REVIEWING THE TOYOTA RAV4 PHEV AFTER 3 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP AND 6,000 MILES

EV Channels Review

After three months and 6,000 miles, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV proves to be a highly practical compact SUV, excelling in its spacious interior and generous boot capacity, easily accommodating bikes, luggage, and even dogs. The reviewer highlights its comfortable rear seating, ample legroom, and the airy cabin enhanced by the panoramic roof. Aesthetically, the 'Stormtrooper' spec, with its deep blue fleck in the black accents and pearlescent white paint, is praised. The hybrid drivetrain offers a useful 35-40 miles of pure EV range for local trips, contributing to an impressive average of 55 MPG over 6,000 miles. The reviewer has also come to appreciate the cleverness of the eCVT gearbox, finding the transitions smooth. However, the power tailgate is criticized for being excessively slow, and the infotainment system is deemed dated, though its impact is mitigated by strong Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support. The reviewer suggests a longer EV range would be beneficial for broader usability.