Toyota RAV4 (US) review

It’s the Toyota RAV4, the mid-sized SUV that’s literally everywhere. So much so that it outsold the Ford F-150 in early 2025, something no other vehicle has achieved in almost 50 freakin’ years. Now on its sixth generation, the RAV4 is coming out the gate with a full revamp, more of what works and grades that broaden the already popular utility vehicle’s appeal with the Woodland and GR Sport models.

Neat, what’s the short version?

It starts with the two available powertrains, the standard hybrid setup and the more powerful plug-in hybrid. The former utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an e-motor up front and a variable transmission, doling out 226hp and 163lb ft of torque for FWD offerings or 236 for the AWD versions that equip an additional motor on the rear axle.

The plug-in hybrid setup uses the same engine, but with a larger battery and a more substantial motor to produce a total of 324hp and 172lb ft of torque.

How’s the range on the plug-in?

The plug-in RAV4 is fitted with a 22.7kWh battery that can juice up from 10 to 80 per cent on a DC fast charger in around 35 minutes. SE and GR Sport versions are equipped with a 7kW charger that can recover the same amount of energy in 3.5 hours on a level 2 charger while the Woodland and XSE RAV4s have a 11kW charger that manages it in 2.5 hours.

In terms of range, the RAV4 can drive on just the battery for 48 to 52 miles, contingent on trim level and outside conditions. At best, the PHEV RAV4 scores around 41 combined MPG while trims like the GR Sport score a 37 combined MPG rating.

So long as we’re talking range, the standard hybrid RAV4 manages between 39 to 42 combined MPG.

What’s up with these different grades?

Interestingly, the RAV4’s variants highlight its central positioning within the Toyota lineup, as the GR Sport is akin to a chonky GR Corolla while the Woodlands is something of a mini 4Runner.

Woodlands is available in either PHEV or hybrid powertrain and wears a more outdoorsy aesthetic. Though it’s shod in all-terrain tires on its 18in wheels, its suspension is the same as the rest, meaning there isn’t any additional off-roading hardware, not even a skid plate. The Woodlands has a bunch of unique touches like integrated LED fog lights in its unique fascia, roof rails, beefy overfenders and so on, along with matching interior touches. In short, it looks the part, but don’t drive it away thinking this is a TRD version.

Things are a bit more interesting when it comes to the RAV4 GR Sport. Unlike its woodsy counterpart, the GR sport is much more than an appearance package. This version uses the PHEV powertrain exclusively because of the extra juice it provides. There aren’t any mechanical upgrades, but the GR Sport does get more aggressive throttle mapping for its sport driving mode.

Exterior changes reflect its more sporty nature while providing a touch more aerodynamic stability as the suspension receives small handful tweaks that include the addition of a damping rod across the front, more reinforcement around the back and tuned coils and dampers for more spirited performance. Inside, there’s the usual trim-specific visual touches like GR badging. Functionally speaking, the GR Sport rocks its own unique steering wheel with paddle shifters.

How do they hold up?

Knowing that the Woodlands is merely dressed for off-road work, it does okay when taking it through muddy ruts or scrambling over rocky terrain, though it won’t impress any true-blue overlanders with what it can do. Conversely the differences in the GR Sport are palpable as soon as you encounter your first bend. Generally, the RAV4 rides smoothly, with a touch of body roll that the GR Sport successfully negates. The aggressive throttle programming is also substantial, making this RAV4 much more encouraging to play with through a windy stretch of road.

How about the standard version?

The normal RAV4 with either powertrain is a surprisingly smooth ride, with the PHEV being particularly accomplished here due to its extra heft and smoother power delivery. Meanwhile, the standard hybrid versions are noticeably lighter and communicative since there are fewer systems in play.

Toyota’s RAV4 continues to be the standard-setter for the mid-sized SUV segment. At its core, it remains a dutiful daily workhorse that runs the gamut between urban, suburban and even extra-urban tasks while maintaining a general level of comfort.

It’s not the sportiest, luxurious or most rugged vehicle out there, but it does well enough across the board where you’re left with very little to complain about. Regarding the specialty grades, it's the GR Sport that brings something new to the table with small but substantial performance upgrades. Woodlands, in the meantime, looks the part but don’t mistake it for a TRD-blessed off-road-ready adventure vehicle.

Fun as they may be, they’re not required to get the most out of the new RAV4. Higher trims add a handful of creature comforts, as one would expect, but it’s the SUV’s core capabilities that have made it a best seller, and we can see this latest version upholding its well-earned reputation.