Toyota’s petrol-electric hybrid power is proving the number one choice for customers buying a new RAV4, accounting for two-thirds of UK sales of the compact SUV. From October there will be even more versions to choose from, as hybrid becomes available across the entire range of new 2018 Toyota RAV4 models.
Extending the hybrid choice is part of a programme of strategic changes to the RAV4 line-up that will make it an even more attractive prospect, perfectly in tune with customer preferences. Key changes include a new grade structure, revised equipment specifications, option packs and additional colour choices.
2018 Toyota RAV4: new grade structure
Toyota’s ground-breaking introduction of the RAV4 Hybrid last year caught the public’s imagination, with customers proving eager to experience the benefits of petrol-electric hybrid power in a compact SUV. Hybrids are currently accounting for two-thirds (65.3%) of all RAV4 sales.
For 2018, hybrid power is available across all new model grades: Icon and Icon Tech versions have front-wheel drive, while Design and Excel versions also offer the choice of Toyota’s compact, lightweight and energy-saving E-Four electric all-wheel drive system.
The line-up continues to feature 2.0 D-4D diesel front-wheel drive models and 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol power with CVT automatic gearbox and mechanical all-wheel drive.
2018 Toyota RAV4: equipment features
The 2018 RAV4 offers impressive equipment features, with slight revisions to match the new grade structure.
The new entry-level Icon grade (see above image) is equipped with the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with a seven-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, Bluetooth, DAB reception and reversing camera. It also comes with Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance features, Smart Entry and push-button start, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a power tailgate with a height memory setting – ideal when the backdoor is regularly opened in a confined area, such as a domestic garage or multi-storey car park.
Icon Tech models additionally feature navigation and connectivity functions within the Toyota Touch 2 package.
The new RAV4 Design models ride on 18-inch machined-face black alloys and are fitted with LED headlights with automatic levelling. Black leather and Alcantara upholstery are used for the seats, door trims and armrests and the front seats are power-slide-adjustable with integrated heating and lumbar support.
At the top of the range, Excel grade (below) adds high-gloss black 18-inch 10-spoke alloys and matching black door mirror casings and underruns. Black, beige or grey leather upholstery can be specified and the driver’s seat gains a memory function. The multimedia system has additional functions, such as voice recognition, text-to-speech and 3D maps. Safety provisions are enhanced with the addition of a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
2018 Toyota RAV4: option packs and colours
The RAV4 Design can be specified with a Visibility Pack, equipping the vehicle with a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Panoramic View Monitor. For Excel models, a new Assist Pack provides a hands-free, ‘kick-activated’ tailgate and panoramic view monitor.
The Panoramic View Monitor is a new feature for RAV4, helping make parking and manoeuvring easier. It combines images from four external cameras to create a near-360-degree, 3D view of the car’s surroundings, presented on the central multimedia screen. The driver can choose from two viewing modes: moving view and see-through view, to check for any obstacles or hazards that are out of their sightline.
The 2018 RAV4 is available in a new colour, Tokyo Red (see lead image). A full body colour treatment is available for Design grade models, in Tokyo Red and Silver Blade, taking in the bumpers and wheel arches. The underruns have a contrasting silver finish.
Model range and prices
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 range is on sale from 1 October. The models available and on-the-road prices are shown below. All new RAV4 models come with the peace-of-mind protection of a five-year/100,000-mile Toyota warranty.
| MODEL GRADE | POWERTRAIN | OTR PRICE |
| Icon | 2.0 D-4D FWD 6MT | £27,450 |
| Icon | 2.5 Hybrid FWD | £29,005 |
| Icon Tech | 2.0 D-4D FWD 6MT | £27,990 |
| Icon Tech | 2.5 Hybrid FWD | £29,545 |
| Design | 2.0 D-4D FWD 6MT | £30,160 |
| Design | 2.0 Valvematic AWD CVT | £32,325 |
| Design | 2.5 Hybrid FWD | £31,715 |
| Design | 2.5 Hybrid AWD | £33,740 |
| Excel | 2.0 D-4D FWD 6MT | £31,405 |
| Excel | 2.0 Valvematic AWD CVT | £33,570 |
| Excel | 2.5 Hybrid FWD | £32,960 |
| Excel | 2.5 Hybrid AWD | £34,985 |
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
Well done introducing high tech features !Been expecting these last year.
Panoramic View Monitor is nothing new and about two years late (it was available in the rest of Europe and USA from the start). Choice of FWD and FWD is welcome.
Has the infotainment system changed? is it faster now? Android based?
Is there a digital speedo now? This is why I did not buy RAV4 last year, as analogue speedo is not easy to read and useless when going to main land Europe.
Is it possible to order memory seats for Alcantara (Design) or Alcantara seats in Excel
Andy
Hi Andy,
Thank you for your comment. To Answer your questions, the entertainment system is Toyota Touch 2, not Android mirror link or similar, phones can be connected via Bluetooth but doesn’t run phone apps on screen. The speedometer is still an analogue not digital reading. Also the memory adjusted seats are only available in the excel grade and the leather appears to be the only trim option for Excel grade. Hope this helps.
surely to give a digital speed readout only requires the processor firmware to be updated, there is a blank page on the digital display.
Hi Toyota, please can you confirm if my car is AWD .The VIN no. Is JTMDJREV80D257309. Thanks
Hi Joe,
Thanks for getting in touch. We can confirm your RAV4 is AWD.
Thanks.
We are trailing behind competitive models as far as infotainment systems by nearly a year! For eg have a look at the specs of new Volvo XC40. Even the double USB which I had pointed out as a real need for RAV4 has still not available. One year behind could be costly in such a market. But I appreciate the enhancement of Rav4 2018 specs , we are getting closer !
Hi Dinakar,
Thank you for your comment. We take this in to consideration and we’ll pass this on to our product team. Many thanks.
Will all models offer auto emergency brake and adaptive cruise control?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. For more information on our safety features, we’d advise going to our website: http://www.toyota.co.uk Hope this helps.
I guess the Rav4 hybrid MPG will still be poor! Real life 38mpg not your hyped up figures.
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your feedback. There are a number of different factors that could influence fuel consumption. The first and most important factor is the driving conditions.
If the vehicle is being used mainly for short journeys, the engine will not have enough time to fully warm up and will operate most of the time in “warm up” condition. This will have a huge impact on fuel consumption.
Also other things like the driving style, use of A/C and other electrical equipment (e.g. heated seats , heated rear window etc), may also have an impact on fuel consumption.
Many thanks.
I am surprised how much temperature affects MPG on Rav4 …not noticed this in other cars over the years (Prius / Mondeo most recent ) ..the cold seems to knock MPG down bsignificantly below 5 celcius is it really noticeable…springs on its way !!
That is the same for ALL vehicles – manufacturer’s ‘possible’ mpg is unlikely to be achieved in practise for many reasons.
I recently bought a Rava 4 and am very disappointed by its features.
no pockets or compartment to store parking tokens or loose change.
no clip on visor to store parking permits etc. No lights in glove box and no lighted switches for mirror controls, you just end up fumbling in the dark. The heated switches are places awarkwardly and are not easily accessible. There is only one usb port. and the centre console is not moveable.
My last car was a Renault and 15 years old but had all these features and tons of extra storage. including rear seat trays.
The only reason I choose the Rave 4 was it was the only Hybrid car in the size of vehicle we needed. Never again.
I hope the other manufactures introduce hybrid phev vehicles so i can swap this car out.
True , As a RAV4 owner myself I have noticed these inconveniences. I had to buy an accessory from eBay to fit in the storage box between the front seats for coins etc.
I only hope Toyota would look into these requirements when they release their RAV4 2019, hopefully an all new version.
Hi Dinakar,
Thanks for getting in touch. We have passed your comments on to the Product team here. Thanks.
Hi Rathod,
Thank you for your feedback. We have passed your comments on to our Product team in the UK. If you wish to discuss this further please contact our Customer Relations team. Thanks.
Hi how do you identify if a current Excel version RAV4 is a purely front-wheel drive and one that is AWD as unlike other car makes there is no identifying label on the boot lid or elsewhere…………….
Thanks
Hi Zafira,
You are correct, there is no identifying feature on the car that shows whether it is AWD, 4WD or FWD.
Thanks.
Thanks for that connfirmation……..so how is it possible to identify it please? Is it from a VIN number or other marking on the car somewhere?
Hello Zafira,
We can check this for you using your reg number or VIN number.
Thanks.
Many thanks. JTMDJREV20D200006
Hi Zafira,
Your car is AWD.
Thanks for getting in touch.
Thanks.
Many thanks indeed for the confirmation!