have to be disabled every time you get in the car. I believe it is priced well against its competitors. I have driven more expensive cars with more features. However, there are none I would classify as a must-have.

What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?

This is where the car really excels. The majority of its use is in heavy traffic travelling to and from the city. I also live in a hilly area which does adversely affect the fuel consumption of other cars I have used. The RAV4 gets 4.8L/100km which I think is a great result. The performance is adequate and I’ve never felt a need for the vehicle to have more power.

What do you think of the technology in your car?

I am really enjoying the vehicle having active cruise control. It works exceptionally well in heavy traffic on the freeway making what used to be a tiresome drive quite relaxing. It is now my must have feature for any vehicle. If you’re buying a car without active cruise control do yourself a favour and drive one with before you purchase it.

The one in the Toyota is well calibrated and does not lag when the vehicle in front moves off. I believe this is assisted greatly by the hybrid drive train. As previously mentioned, the lane keeping assist is well calibrated and does not bounce you from side to side like some other vehicles on the market.

One of the big pluses with the RAV4 is that it retains buttons and dials for all the regularly needed functions such as the climate control. All feel of good quality and are well damped.

It has wireless Apple CarPlay and a wireless pad for charging your phone that you can also turn on and off.

What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?

Toyota have been making this class of vehicle for a long time and they have had plenty of time to finetune the vehicle to suit Australian conditions. I think they have nailed the compromise between ride comfort and handling. I don’t think anyone buys a RAV4 expects they dynamics of sports car. It suits my driving needs well.

Do you have any additional comments about your car?

I looked at a lot of other vehicles before deciding on the RAV4 and whilst there are some that have a more appeal with big touchscreens and more exciting looking interiors, my experience with other RAV4s is that this will prove reliable and economical for many years to come.