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Toyota’s Hybrid RAV4 SUV – Australia’s favourite family SUV

David Berthon

Demand for new cars is running at an all-time high however most brands are finding it difficult to source enough stock to satisfy demand – out of lockdown the motoring public  simply want to get behind the wheel.

Many cars being delivered now were ordered months ago with the worldwide semi-conductor shortage putting huge pressure on many brands to meet demand. Market leader Toyota has apologized to customers as it struggles to get enough stock – its highly popular Hybrid RAV4 SUV is now out to a 10 month wait from ordering, so too its LandCruiser 70 series 4WD while orders for its Hilux ute, our top selling vehicle for more than five years, is delayed by up to six months.

One of the downsides of a supply shortage is that discounts across all brands are today minimal or non-existent as dealers enjoy the strong trading conditions, making up for lost sales during the pandemic. I’ve just re-acquainted myself with the Toyota Hybrid RAV4 SUV to see what’s made this medium sized SUV just so popular.

I drove the mid-spec GXL automatic all-wheel-drive variant at $42,915, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor generator with a combined output of 163kW – an additional rear electric motor generator powers the rear axle – the drive experience a real surprise – details in an hour.

I’m David Berthon.

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David Berthon
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