Toyota RAV4 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid Design 5dr CVT 2WD

Ten Second Review

The sixth generation RAV4 has been reinvented by Toyota for a new era - but not beyond recognition. There are sharper looks and a much more sophisticated cabin. But it now comes only as a Plug-in Hybrid - though a considerably more sophisticated one. Will it all make the RAV4 once again a mid-sized SUV to be reckoned with?

Background

New model launches don't come much more significant than when they concern the third best-selling car in the world. That's what Toyota's RAV4 is globally, a model line success story for this Japanese maker that stretches right back over three decades, since when RAV4s have found over 15 million customers worldwide. The first generation model of 1994 redefined what a compact SUV ought to be, pioneering a car-like monocoque body instead of the clunky ladder-framed platform construction then common in the segment. The second generation design of 2000 and MK3 of 2005 moved the RAV4 into the mid-sized SUV sector, while the MK4 version of 2013 introduced Hybrid power to that segment. Petrol / electric drivetrains were standardised by the MK5 version of 2019, which also gained a PHEV variant. Which brings us to this sixth generation design, announced in mid-2025. It gets a sharper look, a much more advanced cabin and a stronger PHEV drivetrain - now mandatory. Plus it's new Arene software development platform allows it to be what Toyota calls 'a software-defined vehicle', which allows safety and tech systems to be more easily updated over the ownership period. Sounds promising.

Engines and Tech Spec

For the UK, this MK6 RAV4 is now exclusively a Plug-in Hybrid. Other markets can also have it with this model line's usual non-plug-in full-Hybrid powertrain but at present, there's no sign of that being offered here. The PHEV drivetrain is basically the same 2.5-litre four cylinder unit as before, but now, for the first time, it can be had in two guises. The affordable variants serve it up in front-driven form (with 272bhp) but if you've more to spend and want top trim, you can have it in 305bhp AWD guise. Both variants now use a larger 22.7kWh battery (up from 18.1kWh) boosting EV range hugely to as much as 85 miles with the front-driven model (up from 46 miles). It's up to 75 miles with the AWD version, which uses three electric motors, the usual one on the front axle, plus one at the rear and one in the CVT transmission. Brake regen can be adjusted using steering wheel paddleshifters via six settings. 0-62mph takes 7.5s in the FWD version; or 5.8s in the AWD variant. Toyota says drive dynamics on all models will be enhanced by the way that the battery pack is mounted under the floor of the cabin (like an EV), rather than being slung out over the rear axle. This benefits weight distribution, centre of gravity and structural rigidity. Does that matter? After all, not since the original MK1 RAV4 of 1994 have we had a version of this car that's genuinely interesting to drive. And it would have been unrealistic to expect Toyota to replicate that little original three-door model's infectious joie de vivre in a car that these days is a much larger and heavier thing aimed at an older demographic. But, given that the previous MK5 model had all the driving involvement of a domestic appliance, there was certainly a need for a little R&D development here to match now-sharper looks. Those few RAV4 customers who care about such things will be directed to the top 'GR Sport' version, which gets high performance dampers, retuned springs, strengthened rear bracing, revised power steering and 20mm-more wheel track width.

Design and Build

Not since the first generation model of 1994 have we had a truly distinctive-looking RAV4, but this sixth generation design might be it. Everywhere you look, there are sharper, more angular, more aggressive lines and the new 'hammerhead-style' front and rear lights bring the styling into line with the design language seen on recently introduced models like the Prius and the C-HR+. Particularly unusual is the undulating swage line that flows down from high in the D-pillar to the bottom of the front wheel arch. This MK6 RAV4 measures in at 4,617mm long, 1,879mm wide and 1,686mm tall and is larger in every direction than its predecessor. Finishing touches include chunky squared-off wheel arches that house either 18 or 20-inch rims. Plus there's a black 'RAV4'-branded trim strip between the rear lights and above base spec there's a contrast-coloured roof. Where change was really needed though, was inside and, sure enough, the cabin's been completely redesigned. It's still quite different from anything you'd find elsewhere and you wouldn't mistake the interior for that of a premium brand model - but Toyota has the Lexus NX to deliver that in this segment. Instead, the design focuses on user-friendliness and technology, aided by the adoption of the brand's new Arene operating system, which has bought with it a 12.9-inch central touchscreen more advanced than anything we've previously seen in a Toyota. Everything about that media set-up is better - the menus, the navigation and the over-the-air updates, all as part of what the brand calls an 'in-car digital environment'. And the voice control is far cleverer, able for instance not only to program navigation instructions but also to open the windows and change whatever media source you're listening to. The voice system can additionally be used for adjusting cabin temperature, though there are also physical buttons under the centre screen for doing that. Instrumentation is provided by a separate 12.3-inch combimeter. As before, the RAV4 remains a five-seater with decent rear seat space. There's no sliding bench though and the situation of the battery beneath the rear floor means a seated rear passenger's knees might be situated a little higher than they might like. On the plus side, there's considerably more boot capacity this time round, which in the PHEV version equates to 672-litres of total luggage room, far more than most PHEV rivals.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £44,000 for the FWD version with base 'Icon' trim, with around £2,000 more necessary to get nicer 'Design' spec. If you can stretch to plush 'Excel' trim (starting from around £50,000), you'll be offered the option of finding £2,345 more to get yourself the AWD powertrain. Which is mandatory with top 'GR Sport' trim, which from launch cost from just over £52,000. The 'Icon' model, entry point to the range, is equipped as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, a powered tailgate and a Blind Spot Monitor. It also includes a new-generation Toyota multimedia system with a 12.9-inch touchscreen. 'Design' grade is at the heart of the range, featuring 20-inch black alloy wheels and a bi-tone exterior paint finish. Other features include power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats - with a memory setting for the driver's seat - and a wireless smartphone charger. The 'Excel' versions offers a more premium specification, with 20-inch machined/black alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a head-up display, an additional wireless smartphone charger and a JBL audio system. It also benefits from additional safety technology, including Front Cross Traffic Alert. A panoramic roof can be specified as an option. The top 'GR Sport' model adds motorsport-influenced styling and equipment details. These include lightweight 20-inch alloys, a tuned chassis and suspension and GR-dedicated elements including front grille, steering wheel and front seats. A sunroof is optionally available.

Cost of Ownership

As we told you in our 'Driving' section, the changes made to this MK6 RAV4's PHEV powerplant are very much of the fundamental kind - primarily the installation of a 30%-larger 22.6kWh drive battery allowing for up to 75 miles of electric-only range in the AWD version or up to 85 miles in the FWD variant. The AWD version records 282.4mpg on the combined cycle and 22g/km of CO2. That's not the only efficiency-orientated difference with this revitalised RAV4 PHEV. To ensure that the quoted EV range figure (or close to it) is achievable all the year-round, there's improved cooling compared to the previous generation model, along with a revised thermal management system to keep the powertrain at an ideal operating temperature for better efficiency and charging performance. The Plug-in Hybrid system can now accommodate a 50kW charge, meaning that it can restore 10-80% of its energy in around half an hour. In addition, there is a new 11kW AC charger which is twice as quick as the previous version, allowing for a 10-80% battery top-up in about three hours. As usual with Toyotas these days, if you keep the car serviced at a franchised dealer, the warranty can be extended up to a maximum of 10 years.

Summary

Though opinion may be divided as to whether the original RAV4 invented the soft roading SUV segment, no one doubts that, more than any other, this model was the first to define it. In our market, the RAV4 these days no longer epitomises this kind of car, but in this sixth generation form, it does now usefully develop the genre that Toyota says it created. It's disappointing though, that the brand no longer offers the non-plug-in Hybrid drivetrain that would make this car more accessibly-priced. And overall? Well the changes made here are all important - the extra space, the higher quality cabin, the better safety provision and, probably most significant of all, the more arresting looks. All these things are important reasons why we might recommend this car to you. But will they be enough to restore Toyota to prominence in this crucial segment? It'll be interesting to see.