Featured AU: Toyota stunned as consumers flock to hybrid version of new RAV4 SUV

wow! do they have the same price delta as us?

 

Yes, I read that in the press too.

The thing this article didn't say was that there are supply constraints at the moment - like they've run out of hybrids in some trim/colour levels, I think they said 3-4 month minimum wait.

 

Gas prices might be a factor.
Australia gasoline prices, 20-May-2019 | GlobalPetrolPrices.com
$1.50 AU is about $1.04 US, or $3.94 a gallon. Current price at the link is a little higher.
There is a climb in price since Feb, but I can't say if that is normal there.

 

I'm trying to buy a $41k MSRP Rav4h and having a hard time getting a line on one that has my colors, options, etc. Yes I think they are supply constrained. Tesla isn't the only company that can't make enough cars.

 

my son had to put down $500. and wait a few months

 

That was the situation for the Prius when I got mine in 2005.

 

Local dealer's website shows they've got a few model AWD Hybrids, no 2WD.

 

Yes, it's been climbing - it goes through a 21-25 day cycle for some strange reason - I try to fill when it's cheapest - something you can do with a PRIUS and 1000km range.

AVERAGE PRICES IN BRISBANE:


But I saw $1.74 at the top of the cycle 2 wks ago (filling stations set their own prices. So, driving a Petrol RAV4, you'd be filling up twice in the cycle - once at the high price of about $1.70, 2nd at $1.40. With a Hybrid RAV4, they should be able to go with one fill at $1.40.

 

What model year is it, 2019? I see one here:

New Toyota RAV4s for Sale | OpenRoad Toyota Port Moody

(3rd row down, 2nd in row)

 

Since Texas is the land of trucks and suv's, maybe we get a larger allocation because I just checked the closest autonation dealership and they had six on the lot. Also, Toyota is putting $1250 cash on the hood (both hybrid and non-hybrid) here.

 

Are you supposed to get FWD hybrids there? It is only AWD in the US.

 

Yes, a mix of FWD & AWD. Some other SUVs which initially came out (a good few years ago) as 4WD or AWD, when they came out with FWD, the FWD outsold the AWD. Without snow, and the realisation that 99% of 4WDs never go off the bitumen meant that FWD was fine - and cheaper.

Does anyone know if Auto Parking is available on any RAV4 models in UK or US or Canada - it looks like they've not given it to us here.

There are three main model grades: GX, GXL and Cruiser, all of which are available as a 2.0-litre petrol front-drive, a 2.5-litre hybrid front-drive, and a 2.5-litre hybrid all-wheel-drive - [and the odd-fellow EDGE which is the only 2.5litre petrol, no hybrid and only REAL 4WD].

• GX Petrol 2WD manual - $30,640
• GX Petrol 2WD CVT - $32,640
• GXL Petrol 2WD CVT - $35,640
• Cruiser Petrol 2WD CVT - $39,140

• GX Hybrid 2WD - $35,140
• GXL Hybrid 2WD - $38,140
• Cruiser Hybrid 2WD - $41,640
• GX Hybrid AWD - $38,140
• GXL Hybrid AWD - $41,140
• Cruiser Hybrid AWD - $44,640

AND

• Edge Petrol AWD Auto - $47,140

MAJOR INCLUSIONS by model:

GX standard features

• Toyota Safety Sense
• Electric park brake
• Dusk-sensing headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• AM/FM and digital radio
• Built-in navigation with traffic alert
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto (from late 2019)
• 17-inch alloy wheels

GXL standard features (above GX)

• Roof rails
• Rear factory tinted windows
• Leather steering wheel
• Auto dimming rear view mirror
• Dual zone air-conditioning with rear vents
• Wireless phone charging
• Sensor key and push button start
• Five USB ports (including four fast-charging)
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Cruiser standard features (above GXL)

• Sunroof
• Chrome door handles
• Leather seats
• Heated front seats
• 10-way electric adjustment driver’s seat, two-position memory
• 360-degree camera
• Power tailgate
• Nine-speaker JBL audio
• 19-inch alloy wheels

Edge standard features (above Cruiser)

• Multi terrain select
• Hill descent control
• Sports bumpers front and rear
• Wheel arch mouldings
• Body-coloured door handles
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Synthetic leather-look seats
• Unique 19-inch alloy wheels
• Optional sunroof
• Optional Khaki paint

Power and economy

• 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol front-drive, CVT auto, 127kW/203Nm, 6.5L/100km
• 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid front-drive, CVT auto, 131kW/221Nm, 4.7L/100km
• 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid all-wheel-drive, CVT auto, 131kW/221Nm, 4.8L/100km
• 2.5-litre petrol all-wheel-drive, eight-speed auto, 152kW/243Nm, 7.3L/100km

 

I guess they have to guess what people want - people in the tropics hate sunroofs - but the southerners seem to like them, people on rough roads hate wide tyres - but in the city, they don't affect the ride as much (and don't worry that some won't take snow-chains). Heated seats - I rarely use the heater, no need for a hot seat. The Cruiser - not sure if the sunroof is a delete option, but that would send some people down the scale.

Leather on Cruiser - but the more expensive EDGE has only got SOFTEX seems very odd to me.

It's odd that TOYOTA Australia doesn't bring a PRIUS in with IPA where some ICE competitors have had it available for close on a decade. That it isn't on any RAV4s around the world is unusual.

 

Self parking seems to have been a dud in the U.S., seen as a gimmick that people are not comfortable with. The Rav4 Limited (similar to your cruiser) is available with the bird's eye (360 degree) camera which makes parking easy.

As far as softex on the EDGE, maybe they are promoting that as easy to clean for messy off roading.