I just bought a car two weeks ago and seriously considered the RAV4, but only really the 2019 Hybrid. Sadly, they are still in short supply and high demand in California and selling for $2000 *more* than MSRP. I ended up with a 2017 Outback Touring with 36000 miles. I feel it has more and more usable space than the RAV4 or Forester. I'm also amazed to find I'm getting 36 MPG US (43 UK) on my 45 mile / 72 km daily Bay Area commute in stop/go traffic over the San Mateo or Dumbarton bridges. I drove a hired 2017 RAV4 2.4 FWD on the same route for three weeks in January and got 26 to 28 mpg (US). That's so close to the claimed RAV4 Hybrid economy as to make no difference, especially when you count that I spent a good $10,000 or $12,000 less than for a decent spec 2019 RAV4 Hybrid.
OSV 7:48 do you have any idea how actually hybrid transmissions work? There's no spoon and drive belt either! There's only two electric motor/generators in one transaxle block with one set of planetary gears (three-way split gear). And of course smart electric inverter/converter on top of that. All the eCVT job is being done using electric voodoo.
I've been driving mine for 4 months. Everything you said can be argued. The car is quick. Very torque. Smooth ride. Economic an looks the part. 220 ,bhp. Is plenty. After all it's not a race car. We'll done again toyota.
Thanks for watching Donal, great to hear that you're enjoying your Toyota 👍 Make sure to subscribe for the latest in-depth vehicle reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT
At 7:49: "The problem lies in the belt-driven CVT transmission this set-up must necessarily be mated to." This statement is inherently wrong. There is NO belt-driven CVT in this vehicle, or in any other Toyota hybrid vehicle. All Toyota hybrid vehicles, including the new RAV4, use what Toyota call the 'e-CVT', which incorporates a simple planetary gear system. There are NO belts in the e-CVT system, and very few moving parts, hence the reason why the e-CVT is an immensely reliable transmission. Indeed, Toyota's e-CVT is practically bullet-proof, which is more than can be said for many belt-driven transmissions. The statement at 7:49 in the video is therefore completely misleading, and the video really should be annotated to correct this error.
You just get better and better. This has to be the most detailed English speaking car review I have seen on RU-vid to date. Since watching hundreds of car reviews in Australia , Asia, Europe and North America you continue to inform us on what we should know to help make that right decision for ourselves. Thanks a million for all your outstanding work and sharing this amazing talent of yours with us all.
This man gives a 1st class revue on Rav 4 not afraid of the nitty gritty, we are so glad we saw this and then was more than happy to buy for cash The VW R ‘ Tiguan .
The best review of this car on the internet bar none. This is now under consideration as a replacement for my wife's company car. We've looked at the CRV as well but as you point out, more expensive for the company car driver. Outstanding channel, great work!
Thanks for the feedback Steve 👍 great to see comments like this. Feel free to get in touch if you want more information to help get you the perfect car www.osv.ltd.uk/contact-us/
Will do, many thanks. Hoping a RAV4 can live up to the Stirling service of a 420d BMW 4 Gran Coupe! Just not big enough any more for family life. I'll admit the CVT box concerns me.
I have tested the Rav4 Hybrid LE Canadian version, and it is very good. very quiet. the sound isolation is good enough. Even in the highway, it is very good. we hear just the engine when accelerate then it is quiet., and it is not that much.. On the highway there is a very subtle little wind noise, but it is extremely subtle. The car accelerates as soon as you put your feet on the pedal. Very good transmission, I didn't felt any hesitation. it was smooth. I didn't hear any transmission sound when accelerate or braking. You don't need to put your feet to the floor. The reviewer is right. (very good review by the way). The vehicle accelerate very well without forcing and feels secure with its high driving position, good IIHS rating and feels as an SUV. The entertainment system on the LE is a responsive touchscreen very well placed right on the driving vision. The standard sound system (6 speakers) is good enough. the sound is rounded not harsh. it is good for a standard sound system. better than on some other brands. The JBL option should bring more power and subwoofer and even better refined sound. The XSE or the limited is on top of my list. I just hope that a 2020 XSE with tech package model that we have here in Canada will have the panoramic moonroof and the 7"TFT driving info screen and passenger power seat. The limited has all features except the panoramic moonroof and still no passenger power seat ( I still think it is a miss). Our Ontario Plant didn't have the feature to build the moonroof pano.. But we have Apple car play and probably Android auto will be available at the end of the year as it will be in the Highlander 2020. In summary this is a VERY good vehicle probably with good reliability from Toyota. the fuel consumption is awesome for a vehicle this size without having to plug in and without a Lithium Ion battery that does not work well in our harsh winter condition (-20C or -30C or even less than that sometime). The battery Toyota is using is better suited for strong winter weather. This is my thought after my test driving.
Traded my 2018 Rav 4 Hybrid with the new 2019 Rav 4 Hybrid. Picking up today and can not wait to experience the new platform, and all the new features. Love the new styling as well. Also have a 2008 Camry Hybrid and previously driven a 97 Corolla. Love Toyotas....Great review. Keep it up.
Well done. I am highly interested in the RAV4 hybrid so I have listened and read every available review on this vehicle. I appreciate the details you give along with the comparisons you make.
Thanks for the feedback Brian 👍 great to see comments like this. If you want to speak to our vehicle specialists to help you find your perfect vehicle feel free to here www.osv.ltd.uk/contact-us/
A very thorough review of the new Rav 4. Glad to hear your views on how to drive the hybrid properly by not flooring the accelerator! Many other reviews just consider flooring it and then criticise the car. Keep up the great work.
Yes, I've never understood this. If you put your foot all the way down, thus asking the car for maximum power, then that's exactly what a CVT or eCVT (as here) does, whereas a traditional manual or automatic can't give you that, being forced to drop the RPM and power back every time it changes gear. And if you don't actually want absolute maximum power then why are you asking the car for it? Try using a bit of subtlety in your driving :-) I love CVTs. They really reward a bit of finesse with the right foot.
You are the first reviewer that actually knows how to drive a hybrid, and if I had the extra cash I would buy one tomorrow to replace my Auris hybrid and have subbed....nice
This is true from my experience. I have been driving a Rav4 since 1997. I had a ‘97, a 2010 V6 and now a 2016 hybrid. I have not had one single repair to any of the three, except to repair wreck damage. I did buy tires and brakes. What car can beat this? Toyota gets a 10 from my experience. I really want a new hybrid with its new look and 41 mpg. No, no, no I cannot buy one. Not yet, anyway. Give me about three or four years.
I just finished listening to this guy..i love his approach..he might surpass Alex on autos regarding vehicle knowledge and presentation..keep it up..i love in-depth review because I am a car enthusiast
One thing I'd like to add, OSV mentioned the car use nickel battery. The reason is it's capable to withstand more extreme temperature compare to lithium-ion. I live in Canada, I would rather have nickel based battery in the winter.
As the Atkinson cycle is software based, with the inlet valve held open for part of the compression stroke, I'd like the sport mode to switch the engine to Otto cycle, with a normal intake stroke to increase power and torque. Then I'd be happier.
It is on 3.5l V6 for few Toyota/Lexus models. I would love to see it on more models, the same as you. Even if it is controlled by the driver - sort of "dynamic" mode.
A) you do remind me of a fast show character i do like your channel B) most importantly , this is without doubt the best review on the uk rav4 and i thank you for that , this vid must have taken ages to edit. C) grow your channel , it deserves way more . Thannks again C)
One of the best RAV4 reviews I've seen. We pick our 2020 RAV 4 Dynamic up later today. Of course one of the big selling points of any Toyota, is reliability, and long warranties.
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply We've had it a little while now, and are very pleased with it. We're getting just over 53mpg, which I consider pretty good. It's well equipped and comfortable to drive.
Took a test drive in one of these, in the kind of driving conditions I would be in when using the car, can confirm that though unused to the car/SUV, met the mpg figures, on country lanes and town roads with light traffic. Found it comfortable, not the most dynamic and the steering felt very light, but accurate. Did not get too noisy, when accelerating but then again did not floor it, the transition between drive modes was smooth also. As need larger car, this is on the short list and looks much better when seen in real life, though that is a subjective thing.
Its fuel efficiency is insane. 4.1 L/100 km (57,4 miles/gallon) (68,9 English miles per English gallons:) if you have it it eco-mode and eco-drive it. Search RU-vid and see for yourself. I tested it to 0,46 L/100km but that testrun included a maximum acceleration from 60-140km/h so I’m sure its run better and the 4wheel version actually runs more effecient due to better use of the regenerative brakes and acceleration. When I babied the Corolla 1.8 hybrid touring I got 4,1 combined with 17 inch wheels but it was to loud in 100-140km/h. The RAV4 is excellent in highway speeds.
I really hope your channels grows quickly and you get a lot more subs and views because your right up there with Thomas at Autogefühl and currently producing the best and most detailed car reviews on RU-vid. How you rem all the details is amazing. Keep it up and WELL DONE.
A good honest opinion in all areas, that I had already considered 18 month’s ago. And made I know now the correct decision to buy the 2018 VW Tiguan R’ 2ltr diesel SUV.
I've watched hundreds of car reviews, none of them are as thorough as this. What would make it even better is to let us know what mpg you were getting. Pedantic point - we use motorways not highways.
Hi there! Give our vehicle specialists team a call on 01903 538835 or request a call-back and they would be happy to help you with all your questions about this vehicle. link: www.osv.ltd.uk/hello-youtube/
18:54 Apple Carplay is now included in the 5th generation Rav4. If your Rav4 is missing this then Toyota can update the software along with your service.
This is a great review, a wonderful in depth job. I guess it must be actually quite difficult to prepare these reviews. Positive aspects are easy to explain but how to nicely communicate a possible negative point when this is a best selling car? subtlety, comparison,.. I am considering buying a RAV4 and now I certainly have good unbiased information. I am a bit lost with the UK units but it is fine and just a minor point. Still congratulations from Catalonia for such a good job.
You are wrong to run down the use of a NiMH battery. When you only need about 1 kWh of usable capacity, as you do for a hybrid, the energy density and size are not an issue, and NiMH has advantages over Lithium when you are often cycling through nearly full charge/discharge cycles often on a time scale of minutes rather than once or twice a week as in a pure electric car with a large 60 or 100 kWh battery.
So how much of the rest of the technical detail in this review is bs if they can’t get the transmission mechanics correct? At least he didn’t call it a self charging ev.
@@dannyzdenek2125 Fortunately for customers, eCVT is not that unique anymore. There is one in Subaru VX PHEV and in Chrysler Pacifica PHEV. Brilliant solution and I am happy others are catching up. I hope to see a Subaru Outback PHEV with eCVT - it uses two e-motors but still mechanical AWD to all wheels.
@@dingbatt well he kept mentioning gear ratio's.....there isn't any individual gear ratios in a cvt.... and the reason the engine goes mental when you put your foot down, is because the car puts the engine into the best rpm range for its needs... oh, it also DOES have apple carplay and Android auto should be coming at a later date via an update(something to do with toyota and google haggling over what info is shared)..
Good review. I wish I listen to your professional review before purchasing my Dynamic, I would have picked the Excel version with more spec. Thanks for the review.
Very detailed review and quite useful. I am considering getting one, having given up my other choices like CR-V for its less powerful off road capability, and even a Audi Q5 for lack of hybrid versions, higher price, and probably its being more prone to minor problems and thus more need for manitainance. Anyway, thanks
I own the US XLE Hyrbrid version of this vehicle. At 18:56 you said Apple Carplay is not an option. Perhaps this is true on the European version but the American version includes Apple Carplay screen mirroring. Excellent review thanks for putting this together.
Bought one, and happy with it. But i need to listen to your review because the manual is an inch thick and i want to zero in to the most important features
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Thanks. Yes, I find your review helpful except our steering wheel is on the left side in the States. I am watching your review again. Excellent detailed review.
Just bought a RAV4 Hybrid in USA. Our last car was a Subaru Forester, which we really loved. It was a tough decision, but we went with the hybrid and Toyota reliability. Its interesting how the EU and USA trim levels differ. Our XSE is one down from the top trim Limited, while it is the same as your test vehicle.
@@IRLSuperb Still love it. No repairs. Inexpensive to own and operate. Seats and ride are comfortable. Easy to maneuver in city driving & parking. Engine noise is noticeable if music is off, but not bothersome.
@@hereigoagain5050 thank you for your reply, I bought mines last year. Already have 20,000 miles on it in just 8 months. I sometimes hear a little bit of rattling when driving and everything is very quiet. I don’t know if maybe there’s something loose somewhere around the seats in the back or in the center consuele, also highway wind noise is definitely noticeable, but I have learned to live with that
A super review of the RAV4 - I’m comparing against the Subaru Forester eBoxer so was disappointed that you didn’t mention the Forester at all as a competitor. The RAV4 has some advantages over the Forester, but how does it compare in snow? I’m starting to sway towards the RAV4 however.
ev mode is for carparks, you don't need to use ev mode on a run if you pulse and glide....i have a 2018 rav 4 and i can get a couple miles if the battery is full..
Very good in depth review. I own this car, models and trims are different on the continent, the here tested comparable model in Holland is called “Bi Tone”. What’s in a name... I have the AWD version in “Active” trim, one step up from the entry level “Comfort” version which is the UK Icon equivalent. This Active offers me more than I wished on a SUV-car. However, I do miss my Ford Kuga as for driving dynamics. What made me choose this RAV4 then? Well, almost everything you mentioned in this review. Ford has been too reluctant, the new Kuga simply came too late, much too late. And the much praised VAG products? Never, never, never. I don’t do business with croocks. Only because of that the Tiguan was not on my short list. Consider this my small protest against fraud in the motoring industry.
At 5'5 (170cm) height, I cannot find a comfortable position. The steering wheel is not close enough, the central armrest is too far back and I cannot rest my elbow on the door. I was so excited about new RAV4 but I plan to do long driving from Tokyo to the mountains and as such my back will simply hurt without good arm support. Really disappointed at Toyota. I think it will be fine for taller drivers.
Why won't the windshield defogger button come on my 2020 rave4 LE after its set to come on when I start the engine to warm up and melt snow of the windshield the next day by using my remote key fob but it defaults to a slower fan speed instead of the full on defogger fan speed to melt ice an snow? All 2020 rav4s do this. Thanks. I'd very much appreciate your help. ✌
Hi there, i am about to buy one, really appreciate feedback on 17 inches rims on icon vs 18 inches on design , i want to go for design but is it going to be much less comfortable on the road compared to 17 inches or the difference is negligible ? Thanks
It's interesting how the dollar and the pound have approximately equal value when it comes to buying cars. A car that costs 35,000 pounds over there costs about 35,000 dollars over here.
@OSV Hi guys, wonder if you can shed any light on news we heard from the leasing company about the RAV 4 Hybrid. Apparently, from April 2020 its emissions are being reclassified from 105mg (2wd) to 129mg! Our order is being processed and now we're unsure what to do.
Hi Steve, This will very much depend on the contract you signed and the terms and conditions, but broadly speaking you won't be getting what you signed for (higher BIK tax penalties) so in theory, you could break the contract and look for something else. If you would like further information, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Relationship Officer Amanda on 01903 538835 who will be more than happy to help 😄
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Many, many thanks for the reply. Since my question, I've discovered it's an across the board change because of the WLTP and VED changes that will come into effect from 6th April. My Wife is livid! I suspect the RAV will still be one of the most cost competitive cars in its class. Cheers. Steve
@@kubanskiloewe it does look very nice but the punitive taxation on company cars here in the UK will rule it out as it is likely to cost more than £40K which attracts additional tax. ☹
@@steveb4012 hmm...here in germany only PlugIN or full electric cars are well sponsored by government, normal Hybrid not ! sucks also, but its because our german carmakers did not develop Hybrids for 20 years and sell shit Diesels. Now they come with hasty designed PlugIns and forced the politicians to push ecactly these cars instead of Toyota/Lexus Hybrids ;-) .... simply assholes; they dont care one bit for environment ! only for their purse.
If someone gets something fundamentally wrong and you are aware of this - how can you believe anything he says? What is the point of wasting your time listening to him?
Hey Bill, if you live in the UK our team will be happy to look into this for you. Get in touch on 01903 538835 or click here to book a free consultation at a convenient time - bit.ly/3soFVbF
We took one for a test drive not long ago, bit underwhelming really . Quite noisy too, it almost seems too long from the rear wheel back but that's subjective. Step up from the previous model I must say but ...yawn. The CX-5 is a better all rounder.
Danny Zdenek Agree, people try to compare apples to oranges. If you don't want a hybrid, don't buy a hybrid. A better comparison with the Mazda CX-5 would be the Lexus NX 300 which has a 2 liter turbo. The NX 300 is a Rav 4 in a party dress. People have difficulty understanding the design philosophy of the normal hybrids, collect the energy from coasting and breaking and apply it to moving the vehicle the very next time you leave any stopped condition, period, glorified braking system. We need to use new categories to discuss all the variants coming on the market. I suggest the following: The original hybrids would be called electrically assisted vehicles (i.e. Prius, RAV4, CMax, etc). The next category would be electric vehicles with ICE backup (Chevy volt), can plug in, 20-50 mile electric capable. Then would come Electric Vehicles EV (Leaf, Tesla, Kia Kona), must plug in. If the CX5 turbo suv were compared with NX 300 turbo suv most would say the CX5 was noisy. Electrically assisted vehicles (original hybrids) sound different because they are a different design philosophy vehicle, sorry. But within this design is a relative small battery 1.5kw that allows you to have electric air conditioning, electric power steering which allows the ICE to stop completely when appropriate yet maintain creature comforts which is the major complaint of start/stop technology which is an efficiency booster. I highly recommend Weber auto RU-vid videos. Most people overlook the different sound once they understand what a wonderful glorified regenerative braking system it actually is. Professor Kelly covers the transmission, the inverter motor controllers, and the batteries both NiMh and Li ion. I wish I had such talented dedicated professors when I was in university, I might have actually learned something! Have a nice day.
The people reviewing cars need a red hot poker.... Who the f***** knows what torque, understeer, oversteer means. And who cares how long it takes to do 0 to 60s. Most of the driving now is done in 40 or 50 miles maximum. On which planet this people live. Planet Top Gear. Most people drive in the real world.
Hi there, thank you for your feedback. Our reviews are designed to give viewers an extensive look at a vehicle to help them decide if it suits their needs. As such, details like 0-60mph time and torque may be important information they wish to know.
Technik gut aaaaaber verarbeitung seeeeehr schlecht. Mein rav4 phev klappert seit dem ersten tag. Ich habe es schon 20 mal zu repatatur gegeben aber toyota kann es nicht reparieren. Es klappert vom panorama sonnendach, es klappert von der heckklappe, es klappert vom heckberreich, es klappert von der mittelkonsole, es klappert vom amaturenträger ... . Bad Car!
Not a bad car. Just too overpriced in South Africa and I will get to the Tiguan, Kuga or Forester before even thinking about a plastic overpriced Toyota.
The quality parts being use to build Toyota, made them the most reliable and durable brand. That eventually cheaper to own in a long term, bcoz less problems and less repairs comparing to those other brands u mentioned that is price cheaper with lower quality parts that you're going to spend more money on fixing them. Toyota is the best selling brand for a reason. Most people are willing to spend a little bit more on a quality made product that gives them a peace of mind overall.
I had a VW Tiguan 2nd gen in 2017, after 3 months i heard some squeeking noises when driving slow and taking slight turns, everytime i locked the car i heard strange mechanical noise from below, the Dual clutch automatic is jerky at slow speeds and when changing Reverse to Drive and back. 1 year later we trade it in for a BMW X1, so far no problems at all with this one, it's just less space inside than the Tiguan. The Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX5 and Volvo are on my wishlist now :p
Driven Toyotas since 1985. Replaced two of them at 275,000 miles. They run and run without breaking down and I recently purchased the US version (XSE AWD Hybrid) featured in this video. My 4th Toyota! You get what you pay for with a Toyota. Quality.
