Popular RAV4 gets hybrid treatment
| Published date | 28 September 2022 |
| Publication title | Courier, The |
Many will welcome the extension of this technology to the off-road orientated Adventure ($57,990) pitched at those who like to go that bit further off the beaten track.
The other newcomer is the $53,990 XSE.
Both models feature in this road test.
Us Kiwis adore the RAV4; the current model launched in 2019 has clocked up more than 17,000 sales.
More than 60% were hybrids, with that figure climbing steeply off the back of the Government’s clean vehicle rebate that puts about $4k back into the pockets of buyers.
Little wonder there is, depending on the model, a 12-month-plus wait time to get one.
Toyota hybrid electrics are hugely appealing, offering carbon reductions of about 30% on their petrol-powered equivalents, with no concerns about charging and range anxiety associated with electric-only models.
The XSE parks up neatly in the RAV4 range between the mid-range GXL and luxurious Limited.
Distinguished by a two-tone sporty exterior design, the XSE adds gloss black finishes to its lower bumpers, front grille, wheels, roof, wheel arch mouldings and mirror covers.
A premium interior also sets the XSE apart, with black synthetic leather seats with smart blue stitching accents, and black cabin head lining.
The front seats are heated and have sports-style bolstering. Owners are pampered with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat, and a 7-inch colour multi-information display.
Holding the ‘‘go anywhere’’ crown in the RAV4 range is the Adventure, made even more desirable with a modern hybrid electric powertrain.
I liked the purposeful front-end design with its commanding stance both on and off the road.
Helping it on the front are new 19-inch wheels with dark matte grey finishing. It also retains an important visual point of difference over its siblings, being the only RAV4 available in cool-looking Safari Green.
Toyota has used the introduction of these two new offerings as an opportunity to roll out some worthwhile upgrades across the entire hybrid range.
Every variant is now fitted with a new projector LED headlight design, while the front fog lights switch from halogen bulbs to LED.
Several other adjustments have also been made to the existing Limited grades such as a front passenger seat with eight-way power adjustment, front seat ventilation and a digital rear-view mirror.
All models are equipped with Toyota’s impressive Safety Sense technologies, designed to help prevent...
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