We compared Toyota RAV4 engines, and the efficiency crown goes to…

Toyota’s popular RAV4 range recently received a boost with the addition of a hybrid model, begging the question of whether the newcomer is more efficient than its siblings. Let us discover which RAV4 engine option is most efficient.

Sean Nurse

23 Sep 2021 · 08:00Buying a Car

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As the automotive world evolves, products like Toyota’s RAV4 only get more relevant with crossovers and SUVs becoming the preferred vehicle for many consumers. The current generation RAV4 is more practical, refined and efficient than ever, three key considerations for buyers in this segment.

In today’s article, we compare the three engines and two gearboxes available in the RAV4 range. There are eight models in the RAV4 lineup, five of which are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with the option of either a CVT or 6-speed manual gearbox. There are two models fitted with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and CVT gearbox while the remaining model is a petrol-electric hybrid that also uses a CVT gearbox. We have therefore chosen the 2.0-litre manual, the 2.0-litre CVT, the hybrid and the flagship 2.5 AD VX for the comparison.

Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX

Price: R482 400

Outputs: 127 kW and 203 Nm

Claimed Average Consumption: 6.8 L/100 km

Kerb weight: 1 495kg

The base model RAV4 is the only variant available with a manual gearbox and is also the lightest in this comparison, however, it ranks third in the average consumption stats.

Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX auto

Price: R495 200

Outputs: 127 kW and 203 Nm

Claimed Average Consumption: 6.5 L/100 km

Kerb weight: 1 525kg

The CVT transmission appears to improve the efficiency of the 2.0-litre engine, with the second-best fuel economy figures.

Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX

Price: R555 300

Outputs: 160 kW and 221 Nm

Claimed Average Consumption: 4.7 L/100 km

Kerb weight: 1 645kg

With the benefit of electric assistance, the RAV4 Hybrid model is exceptionally efficient, consuming fuel at a claimed rate of just 4.7 L/100km.

Toyota RAV4 2.5 AWD VX

Price: R669 400

Outputs: 152 kW and 243 Nm

Claimed Average Consumption: 7.3 L/100 km

Kerb weight: 1 640kg

The 2.5-litre motor combined with the CVT gearbox is the least efficient in the comparison, with a figure of 7.3 L/100km.

Verdict

Looking at the figures, it would appear that the hybrid variant within the RAV4 range claims the efficiency title.

Written by Sean Nurse

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.Read more