Toyota RAV4 (US) review

From the outset, the RAV4’s interior emphasizes that it’s built to withstand the daily rigamarole. We’re talking hard plastics, rubberized surfaces and big, chunky features that grab the eye. Specifically, the center console’s laid out with hard-to-miss buttons for drive modes, exterior cameras and other functions one would want to change on the fly without hunting for them within touchscreen menus. Hooray, physical interfaces, though this also means the cockpit can be quite busy.

There’s around 98.9 or 101.3cu ft of passenger space in the back, depending on if the optional moonroof is installed, with 37.8cu ft of cargo space behind the second row of the standard hybrid RAV4. PHEV models have around 33cu ft due to all the battery packaging underneath.

What’s the tech like?

Balancing things out is a revamped digital interface that makes the most of the available screen  estate with several new customization configurations. Along with the digital driver display, RAV4 riders have a standard 10.5in screen or a 12.9in one for higher-tier trims. A more responsive voice command feature opens up more natural search functionality when it comes to finding things in the area via the native navigation, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can still be used if that’s what you’re used to.

Making its debut in the RAV4 is the integrated drive recorder, which is basically a factory installed dash-cam. Drivers can use it manually to catalogue their automotive adventures as well as their misadventures, thanks to sensors that trigger the cabin in certain instances, like sudden rapid braking, impacts and so on.