Toyota continues its strategy to offer more new-energy vehicles throughoutits portfolio with the introduction of GX-R and VX petrol-electric all-wheel-drive (E-Four) RAV4 derivatives. But arethese newcomersviable options for those looking for an eco-friendlier family SUV? We headedto Johannesburg to find out.

What’s new in the RAV4 range?

Toyota continues to push Hybrid models in SA, but at pricing that isn’t out of reach of its customer base.

While the RAV4 is certainly not new, it’s only been available in petrol-electric hybrid guise in Mzansi since the latter half of last year. It debuted as a front-wheel-drive2.5 Hybrid GX(with a single, front-mounted electric motor), but Toyota South Africa Motors has now discontinued that derivative and rolled outGX-R- and VX E-Fourversions.

Apart from utilising afrontelectric motor in conjunction with a2.5-litre 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycled petrol engine to power the RAV4’s front wheels, the newcomers are equipped with another (rear-mounted) electric motor that drivesthe back wheels (when required).

TheE-Fourall-wheel-drive system can altertheRAV4’s torque distribution (depending on drivemode) between 100% to the front wheels and a 20/80(rear-biased) split whenever more traction is required, whilean automatic LSD (limited-slip differential)/trail-assist mode further enhances traction. Of course, these derivatives are not serious off-roaders, but the all-wheel grip is undoubtedly a boon to safety.

Peak output figures from the ICE unit are 131 kW and 221 Nm of torque, with the front and rear electric motors contributing 88 kW/202 Nm and 40 kW/121 Nm respectively. This means that the total output is 163 kW. Both derivatives have a claimed top speed of 180 kph, which is academic, but more importantly, they boast admirable statedfuel consumption figures, but more about thatlater.

The VX variantgets added safety systems included in Toyota’s Safety Sense pack.

Both derivativescome with refreshed LED headlamps, daytime running lights, roof rails and new “smoked” 18-inch alloys. On the VX, you’ll electric adjustment on both the driver and front-passenger seats, front and rear park-distance control, auto high-beam functionality and auto-fold operation for the side mirrors.

However, the biggest party trick you’ll find in the VX derivative is the option to toggle between a conventional rear-view mirror and a digital one that projects the reverseview using external cameras. We think it’s aparticularly handy feature for those long-haul journeys that require extra items to be loaded up well above the line of the luggage cover.

The RAV4comes standard with 5 USB ports to keep devices charged on those extended tripsand two 12Vconnectors in case you’d like to plug in a small fridge to keep the snacks and drinks chilled.

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Both E-Fourderivatives also come with a towing capacity of up to 1 000 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked, which should be more than enough topull along a small camping trailer or larger trailer.

On the safety side of things, the GX-R comes equipped with vehicle stability control, trailer-sway control, hill-start assist and downhill-assist control. The VX additionally features the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package, which comprises radar cruise control, pre-crash warning, lane trace assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

What’s the 2.5 Hybrid E-Four like to drive?

Driving hybrids requiresa lighter foot, but the fuel economy rewards are greater.

The 2.5 Hybrid VX E-Four we drove on the evaluation routeably delivered what you’d expect (in terms of overall comfort levels) from vehicles in this segment. The generously appointed cabin has a premium feel and the trim, switchgear and dials look upmarket. The front seats are comfy yet supportive and rear passenger space is ample, even for a 6-foot-tall occupant (I know this because I did the time-honoured test of sitting behind the driver’s seat, whichwas set up for me). TheVXseems like a car with which you and your tribe can tour long distances without needingto stop often to stretch your legs.

However, as suitable as the 2.5 Hybrid E-Four derivatives mightbe for taking the “fam” on holiday, for the purpose ofachieving their claimed economy figures, the GX-R and VX Hybrid E-Fours are bettersuited to navigating the suburbsand built-up metropolitan areas. It’s just as well…because that is where Toyota’s family car will ply its trade for the overwhelming majority of its service life.

Whereas trips like the daily commute, the school run and the sneaky trips down to the local bakery are inefficient – and cross-country trips flatter fuel economy – in a non-electrified RAV4,the 2.5 Hybrid E-Four is quite in its element in town, where it can lean on its electric motors in pursuit of a claimed efficiency figureof 4.7 L/100 km.

On our trip, we didn’t spend too much time travelling throughbuilt-up areas, but we still saw an indicated consumption figure of 5.7 L/100 km before we hit the open roads. Thereafterwe managed 6.1L/100 km, which I feel will be the norm versus the (frankly rather optimistic) 7.3 L/100 km claimed for the petrol-only 2.5VXAWD version (on the combined cycle).

The car feels glued to the road– undercornering, you can feel the all-wheel-drive working. These cars reward a light-footed driving style, but evenfor a performance-orientated driver (as I am),it’s fun to playwith the drive modes to getthe best economy out of the RAV4. You have to adopt a different approach to driving, but if you’re considering one of these cars, you’reprobably prepared for that already.

How much does the Toyota RAV42.5 Hybrid E-Four cost?

A six-service/90 000 km service plan is standard with service intervals pegged at 15 000 km/every 12months. Toyota’s standard 3-year/100 000 km warranty is included and hybrid customers have the additional peace of mind of an 8-year/195 000 km hybrid-battery warranty. Service and warranty plan extensions can also be purchased from any Toyota dealer (220 outlets countrywide).

Summary

Hybrid seems like a great way to save fuel right now while we wait for EVs to become more affordable.

In the South African context, EV ownership is still a foreign concept for many consumers. But, there is evidence that a growing number of buyers are happy to “catchthe petrol-electric train” despite the fact that non-electrified versions are comparatively more affordable… Consider that 1.8 Hybrid derivatives have made up about half of Corolla Cross sales so far and, while limited stock availability may have played a role in that statistic, even if some buyers are indifferent to hybrids, they’re not averse to the technology. In many markets, hybrid derivatives of crossover models are in very high demand indeed!

If you’re self-disciplined and always feather the accelerator pedal, coast to stop signs (or red traffic lights)and use the brake pedal very sparingly, a petrol-electric hybrid will reward you with notably better fuel consumption than what you’d achieve in a non-electrified derivative with a similar engine displacement.With every fuel-price hike, the 2.5 Hybrid E-Fourin eye-catching GX-R trim becomes an even more attractive option… It’s just a pity, though, that due to the discontinuation of the GX 2.5 Hybrid (which retailed for R560900), the entry pointto petrol-electric RAV4 ownership has risen toR644 100.

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