12 Mar
Blog

2021 Toyota Venza Review: A More Refined RAV4

2021 Toyota Venza rating front

2021 Toyota Venza Review: Stargazer

"The Toyota Venza returns as an upscale hybrid SUV with some unique features."

  • Efficient hybrid powertrain

  • Great trick roof

  • Surprisingly stylish

  • Upmarket for a Toyota

  • Frustrating touch-sensitive buttons

  • On the smaller side

In case you haven't noticed, comeback season is just around the corner. The Ford Bronco, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Chevrolet Blazer, Hummer, Toyota Supra, and Jeep Grand Cherokee have all been dusted and revived. Old names resort to nostalgia and help automakers introduce more modern machines. On the Toyota Venza 2021, the nameplate is given a completely new slate, exactly what the model needed after the failure of the first-generation model.

We doubt many people turned down Toyota's decision to cancel the Venza when it was discontinued in 2015, but the two-row midsize SUV landscape hasn't changed too much in six years. Most of the same competitors exist, and few have done anything to raise the bar. In this regard, the 2021 Venza is a curiosity. Its all-hybrid powertrain positions it as one of the few electrified options, while the stylish design and available Star Gaze roof are a clear indication of how Toyota positions it as a cut above its other SUVs. These characteristics also help the Venza stand out in the class of the Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Venza is slightly more expensive, starting at $ 33,645 for the base LE fairing, though every model comes standard with all-wheel drive. Our test car was first-class Limited equipment with a few optional extras like a head-up display, Toyota's Star Gaze panoramic roof, and rain-sensitive windshield wipers priced at $ 43,100.

Design and interior

It is more difficult to make a vehicle look good than it sounds. Typically, fewer design elements and sleek lines are preferred – two things Toyota designers have turned away from in order to get vehicles with a more dramatic style. Toyota used a bit of caution with the Venza and it really works. The EV-like grille, the chrome part in the front that connects the headlights, the tall rear fenders and the thin taillights that are connected to a horizontal light give the new Venza a design that dwarfs the old model.

Double-row midsize SUVs are all about styling. Without the third row, automakers have some leeway to create more stylish designs. Some options, like the Hyundai Santa Fe, go a little too far to be unique, while others like the Honda Passport play things a little too safely. Toyota managed to hit a sweet spot with the curved design, but the design comes at the expense of the interior.

The Venza can be classified as a mid-size SUV, but it offers less interior space than the smaller Toyota RAV4 Hybrid on which it is based. That's not to say the Venza's interior space is cramped, it's just smaller than almost any other option in the class. The most obvious disadvantage is the lack of loading capacity. With the rear seats, the Venza offers just 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space. That number opens up to 54.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That's less than most other midsize SUVs, which total around 70 cubic feet, and less than the RAV4 (69.8 cubic feet of cargo space).

The electrochromic glass roof can switch from matt to transparent at the push of a button.

Another problem we've encountered with other Toyotas is how noisy the interior can get. The four-cylinder engine sounds lively, especially when starting, and transfers a lot of vibration into the cabin. There is a noticeable amount of wind noise on the freeway that seems inappropriate for an upscale vehicle.

While the Venza doesn't offer a Lexus-like experience, the higher the trim ladder you climb, the higher it gets. The transition to the XLE cladding opens the door to stylish two-tone interiors, although synthetic leather upholstery is the most beautiful seat material and wood grain style cladding available. The SUV's true glory is the available Star Gaze panoramic roof, which is only available as an option for the Limited fairing. The electrochromic glass roof can be changed from matt to transparent at the push of a button, so that you can enjoy the entire panorama roof to the full. It's also a feature to brag about as it was previously reserved for ultra-luxury cars.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The material quality in our test car with limited equipment was impressive for an SUV of this class. Instead of hard plastic throughout the cabin like you find on many other Toyotas, there are soft-touch materials on almost every part you interact with. The design of the center console, faux wood trim, and faux leather upholstery all look fantastic, while the color palette, which in our tester was a mix of shades of gray, looked tasteful.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The SUV's infotainment system mirrors those found on other Toyota models, unless you opt for the longest-range Venza. The standard infotainment system includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, an integrated WiFi hotspot, six audio speakers, a wireless smartphone charger and Bluetooth. A JBL audio system with nine speakers and a 12.3-inch touchscreen are the few options available.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The touch screen is a typical Toyota product with the latest Entune system. Both touchscreens have outdated graphics and a tricky layout. In addition to its size, the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen has physical buttons. Both the HVAC and infotainment systems can be controlled using capacitive touch buttons, which are frustrating at best. The larger touchscreen offers a split-screen feature with a nifty feature that lets you choose which side of the screen is split, either right or left. This makes it easier for the driver or front passenger to interact.

The standard safety functions come from the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Suite. The package includes traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane departure warning. The few optional safety functions include parking sensors, a head-up display and a parking camera with surround view.

Although the Venza is equipped with all sorts of safety features, we should point out that the quality of the cameras is not spectacular. The camera has a fisheye lens that distorts the image so much that the 360-degree view is no longer as helpful. Fortunately, the Venza is available with a video rearview mirror that allows the driver to see what's behind the vehicle unobstructed.

Experience at the wheel

Under the hood, the Venza uses the same hybrid powertrain as the RAV4 Hybrid, which consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors. All-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission are also included. It is the only available powertrain that makes the Venza one of the few hybrid vehicles in the mid-range segment and one of the few hybrid-only vehicles on the market.

Toyota claims the Venza has a total power of 219 hp. That might not sound like a lot, especially since the Murano, Blazer, Passport, and Edge are all available with six-cylinder engines. Ultimately, however, the lack of power doesn't affect the Venza's appeal.

In the real world, the Venza offers a lot of performance for everyday use. The hybrid powertrain fills gaps in which a four-cylinder engine alone makes you want more, making the mid-size SUV feel a lot livelier than its performance allows. The transition from gasoline to electricity is smooth, and the spaceship-like sound of running the Venza on electricity makes you feel like you are in the future. If you plan to drive around town a lot, there is an “EV mode” which ensures that the Venza runs on electricity only to save fuel or to get around in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

The Venza moves away from its stylish exterior design and is designed more for comfort than agility. A soft chassis leads to more relaxed cornering than other medium-sized SUVs. However, this results in a comfortable ride over all road conditions. There is a "Sports" mode, but it doesn't make much sense in this application. Instead, we put it in "Eco" mode and left it there for most of the week.

If you need an SUV to tow cargo, you'd better look elsewhere as the Venza isn't towable at all.

Fuel economy and safety

The Venza's drivetrain may make some drivers want more power, but it makes up for it in terms of fuel economy. You get premium fuel economy values ​​of 39 mpg (40 mpg city, 37 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive. While that's not as good as the RAV4 Hybrid (40 mpg combined), it is far better than any other two-row midsize SUV, and better than any other midsize hybrid SUV. The all-new Kia Sorento Hybrid comes closest with a combined rating of 37 mpg.

The Road Safety Insurance Institute (IIHS) has named the Toyota Top Safety Pick in 2021. This is the organization's second highest rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the SUV with a total of five stars.

In the real world, the Venza offers a lot of performance for everyday use.

Toyota covers the Venza with a three-year base warranty of 36,000 miles and a five-year warranty of 60,000 miles on the powertrain. These are average for mainstream brands, though Kia and Hyundai lead the segment with a five-year base warranty of 60,000 miles and a ten-year warranty of 100,000 miles for the powertrain.

Like other Toyota hybrids, the Venza offers a 10-year warranty on 150,000 miles of battery and an eight-year warranty of 100,000 miles on components that make up the hybrid system.

How DT would configure this car

Priced at over $ 40,000, our Venza Limited test vehicle showed off all of the things that help the SUV stand out in the packed class. While it is possible to get into a cheaper Venza, you'll have to opt for the expensive Limited fairing to get the fantastic Star Gaze roof. We think it's one of the most sophisticated technologies out there and it's worth having.

So we're sticking with the Limited and spending the extra $ 1,400 on the Star Gaze roof. This gives you a stylish, well-equipped SUV with a feature that the entire neighborhood will be the envy of.

Our opinion

Few SUVs cause waves these days. While the 2021 Toyota Venza doesn't take the SUV class to a new level or rethink anything about booting vehicles, it has a unique feature and design to make it a distinctive choice.

The Chevrolet Blazer offers a sportier design borrowed from the Chevrolet Camaro sports car. It has a more spacious cabin, a more powerful V6 engine and sportier handling than the Venza. The Toyota Hybrid is far more efficient and has more technical features.

If you're off-road and want something that can haul up to 5,000 pounds, check out the Honda Passport. It has a ground clearance of 8.1 inches, an intelligent traction management system for different terrain and weather conditions and a powerful V6 engine. The pass cannot compete with the Venza in terms of fuel economy, interior design or technical features.

The new Hyundai Santa Fe is another two-row midsize SUV offered with a hybrid powertrain. While it may not be as efficient as the Venza or as well equipped in terms of safety features, it has a more spacious interior, even more technology, a more powerful drivetrain and a broader warranty.

Should you get one

Yes. A far better SUV than its predecessor, the Venza is enough to make you feel unique in a packed segment.

Editor's recommendations




01 Jul
Blog

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Review: Fast and Frugal

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Review: A New Normal

"The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime makes the future seem normal."

  • It's fast

  • Shatter the myth of the gas-guzzling SUV

  • Competitive in the cargo space

  • Intuitive infotainment system

  • Refined driving quality

With the Hybrid-Prius and the Plug-in-Hybrid-Prius Prime, Toyota wrapped green technology in an extroverted design and used design to trumpet its success. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime takes a different approach.

The Prime looks like an ordinary RAV4, Toyota's bestseller. Like the Prius Prime, the RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid with better mileage than the current RAV4 hybrid model. However, the Prime is not only the most economical RAV4. It is also the most powerful and fastest accelerating RAV4.

The RAV4 Prime is available in two configurations. The SE starts at $ 39,195, while XSE models like our test car start at $ 42,500. That means the base SE is around $ 2,000 more than the most expensive RAV4 hybrid. However, due to the size of the battery, Toyota expects the Prime to qualify for a tax credit of $ 7,500 to compensate for this difference.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Design and interior

In contrast to the Prius Prime, whose design differs significantly from the standard Prius, the RAV4 Prime looks like any other RAV4. Black exterior trim, another grille, model-specific wheels and badges are the only hallmarks of the Prime. The RAV4 itself looks like a rugged off-roader, but has the same TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform as cars like the Corolla and Camry.

The interior is practically unchanged, which is not a bad thing. Chunky buttons and strategically placed rubber grips give the interior a sturdy feel while improving usability. The free-standing infotainment touchscreen is easy to reach from the driver's seat, but somewhat difficult for the passengers in the front seats. The front seats were fairly comfortable, but the lower cushions of the rear seats were flat and unsupportive.

Chunky buttons and strategically placed rubber grips give the interior a sturdy feel while improving usability.

While Toyota pinned the design down, the quality of the interior material remained. The Prime is the flagship of the RAV4 series, but the interior didn't seem to be an improvement over cheaper models. The faux leather seats looked like they had been taken out of a taxi, and trim parts seemed to have been sourced from Rubbermaid.

Toyota claims that the battery mounted under the floor has no effect on the interior. However, this is not a segment-leading interior, since the RAV4 already lagged behind most of the competitors. The RAV4 Prime offers more rear headroom than the plug-in hybrids Ford Escape and Mitsubishi Outlander, but the Escape offers more rear legroom thanks to a sliding seat in the second row. The Toyota also offers more cargo space than the Ford and Mitsubishi. The RAV4 and the Outlander also have 120 volt outlets in their holds, around power tools, camping gear or whatever you want to connect on the go.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The basic RAV4 Prime SE has an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as an integrated WLAN hotspot. The XSE trim level has a 9.0-inch touchscreen – the largest available in a RAV4. An optional premium package for the XSE adds a head-up display. This is the only way to use this function on a RAV4.

The infotainment system is easy to use, also thanks to the protection of analog controls for the most important functions. The digital instrument cluster display is known to anyone who has driven another Toyota hybrid. It packs a lot of information in a relatively small space, but is easy to acclimatize. Overall, the infotainment experience offers nothing special, but does its job in a simple way.

The infotainment system is easy to use, also thanks to the protection of analog controls for the most important functions.

The RAV4 Prime comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes: Autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist recognition), traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and lane tracking assistant that offers small steering inputs to keep the speed centered on the car .

The standard package of driver aids is comparable to other popular brands, although the lane tracking assistant should not be confused with the more aggressive steering assistance functions of Ford, Nissan and Subaru. The Toyota version is more of an improved lane keeping assistant than a real steering aid.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Experience driving

The RAV4 Prime tries to outperform in two very different disciplines: performance and efficiency. An updated version of the RAV4 hybrid powertrain is used to achieve impressive numbers.

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine delivers the same 176 hp as before, but with the additional grunt of two electric motors, the overall system performance increases to 302 hp. That is 83 hp more than the RAV4 Hybrid and much more than the plug-in hybrids Ford Escape or Mitsubishi Outlander. The Escape is also only equipped with front-wheel drive, while the two Japanese vehicles have all-wheel drive.

The Toyota, according to Toyota, a number previously reserved for sports cars, can travel between zero and 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds. This makes the RAV4 Prime the fastest four-door Toyota currently sold in the United States (only the Supra sports car is faster).

The four-wheel drive hybrid system is similar to other Toyota vehicles. The rear wheels are driven by a special electric motor without a mechanical connection to the front wheels. As with the RAV4 Hybrid, this rear engine is also used for torque transmission to steer performance from side to side to improve road handling and increase traction on slippery surfaces. A "trail" driving mode also helps with the latter.

The RAV4 Prime is the fastest four-door Toyota currently sold in the United States.

On the go, the RAV4 Prime felt as fast as the numbers suggest. It was not just the extra power, but also the way that power was delivered. The Prime felt like an electric car and instantly delivered a surge of torque on every stroke of the right pedal. This steady, urgent acceleration took place regardless of the state of charge of the battery. A slight buzz was the only indication that the gasoline engine was on.

Like the Mitsubishi Outlander, the RAV4 Prime also has paddle shifters that can be used to adjust regenerative braking to slow the car down without using the brake pedal and recovering some energy. However, the effect didn't feel as dramatic in the Toyota as in the Mitsubishi, and you'll have to upgrade from the SE to the XSE to get these paddles.

Toyota also tried to make the Prime more refined than other RAV4 models by getting thicker laminated glass, more soundproofing, and a different suspension set-up. The Prime felt significantly quieter and more comfortable than other RAV4 variants, but maybe Toyota should have gone in the opposite direction with a sportier chassis. As it is, the chassis cannot use this 302 horsepower.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Fuel consumption, range and safety

The RAV4 Prime proves that electricity does not have to come at the expense of efficiency. Toyota cites 42 miles of electric range with an efficiency of 94 MPGe. This is more electrical range than a first-generation Chevrolet Volt with identical efficiency. When it debuted in 2010, the Volt was a purpose-built vehicle that is considered a “moon shot” by General Motors. Therefore, it is remarkable to see similar numbers in an ordinary crossover. The RAV4 Prime also offers almost twice the electric range of the Toyota Prius Prime, albeit with much less efficiency.

The Prime beats the Ford Escape and the Mitsubishi Outlander in electric range, although the Ford is more efficient with 100 MPGe. Toyota had no fuel consumption values ​​for gasoline available at the time of release, but according to the car's on-board computer, we had an average of 42.5 mpg.

With the standard 3.3-kilowatt on-board charger, a full charge takes 12 hours at a 120-volt household socket or 4.5 hours at a 240-volt charging station at level 2. A 6.6- available in the XSE version kW charger shortens the charging time of level 2 to 2.5 hours. This is as good as it gets as Toyota doesn't offer DC fast charging on the RAV4 Prime (it's standard on the Mitsubishi Outlander).

Safety ratings for the Prime are not yet available, but the standard RAV4 received the "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Road Safety Insurance Institute (IIHS), with the highest rating being missed due to poor headlights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the standard RAV4 with five stars.

Toyota offers a three-year basic warranty of 36,000 miles and a five-year warranty of 60,000 miles for the powertrain, as well as free scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles. The Prime battery has its own 10-year 150,000-mile warranty, and other hybrid system components have an eight-year 100,000-mile warranty. Overall, the RAV4 has a good reputation for reliability because many hybrid models can easily handle a taxis service.

How DT would configure this car

The technically friendliest incarnation of the RAV4 Prime is the XSE with the optional premium package. The XSE has some technical functions that the basic SE equipment variant does not offer, including a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen and charging the Qi mobile phone. The premium package ($ 3,765) includes a head-up display, a more powerful 6.6 kW on-board charger, a socket for the cargo area, a video rear view mirror, a 360-degree camera system and a parking assistant with automatic Front and rear braking.

The Prime itself is the best RAV4. Just as the RAV4 Hybrid outperforms the petrol model in terms of performance and sophistication as well as mileage, the Prime offers the CV of this crossover more power and even more efficiency. If you have the extra money, the Prime turns the RAV4 from a pretty good car into a world hit.

Our opinion

The Toyota RAV4 Prime 2021 proves that the future doesn't have to be unusual. This plug-in hybrid breaks new ground by being normal. Instead of just trying to make a statement, the Prime is bringing green technology into a car that people are already buying. With 302 hp, the RAV4 Prime shows that the future doesn't have to be boring.

The RAV4 Prime is also the class of its (admittedly small) competitive field. It outperforms the Mitsubishi Outlander in terms of cargo space, performance and efficiency, while offering more technical functions. The Ford Escape plug-in hybrid lags behind the RAV4 Prime in terms of electrical range, but offers greater efficiency. The Ford is also below the Toyota and starts at just under $ 35,000. However, the Escape itself isn't our preferred little crossover, and the plug-in hybrid doesn't have all-wheel drive.

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and the Kia Niro PHEV are not only suitable for SUVs, but also cannot keep up with the triple threat of performance, electrical range and cargo space from Toyota. The Kia is also not available with all-wheel drive.

Should you get one?

Yes. The RAV4 Prime is a true all-rounder.

Editor's recommendations




27 Feb
Blog

Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid AWD First Drive: Come For AWD, Stay For Comfort

Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid XSE

The RAV4 XSE Hybrid AWD from Toyota is a shockingly efficient SUV for all seasons

"Nobody can complain about the practicality of the Toyota RAV4, especially with hybrid technology and all-wheel drive."

  • Spacious, comfortable interior

  • Attractive style

  • Reliable AWD system

  • Excellent fuel consumption

  • So-so interior technology

  • Not really suitable for offroading

Women buy 54% of cars in the United States and, unlike men, do not decide which car or model to buy based on the model or brand. Women are usually more practical and take care of the interior or the cargo space the most.

That is true in my case. As a journalist and filmmaker, I have to have a second closet in my car and enough space to bring my lighting and camera equipment. And I need space for my two babies – my dog ​​Bruno and my cat Roberta. I really want everything.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid All-Wheel Drive (AWD) meets all of the above requirements at an affordable price. You can keep your vacation budget by understanding your financial needs, your family, and your lifestyle expectations.

As a thrill seeker, I decided to analyze this SUV on a trip where Florida alligators set the rules. Everglades National Park. The muddy park became the perfect place to experiment with the RAV4's all-wheel drive system as I thought about how it could fit into my everyday life.

AWD and off-road performance

The RAV4 Hybrid AWD is the best-selling SUV in America. While most people buy it with a 4-cylinder engine, the hybrid version offers many advantages. Thanks to the combination of a gasoline engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear, it not only delivers better mileage, but also more power than others (219 compared to the 4-cylinder 203).

The petrol engine drives the front wheels, while a 54 hp engine only drives the rear. They work together on an electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system that allows the car to decide how to supply electricity.

Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid XSELara-Carolina Fernandez / Digital Trends

Such an advanced system has practical advantages under tricky conditions. The off-road experience begins by activating the trail mode, which makes the vehicle more aggressive and ready to overcome the obstacles ahead.

Although the RAV4 has no mechanical limited slip differential, it has an electronic lock. A computerized operation in which the rear electric motor is activated to give the wheels more power by turning faster and pushing the vehicle thanks to the traction it generates.

If you only use EV mode with activated trail mode, you can drive through steep gravel hills. With the automatic all-wheel drive, the computer can analyze where the torque is needed. In this case, thanks to the electric motor, up to 80% can drive to the rear wheel.

The Hybrid AWD drivetrain impressed me. In fact, Digital Trends rates the Toyota RAV4 as one of the best hybrid family SUVs available today.

The driving experience

The RAV4 AWD, which is based on a platform shared with the Camry on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), is not designed for extreme off-roading. This is probably not a surprise.

Still, his off-road skills are not pointless. Many RAV4 buyers choose the small SUV from Toyota over a Corolla or Camry because the RAV4 performs excellently under adverse conditions. The all-wheel drive system of the RAV4 is intended to strengthen driver confidence and is successful.

Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid XSELara-Carolina Fernandez / Digital Trends

If you hope to be off the beaten path, make no mistake. The RAV4 Hybrid AWD currently lacks ground clearance, tire capability and suspension for serious crawling.

The RAV4 Hybrid XSE is 8.1 inches above the ground. That's enough to handle most winter storms, but not enough to keep it away from jagged rocks on a path. The RAV4 is clearly best suited for people living in the city, as it no longer has to adapt to certain situations such as flooding or snowfall in the city.

When you're ready to spend a little more money, Toyota offers the Adventure model with a 8.6-inch ground clearance. However, you cannot buy the Adventure model with the hybrid powertrain. It will still have AWD, but it will work differently than the model I drove.

However, among its main competitors, the RAV4 is the one that stands out. The Honda CR-V is a well-known rival 7.1 inches from the ground, while the Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Rogue are at least 7.9 and 7.4 inches, respectively. The only model that fits the adventure model is the Buick Envision, which is 8.6 inches above the ground. Other competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage have a ground clearance of 6.4.

Tires are also crucial in off-road conditions. The RAV4 Hybrid XSE has 18-inch all-season bikes that are covered with the Dunlop Grandtrek P20. These tires, like the rest of the RAV4 Hybrid XSE, can process some snow, but are not ideal for conditions with strong weather. In my off-road experience, the RAV4 had difficulties on an inclined gravel road – especially with the rear wheels.

Lara-Carolina Fernandez / Digital Trends

The rear independent suspension ensures better traction. Because of its electric motor in the rear, it supports the car on steep hills. The articulation is not bad, but lockers (an unusual feature) or descent control (which is more common) are missing.

When driving the RAV4 Hybrid XSE on an inclined gravel road, the rear wheels simply pull. In order to get out of this situation, I had to back up and accelerate several times. The RAV4 Hybrid XSE was better on flat roads, and although its distance is minimal, the few inches it can claim compared to a Camry are appreciated.

Design and style

I brought my sister with me to learn more about the comfort and cabin of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE. She is a busy woman and mother who works as an inventory analyst between 9 and 5. It was a feast for the eyes to drive with someone whose priorities are completely different from mine, and in between operations we put the SUV through its paces.

We agreed that the RAV4 also looks sporty in a hybrid look for a small SUV. We found that the RAV4 Hybrid is suitable for a young family like my sister's or for outdoor-loving singles who want a stylish but economical ride.

The RAV4 has really conquered our hearts with its bold front grille, accompanied by LED headlights and fog lights. Our tester also had a black body package with LED taillights, spoilers, double exhaust and a panoramic sunroof to improve the view of the street.

Some of these features, such as the sunroof, are optional, but the LED lights and double exhaust tips are standard. Steel wheels are the only low-cost exterior feature of the basic RAV4 LE, and all hybrid models are upgraded to alloy wheels.

Interior and comfort

Powered by a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder gearbox (CVT). The Toyota RAV4 is a quiet ride. You can speak or hear your favorite songs from the engine without much background noise. However, my sister Isabel has a 4 year old in the house and mentioned that she would prefer the RAV4 hybrid to make more noise.

The RAV4 is a great size for city life as it is not too big. My test model also had a large rear view camera with an overhead and 360 degree panoramic view, which made parallel parking in a narrow street much easier.

Lara-Carolina Fernandez / Digital Trends

Toyota offers one of the best entune infotainment on the market. A multimedia navigation system that provides satellite-based information on traffic, weather, sports results, stocks and many other functions. For $ 1,620, you get an 8-inch touchscreen with buttons and buttons, app integration like Apple CarPlay, and my sister's favorite, Wi-Fi connectivity.

Let's now compare RAV4's infotainment system with its long-standing rival: the Honda CR-V.

Hondalink's system is called Hondalink, but it's still not noticeable. The CR-V has a 7-inch display, only a volume control and no Wi-Fi connection. The appearance of the graphic display falls behind the Toyota Entune system, which has a striking 8-inch touchscreen display.

However, Entune is far from perfect. Android owners will not be enthusiastic about RAV4, as Toyota's infotainment only allows Apple CarPlay. This offers the CR-V an advantage as Hondalink supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The cabin technology of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is not up to date, but the RAV4 does have a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 features. This includes braking before a collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alarm, automatic high beam and radar cruise control. Competitors like the CR-V from Honda and the Escape from Ford are on par with the Toyota system, but options like the Chevy Equinox and the Nissan Rogue retain all of their safety features for step-up models.

Should you buy it

As daughters of a car parts seller, my sister and I agreed on the total price, fuel consumption and the resale potential of the RAV4 XSE. For $ 38,294, you can enjoy the comfortable leather seats, a digital and analog instrument cluster, a wireless Qi charging pad, and USB chargers at the front and back.

The second row offers enough leg and head room for tall adults and has ventilation slots, but no air conditioning. The car also features an electric tailgate and a total loading capacity of 69.8 cubic feet once the rear seats have been folded down. That's at the top of the segment, although the Honda CR-V is slightly better at 75.8 cubic feet.

When comparing fuel consumption between hybrid and gas, the hybrid powertrain is worth the additional $ 1,400. The gas model gives you 25 miles per gallon in the city, 33 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg combined. The hybrid achieves excellent 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway and 40 mpg together. You can easily make up for the costs of the hybrid upgrade over a period of five years.

The Toyota RAV4 is a practical car, family-oriented and suitable for anyone who needs a lot of space in a medium-sized vehicle. It's not the most exciting choice, but I can hardly fault the practicality of the RAV4.

Editor's recommendations