Toyota RAV4 XA50 FWD (2019-2026)
VerifiedAlso referred to as: Toyota RAV4 XA50 FWD 2025 and Toyota RAV4 XA50 FWD 2027.20 reviews
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- +3
Driver area congested for me I am 6 foot tall,the seat is uncomfortable and terrible to adjust,does not go back far enough plus the pumping height adjustment probably suits cheap car not the mighty Toyota. The middle console is too fat ,hard plastic… Read more
,curved out just where the knee rests and hurts resting on it. The door handle inside is too far forward and takes a lot of effort to pull close due to weight distribution ,and the manual mirror retraction button is just below the handle and most times it gets pushed during door closing and swings the mirrors in,so annoying!!.No mute button on steering,car play screen not tilted towards the driver have to reach out to touch the screen which in rigid ,also the numbers stored in Favourites allow to scroll down only two pages so have to go via contacts and search which is dangerous while driving as Siri sometimes does not understand my accent.No lumbar support in drivers seat ,which should be standard for back issues.No USB C connection at front where it matters for iphone connection.Door mirrors do not swing in when locked.Remote control switches too close to each other and small ,I always misspress them!!. Storage spaces are not lined with soft material or rubber ,it is hard plastic so things just slide around when turning. Boot space is not good enough due to the rear windscreen too slopy ,could have made the roof 6 inches longer and top of wind screen bit straighter for extra space.Had to cut the corner of the storage case to avoid it hitting the windscreen. Lane departure system has steering control hooked up to it and sometimes it tries to "correct" the car but gets it wrong and moves the car towards a car if parked on side of the road ,if I go over the lane slightly ,to avoid the same car!! I hate it but cannot turn of the steering component only,have to turn off the whole lane departure system ,thereby disabling the warning beeps as well.Have to disable very time I start the car as it activates automatically at each start.Very annoying and dangerous so I turn the whole thing off every time and lose the lane departure warning beeps as well.
The Mitsy had the same system without steering control and worked really well due to the warning beeps being much louder as well.
If I put something on the rear seat the seat belt alarm keeps "binging",so annoying ,why cant I hit ok to shut it up?,Its not a person!! In very hot days if I want to start the car without getting in and have the air con kick in before sitting inside,I cant do that due to the st^pid start system needing to sit down ,burn your butt on the seat ,press the brake,then push the button which is in the middel left of the streering wheel so very hard to reach from outside. ,the old fashioned key on right hand side of the steering was far better,could start the car without sitting inside with door open from outside, on hot days it was very handy to get air con going quickly. The steering tilt has a limited range for height as well and my son has his knee/thigh rubbing on the steering wheel when he drives as he is over 6 foot tall.He hasdno issues with the old 2019 Mitsy Outlander as the steering and seat adjustments had wider range.
Electronic handbrake is a pain in case you need to roll the car without starting if battery is flat. I never owned a Toyota before and was forced into the Rav due to Company policy ,its a service use car,but thanks to them no more Toyotas for me in future.Previuos car was Mitsy Outlander 2019 which I loved ,was much better in those things. Use the car everyday for work and do around 30,000 kilometers a year. Also if the drive battery is down on charge then the engine kicks in to charge it on idle and it makes a helluva racket,very noisy! Not sure if more expensive models are improved but those good features like lumbar support mirror swing on lock etc are basic and should be standard.
Car play operation was much simpler in Mitsy as well.
Had to wait 18 months for this thing to be delivered ,totally not worth it at all!Was delivered in March 2024 but was ordered 18 months before ie around 09/2022
Positive for Rav4 is the fuel and mileage and the rotary volume control.
Follow-up · The infotainment system is not very user friendly for me.There should have been a back button and a USB C connector at front.I wish also the doors opened another 10 degrees esp rear ones.The trip meter reset is a pain to get to its like the old school manual reset push hard poking out of the speedometer cluster glass.Mitsy had a button on the right side of the steering wheel,so easy.
We have had a basic model 2025 FWD rav4 purchased new for approx 7 months now and it has been great. Would prefer the "Toyota connected services" stuff was easier to disable, but the car is great to drive, economical with fuel and has lots of space. Even the basic model we got has a bunch of nice features (adaptive cruise control, split zone… Read more
aircon, android auto, etc). We had heard there was a long wait but we only had to wait a couple of weeks to get our vehicle. But we weren't too picky about the colour. Getting 5.6L/100KM so far, lots of freeway driving.
Simply amazing – Toyota RAV4 2023 FWD : A Remarkable Experience Having previously owned both the 2017 RAV4 GXL (FWD) and the 2020 RAV4 Cruiser (AWD), I recently upgraded to the 2023 RAV4 Cruiser (FWD). This new model truly stands out. Design and Luxury: The RAV4’s sleek design and luxurious feel make every drive a joy. Attention to detail is evident throughout.… Read more
Performance and Economy: The powerful engine delivers impressive performance, although I do miss the AWD capability from my 2020 model. Notably, the FWD wheels tend to spin in the rain when accelerating after traffic lights. Fuel Efficiency: Remarkably, I can forget to refuel for up to 800 km, and adding just 45L of 91 UL suffices. Excellent fuel economy! Technology and Comfort: The massive, crisp multimedia screen and mind-boggling 360-camera view are stunning. Heated, ventilated seats, Wireless Apple CarPlay, and fast-charging USB-C connectors enhance convenience. Toyota’s Lane Trace Assist keeps me safely within my lane, surpassing other cars’ systems. Adjustable auto tailgate levels, customizable light sensitivity, and automatic side view mirrors add to the experience. Driving Experience: The 60-profile tires provide a comfortable ride. Responsive steering controls and speed sign recognition make driving easier. Adaptive cruise control enhances safety. The JBL Stereo system impresses. Minor Drawbacks: The electronic rearview mirror disappoints due to its poor refresh rate. The steering feels heavy but could be improved. In summary, the 2023 RAV4 is a gem, though Toyota’s one-year subscription for wireless connectivity remains a drawback.
- +8
You probably don't need to spend more on that AWD model – The RAV4 is wildly popular. If you want a hybrid, you'll be waiting for months after you place your order at the dealership. Is it worth the wait? If you're after a reliable, efficient, comfortable and spacious SUV with a rugged edge to it, it's hard to beat. You could cross shop a Subaru Forester Hybrid, but its hybrid system just isn't as… Read more
good as Toyota's system.
You want a RAV4 because you're either upgrading from your old one, or find most modern SUVs a little tame and rounded.
The RAV4 retains some 'rugged' elements, like chunky dials and buttons, but is mostly a regular Toyota SUV on the inside.
This slightly-above entry-level spec RAV4 is a fine choice for those interested in some minor creature comforts like a reversing camera, 'premium' fabric seats, dual-zone climate controls and 18-inch wheels.
With plenty of ground clearance, smaller wheels and spongey suspension - the RAV4 provides a relaxed ride across most surfaces you're going to encounter day-to-day.
A regen mode is available too, meaning you can maximise your time driving on pure EV power compared to some other hybrids too.
Add in 542L of boot space, and it's a great all-rounder.
During my drive with the RAV4, I never wished for an AWD system. This FWD set-up is suitable for most, and the default drivetrain I'd recommend for most buyers. That's unless you're needing to drive on unsealed surfaces more often than not.
The RAV4 isn't exciting, and it's lost a little of its off-road charm it used to possess. But it's ideal for those who want a boxy mid-size SUV from Toyota that'll simply sip fuel and get you from A to B in relative comfort too.
*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
Worst voice recognition ever – The absolute worst voice recognition I’ve ever seen - you simply cannot use voice to find an address. It’s absolutely horrible and cannot find a street even close to resembling the street you mentioned. Show details
Definately worth a Test Drive – I am a Toyota driver, driven everything from Camry to CHR and now a 2021 RAV4 Hybrid. Great on economy, pricing, comfort and safety aspects. Do yourself a big favour. Show details
Definitely low entry level dynamics and comfort – Hired the Hybrid and was looking forward to it. Economy was 6 litres/100Km on mostly country driving. Not good as my 2.0 litre 2005 BMW gets the same and does not need a battery that will need replacing at a sizeable cost. Dynamics were ok for an entry level car. The ABS did not do very well when stopping on dirt roads. The traction control… Read more
was worse. If you accelerated too hard, the back swung out to the side. Possibly it is an early (and cheaper) generation traction control unit. Latest generation traction control and ABS measure wheel slip many times a second and hence the wheel does not noticeably slip as it slipping is stopped just as it starts. The Toyota seemed to have a less sophisticated control unit as the wheels spun, stopped spinning, spun again, stopped spinning and spun again, which is why the rear end slid out sideways. May work better on smooth bitumen?
Comfort was good in the front seats. I can see people taking a test drive and being impressed. The road noise while on a highway in the back was quite high as there is little sound insulation for the rear passengers and the boot has places with no sound insulation at all. To speak to the rear passengers needed us in the front to raise our voices so much that it was better to speak when in towns with slower road speed. The windows did not stop the sun burning through onto your arm. More advanced cars use different glass that looks the same but stops most of the heat getting through so passengers are more comfortable, the aircon does not need to work as hard, etc.
Safety. The self steering was ok so long as there were well painted lines on both sides of the road such as a major multi lane highway. On good country roads, it would it was unable to detect the left side white line unless it was new and well painted. Roads where the left edge was less defined such as parts missing or a section was damaged where a truck ran wide in the past etc., meant the car would continue to slowly veer off the road. So. Ok for good highways, not for driving on the usual country roads. Passing other cars was a bit slow. I know that electric motors can provide enormous power short short times such as say 10 seconds (I am engineer). Not sure why Toyota did not let the battery give the motor more power so overtaking would be safer?
Sophistication was low. The touch panel was not intuitive to use. If you walk up to the car and unlock it with the key fob, the windows will not wind down so you can let the car cool down before driving off. You have to put the key fob in the centre console and push the start button. This means there are no smarts in the electricals, it's just a wire to the switch and battery. By comparison, in a 16 year old 3 series BMW, you can use the key fob to unlock and wind down the windows as you walk up. No need to get in a hot car. This is because the windows, etc., are all smart and under the control of the car's computer which does what you want when you press the fob buttons, such as just open the drivers door, or open all doors, or wind up all windows and close the sunroof as you hold the "lock car" button.
Overall a basic unsophisticated car. Quite good and a cheap price (around $48K), hence maybe you cannot expect the latest (or expect a 2005 level of sophistication) such as high quality ABS and traction control, a quiet ride in the back and creature comforts.
Dangerous list of unresolved problems and issues. Please share! – I drive economically with the rare firm acceleration once every few trips. Daily drive taking partner to work equating to 20-25000 kms a year. Serviced on time. Videos of issues attached My low rating is both due to the issues existing and the lack of effort to resolve issues and take them seriously. Every RAV4 has this first issue. 1. slip… Read more
light remains on frequently when starting the car. Won't go out until you let brake off completely. If on steep slope you can put car in drive and start moving at which point the car is difficult to stop especially if Toyota washed your brakes like mine. https://youtu.be/bTD9-XV2X14 2. Brakes randomly let up while trying to brake. NOT ABS under steady braking the brakes will sometimes stop braking. Happens a few times a month. 3. squeaky brakes from new, resolved by machining brakes after being washed. Still minor squeaking for a while before it stopped. 4. Hybrid system will often malfunction. From accelerating while trying to brake to most commonly petrol engine refusing to turn off. I can drive home gently with battery 80% and all of a sudden petrol engine decides to kick in. press ev mode, car says unavailable. I stop car press ev mode and now it turns off. As soon as car moves slightly, petrol engine starts again. This means my hybrid car will often waste petrol driving down hill. It has often done this at full battery. 5. Lane keep assist trying to steer me into on coming traffic and beeping when I'm far from left line but rarely beeping for right line. When reported NOTHING was done or tested being told this is factory thing. I recently discovered it can be calibrated but unfortunately takes hours and instead advised to turn it off or disable it. 6. Squishing and occasional knock from suspension. (minor issue) 7. Boot struts are sometimes very hard (minor issue) 8. From new wipers skip across windshield (minor issue) resolved myself recently by cleaning Goof-off from Bunnings on a rag. (I am not recommending its just what I did to fix it after nothing working)
I have been to 4 different dealerships around south west Brisbane. Some have spent an hour or so driving with me but issues that happen a few times a week or month need to be driven more than an hour.
Issue 1. and 2. has been classed as normal behaviour and opperation by Toyota in consultation with (head office/ senior technicians).
Issue 3. 4. have been reported as no fault found and unable to replicate even though video footage has been recorded and witnessed.
Issue 2. was unable to be observed after several attempts with multiple service departments yet to this day I still experience the issue. The best attempt a department has made to replicate the issue is taking the car home for a night on a 15 minute drive and allowing me to drive a new one for a day. This made it clear to me not only am I experiencing weird issues but my car was extremely under-powered and rough to drive. Not even close to what I paid for.
After multiple attempts to get issues resolved I have requested a replacement vehicle given the hours of driving I have done trying to diagnose and fault the car. Toyota guest experience/ head office has refused me twice. I am now at the point of looking at buying a new RAV4 which dealerships are happy to process but absolutely no deal or budging on price. You would think after all this the lease they could do is knock a couple dollars off. I'm still unsure what I want to do because it seems like absolute rubbish that I have to pay thousands more on a car that has been a lemon from the beginning with squeaking brakes. Videos attached.
Excellent dashcam – Dashcam fitted front and back works excellently. Very easy to use and the Toyota sales staff were very helpful in explaining the features. Makes us feel a lot safer. Highly recommended. Show details
Absolutely Amazing Vehicle - Simply The Best – We were a family that was loyal to Nissan for years and decided to switch to Toyota. This vehicle is spacious, economical, quiet, comfortable and stylish. What an awesome buy! Vehicle is mostly used as a shopping basket by the home boss! :) Show details
RAV4 - Still loving it – I picked up my RAV4 Cruiser - Petrol Feb 2021 and 19 months on I am still loving it. It is very comfortable with plenty of room in the back for my two girls aged 5 and 9. We enjoy throwing open the moon roof on a sunny day and I especially love the heated seats are a dream on those cold winter days. I'm a little disappointed with the Apple/Android… Read more
carplay. The JBL speakers are plentiful as are the usb ports. I love the auto boot, so handy for drop and go at school and speaking of the boot, it is so great o back up to the boundary fence pop open the boot and sit in there watching local footy. The air conditioning and heating is really comfortable to the front and back. Toyotas fixed price servicing is great. I chose the petrol option instead of hybrid as i really don't do enough klms to warrant the extra expense however those that have Hrbrids that I know are very impressed with their purchase.
Hybrid is fantastic! – This is our second Rav4 hybrid, we traded our first GX model at the dealer, after 2 years for only 3k drop price from what we paid, we upgraded this time to the Cruiser and love it, we average 5.5lt/100km fuel consumption which is less than half of our old Xtrail, comfort is great, I never thought we would use the heated seats living in Qld. Show details
Amazing SUV - the perfect family car! – After deciding it was time to buy a bigger car as we are planning on having our first child, we tested all the popular mid-large size SUV’s on the market, and nothing compared to the RAV 4! The look on the outside is so sporty and sleek, yet simple and sophisticated, the interior is savvy and organised without clutter and every space is used so… Read more
well. The materials are all premium and give you that touch of luxury, with the intuitive technology that all new cars are currently boasting including park assist, lane departure, radar detection etc. the only thing that really bothers me about this car is I have had no success turning the settings off and the navigation voice regularly tells me notifications like school ahead, red light ahead, follow road regulations etc, and after day 1 it is really annoying! This may be something I haven’t found yet as I’ve only had it this week, but overall, a great car you wouldn’t be disappointed picking up!
Find out how Toyota RAV4 XA50 FWD compares to other Midsize / Medium SUVs
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A very competent car, so smooth – Had the car for 4 months now. Cannot complain. As smooth and quiet as a Lexus. Surprisingly quiet and quick for its size. Cabin is full of nice features. Minor complaints but overall am quite satisfied. Show details
Great vehicle, only a few minor things needed for 5 Stars – Such a great drive, so relaxed & comfortable with great fuel efficiency. Brakes are fantastic a massive improvement on my previous 07/2015 Toyota Camry Altise Hybrid - Base Model, which were hit & miss at times as a result of regenerative braking. Good space making it feel reasonably spacious inside whilst feeling compact outside, noise levels… Read more
inside are fairly quiet. Good tech & safety features like Radar Cruise control, Blind spot monitoring, Lane keep assist & CarPlay, etc to make any journey enjoyable & calming. Vision is really good, especially with the extra little windows on the front doors instead of internal side mirror covers which really reduces the front blind spots, side mirrors also give an excellent view down both sides in most cases effectively reducing the blind spots. Really nice looking vehicle even the base model, highly recommended, great job Toyota. My only feedback would be the keyless entry handles with open & close function, which is super convenient so you can open the car without removing the key remote from your pocket or bag + an independent tailgate unlock button, so you don’t have to unlock all doors to just open the tailgate (Both of these features were standard on my above previous 07/2015 Toyota Camry Altise Hybrid - Base Model),also mirror’s that can be folded in & out without the power on would be handy.
No brainer – If you thinking of spending around $40K for a SUV, strongly consider the Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid. It has numerous safety features with many bells and whistles. Extremely fuel efficient. Currently getting around 880 km on a tank of petrol. Fuel gauge is displaying 5.7 litres per 100 km. Extremely quiet and excellent for the environment. It will hold… Read more
its value over many years. Had to wait 5 months for delivery but well worth the wait. Toyota have been making hybrids for over 20 years so their technology is well ahead of the pack. Highly recommended. Absolute no brainer.
Saves me petrol & nice ride – I use my car to drive to work, run errands and occasionally drive off-road for picnics and adventure. The car is driven daily and even more on weekends & public holidays. The car comes with a 5 year unlimited warranty so it’s a peace of mind and every annual service has been pegged so bring it back to the dealer is not worrying at all that you’re going to get ripped off! Show details
Best decision ever – After realizing that diesel engines in cars in Australia are basically being phased out, we decided to look at the alternatives. Fuel economy was no.1 on our list as we drive 180kms a day. Luckily, after doing some homework, we took the Rav 4 hybrid for a drive. Very surprised by the performance, cab space and standard features against the… Read more
competitors and it was cheaper! What's more,Toyota offered a guaranteed buy back price after 4 years, which was about 50% of the original value and that's doing 45,000kms a year. It's a few kms over for the 1st service at 15,000, and no issues to attend to apart from the service and that's a 1st for me! Well done Toyota and the team at Launceston Toyota, awesome to deal with backed up by their service department.
Brilliant – A solid car. Has plenty of room for my needs, is fuel efficient, has a great build and is very robust. The ease of use is brilliant and the seller offers great service if required Show details
I can't buy the RAV4 because the alerts sound levels and/or frequency are wrong for anybody with hearing difficulties – After I tested a number of SUVs, I was planning to buy the current model RAV4 only to be disappointed when I found that I couldn't hear any of the alert signals (e.g Lane Departure , Blind Spot Monitoring, Parkins Sensors etc). I asked sales rep if anything can be done to make the sound louder but the answer was NO, This is highly surprising… Read more
(at least to me) because as I see it most of the safety related benefits of a new car are reliant on alerts and although some of them are also displayed visually (buried in the small display which is partially hidden by the steering wheel) aural alerts must be of the right volume and frequency to be heard by someone with hearing difficulties (I am challenged but I am not totally deaf and I could clearly hear all such alerts in similar Hyundai or Kia models).
I hope I am wrong in my assessment of things (I will approach another dealer before I make a final purchase decision) and if I am I will update the review and the rating accordingly.
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