2026 Toyota RAV4 GX Review

The Toyota RAV4 GX is the model that you probably wouldn’t choose; rather, it’s the one people end up getting as a work car. Or a rental. And that means plenty are sold, with many ending up on the used market in a few years’ time. So, if you’re reading this review in 2030 and wondering if the GX is worth considering, the good news is that it is.

Yes, you miss out on the frills, with many conveniences stripped out, but the fundamentals are all intact. And you’ll be paying a lot less for it, which is good, as the top models are pricey, something that will likely carry over to the used market in the years to come.

It’s actually a RAV2, given that it’s front-wheel drive. The previous-generation hybrids were all AWD, whereas this time around Toyota has included some front-drivers. It has the same 2.5-litre ICE, but there’s no motor on the rear axle to aid traction. Both the AWD and FWD models are said to have the same 143kW hybrid system output. You really aren’t missing out on much powertrain-wise, with Toyota saying the AWD is a mere 0.3 seconds faster to 100km/h, at 7.7 seconds. Really, it’s the traction on loose surfaces you are giving up, while saving $4k over the equivalent GX AWD.

Generally speaking, while it possesses a reasonable amount of power and torque for a front-drive model, the front axle handles it well. The traction control is excellent; it administers just as much torque as the wheels can take. This accelerates in a sprightly manner, getting away cleanly. To test its mettle, we put the left-hand wheels onto the soft, gravelly shoulder of the road before giving it the beans, and it pulled itself out cleanly and quickly. There’s no torque steer or scrambling; it just goes. So, you don’t miss the AWD in normal city driving.

Importantly, it returns good fuel numbers, with the average hovering around 5.5L/100km.

It is rated to tow less, at 800kg instead of 1500kg for the AWD models. So, unless towing and some mild off-roading are on your list of must-haves, the FWD model will more than suffice.

Importantly, it returns good fuel numbers, with the average hovering around 5.5L/100km. That’s quite good for the performance offered. Once up to speed in traffic, if you use a light throttle, you’ll be surprised at how much of the work the motor can do without help from the ICE. Much of the time, at least half of your round-town journey is completed with the engine off. The new models now require 95-octane fuel however.

The rest of its character is agreeable too. The steering is well done, with no issues there, while the GX FWD holds on nicely through the curves, its rear end remaining stable. There’s a Sport driving mode if the mood takes you, which gives the hybrid system a more positive response. Simply pushing the gear lever over into its S mode achieves much the same outcome. Overall, it’s well engineered and developed.

The ride quality is appropriate, mopping up lumps quietly and efficiently. The 17-inch alloys, shod with 235/65 R17 tyres, help here with their generous sidewalls.

This also has a manageable turning circle, good outward vision, no significant blind spots and decent mirrors. While there’s no surround-view system, the reversing camera is clear.

The GX has all the driver-assistance features, which behave themselves once tuned to be less invasive while the active cruise control with lane tracing makes motorway travel easy. And it has Toyota’s new Connected Services suite as well. It makes do with the 10.5-inch touchscreen, a responsive system with an easy-to-follow menu structure. A smattering of buttons helps too.

In terms of what it lacks, think manually adjusted, cloth-trimmed seats, a DIY tailgate, no heated surfaces and no wireless charging pad. You also get a lot of plastic, from the urethane steering wheel to the hard door tops. Softer furnishings are limited. It’s all fairly utilitarian, but it should soak up the kilometres without too much trouble. Storage is well catered for too. You also get smart-key operation and dual-zone air conditioning.

Cabin accommodation is adequate, if not class-leading, but it will swallow an average family, with room for their accessories in the 481L boot. There’s a full-size spare wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and ISOFIX fittings as well.

We can see why these sell in such numbers. They do everything well.

There’s also capped-price servicing at $365 and a good warranty if you keep up with the scheduled maintenance. And there’s rock-solid resale. That’s a given, with fewer unknowns than with some of the cheaper Chinese rivals.  

RAV4 GX Hybrid FWD

$50,990  /  5.0L/100km  /  113g/km

0-100 km/h 8.0s
Engine  2.5L  IL4 / DI 
Max power  105kW@4800rpm
Max torque  221Nm@3200rpm
System output  143kW
Drivetrain e-CVT, FWD
Weight (claimed)  1640kg