In the driving report: The new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota has revised the fourth generation of the RAV2013, which has been available since 4, and introduces a hybrid version for the first time for the RAV4. Better late than never.

Toyota is pushing ahead with the hybridization of its own model range and is positioning the RAV4 Hybrid as the top model of the 4. RAV4 generation. That's daring, but consistent. The role of the diesel is minimized, the gasoline engine continues to be neglected. So the way is paved for the hybrid.

First ride with the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Exterior & interior

About the optics could argue - or just not, as is the case with flavors. For me, the RAV4 has ripened visually with the model revision. He looks rejuvenated, modern, within the possibilities of an SUV elegant. The front has been extensively revised and re-modeled. It has been sharpened and appears more concise. LED headlamps are standard in the hybrid on top.

At the rear, the retouchings are a bit more economical. The new taillights in LED technology upgrade the rear and remind me of the recently refreshed Lexus GS.

The interior of the RAV4 has also been upgraded. There are new materials used, quality look and feel have been improved. The continuous blue illumination of the instrument cluster and various switches picks up the blue hybrid theme of Toyota.

2AR-FXE - The drive

We are lucky that the well-known 1.8er 70-kW-burner from Prius and Auris Hybrid is not used. He would be overwhelmed with the at least 1.625 kilograms curb weight of the RAV4 Hybrid. Instead, there is an 2.5-liter four-cylinder that works in the Atkinson cycle and is coupled to an 105 kW electric motor.

With the 2AR-FXE comes under the hood a similar powertrain as in Lexus IS 300h or GS 300h (2AR-FSE) as well as the identical string from the Lexus NX 300h or the current Toyota Camry Hybrid used. The latter is unfortunately not available in Europe. Optionally, the RAV4 Hybrid in the four-wheel drive version e-Four offered, which is realized by means of another electric motor on the rear axle.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - On the Road

In terms of driving, the RAV4 Hybrid prefers leisurely cruising and gliding; Preferably in the city, where he often drives purely electrically and can recover a lot through frequent stop & go. The RAV4 Hybrid seems to me to be the ideal SMV - Soccer Mum Vehicle.

Who is traveling in the city, caressing the accelerator pedal and doing him a maximum of two-thirds position, experienced pleasantly rapid progress without noise pollution. The sometimes strenuous high speed level, which is considered to be a rapid progress, is now not so fast and often. Overall, this leads to more relaxed driving. The hybrid vehicle moves fast, does not hurt and is frugal in consumption. For urban banter the RAV4 Hybrid also looks pretty and brawny.

Thanks to the simulated gear ratios of the continuously variable CVT transmission, the engine brake can be used for recuperation; depending on the pedal position, it can be skidded up to a speed of just 70 km / h. With a little sensitivity, fuel consumption well below six liters can be achieved both in the city and outside the city.

If you like it more dynamically, you have to cut corners in many ways. The hybrid drive may be appropriate to educate its driver to more efficient driving. This works really well in practice. If you ignore the fact that you are in the middle of a hybrid, you may be bothered by the high revving nipple - even if it acts more acoustically more reserved than in the Auris Hybrid or Yaris Hybrid.

However, it was clearly noticeable on a winding track that the RAV4 does not think much of dynamics. The too soft suspension tuning and the somewhat feelingless steering and the high center of gravity, which leads to unsightly rolling movements, reduce the driving experience on the winding country road. Too early, the RAV gets into the border area and beyond, to be trimmed by the vehicle dynamics control.

It is also symptomatic that with stronger braking the hazard warning lights are activated or the ABS acts overtaxed during emergency braking. Especially the latter resulted in a slight right turn to ugly pushing and understeer. From the four-wheel drive was no advantage in terms of traction, safety or cornering stability felt. Here I had expected much more.

Of course, this somewhat ragged driving style does not match the natural attitude of a contemporary SUV. But approaching the individual limits of a vehicle can reveal weaknesses in the vote - as here. In particular, in critical driving situations such as an evasive maneuver or full braking, the peculiar ABS tuning, too soft spring-damper combination and despite the heavy batteries high center of gravity can adversely affect.

I think Toyota should urgently hand in terms of chassis and ABS vote. Of course, the RAV4 is designed primarily comfortable, but this must not lead to such driving behavior.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - Conclusion

In town, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid works wonderfully. Here he feels at home, alone in urban life, he fulfills his purpose in its entirety. I see him as a kindergarten-Schlachtross, with the Mommy kid and cone chauviert, purchases made and wants to be as efficient as possible on the road, without having to give up the benefits of an SUV. In that sense, I consider the RAV4 Hybrid as Soccer Mum Vehicle.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid can be driven relaxed and relaxed. Without hectic, the hybrid often glides silently and thus locally emission-free through urban terrain. In contrast, actual off-road capability is not the strength of RAV - as befits a contemporary SUV. For the first time, a hybrid from Toyota can and should also pull, up to 1.650 kg trailer load are in it.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been on 29 since. January 2016 at the dealer and is available with front wheel drive from 31.990 €. The four-wheel drive costs 3.000 € surcharge. Rich falls for the hybrid from the standard equipment. Full-LED headlamps, automatic climate control, cruise control, 7 '' touch screen with reversing camera and keyless entry and start system are standard features.
Very timely, numerous assistance systems are available at an additional cost.

Technical data