LIVING WITH THE TOYOTA RAV4 PHEV - NEARLY BRILLIANT BUT IS THERE A PROBLEM?

EV Channels Review

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV is presented as a highly practical and appealing compact SUV, particularly for families and urban use. The reviewer highlights its striking, angular exterior design and a surprisingly spacious and premium-feeling interior, with ample luggage capacity that can even accommodate a bicycle. The EV range of around 40 miles is praised for making it an excellent city car, capable of handling school runs and short commutes without using fuel, provided it's charged regularly. The hybrid system offers a combined 300 horsepower and good fuel economy on longer journeys, mitigating range anxiety. However, the review's central criticism revolves around the CVT gearbox. While smooth and unobtrusive in EV mode, the reviewer finds its tendency to drone and sound like it's over-revving under heavier acceleration in hybrid mode to be a significant drawback, detracting from an otherwise enjoyable driving experience. The infotainment system is also noted as feeling somewhat outdated, lacking wireless Apple CarPlay despite a wireless charging pad. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer expresses a strong overall liking for the car, estimating 70% of it is excellent, but the CVT remains a major point of contention that could deter potential buyers.