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The Toyota RAV4 has always been the sensible choice… but the new GR-S has me asking a very different question:
Is the Toyota RAV4 finally COOL?
This is the all-new sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 GR-S, and it is easily the most interesting-looking RAV4 we’ve had in South Africa. But there’s one small problem…
It costs R941,800.
That’s dangerously close to R1 million for a RAV4 — so in this full review, I’m finding out whether the GR-S actually deserves the money.
We’re looking at the design, interior, practicality, technology, hybrid powertrain, fuel economy, all-wheel drive system, ride and handling, comfort, performance and, most importantly, whether I think this is the RAV4 to buy.
The GR-S is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system producing 176 kW of total system output, with Toyota claiming fuel consumption of 4.7 L/100 km. It also gets E-Four all-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels and a sportier suspension setup.
So… is this still the sensible RAV4 we know and love, or has Toyota finally given it some personality?
Let me know what you think of the new RAV4 GR-S in the comments.
Rav4 was always cool in the past…. It was basically a baby landcruiser. Now it’s just become some crossover with fancy badging.
TThis is exactly what I mean when I say some reviewers are too attached to legacy brands to evaluate cars objectively. This feels more like an advert than a review.
For around R200,000 less, you can get a Chery Tiggo 8 CSH that is more powerful, more premium and better equipped technologically. A similarly sized Omoda C7 PHEV can save you roughly R300,000 while offering better tech and performance than even the GR-Sport.
The usual arguments about Chinese cars having poor resale value, reliability and durability are also increasingly outdated. Many of these brands have been in South Africa long enough for us to judge them on actual evidence rather than old stereotypes.
Review the car, not the badge. Buyers should be comparing price, performance, technology, quality and value—not paying a huge premium simply for brand heritage.
There’s always gonna be people who buy with their hearts, and they just LOVE Toyota….
But seriously looking at the market, the Rav4 is priced from R770000 to R1 043 000, new. There are 2.0Tdi Tiguan R-Lines I’ve seen for sale (demos) at R770k, there’s Tiggo 7/8/9 PHEV’s people can consider, Haval H6 GT PHEV also, Geely E5 EM-i’s, the new Mazda XC-5, Omoda C9… and on and on…
This resale value thing: honestly, would you rather buy a more expensive Toyota, and rely on resale value, or buy another cheaper brand and bank/invest the savings – for however long you will be paying off your car? I have a feeling, running the numbers would give people something to think about…
And there’s NO GUARANTEE where the market will be 3 to 6 years from today.
If you want a Rav4 sized car, there are cheaper cars, with equivalent/more features out there.
If you have Rav4 money to spend you can buy a bigger car, or a more feature rich, or more luxurious, car…
So…
How does this car stand out from the market FEATURES wise really? Who’s buying this car with their head and spec sheet in-hand and the price-value-feature preposition in mind?
This is the first review of the non plug in hybrid version of the GRS Rav4 I have seen.
This RAV4 gives Lexus vibes, love it. Toyota has upped its game. It’s a car you’ll drive forever RAV4s are indestructible.
Yes some of us are poor not all of us can buy GR sport or buy a woman an expensive car.
This rav 4 looks absolutely stunning both outside and inside
Will there be an Episode 2 of Dullstroom with RR Sport? If so, when?