Your questions answered: Should I buy a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?

We’re (mostly) taking an EV breather these days with a diverse selection of questions that focus on hybrids and the more affordable end of the SUV segment.

It’s an indicator of the pragmatism kicking in, with some readers keen to get a new car while not blowing the budget.

We’ve also got one reader looking at the mighty Toyota Tundra and wondering how much it can carry once it’s hauling a heavy load. The big American pick-up trucks may have a reputation for heavy-duty towing but crunch the numbers and they’re not as muscly for load capacity.

We’re also looking at cheap SUVs and the compact end of the electric SUV segment.

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au

Question: We’re in the market for a mid-sized SUV and I keep gravitating towards the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. There seems to be a lot of them on the road, which must say something.

My question is whether there’s something else I should be looking at? Is there something on the market better than the RAV4? Or do so many people have it right?

My preference is for a hybrid so I can cut down on fuel bills. – Wade

Answer: The RAV4 isn’t just popular, it’s also a great vehicle.

These days it’s hybrid only, which seems to have struck a chord with buyers. And whereas many hybrid rivals limit the offerings – often to more expensive model variants – Toyota pops it in everything from the entry-level car all the way up to the more lavishly appointed Cruiser and Edge variants.

But the current RAV4 is in the twilight of its life, having first hit the market in 2019. We’d be expecting a new one in the next 18 months.

And a quick glance around the RAV4 has it showing its age. The cabin lacks a bit of wow factor compared with rivals and the hybrid system – while reliable and effective – is not exactly oozing tech.

None of which is a reason not to buy it.

But also look at the Nissan X-Trail E-Power, Honda CR-V Hybrid (expensive but good; also look at the slightly smaller and more affordable Honda ZR-V) and Kia Sportage hybrid.

The BYD Sealion 6 is a left-fielder with a plug-in hybrid system; it’s not as composed dynamically on the road, but its hybrid system is great, allowing for 70km-odd of EV-only driving and recharging at home.

Question: I’m wondering if you could help me in deciding on a new car.

I currently have a 2021 Honda CR-V VTi, which is getting close to 100,000km, and my husband wants to trade it in before it does too many kilometres.

I haven’t been overly pleased with the CR-V and find it a bit big and low for me.

I previously had a Holden Captiva, which I loved. It seemed to be a bit higher and shorter.

Is there a small to medium SUV that is the same height as the Captiva?

A few non-negotiables: a reversing camera (I would like the new one that shows the whole vehicle), front and rear sensors (missing on the CR-V), and back doors that open the full 90 degrees.

We have recently moved into suburbia (from rural) so I will not be doing a massive number of kilometres. The kids have left, so I won’t be ferrying around their junk. The dog will be my usual passenger as we will use my husband’s vehicle for long trips.

My daughter just bought a Subaru Crosstrek, which is about the right size for me but too low.

Can you recommend something? – Kim

Answer: Hmm, short of going for a proper off-roader such as a Toyota Prado or Ford Everest, there aren’t any obvious contenders for getting you much higher off the road than a CR-V in the on-road-friendly SUV space.

And each of those cars is much bigger, heavier and bulkier to drive than a CR-V, which is a car focused on the suburbs. They’re also proper off-roaders designed to cover fairly serious terrain.

And there aren’t many (or any) cars with back doors that open to 90 degrees. Most are lucky to get to 65 or 70 degrees.

The Nissan X-Trail is the best I can think of, swinging 85 degrees from the body of the car. It’s also relatively high off the ground, has great space in the cabin and is good to drive. The E-Power hybrid model is a better bet than the petrol-only 2.5-litre four-cylinder.

Also look at the Kia Sportage, which offers up a terrific package with a high(ish) ride height. Again, it won’t be wildly different to the height of your CR-V but is still worth a look.

If you’re happy to look at something smaller, check out the Hyundai Kona, although I suspect the height (or lack of it) may turn you off.

Of course, once you go to larger SUVs, the hip height – that is, the height of the seats – tends to be higher again, but you’ll be dragging around a lot of hardware that you don’t really need.

Question: Thank you for the Tundra review article.

Although this is a big vehicle and capable of towing 4500kg, the payload would definitely be an issue for me.

With a caravan that weighs just under 3500kg but with a ball weight of 350kg, by the time you put a couple of adults in and fuel up the 120-litre tank it doesn’t leave much payload left for tools, drawers, canopy, battery packs, BBQs, bikes, recovery gear etc…

I assume that, like the Toyota 300 Series LandCruiser, you would still need a GVM upgrade and maybe a GCM upgrade to stay compliant with legal towing limits? – Allan

Answer: It may make more sense to look at alternatives to the Tundra if you’re looking at heavy-duty towing and want a big payload. The Chevrolet Silverado HD would be one option.

But, to answer your question, the Tundra’s payload when towing 4500kg drops to 308kg, which isn’t as bad as some.

With your 3.5-tonne load the payload would be 408kg. Sure, that means you won’t be loading up the family for the big trip, but with some careful packing it’s potentially useable.

And given the payload when not towing is 758kg, it’s not an enormous drop.

Question: I'm a 60-year-old lady wanting to buy a brand-new medium-size SUV. My budget is between $20,000 to $30,000.

I appreciate your thoughts on what car to buy. I have never driven a new car before. I'm currently driving a 2005 Ford Territory and it's coming to end of its life. – Cade

Answer: There are not a whole lot of mid-sized SUVs priced below $30,000 – and none priced near $20K.

The Chery Tiggo 7 is your best bet, at $29,990 drive away.

However, there are some small SUVs, some of which aren’t particularly small.

The Chery Tiggo 4 isn’t perfect – like other Cherys the driver assistance systems need some work – but it packs a lot in for the money. It’s very sharply priced and has decent performance and respectable space.

Also look at a Kia Stonic. It’s not huge inside but is a solid little SUV.

If you can stretch your budget a little more then the Hyundai Kona is great buying.

And while it’s basic motoring, a Toyota Corolla Cross will give you an efficient hybrid drivetrain, albeit slightly above your budget.

Also, don’t be afraid to look at a near-new car. They’re likely to be at least a few grand less and give you most of the new car experience. It could also allow you to get something larger.

If you’re worried about condition or whether there are any issues you can get an independent inspection to provide you with a report on the specific car you’re looking at.

Question: I was told by a Kia representative at Everything Electric earlier this month that the pricing for the EV3 would be released soon. Would you be able to confirm if pricing has been released? – Marty

Answer: Yep, Kia EV3 pricing is out and it starts at $48,990 drive away (add $1000 for Western Australia due to higher taxes).

That makes it the most affordable electric Kia and a car that mounts a solid value case in the compact electric SUV space that’s getting busier.

It’s not particularly big but is nicely styled and comes with an equally funky and functional cabin.

Throw in a great driving experience and it adds to the depth in the SUV segment.

Don’t ignore some EV rivals, though.

The BYD Atto 3 is sharp buying with the imminent arrival of the Essential model (less equipment, from $39,990 plus on-road costs).

And while I haven’t driven it yet, the Geely EX5 also packs plenty in for its price of $40,990 plus on-road costs.

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au

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