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Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2016 review

EXPERT RATING
8
Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Toyota's RAV4 has been around since 1994 and is credited with kicking off the "soft roader" genre. It's still pretty much the same formula 22 years down the track and is just as popular, aided by a recent midlife revamp with new Toyota family styling and the availability of comprehensive driver assist technology.

Value

The Cruiser petrol variant isn't cheap at $44,490 but comes with all the driver assist goodies as standard (these can be had in an option pack lower in the line-up).

Relative to the rivals, the Cruiser is good value especially when you factor in all the luxury kit as well that includes leather trim, six-speed auto (the sole transmission), a decent infotainment screen with satnav and multiple vehicle controls. The capped price servicing is $180 a pop.

The coveted driver assist kit includes autonomous emergency braking, active (radar) cruise control, pre-collision preparation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, auto (LED) headlights, cross traffic alert and front parking sensors.

Comfort

Toyota revisited RAV4's refinement this time around, tweaking its suspension for comfort and control as well as reducing road and exhaust noise. For a medium SUV, it's quite large inside with room for five and decent load space.

It doesn't take long to become completely familiar with everything the RAV4 can do and access is easy thanks to the seating being not too high.

Audio quality is good but the Bluetooth phone is average in terms of connecting and voice reproduction (plenty of Toyotas share this affliction). And you must be stationary to set the satnav.

Cabin ambience is pleasant with a high level of functionality for all controls. It doesn't take long to become completely familiar with everything the RAV4 can do and access is easy thanks to the seating being not too high.

Safety

It's a five-star car but the Cruiser goes further than that thanks to all the driver assist technology that helps you avoid a crash in the first place.

In common with other brands, Toyota is yet to "democratise" all this lifesaving technology but it will come downstream in time. Until then you have to buy the top of the range Cruiser or pay more for the safety option pack.

Driving

The RAV4 is good to drive, especially the 2.5-litre petrol four. It's an auto-only proposition in Cruiser spec but delivers strong performance thanks to an engine that has plenty of power to shift the 1600kg RAV4.

The auto hooks up sweetly with the petrol 2.5 (132kW/ 233Nm), delivering a smooth and quiet drive experience.

The same applies to the suspension, which is "Australianised" by Toyota's local engineers.

The RAV4 is easy to live with but this one likes a drink — thirst is a claimed 8.5L/100km on 91 RON.

Alternatives

Plenty to choose from: Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V.

Verdict

We totally understand why RAV4 is at the top of the medium SUV tree. It's a well rounded package that looks good inside and out, is practical, built to a high standard and in Cruiser's case, offers a high level of active and passive safety. It's a bit thirsty though.

How do you think the new RAV4 stacks up to the competition? Let us know in the comments below.

Click here to see more 2016 Toyota RAV4 pricing and spec info.

Pricing guides

$24,993
Based on 235 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$16,979
Highest Price
$36,888

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
GX (4X4) 2.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $19,030 – 24,090 2016 Toyota RAV4 2016 GX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
GX (2WD) 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO $20,900 – 26,510 2016 Toyota RAV4 2016 GX (2WD) Pricing and Specs
GXL (2WD) 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN $18,480 – 23,430 2016 Toyota RAV4 2016 GXL (2WD) Pricing and Specs
GXL (4X4) 2.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $21,340 – 27,060 2016 Toyota RAV4 2016 GXL (4X4) Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8
Peter Barnwell
https://www.carsguide.com.au/authors/peter-barnwell

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Pricing Guide

$16,979

Lowest price, based on 230 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.