we paid a deposit on this variant in graphite yesterday Tom and it was your review which tipped us this way. we have been deliberating over which car to buy for almost a year and this cruiser hybrid came out on top in a class which really has so much to offer. hopefully it lives up to all the hype. thanks for the informed review.

Thanks Tom.. really appreciate the reviews.. it's been nearly 9 months and still waiting on my rav4 hybrid cruiser..

I love the review in this video thank you so much

I've had my Rav4 Cruiser Hybrid for just over a year... Most of my driving is 'in town'. Over that year It's returned 5.6l/100 kms. When on a run to the Gold Coast, that really improves dramatically. My local petrol station no longer know who i am! Mine was a spontanious purchase... I had just watched a KZfaq video that debunked many of the 'Elec Car' beliefs. It's the most successful 'Leap of Faith' I've ever been a part of. I love it :)

Planning to buy this model in January. Ur review is excellent and helped me a lot. Thank you

I bought the AWD GXL and after watching this i'm glad i did! For a top spec such as the cruiser, no vented seats, average passenger seat adjustment and the slow boot coupled with a pretty average sunroof (reduced head height in the Cruiser vs GXL) not to mention the lacklustre JBL sound system. The other week I walked to my car, opened the boot, put my shopping in, closed the boot and got into the driver's seat before a guy next to me in a lexus was just getting to close his slow automatic tailgate. His face said enough. I don't mind the engine noise for the most part but road and wind noise is less than average above 90km/hr for me. In all, i'm happy with it so far.

Been waiting six months for a Cruiser Hybrid AWD Graphite with (initially) Nutmeg. Gave the Nutmeg up in June upas the wait was blowing out. Switched to black. Car was built promptly and is coming in two weeks as Toyota crank out production to Australia whilst demand in the world pauses. Got extra tinting and I expect the black interior to outlast the nutmeg which I was nervous of damaging. Toyota recently sent out a free bag with a travel cup and charge bank as a goodwill gesture. Nutmegs is very tight supply. In the current circumstances could not wait any longer. Great review.

*Excellent review again. This channel is my personal favorite in Australia*

3:52 Just casually driving over a snake

I am living in Germany. I bought the RAV4 coming from the latest Landcruiser 2.8D. Upgrade or Downgrade? Definitively an Upgrade. The space in the car is very satisfying. The noise? Everything is relative. Since the Engine is silent in the speeds below 50KmH, everytime it kicks in or when accelerating, it seems loud. But when driving on fuel, with a low charged battery, when the same acceleration is made, you don't notice any difference in comparison to other cars of that class. Consumption: 6,4L/100Km by driving it for 3000 Km without resetting back the counter, combined. Driving the Autobahn until 150-160 KmH, two laned roads 100-120 KmH and simple Roads 70-100 KmH Average Speed is 78KmH during this monitoring. Now I drive constantly about 80 KmH and not faster than 120 KmH on the Autobahn -- per conviction. The average Consumption is still 5,8-6.2 L/100 KmH. There is a fuel saving trick that I use, since the time of my Landcruiser, 2.8D which I drived with 9,7 L/100Km combined (advertised 7.9), and this goes as follows: When I drive my Toyota about 10KmH faster than the desired cruising speed (say desired cruising speed is 82 KmH, I initially drive it until the speed reaches 92), I keep the foot on the pedal for about 3-5 Seconds then I lift it suddenly and repress the pedal immediately to that last position but soften the pressure so that the needle comes slowly down to the desired speed. When I get that speed, I maintain it. In the RAV4, the fuel consumption is then about 4,0-4,8L/100KmH. Verified multiple times. It is better than speeding up from 70 to 80-86 and then keeping that pace. (in Germany, many roads are speed-limited either 70KmH or 100 KmH, so I chose to drive 80-86 when the speed is not limited to 70. And when 70 is abolished, I drive til 92 then lift the foot and repress softly to keep about 84-86, never less than 82, never more than 88KmH, with the best fuel efficiency). The Parking aids are superb and the camera /monitor on the mirror is a gadget. In the Car-Wash, my car jumps out of the rails, so I keep neutral and the engine on (battery mode) and I immediately correct with the steering wheel when I notice the friction of the wheels against the rails (the distance between the front wheels is lesser than the distance between the rear ones). It is the only serious issue I found, I drove it 26.000 Km now. No more hesitations, get that RAV!

Thanks Tom, another great review. Picking up my cruiser awd in graphite in the next few weeks.

I really liked this review. The host was well suited to the role and was very engaging. I'll check out other reviews on this channel.

Great job thanks for uploading

Excellent review Tom. You are #1 in well executed, intelligent, relevent reviews, and always well filmed. Kiwi fan

I got my GXL Hybrid AWD last June, done 45,000 kms in her in this time, Average fuel consumption is 4.8 around town and 5.2 HWY. Faultless car, great value, fixed price servicing @ $210 every 15,000 kms. Very happy customer.

Tom is one of the best auto reviewers around, no question.

We had one 2017 and I loved it but now we have two 2019 one Adventure with leather and all the quirks and mine XLE simple and no leather, I don't like fancy things lol but man I love it even more than the older version. So far we are very happy to be a Rav4 family lol♥️

I love your channel Tom and I have an important question for you - Is Australia getting the RAV4 Black Edition at all and if yes, when is it coming here? I see it is already launched in US and Europe and looks stunning. I did try and call a couple dealerships here and no one seemed to know anything about it yet. Any update on that new color scheme would help me firm up my buy

In a long term test more info on service intervals/costs/any additional running costs in a Hybrid

Another useful and interesting review, thanks. Any news on Kluger Hybrid?

Hey guys great review...I'm seriously thinking of getting one of these. Random question but where did you film the piece to camera?

I have now done 2500kms in my RAV cruiser AWD all city driving absolutely love this car, my fuel economy is 5.2 litres per 100km. I get 860 kms per 45 litre refill

Super succinct and well-organized. First-time seeing your videos, and I appreciate you getting the facts and your thoughts out immediately to me. - a grateful American :)

Mate you’re an amazing car reviewer

We bought a 2020 cruiser variant for my wife’s daily driver and whilst I am a bit ambivalent about its styling I can live with that as it is one of the best cars I have ever driven. I drive a 2019 200 series Sahara myself and I find that more often than not I will take the RAV unless I need the specific qualities of the LC as it is so much easier to manoeuvre and park and there is the fuel consumption of course, the RAV can do a 100k’s on what the LC uses to get out of the drive way.

Really enjoy your reviews and in-depth content mate. Can u kindly do a comparison vid between a Camry Hybrid wid Rav4, wish to know which would b better pick. I do mainly urban short distance driving wid few highway drives. I don't want to spend great deal so thinking to go wid Ascent Hybrid or GX/GXL Hybrid. TIA.

Great review on the new RAV 4, I ended up getting 2019 CX5 Akera in January this year which only came to the dealer giving a great deal with the car and all the option I wanted which & trade in. Toyota dealer would match or agree too. Test drove both cars three times each back to back on the same days & exact same roads for over an hour, great dealership in Essendon Field Victoria for their patients with me. but I found the RAV not as nice to drive in my opinion, Noisier, Revvy, & more body roll, and the info screen & driving display were hard to read when the sun reflected onto them, this seems to be a Toyota thing . Otherwise very nice car would still buy it.

I liked this review

Thank you for the great video. Understand that RAV4 does not have a CD player. If I want to play mp3 songs from a USB, do I have to connect the USB stick to the port under instrument panel (port for the smartphone) or can I connect the USB to any other USB port? If the USB needed to be connected to the port under instrument panel, apple carplay/android auto cannot be used at the same time? Appreciate your response.

Yesterday i took a test drive on GX Rav4, it allowed the back seat to flip down, but just not 100 percent flat, it almost flat.

Love your channel and great review as always. I plan on holding on to our horribly underpowered MY14.5 Outlander LS for another few years, but the RAV4 hybrid will be at the top of my shopping list. Nothing beats Japanese reliably and build quality.

Thanks Tom it’s a great review. Please let us know when Toyota improves rear suspension noise, because it is my deal breaker to go for this model.

1 year with mine and its brilliant. Only change i would make, rotate and bring the infotainment screen closer to the driver so its easier to see and control the left side Dont have the fuel tank issues in Australia

Good review 👍

Just ordered one. Waiting time is 6 months at the moment! Insane but I feel like it would be worth it.

Great video. We have the Rav 4 Hybrid Cruiser 2wd in the graphite with black interior. Love the feel of the car in terms of handling and also the features. First tank of petrol lasted 931kms, that was just driving around the city. Haven’t had a chance to take on a long drive as yet but when restrictions are relaxed, I’m looking forward to see how the Rav 4 handles the longer drive. The slowness of the rear door is annoying and I turned the beeping down to a minimum.

Excellent review again. This channel is my personal favorite in Australia. Do you know whether we will get crv hybrid in Australia at all? Would love to see CRV Hybrid vs Rav4 Hybrid head to head in chasing cars

Hi Excellent review. by the end of next week I will have my Hybrid cruiser AWD atomic red and nutmeg team. but i'm disappointing with passenger seat also ventilated seats and the rear view digital camera you get in the US 2020 RAV4. why is that ? same model it should be stranded regardless where the car is built. what is your thought on that. Thanks

Thanks for the feedback guys. Thanks also to those of you that commented as I have read them all as well.

Have 25000km on my xse now from Canada. Have the fuel tank issue, only 41litres will go in with 0 kms left on a supposedly 55l tank. Overall it’s okay and I’m decently happy but have my gripes. Left driver armrest is to low to use. Screen little to far back to reach comfortably, black trim below screen should be silver like the rest of dash. Black stitching on arm rest should be blue to match the rest of interior. No pano sunroof in Canada. Cup holders are cheap plastic paint or something and Starbucks plastic lids will scratch the shit out of them (like wtf) . Infotainment system is “okay” . I’ve driven this road trips, as my daily driver to university, work and it works well. No car is perfect but there is def room for improvement. The gas tank fail is my biggest issue. Would love to have that extra range they advertised when I bought it.

What are the changes in 2021 Hybrid Cruiser AWD compared to same models in 2020 and 2019?

Best reviewer around Mentioning passenger side height adjustment that no one mentions well done Bit of a dealbreaker for me

Can't wait for you to review the new Kia sorento when it comes out in July.

Nicely put. 🍀🎼

Nicely presented Tom. Really enjoy your videos. I drove a lot of cars when looking for a mid size SUV and I’ve commented here before. The luxury of the Mazda CX-5, especially in GT and Akers spec cannot be matched in this class and price range. The reasons I bought my CX-5 GT over a RAV4 Hybrid (and I really wanted the RAV4) were: luxury at the same price, driving performance (0-100km/h in under 8 secs), low down 420Nm of torque, while the boot is smaller it suits our needs and has seat back fold down levers in the boot (but like the RAV4 lacks under floor storage, hooks and cubby holes) drivers cockpit including non-touch infotainment integration (very intuitive after about a week). The interior of the RAV4 felt like a truck in comparison with big rubber knobs and a general chunkiness about it. There are a few things I’m not happy about with the CX-5, but I’m happy to comment or review at a later date with you.

I would love to fill up my RAV4 Hybrid tank to full. Thanks Toyota. How on earth they didn’t catch it in testing is beyond me

What are the standard servicing costs and battery replacement/life expectancy? Sorry I know very little about hybrids cheers

So since there’s such a massive shortage in Australia, can you guys import one from the US market or the JDM market?

Test drove a Hybrid AWD XLE yesterday. Loved it. Now to figure out how to buy one. And fuck ya, its super quiet inside when driving. Didn’t notice and rear suspension noise. But it was just a test drive, only went around a few blocks.

Nothing better than an all black interior and black roofliner!

Excellent review. Still waiting on your review of Skoda Kodiaq 🤔

Also have 2020 Rav4 Hybrid AWD, 2500km on the clock: - No fuel tank issues (im from Europe so it is manufactured in Japan) - Real fuel consumption for me is 6.5L/100km - JBL sounds good, sweet bass when listening to music with great quality, radio would not be so much difference from the basic music system - I dont mind acceleration engine noise when i must heavily push the pedal because I always listen how great JBL sounds :D - I hate that buttons on the door doesnt have lights (windows, door lock) - Rear camera resolution must be better for 2020 but well.... its Toyota, maybe someday... - There is no close and lock button on the boot, only to close, that kinda sucks GREAT CAR OVERALL

My 2019 RAV 4 Limited is great but noisy. Fuel economy is 32 mpg in all around driving. There is no noise cancelling insulation under the hood and around the rear of the firewall. Those additions probably would reduce the level of noise intruding into the cabin. Defiantly a keeper just not at the level of my 2017 Lexus RX 350.

After watching this, I am really looking forward to Lexus new generation NX and RX next year or 2022. This new Toyota platform is really awesome, plus Toyota’s legendary reliability and resale value, the dominance is likely to continue for a long time, very happy about that.

I'm waiting for this sort of driveline in a proper off-road 4x4. Maybe a hybrid Fortuner ? Also, FWIW, I think this is the first Toyota I would call good looking. Thanks for the video.

Dude, I love my Rav4's (I own both a 2019 Rav4 and a 2020 Rav4 Hybrid), but the last thing on earth I would claim is that it is quiet in the interior. There is alot of both wind noise and engine noise in both the regular Rav4 and the Hybrid version. It's better than most 4 cylinder entry level cars ,but definitely not Lexus or any other luxury vehicles level of quiet. Still, this vehicle is incredible for fuel economy and power. It also handles incredibly well for an SUV

It's a bit shorter waiting in Brisbane, about 3 - 4 monthes

Hi Tom Great review as usual, seriously considering it. I am all about a nice quiet cabin - How does it compare to the Mazda SUVs, I remember you giving the Mazda 3 Sedan a good review on this aspect, how do the SUVs go in comparison vs the RAV4?

Oh well... if we can only can we see map in the driver digital screen, i can see the Nav map on my Camry 2017 Atara x but not on the 2020 Rav4???

1 year in, 30,000 km good fuel stats approx 5 liters (950-1000k's per tank), GLX has tie downs in the boot and the drop down boot floor panel. down side, tyres chop very quickly and give road noise. Do a lot of commuting and travel so well worth the extra cost for the fuel saving

Can’t wait for the RAV 4 PRIME

To go with the hybrid option you also need to option the AWD so combined it's almost an extra $10K to go with the hybrid over the V6. Don't know that it's worth the extra cost.

Love your video! Anyone know if this model comes with a new spare tyre in boot??

There is a stick to hold the bonnet instead of shockers, a typical solution used in budget cars

We are looking for electric passenger seat. The plan is to buy driver's seat from AUS or UK and swap US version passenger seat. This was the single worst feature which almost became a deal breaker. As mentioned if the passenger over 6' tall, s/he will hate RAV4 passenger seat. 2nd most annoying feature is little extra km/h indicators when you in mph setting on your display. Very distracting. No ventilating seats, the issue in hot climates. No side cameras, but we are too spoiled by Honda. We are looking at Honda CRV Hybrid for our other car. We were really intrigued with 2021 RAV4 Prime announcement, but with current corona virus situation it may not happen or will be significantly delayed.

I am liking my 2020 XSE but yeah the engine is noisy, sounds like a little diesel. The issue with not being able to fill up completely is a real shocker. Is that a problem down under also?

@chasingcars what kind of fuel economy did you get on a long freeway run? If I drove from Sydney to Melbourne regularly what kind of economy could I expect? Cheers

What suburb is this? Love the Sydney skyline view from there.

Absolutely love the RAV4 - however would love to see a panoramic sunroof added in the next refresh.

I test drove one a few weeks ago (before the lockdown) and it was really nice. Being used to DSG gearboxes, that ecvt was a bit strange to me but I guess it’s something you get used to. A pity Toyota cheaped out on practicality (bag hooks and rear seat releases, like you said). And that backup camera is quite low resolution. I’ve been seeing a lot of reported issues with the fuel tank not filling up completely because of a design fault (in the US, haven’t seen this reported in Europe or elsewhere). Has anyone experienced or heard about this? Thanks for the review!

One question. How does the Rav4 has 175 horsepower or more and has a top speed of 190 or 180 kmh? Does it have a speed limiter?

Is th cruiser the Excel model in the uk?

We've got 2020 RAV4 XSE Hybrid AWD (US) with all packages, in pearl white. After very first ride, we went online and bought mud guards to prevent mess on the side panels, very visible on white. 2nd extra purchase, a soft rubber pad for the wireless charging area. Phones slide like Olympics skating competition, really big oversight of a great feature. As mentioned, the rear space has no special features, things just slide and fly around there, even with extra rubber cover we've got. Still working on getting above 36mpg, we live in a hilly area.

I waited 6.5 months for my Rav4 Cruiser, which i received at the start of 2020. I've done 5,300km and my average fuel consumption numbers are sitting at 5.9L/100km - JBL premium system is great! clear sounding, 1 pro/con is the louder you go the bass equalizes to remove distortion and damage to the speakers, but lacks impact when you want loud "doof doof". - Interior is great and has a sturdy build feel and quality to it and actually like door handle placement ( with the rubber on it) unlike some other reviewers. - The acceleration drone can be a bit loud at times, but just turn your music up. - Electric sounds are quite strange when you open up the drivers side door.. - Sport mode is great for country roads, very snappy pedal response. - Love the cameras to avoid gutter rash on your wheels and surroundings, resolution is good enough for usability - Extremely aesthetic and styling! - Don't like the passenger seat does't have electric adjustment options, headroom is quite limited for 6" individuals Still 100% worth the wait 10/10 impressive vehicle.

I just bought one. She arrives in 2 weeks and I can’t wait. Any recommendations on accessories

Waiting for the RAV4 Prime.

Just deposited on a Rav 4 Cruiser AWD, 9 month wait. Let’s hope its worth the wait.

I called my local dealer and was informed there is a three year wait!

Rear suspension noise is not a big problem if you buy the Rav. Just have sound treatment done on the boot and doors. I would recommend this for every auto.

Great video. What is the fuel economy like when it is not running on electric?

Hi Tom, I'm a bit concerned about the AWD system. We get a lot of snow here, and I've heard that on a slippery road going uphill that rear electric motor does not feel as confident from the start as a conventional AWD, do you have any input on this?

I'm told this is my next company vehicle. Hybrid or no, I'm not sure. I will miss the low range of my current Suzuki Grand Vitara (for getting up hills to comm towers), but I am looking forward to a nicer cabin and more comfortable ride (I average 500 rural kilometers a day).

Are we able to get a discount on the rav4?

The tire looks larger than original. Is it bigger tire ?

good stuff mate, when can we expect plugin hybrid for Rav4 and also much anticipated Ford Explorer hybrid/ PHEV? Importantly when are you going to do a review of those and a comparison?

At 4:28, you said, "10 years ago, you would've said it is Lexus because of how quiet it is inside" and towards the end at 6:56, you said "one thing you particularly don't like is the noisy rear suspension" 🤷‍♂️

My pipe dream!

waiting for AWD cruiser in eclectic blue

i don’t get what’s wrong with those cvt siund in Toyota i even drove Honda C-RV with „better” automatic gear which sounds like almost „normal” gear but personally liked toyotak’s cvt in new RAV4 much much more. It’s personal opinion but even if you didint find it as a advantage for suer it can’t be treated as disadvantage.

waiting for PHEV AWD RAV4 with panoramic sunroof and 2000kg towing capacity

no front ac?

good except for the Yankees cap

It's probably worth mentioning that Toyota financing has a deal where you only need to get finance for half the car, then after 4 years, they give you the option to sell back to the dealer at a pre-agreed price or get finance for the rest or pay it out. It means you can afford a car twice what your budget would have normally allowed.

We bought one about three weeks ago. Agree with everything mentioned in the review. When flogged the CVT flare is certainly noticeable but the NVH 98% of the time is just brilliant so it's a good trade off. Note that it's a better drive overall than any DCT - we have owned 5 of those. The drive experience is effortless. Before it's run in you will get 5.5l/100k/900k on a tank - around town. Also the ride is really well sorted and this is critical on OZ poor quality roads. I know people won't believe this and, to be fair, it has not been a Toyota strong suit, but the handling is astonishing and our last car was a low slung German thing. And I can't tell you how good it is to leave the (IMHO) VW/BMW 'very expensive' (euphemism) service cost behind us. Plus - do recommend checking out the reliability reports before purchasing an SUV. JD Power and Consumer Reports are good guides and this is important in this segment.

I took a test drive on GXL today, I’m surprised there’s no electric adjustments in driver seat. While Honda CR-V E7 is way nicer and can fit 7 passengers if needed than RAV4. now I’m really confused.

For channels that produce quality content such as Chasing Cars I generally watch the ads as a way of supporting them. The second ad at the end of the video was a 4 hour (yes, hour!) ad for Audi Australia showing a vehicle driving around Australia to ambient music. Never seen one that long. Can’t give you that much support, I’m sorry. 🙂 Good review though.

Long term review huh, wife still has her 2007 Rav4 with 289k, told me hey by our anniversary in Nov think i'll have 300k sure be nice if I had a new RAV4. UGH and that brought me here hahahah.

For the power passenger seat get a seat from a LHD version

I want this car so bad

What did you think of the "safety system". I had to mute that lady from saying "You're in a school zone", "Please obey all traffic regulations", "railway crossing ahead"... etc etc...!!! (Otherwise, my wife and I love our hybrid cruiser!)