Road Test: Toyota Rav4

OHbaby! editor Kristina Rapley finds herself unexpectedly qualified to review the new Toyota RAV4.

When Toyota New Zealand invited me on a press trip to test drive the new-generation RAV4, my first reaction was confusion. Me? A person with almost zero interest in cars? As long as a vehicle safely gets my family from A to B, fits all our stuff, and doesn’t cause me any drama, I’m happy.

Then I realised, that’s exactly why I’d been invited.

Statistics show that 85% of household vehicle purchase decisions are made by women (AKA mums). There’s a reason Toyota is one of the world’s most trusted brands, and why the RAV4 continues to be one of the world’s most popular SUVs. Families love them.

Day one

Toyota kicked things off in style, arranging a sleek corporate transfer from my house to the airport before flying me to Auckland for the launch. I checked into Cordis Auckland for the night and, relishing the rare luxury of uninterrupted silence and a full night’s sleep, promptly ordered enough room service to feed a family of four. Bliss.

The next morning, we were up bright and early and headed to Muriwai Surf Club, where we met the rest of the media group along with several Toyota executives who had travelled from Japan especially for the launch. Over coffee, pastries and a beautiful morning tea, we learned more about the iconic brand, the thinking behind the new-generation RAV4, and why Toyota believes this latest model is its most family-friendly yet.

The bells and whistles

The new RAV4 range features Toyota’s trusted Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system and, for the first time in New Zealand, introduces a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) option. Both are designed to deliver smoother performance, greater efficiency, and lower fuel consumption (very welcome news considering the current price of petrol at the moment).

This is also the first Toyota in New Zealand to introduce Toyota Connected Services, and honestly, I think this could be a complete game-changer for parents. Through the myToyota Connect app, drivers can check vehicle status, locate their car (goodbye endless laps of the carpark pushing a pram while desperately clicking the lock button), and receive helpful maintenance and safety alerts.

Perhaps the most parent-friendly feature of all is the ability to schedule climate control remotely. Anyone who has ever tried transferring a sleeping baby into a hot car on a summer afternoon will understand just how brilliant this is. Being able to cool the car before you even buckle everyone in? Incredible.

The new RAV4 range comes in three distinct styles: Core, Adventure and GR SPORT.

Core is designed for everyday family life, think school drop-offs, daycare runs, sports or dance practice and weekend errands. It combines practicality, comfort and versatility with a refined design and strong road presence. Available in HEV GX, GXL and Limited grades, plus PHEV GXL and XSE, it’s the dependable all-rounder many families will naturally gravitate towards.

Adventure, meanwhile, is for those who like to escape the everyday. With a rugged exterior, bold grille, wider stance and exclusive interior styling, it’s designed for road trips, beach days and weekends away.

Then there’s the GR SPORT, which brings a more athletic edge to the RAV4 line-up. With sports styling, specially tuned suspension and performance-inspired detailing throughout, it’s aimed at drivers who want all the practicality of an SUV without sacrificing a sporty feel behind the wheel.

Of course, for parents, safety is often the deciding factor, and Toyota has clearly put a huge amount of thought into this. The new-generation RAV4 introduces advanced safety technologies designed to protect both drivers and their tiny passengers. One standout feature is the Emergency Driving Stop System, which can safely bring the vehicle to a halt if the driver becomes unresponsive. Enhanced acceleration control also helps prevent sudden unintended movements.

One feature that particularly resonated with me as a parent was the rear-seat reminder alert system, which warns drivers if something, or someone, may have been left behind in the back seat. It’s not pleasant to think about, but incidents involving babies left in hot cars do happen, often due to sleep deprivation and disrupted routines. Knowing technology exists to help prevent that is pretty amazing.

The vehicle can also automatically contact emergency services in the event of a serious accident, sharing the car’s location so help can arrive as quickly as possible.

HEV vs PHEV: What’s the difference?

RAV4 Hybrid (HEV)

• No plugging in required — simply fuel up as usual
• Hybrid battery recharges automatically while driving
• Designed to improve fuel efficiency in everyday driving
• A seamless, easy option for families wanting lower fuel costs without changing their routine

RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

• Combines electric power with a petrol engine for stronger acceleration and performance
• Can dramatically reduce petrol use when charged regularly
• Charge at home, work or public charging stations
• EV mode allows short trips using electric-only driving
• HEV mode preserves battery for longer journeys
• Auto mode intelligently balances petrol and electric power for maximum efficiency

Hitting the road

Once we’d learned everything there was to know about the new RAV4, it was finally time to get behind the wheel ourselves.

Each of us were given a phone connected to Toyota Connected Services so we could properly test out the technology while driving. We travelled in convoy along the stunning coastline toward Matakana, where we stopped for an incredible lunch and heard more from Toyota’s Japanese leadership team, including Chief Engineer Yoshinori Futonagane.

From there, we made our way to Bluestone Estate, our accommodation for the evening, and what a place. Nestled among rolling hills with breathtaking views in every direction, the property felt more luxury retreat than work trip. Drinks, canapés and an exquisite three-course dinner awaited us.

The following morning (after yet another full night’s sleep) and a beautiful breakfast (that I didn’t have to make or tidy up), we were joined by Toyota New Zealand Brand Guardian and Olympic icon Dame Lisa Carrington, who had only recently announced her pregnancy news. It was such a pleasure to meet her and chat about this exciting new chapter.

We then headed out to Tāwharanui Regional Park for a scenic walk before eventually making our way back to Auckland City Toyota to reluctantly hand over the keys.

Final thoughts

What struck me most about the new RAV4 wasn’t flashy technology or fancy features (although it certainly has plenty of both). It was how thoughtfully designed it felt for real family life. The chaos, the logistics, the safety concerns, the endless loading and unloading of children and gear. Toyota seems to genuinely understand the realities of parenting. So thanks Toyota, for producing yet another stellar vehicle and for the fancy weekend away!

Matakana magic

This pocket of Auckland’s north is made for slow family driving days (bonus points if you have a Toyota!). Short hops between beaches, vineyards, playgrounds and gravel-road adventures where the scenery changes every fifteen minutes. Think sandy gumboots in the boot, a stroller permanently wedged beside towels, and children falling asleep between stops while you wind through rolling countryside toward the coast.

First stop should always be the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market (on 8am – 1pm every Saturday rain, hail or shine) for coffee, pastries and picnic supplies for later. Get there early enough to park easily and wander before the crowds build and the best baked goods disappear.

Instead of committing to one beach all day, make it a beach-hop kind of outing. Omaha Beach delivers postcard-perfect white sand and easy swimming, Buckleton Beach is ideal for quieter exploring and shell collecting, while Campbells Beach feels made for a slower late-afternoon stop before heading home. The beauty of this coastline is that nowhere is very far apart, making it wonderfully manageable with little ones in tow.

For families who like a little adventure woven into the day, pack the stroller into the boot and head out to Tāwharanui Regional Park. The drive alone is part of the experience with rolling farmland, pōhutukawa-lined roads and that final gravel stretch that feels like a real journey.

If you’re after a walk that feels achievable with children but still scenic enough for adults, the Ti Point Coastal Walkway is a hidden gem. The track winds through native bush and along rocky coastline with beautiful sea views (achievable for little legs but not so much for strollers, so chuck bubs in the front pack for this one!). It’s two hours return, but you don’t have to do the whole thing.

The Country Park Express Miniature Train Rides at Matakana Country Park are worth a stop too, especially if you have a train-obsessed toddler in tow. Nearby, Action Ninja World is ideal for older kids needing to burn energy.

Sculptureum remains one of the area’s standout family attractions. Children can roam between giant sculptures and secret pathways, while adults still get the feeling of a genuinely good gallery experience.

On the drive home, expect plenty of pastry crumbs, sandy seats, dirty feet, damp towels and sleeping kids (AKA all the hallmarks of a very good family day out).