Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is thrifty, but is it the compact SUV?

There is a wide variety of compact SUVs to choose from, and most of them can be equipped with a diesel engine, at least in Europe. Not the new Toyota RAV4, however, as the builder bid farewell to oil burners and instead offers a gasoline-electric hybrid.

This powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric engine producing 218 hp (215 hp / 160 kW). The assembly comes with a CVT transmission and front wheel drive, but it is possible to use an all-wheel drive for an additional cost, and the average fuel consumption is still 4.4 l / 100 km (64.2 mpg in France ).

See also: Comments from the 2019 Toyota RAV4 – Is the best selling SUV at the top?

With its updated exterior styling, clean lines and impressive grille, the 2019 RAV4 is more modern than its predecessor. The same can be said about the cabin, in which a number of materials can lead some to think that they are sitting in a high-end model. The space at the front and rear is very good, the large rear windows will not make anyone claustrophobic and the trunk can stow a lot of luggage.

The steering is quite precise, but do not believe that driving is sporty, as Toyota engineers focused on comfort. Thus, even in the 'Sport' driving mode, nothing changes much, except for the noise generated by the cockpit.

So, is the new hybrid RAV4 a better choice than the equally frugal diesel? CarsIrlande had an attempt in a well equipped version and have the answer in the next video.