Toyota RAV4 GX HEV FWD review: new beginnings

Our review programme of the new Toyota RAV4 starts here. Quite literally. This is the GX hybrid FWD, the least RAV4 you can buy at the lowest price: $50,990.

But probably not the least interesting, despite our car being delivered in rental car white (sorry, Glacier White). Does somebody at Toyota NZ specifying media test cars have a sense of humour about these things? 

Anyway, the entry GX introduces something completely new for RAV4 in NZ: the hybrid powertrain with two-wheel drive. All previous RAV4 hybrids (and that's been all RAV4s in NZ for a while now) have been powered by Toyota's E-Four AWD system, with an electric motor on the back axle.

On the outside: what are the Toyota RAV GX HEV FWD's main design features?

Not so long ago, a base-level RAV4 shouted "base-level RAV4" on the outside, with pared-back styling and small/shiny wheels.

You'd need make no apologies for choosing the RAV4 GX. It's an entry-level model that feels remarkably complete.

No longer. The chunky body addenda of the new RAV4 gives the GX a visual lift (esecially in white, we'd have to say), there's LED lighting, much of the badging is blacked-out premium-style and while the wheels are still modestly sized 17-inchers, they're in a dark finish, too.

The next-RAV4-up GXL gets upsized wheels of a more ornate design and some silver garnish on the bumpers, but there's not a lot between them at first glance. Both are based on the "core" RAV4 styling package with a slotted EV-ish flat grille, distinct from the look of the Adventure and GR Sport - both of which get their own masks.

The more muscular Land Cruiser Prado-esque styling makes the RAV4 look bigger, but it isn't. Toyota has kept the exterior footprint the same.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Toyota RAV GX HEV FWD cabin like?

Speaking of Prado-esque styling, the dashboard picks up plenty of chunky styling cues from Toyota's hard-core 4x4s. The company describes the concept as "island architecture" or some such nonsense, but it's basically lots of flat surfaces and layers.

The RAV4 is Toyota NZ's first properly connected car and even the entry-level GX gets the full suite of services.

It looks great, although the acres of hard plastic in the GX take the shine off a bit. It's potentially very practial given there are little shelves everywhere, but not one of them has any kind of grippy lining, so stuff you put there just slides around.

Choice of materials aside, the impression certainly isn't of a bargain-basement model. The RAV4 is Toyota NZ's first properly connected car and the GX gets the full suite of services: remote connectivity via the MyToyota Connect app, telematics, SOS e-call and even a dashcam that records in 90-second loops.

All appealing stuff for any buyer, but perhaps also of particular interest to many of the rental and fleet companies that will be drawn to this entry-level model.

The GX could still serve as a pretty nice family car, with fancy digital displays, a new-gen voice assistant, wireless phone projection and dual-zone climate control. There are some genuinely throughtful design features, like the phone shelf that juts out above the USB port so you can easily plug in (you'll need to, there's no charge pad) or the storage box lid/armrest that can open from either side... or be flipped over to serve as a shelf.

But there are still a few equipment-omissions that remind you where this model sits in the hierachy. Very few new cars these days have a plain plastic steering wheel, but this one does; in its defence, it's still quite soft. And the wipers are manual, not rain-sensing, which seems a bit stingy even for a base car in 2026.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Toyota RAV GX HEV FWD like to drive?

The GX is powered by Toyota's 5th-generation hybrid technology. Compared to the previous model, it's cleaner but has lost 20kW (it's not slower, though) and now requires more expensive 95-octane fuel. Which is not great news in these times, but the good thing is RAV4 hybrids use hardly any of the stuff.

The e-CVT can still flare up uncomfortably when pressed, but adapting your driving style to this kind of powertrain means you don't have to hammer the throttle.

The GX FWD is rated at 5.0 litres per 100km and that's easily achieveable. This type of powertrain technology is at its best in urban driving, but on a return trip from Auckland to Hamilton (admittedly all motorway, but lots at 110km/h) we got 4.6l/100km without really trying.

Performance is acceptably swift (0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds) but always super-smooth. The change from E-Four to FWD is not that big in terms of normal driving, because the AWD version already has an electric motor up front. So the FWD just does away with the rear e-axle.

The hybrid system has a tiny battery (1.1kWh) but is brilliant at reovering energy quickly. The e-CVT can still flare up uncomfortably when pressed, but adapting your driving style to this kind of powertrain means you don't have to hammer the throttle. It's strong down low and will surf along on petrol-electric torque beautifully, with a considered right foot at work.

The FWD configuration does falter in quick driving on low-traction surfaces, where you feel front-wheel slip and the occasional tug at the steering wheel.

That also happens because the GX chassis is set up to be quite soft, which suits the character of the car. With those 17-inch wheels and tallish-profile tyres, it's also got to be the best-riding RAV4. 

Drive models include Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom (allowing you to select steering, powertrain and air-con performance seperately). But leave the GX to its own devices and it's a pleasant, comfortable and super-thrifty way to travel.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Toyota RAV GX HEV FWD warranty and servicing situation?

The vehicle is covered for 3 years/100,000km, but extended to 5 years/150,000km if it's serviced at an authorised Toyota agent ("Platinum Warranty"). The high-voltage hybrid battery is covered for 8 years/160,000km.

Servicing is required every 12 months/15,000km.

On the whole: what do we think of the Toyota RAV GX HEV FWD?

You'd need make no apologies for choosing the RAV4 GX. It's an entry-level model that feels remarkably complete. But it's still a choice you'd probably make solely on purchase price, which is why we'd like to discuss the matter of $4000 with you.

If you're happy with the GX's equipment level, for $4k you could upgrade to a GX AWD, which brings noticeably more traction and wet-weather ability, as well as near-doubling the tow-ability to 1.5 tonnes. It only weighs another 60kg, is 0.3sec quicker to 100km/h and only sips an extra 0.1l/100km of fuel.

Or the same amount over the GX FWD gets you the GXL FWD, which is a big step up in equipment: rain-sensing wipers, leather steering-wheel trim, power-adjustable seats and so on.

Or both of course, in the form of the GXL AWD, although by that time you're spent $57,990. But one thing the 9-strong RAV4 range is not lacking is choice.

Toyota RAV4 GX HEV FWD FAQs

What kind of car is the Toyota RAV4 GX HEV FWD?

A medium-sized 5-door SUV.

Does the Toyota RAV4 GX HEV FWD have hybrid or EV technology?

It's a full hybrid.

What’s the fuel economy of the Toyota RAV4 GX HEV FWD?

It returns 5.0l/100km under NZ's 3P-WLTP protocol.

Is the Toyota RAV4 GX HEV FWD safe?

The RAV4 as sold here now has not been tested by ANCAP and will not be, pending several upgrades on the way to ensure the best results under a tougher 2026 testing protocol. Any rating applied to the vehicle when testing happens will apply to models from that date going forward only.

The current RAV4 has a 5-star rating under NZ's VSRR system.

What safety and assistance features does the Toyota RAV4 GX HEV FWD have?

What are the Toyota RAV4 GX HEV FWD's main rivals?

• Kia Sportage HEV Light 2WD ($49,990): Sportage is exclusively hybrid for NZ, and this is where it starts.
• Hyundai Tucson Series II hybrid Active FWD ($55,990): Upgraded last year; same powertrain as its Kia cousin.
• Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-hybrid ($58,990): Great e-Power hybrid tech, but only comes with ST-L up and only with AWD.
• GWM Haval H6 Lux HEV 2WD ($40,990): Closest of the new Chinese breed in matching RAV4 polish. And look at the price.
• BAIC B30 Premium Adventure FWD hybrid ($44,990): The quirky one here with a 4x4 look; for $50k you could actually have the AWD.