FiestaST
Honorary Master
MrHowMuch launch review of the new RAV4
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The Toyota RAV4 Thread
- Thread starter FiestaST
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
FIRST DRIVE | New Toyota RAV4 moves upmarket in battle it can’t win on price
The world's best-selling vehicle arrives in South Africa with hybrid tech and more refinement
www.timeslive.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Toyota RAV4: SA lineup detailed
With the new Toyota RAV4 having officially launched in South Africa, we detail the local model lineup — specs, powertrains and more…
Launched in South Africa in June 2026, the new, sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 has arrived on local shores as one of the Japanese automaker’s most anticipated new products. We take a closer look at the local lineup.
New Toyota RAV4 lineup
Toyota offers the RAV4 in five flavours, available with the choice of three powertrain options: 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol, 2.5-litre hybrid (HEV), and 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The 2.5-litre HEV is offered on the entry-level GX, VX and GR-Sport derivatives. The VX can also be had with the 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated engine. The 2.5-litre PHEV tops the lineup. All models are equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
New Toyota RAV4 powertrains
The 2.5-litre HEV powertrain in the GX, VX and GR-S produces combined power and torque outputs of 176 kW and 221 N.m. Peak power and torque are available from 6 000 and between 3 600-5 200 r/min, respectively. The GX and VX have a claimed fuel consumption of 4.5 L/100 km, while the GR-S sips 0.2 L/100 km more, at 4.7 L/100 km. The HEV models have a top speed of 180 km/h. The GR-S further features 15 mm lowered suspension (to 186 mm), updated steering and a 20 mm wider track (1 620 mm).
The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol in the VX churns out 127 kW from 6 600 r/min and 203 N.m between 4 400-4 800 r/min. This derivative is the only front-wheel-drive RAV4 available in our market, and the only one to feature a limited-slip diff. Its claimed fuel consumption is 6.3 L/100 km. The internal combustion engine-only RAV4 tops out at 190 km/h.
The 2.5-litre PHEV produces 225 kW. Like its HEV siblings, power is delivered to the road via Toyota’s E-Four all-wheel drivetrain. The firm claims the PHEV’s 25.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers an electric-only operating range of 142 km. The PHEV setup has a claimed fuel consumption of 1.3 L/100 km when the battery is replenished, or 5.3 L/100 km when the latter is discharged. All models are fitted with a 55-litre fuel tank.
www.carmag.co.za
With the new Toyota RAV4 having officially launched in South Africa, we detail the local model lineup — specs, powertrains and more…
Launched in South Africa in June 2026, the new, sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 has arrived on local shores as one of the Japanese automaker’s most anticipated new products. We take a closer look at the local lineup.
New Toyota RAV4 lineup
Toyota offers the RAV4 in five flavours, available with the choice of three powertrain options: 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol, 2.5-litre hybrid (HEV), and 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The 2.5-litre HEV is offered on the entry-level GX, VX and GR-Sport derivatives. The VX can also be had with the 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated engine. The 2.5-litre PHEV tops the lineup. All models are equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
New Toyota RAV4 powertrains
The 2.5-litre HEV powertrain in the GX, VX and GR-S produces combined power and torque outputs of 176 kW and 221 N.m. Peak power and torque are available from 6 000 and between 3 600-5 200 r/min, respectively. The GX and VX have a claimed fuel consumption of 4.5 L/100 km, while the GR-S sips 0.2 L/100 km more, at 4.7 L/100 km. The HEV models have a top speed of 180 km/h. The GR-S further features 15 mm lowered suspension (to 186 mm), updated steering and a 20 mm wider track (1 620 mm).
The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol in the VX churns out 127 kW from 6 600 r/min and 203 N.m between 4 400-4 800 r/min. This derivative is the only front-wheel-drive RAV4 available in our market, and the only one to feature a limited-slip diff. Its claimed fuel consumption is 6.3 L/100 km. The internal combustion engine-only RAV4 tops out at 190 km/h.
The 2.5-litre PHEV produces 225 kW. Like its HEV siblings, power is delivered to the road via Toyota’s E-Four all-wheel drivetrain. The firm claims the PHEV’s 25.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers an electric-only operating range of 142 km. The PHEV setup has a claimed fuel consumption of 1.3 L/100 km when the battery is replenished, or 5.3 L/100 km when the latter is discharged. All models are fitted with a 55-litre fuel tank.
New Toyota RAV4: SA lineup detailed
With the new Toyota RAV4 having launched in South Africa, we detail the local model lineup — specs, powertrains and more...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Review: 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport
Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport is the right choice if you want an SUV that takes care of ecological responsibility, while adhering to driver engagement. Moreover, it is an authoritative answer to the evolving demands of the South African hybrid-SUV market. While the e-CVT occasionally blunts the sporty illusion and the ride leans towards the firmer side, its blend of sub-5.0 L/100 km economy, strong standard specification, and bulletproof residuals make it an undeniable proposition.
Toyota RAV4 2.5 HEV GR-Sport E-Four specifications
Price: R941 800
Powertrain: 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol + electric motor
Transmission: e-CVT
Driven wheels: all
Power: 176 kW (total system output)
Torque: 221 Nm (engine) + electric motor assist
Top speed: 180 km/h (claimed)
Fuel consumption: 4.7 L/100 km (claimed)
CO2 emissions: 107 g/km (claimed)
www.carmag.co.za
Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport is the right choice if you want an SUV that takes care of ecological responsibility, while adhering to driver engagement. Moreover, it is an authoritative answer to the evolving demands of the South African hybrid-SUV market. While the e-CVT occasionally blunts the sporty illusion and the ride leans towards the firmer side, its blend of sub-5.0 L/100 km economy, strong standard specification, and bulletproof residuals make it an undeniable proposition.
Toyota RAV4 2.5 HEV GR-Sport E-Four specifications
Price: R941 800
Powertrain: 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol + electric motor
Transmission: e-CVT
Driven wheels: all
Power: 176 kW (total system output)
Torque: 221 Nm (engine) + electric motor assist
Top speed: 180 km/h (claimed)
Fuel consumption: 4.7 L/100 km (claimed)
CO2 emissions: 107 g/km (claimed)
Review: 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport
The new Toyota RAV4 has officially arrived in SA. We sampled the GR-Sport derivative in Cape Town. First impressions here...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
CarsGuide review of the new RAV4
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Test figures: New Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport
Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport acceleration
On the day, the RAV4 GR-S recorded a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.06 seconds on our standardised test strip. In the overtaking acceleration stakes, the Toyota sprinted between the 80-100, 100-120 and 120-140 km/h increments in 2.38, 2.91 and 3.64 seconds, respectively.
Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport braking times
In our 10-stop 100-0 km/h emergency braking regimen, the RAV4 GR-S recorded an average braking time of 2.76 seconds, garnering it an ‘excellent’ rating by our standards, over a distance of 39.04 metres. The best and worst recorded braking times were 2.74 and 2.85 seconds, respectively.
Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport specifications
Price: R941 800
Powertrain: 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol + electric motor
Transmission: e-CVT
Driven wheels: all
Power: 176 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 221 N.m @ 3 600-5 200 r/min
Claimed 0-100 km/h: n/a
Tested 0-100 km/h: 8.06 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h (claimed)
Fuel consumption: 4.7 L/100 km (claimed)
CO2 emissions: 107 g/km (claimed)
www.carmag.co.za
Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport acceleration
On the day, the RAV4 GR-S recorded a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.06 seconds on our standardised test strip. In the overtaking acceleration stakes, the Toyota sprinted between the 80-100, 100-120 and 120-140 km/h increments in 2.38, 2.91 and 3.64 seconds, respectively.
Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport braking times
In our 10-stop 100-0 km/h emergency braking regimen, the RAV4 GR-S recorded an average braking time of 2.76 seconds, garnering it an ‘excellent’ rating by our standards, over a distance of 39.04 metres. The best and worst recorded braking times were 2.74 and 2.85 seconds, respectively.
Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport specifications
Price: R941 800
Powertrain: 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol + electric motor
Transmission: e-CVT
Driven wheels: all
Power: 176 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 221 N.m @ 3 600-5 200 r/min
Claimed 0-100 km/h: n/a
Tested 0-100 km/h: 8.06 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h (claimed)
Fuel consumption: 4.7 L/100 km (claimed)
CO2 emissions: 107 g/km (claimed)
Test figures: New Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport
We put the new Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport through its paces on our test strip to find out how it performs in the acceleration and braking stakes...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 - Drive.com.au
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Redline Reviews review of the new RAV4 GR Sport
FiestaST
Honorary Master
MotorWeek road test of the new RAV4
Buying Used: Toyota RAV4 for under R400k
With the launch of the new, sixth-generation Toyota RAV4, we explore the fifth iteration of Toyota’s popular midsize SUV as a second-hand buy.
With the new Toyota RAV4 having launched in South Africa, an inevitable retrospective spotlight is cast on the well-received previous-generation car as a solid second-hand buy. When this generation reached our market in mid-2019, it was not merely an incremental update; it was a fundamental architectural reset for the world’s best-selling SUV. Toyota recognised that the RAV4 had grown soft, risking its market share to increasingly sophisticated Korean and German rivals. Its response was a pivot towards greater mechanical robustness, more purposeful angular styling and, eventually, a powertrain solution that would go on to redefine the segment’s efficiency metrics.
At the core of the fifth generation’s transformation is Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform. Moving to this modular underpinning gave the RAV4 a 57% increase in torsional rigidity compared to the fourth generation. By lowering the centre of gravity and widening the track, Toyota also achieved a flatter cornering attitude without resorting to overly stiff, compromise-heavy suspension tuning. The front axle utilises a revised MacPherson strut design, while the rear benefits from a trailing-wishbone multilink setup. This configuration allows for up to 220 mm of ground clearance, all while preserving driving characteristics that feel both communicative and planted at motorway speeds.
www.carmag.co.za
Buying Used: Toyota RAV4 for under R400k
With the launch of the new, sixth-generation Toyota RAV4, we explore the fifth iteration of Toyota’s popular midsize SUV as a second-hand buy.
With the new Toyota RAV4 having launched in South Africa, an inevitable retrospective spotlight is cast on the well-received previous-generation car as a solid second-hand buy. When this generation reached our market in mid-2019, it was not merely an incremental update; it was a fundamental architectural reset for the world’s best-selling SUV. Toyota recognised that the RAV4 had grown soft, risking its market share to increasingly sophisticated Korean and German rivals. Its response was a pivot towards greater mechanical robustness, more purposeful angular styling and, eventually, a powertrain solution that would go on to redefine the segment’s efficiency metrics.
At the core of the fifth generation’s transformation is Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform. Moving to this modular underpinning gave the RAV4 a 57% increase in torsional rigidity compared to the fourth generation. By lowering the centre of gravity and widening the track, Toyota also achieved a flatter cornering attitude without resorting to overly stiff, compromise-heavy suspension tuning. The front axle utilises a revised MacPherson strut design, while the rear benefits from a trailing-wishbone multilink setup. This configuration allows for up to 220 mm of ground clearance, all while preserving driving characteristics that feel both communicative and planted at motorway speeds.
Buying Used: Toyota RAV4 for under R400k
With the launch of the new Toyota RAV4, we explore the fifth iteration of Toyota's popular midsize SUV as a second-hand buy...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Toyota RAV4 vs. Subaru Forester - CarSauce
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Sarah -n- Tuned review of the new RAV4
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Shooting Cars insert of the new RAV4 GR Sport
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Old RAV4 vs New RAV4 - Drive.com.au
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Toyota RAV4 clocks best SA sales month since early 2021
The Toyota RAV4 registered its best sales month in South Africa since early 2021, while Land Cruiser FJ sales continued to climb. Here are the sales figures for June 2026…
- New RAV4 and FJ launched in May 2026
- RAV4 posts its best sales in over 5 years
- 264 units of Land Cruiser FJ registered
The new Toyota RAV4 and Land Cruiser FJ both launched in South Africa in the 2nd half of May 2026. So, with June 2026 now behind us, exactly how well did these newcomers from the Japanese brand sell in their first full month on the local market?
Well, according to figures reported to industry-representative body Naamsa, Toyota SA Motors registered 355 units of the RAV4 in June – including 20 examples via the rental channel. Based on our records, that’s the RAV4’s best performance since way back in January 2021, when 436 units were sold (33.3% of which went to rental companies).
This comes after the Japanese firm’s local division registered 215 units of the RAV4 in the 6th-gen model’s launch month of May (with 180 of those sold through the dealer channel), though the sales split between the outgoing 5th-generation range and the new version remains unclear. Still, that was the first time the RAV4 had made it into triple digits since October 2025.
As a reminder, the XA60-series RAV4 range in South Africa currently comprises 4 derivatives, with the flagship plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) derivative scheduled to be added as the 5th variant soon. The new line-up kicks off with the RAV4 2.5 GX HEV E-Four CVT, which is available from R770 500, while the aforementioned PHEV will be priced from R1 043 900.
The Toyota RAV4 registered its best sales month in South Africa since early 2021, while Land Cruiser FJ sales continued to climb. Here are the sales figures for June 2026…
- New RAV4 and FJ launched in May 2026
- RAV4 posts its best sales in over 5 years
- 264 units of Land Cruiser FJ registered
The new Toyota RAV4 and Land Cruiser FJ both launched in South Africa in the 2nd half of May 2026. So, with June 2026 now behind us, exactly how well did these newcomers from the Japanese brand sell in their first full month on the local market?
Well, according to figures reported to industry-representative body Naamsa, Toyota SA Motors registered 355 units of the RAV4 in June – including 20 examples via the rental channel. Based on our records, that’s the RAV4’s best performance since way back in January 2021, when 436 units were sold (33.3% of which went to rental companies).
This comes after the Japanese firm’s local division registered 215 units of the RAV4 in the 6th-gen model’s launch month of May (with 180 of those sold through the dealer channel), though the sales split between the outgoing 5th-generation range and the new version remains unclear. Still, that was the first time the RAV4 had made it into triple digits since October 2025.
As a reminder, the XA60-series RAV4 range in South Africa currently comprises 4 derivatives, with the flagship plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) derivative scheduled to be added as the 5th variant soon. The new line-up kicks off with the RAV4 2.5 GX HEV E-Four CVT, which is available from R770 500, while the aforementioned PHEV will be priced from R1 043 900.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
CarSauce review of the new RAV4 PHEV
FiestaST
Honorary Master
The Right Car? review of the new RAV4 PHEV
FiestaST
Honorary Master
CarsGuide review of the new RAV4 PHEV
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Chasing Cars review of the new RAV4 PHEV
