Toyota RAV4 Hybrid GXL 2WD SUV 2022 Review

Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid 2WD could be the perfect urban SUV. I spent a week in this car and its priced from $40,450 plus the usual costs.

Its well styled, not too big so it is easy to navigate our tight city streets and carparks, yet big enough for weekends away with friends if you like.

As an SUV you sit up higher and the body shape allows more luggage room than a sedan.

The RAV4 GXL Hybrid comes with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor generator that drives through a six step CVT.

As you would expect the economy is outstanding and we averaged around 5.0L/100K on our test.

TO LISTEN TO THE RAV4 GXL Hybrid RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

The RAV4 GXL also comes with LED projecta headlights, LED foglights, Digital radio, illuminated door switches, rear seat reminder and LED interior lights.

Its no surprise that Toyota sells a lot of RAV4 Hybrids, they are easy to live with, economical, comfortable and practical. Pretty much everything a buyer will need.

Is the RAV4 GXL 2WD Hybrid the perfect urban SUV. Well that’s a big call but it’s pretty good.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Other RAV4 Articles

• 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser AWD SUV 2022 Motoring Minute Review
• 2021 Toyota Rav4 GXL AWD Hybrid 2021 Review
• 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2020 Radio Review
• Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD SUV 2020 Radio Review
• 2019 Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD SUV 2019 Review
• 2016 Toyota RAV4 AWD Cruiser Petrol Review

What is good?	What is not so good?
Economy and Hybrid drive Well equipped safety Relatively spacious inside	Would like Wireless Apple Car Play Ageing a little now and Pricey No full size spare

Model	Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid 2WD SUV
Model Price	$40,450 MLP*
Engine	2.5L Aspirated with Hybrid Electric
Drivetrain	2WD 6 Step CVT
Power	160kW @ 5700rpm
Torque	221Nm @ 3600-5200rpm
Safety	5 Star ANCAP (Tested May 2109)
CO2 Emissions	109 g/km
Economy ADR/ Capacity	4.7L/100km / 55L / 5.2L/100K on test
0-100kmh/Top Speed	N/A
Servicing	12 Mths / 15,000km Service plans
Warranty	5yr/ Unlimited km with 1 Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

Overall Rating	82/100
Behind the Wheel	9
Comfort	8
Equipment	8
Performance	8
Ride and Handling	8
Practicality	9
Fit for Purpose	9
Style / appeal	7
Technology / Connectivity	8
Value for Money	8

Dimensions
Overall Length / Wheelbase	4600mm / 2690mm
Width / Height / Turning Circle	1855mm / 1685mm / 11.0mts KTK
Unladen ground clearance / wading depth	Up to 190 mm / TBC
Approach / RO / Departure	17.5 / TBC / 20.0 degrees
Boot Space Min / Max L	580L / TBA L
Kerb Weight / Payload / GVM / GCM	1745 / 485/ 2230 / 3740
Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating	480kg / 100kg

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More RAV4 GXL Hybrid Details

Toyota RAV4 has been perennially popular and the latest minor update that arrives early in 2022 keeps the model relevant.

What is the RAV4 GXL Hybrid like outside?

It’s a relatively stylish exterior with the following highlights:

• Auto LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights,
• Front fog lamps,
• Heated and folding electric exterior mirrors,
• Automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers,
• Rear window wiper,
• 18-inch alloy wheels with 17-inch temporary spare,
• Front and Rear mudflaps,
• Dual oval tailpipes,
• Hatch-top spoiler, Shark-fin antenna, Roof rails,
• Privacy glass

How about inside the RAV4 GXL Hybrid?

Inside the RAV4 is spacious, comfortable and reasonably well appointed.

Highlights include:

• Premium embossed fabric seats,
• Leather-accented steering wheel with steering wheel controls,
• Twin dial driver instruments with 4.2-inch Multi-Info Display and Hybrid-specific indicator,
• Leather-accented shift lever,
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror,
• Dual zone climate control with rear vents,
• Front and rear power windows,
• Qi wireless phone charger
• Remote locking/unlocking and Keyless smart entry and start (Hybrid only)
• 60/40-split, folding rear seat back,
• Rear armrest with integrated cupholders,
• Two-level reversible (carpet one side/resin other) boot deck board (Not available with full-size spare wheel option),
• Reasonable storage with central arm rest, sunglass storage, cup holders, front and rear door bins with bottle holders

Infotainment technology and communications

• 8-inch touchscreen display,
• 12V and one Aux input,
• Three front and two rear USB sockets (inc four fast charging)
• AM/FM/DAB+ radio with six speakers,
• Bluetooth® connectivity,
• Satellite navigation with SUNA Live Traffic,
• Voice recognition,
• Siri® “eyes-free” (compatible iPhones®) and
• Toyota Link

RAV4 GXL Hybrid engine and drivetrain

The hybrid system combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor generator that drives through a CVT, providing the most powerful drivetrain in the range with combined maximum outputs of 160kW for 2WD variants and 163kW for AWD versions.

Other features include:

• Independent front MacPherson strut and multilink rear suspension,
• Drive Mode Select – Eco/Normal/Sport,
• EV Mode (Hybrid only),
• Rack-assisted electric power steering,
• Ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes and
• Electric parking brake

RAV4 GXL Hybrid safety features

RAV4 offers particularly good safety with the standard Toyota Safety Sense suite of features,

Toyota Safety Sense including;

• Pre-collision safety system (AEB) with day/night pedestrian and day cyclist detection,
• All-speed active cruise control (CVT),
• High-speed active cruise control (MT)
• Lane trace assist with steering assist and lane centring function (CVT)
• Lane departure alert with steering assist (MT)
• Road sign assist (speed sign only) and
• Auto high beam

Other safety features include: Seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, reversing camera with guidelines, Hill-start assist with Brake hold, ISOFIX child restraint anchors for two rear seats and ABS with vehicle stability control and active cornering assist, further add to the new RAV4’s impressive safety credentials.

Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid final thoughts

Like a lot of Toyota vehicles the RAV4 does very little wrong. It fits the criteria of lots of room inside for minimised exterior footprint.

It looks stylish and has held its style well. The lower spec hybrids offer good value and outstanding economy in a comfortable package.

Personally I would take the AWD version though for a touch added safety.

It no wonder Toyota sells a heap of RAV4 SUVs.