XSE variant joins refreshed Toyota RAV4 line-up

BY MATT BROGAN | 25th Nov 2021

TOYOTA has bolstered its strong-selling RAV4 medium SUV range by introducing a pair of mid-tier XSE derivatives and expanding the availability of the petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. The refreshed range is expected to appear in local showrooms during the first quarter of 2022.

Although the RAV4’s mechanical specification remains largely unchanged (with the exception of the six-speed-manual version of the GX, which has been discontinued due to low customer demand, Toyota says), the range now features an idle-stop system as standard.

Top-spec Edge variants will be available with a hybrid powertrain for the first time, while the new hybrid-only RAV4 XSE is available in two- and all-wheel drive configuration and fits between the the GXL and Cruiser grades in Toyota’s local line-up.

The RAV4 XSE is priced from $42,825 (excluding on-road costs) and is distinguishable from its GXL siblings by virtue of the inclusion of black bumpers, grille, fog-light bezels, wheel arches, wing mirrors and door mouldings, a two-tone roof, as well as derivative-specific 18-inch alloy wheels.

Additional features in the XSE’s cabin include a “darkened interior theme” with black headliner and pillar garnish, Softex premium upholstery with front seat-heating and 10-way driver’s seat adjustment, leather-accented door cards, an electrically powered tailgate, plus unique LED mood lighting.

"Customer demand for the RAV4 hybrid models has been most encouraging with the intelligent hybrid powertrain making up over 70 per cent of all RAV4 sales," Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said.

"The wider availability of hybrid (derivatives), along with the introduction of the sporty XSE and other specification upgrades demonstrate Toyota's commitment to deliver on what our customers demand and continue to deliver ever better cars,” he added.

Supply of the Toyota RAV4 range continues to be hampered by numerous factors, including the global semi-conductor shortage and Covid-19 pandemic-related shipping delays, which, on average, extend to between nine and 10 months for hybrid-powered versions of the medium SUV.

Specification updates for the MY22 RAV4 line-up include new projector-style LED headlights (for hybrid variants) and the introduction of LED fog lights across the range. All variants except the petrol-powered (non-hybrid) Cruiser grade receive new alloy wheel designs, while the entry-level GX grade scores DAB+ digital radio reception, rear seatbelt reminders, as well as LED courtesy lights.

GXL variants and up gain illuminated door switches, while the Cruiser grade features a digital rear-view mirror, three-stage heating and ventilation for front seats and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat.

Finally, top-spec Edge variants adopt changes that include the addition of rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) and parking support brake (PKSB) on top of its existing autonomous braking capabilities.

Optional extras include premium paint ($675), sat nav ($1000) or sat nav and full-size spare wheel ($1300) for GX hybrid variants and a panoramic roof for Edge AWD petrol variants ($1300).

All RAV4 variants continue to be covered by the Toyota Service Advantage capped-price servicing program, which means the first five services (or total of 75,000km) cost $230 apiece.

2022 Toyota RAV4 pricing*

GX (a) $34,300

GX hybrid (a) $36,800

GX AWD hybrid (a) $39,800

GXL (a) $37,825

GXL hybrid (a) $40,325

GXL AWD hybrid (a) $43,325

XSE hybrid (a) $42,825 (new model)

XSE AWD hybrid (a) $45,825 (new model)

Cruiser (a) $42,500

Cruiser hybrid (a) $45,000

Cruiser AWD hybrid (a) $48,000