2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Used car review

The fifth-generation (XA50) Toyota RAV4 launched in Australia in 2019 and marked the first time the mid-size SUV was offered in Australia with a hybrid drivetrain.

At launch, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid impressed the Drive team so much that it took out the coveted 2020 Drive Car of the Year award.

At the time Managing Editor, Trent Nikolic noted:

"The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was named the 2020 Drive Car of the Year, due to its consumer significance in the competitive medium-SUV market. This model stands out due to its affordability, efficiency, and comprehensive feature set. With large cars declining in popularity in Australia, the medium-SUV segment has become a key battleground, attracting various brands including luxury names.

"The RAV4 Hybrid is priced competitively, with the 2WD starting at $34,590 and AWD at $38,490 before on-road costs (2019 pricing). The model range is straightforward, offering four variants: GX, GXL, and Cruiser catering to different budgets and feature preferences. It comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance, with an extended seven-year warranty for the engine and drivetrain if serviced as recommended, and a ten-year warranty for hybrid batteries.

"Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid offers a spacious and flexible cabin, though it falls slightly behind the Honda CR-V in terms of cargo space. The vehicle features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, delivering a combined output of 163kW and 279Nm. It achieves real-world fuel efficiency of 5.8L/100km, close to the claim of 4.8L/100km.

"The RAV4 Hybrid provides a seamless driving experience with a well-integrated hybrid system that minimizes the need for driver adjustment. It includes a range of standard equipment and safety features, including adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. Its balance of affordability, efficiency, and comprehensive features makes it a standout choice in the medium-SUV segment."

The RAV4 (both hybrid and petrol models) achieved strong sales at the end of 2019, finishing second in the mid-sized SUV segment with 24,260 sales (of both fourth and fifth-generation models) behind the Mazda CX-5 at 25,539.

This changed once the new car had worked its way into showrooms however, with 38,537 sales in 2020 giving the RAV4 a 75 per cent uplift on the second place CX-5 with 21,979 sales. The RAV4 has held the position of Australia’s top-selling medium-sized SUV ever since, having recorded over 31,000 sales so far in 2024 with still five months to go!

That means so far in 2024, of every 1000 new cars delivered, 43 are a Toyota RAV4.

At launch, the RAV4 was offered in four trim grades (GX, GXL, Cruiser, Edge) with a choice of petrol or hybrid power, and front or all-wheel-drive depending on the grade. In 2022, the hybrid-only XSE trim was added, the manual GX deleted, and hybrid power was made available across the line-up (previously petrol-only for Edge), but for new car buyers, the option of a petrol-only RAV4 ended from 2024 as the popular SUV moved to an exclusively hybrid showroom lineup.

For urban buyers, the GXL 2WD Hybrid offers a perfect blend of features and functionality with the efficiency of hybrid power, whereas if you are looking for something a bit more premium, we recommend a 2022-on RAV4 XSE Hybrid eFour AWD.

Here's what the Drive team said back in 2019 of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Josh Dowling said:

"The 2019 Toyota RAV4 impresses with its bold new design, improved interior space, and enhanced technology. It offers a comfortable ride, a suite of advanced safety features, and a choice of efficient engines, including a hybrid option. While the handling is decent, it’s not particularly dynamic, and the infotainment system, though functional, could be more intuitive. Overall, the RAV4 stands out as a practical and well-rounded SUV."

Susannah Guthrie said:

"The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid AWD offers upscale features, refined ride, and a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. It combines a spacious, high-quality interior with a smooth and quiet driving experience. The AWD system offers good traction and stability, though the handling is not particularly engaging. Enhanced technology and safety features add to its appeal, making it a well-rounded, practical choice for a mid-size SUV."

Kez Casey said:

"The 2019 Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid AWD delivers a blend of practicality and efficiency with its stylish design, spacious interior, and advanced features. The hybrid powertrain offers impressive fuel economy and smooth performance, while the AWD system enhances road manners. Though it lacks some sporty handling, the RAV4 GXL Hybrid provides a comfortable and well-equipped ride, making it a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and eco-friendly SUV."

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was offered with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty when new, which means that 2020 model-year cars will have at least one year of factory warranty left. We recommend the 2022 models as there were subtle changes made to the equipment list including safety technology changes where rear cross-traffic alert and rear autonomous emergency braking were added.

Values have stayed strong, largely due to the time taken for new orders to be delivered, but with most of the new-car backlog cleared, second-hand examples should stabilise in terms of pricing, or at least allow the buyer a stronger position to negotiate.

Service costs are currently capped at $260 per visit for the first five years, regardless of variant, but then increase and vary depending on powertrain and drive type.

For example, the Toyota service schedule for a RAV4 Hybrid GXL 2WD is as follows:

In terms of general reliability, Drive spoke with a service representative at mycar Tyre and Auto who said:

"Nationally, mycar Tyre & Auto has had a significant number of Toyota RAV4 Hybrids come through our workshops for both service and general repairs, since its release. And the data is clear, the RAV4 Hybrid is one of the most reliable vehicles in its class.

"Since the introduction in 2019 of the hybrid drivetrain, we've noticed an improvement in brake life, which we believe is attributed to the regenerative braking system.

"In some other hybrid models, we've seen regenerative braking contribute to increased tyre wear, but this hasn't been an issue with the RAV4 Hybrid with data showing that the average tyre life has remained stable between non-hybrid and hybrid models.

"It is worth noting that the tyre size has shifted from the common 235/55R18 on pre-hybrid 2018 Cruiser models to a less common 225/60 R18 on the 2019 hybrid model. This change results in an 11mm increase in tyre circumference, which likely reduces rolling resistance and enhances fuel efficiency. The trade-off is a slightly higher replacement cost, with owners facing an additional expense of around $50 per tyre."

The simple answer is yes. The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 continues to be an impressive and popular SUV for Australian family buyers. The benefits of the effortless hybrid drivetrain, solid Toyota build quality and high levels of practicality outweigh what is a well-featured but lacklustre infotainment system and often uninspiring driving dynamics.

Look for a car that has a complete service schedule and that has been looked after by its previous owners. You can search for used Toyota RAV4 Hybrids currently available around Australia on Drive Marketplace.