The Toyota RAV4 is Australia’s hottest SUV and one of many best-selling automobiles within the nation, however its reputation has result in wait instances of as much as 24 months in latest instances.
Whereas these have been decreased to virtually 4 months now, the sheer variety of RAV4s on the highway can lead some to search for alternate options to face out from the gang.
In such a aggressive phase, there’s no scarcity of choices, with some changing into real challengers to Toyota’s common SUV.
In the event you’re trying to purchase a mid-size SUV however don’t wish to look forward to a Toyota RAV4 – or simply need one thing a bit totally different, right here’s the CarExpert group’s various decisions.
Paul Maric: Tesla Mannequin Y
With the latest value drop, the Tesla Mannequin Y affords fairly a compelling buy alternative in opposition to a RAV4. It’s mild years forward when it comes to know-how and area and sits at an identical value level to the next specification RAV4.
Whereas a RAV4 will probably be considerably higher when it comes time to promote, you may go for the advantage of a novated lease with a Mannequin Y at that value level that’s FBT exempt, the place you may’t do the identical with the RAV4.
Whereas a Mannequin Y, or an EV basically, received’t be for everyone, should you’re open to the thought it represents an amazing various to the RAV4.
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Scott Collie: Honda CR-V e:HEV RS
Honda’s newest hybrid automobiles are wonderful, with out fail.
Positive, the CR-V isn’t fairly as environment friendly because the RAV4 once you’re making an attempt to eke out each final drop of gasoline, nevertheless it’s extra satisfying to drive. It’s comfy within the metropolis, refined and quiet on the open highway, and handles with extra poise than any wise household SUV has any proper to.
It’s additionally properly put collectively inside, providing a powerful mix of practicality and luxurious.
Throw in impressively low-cost servicing, and also you’re onto a winner.
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James Wong: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Up till not too long ago, the Koreans lacked a correct competitor to Australia’s favorite SUV – regardless of providing electrified choices overseas.
The brand new Tucson Hybrid is absolutely the primary various from a rival mainstream producer to supply the breadth of alternative the Toyota RAV4 does, and in loads of methods it’s a greater automotive.
Whereas it received’t beat the RAV4 Hybrid in outright effectivity, the Tucson affords stronger turbocharged efficiency, higher options and tech, and an all-round nicer and extra upmarket driving expertise.
The array of eight hybrid variants means there ought to be a Tucson for everybody, and there’s as a lot area and luxury because the RAV4 affords, too.
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Jack Fast: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
In the event you like how a lot gasoline cash it can save you with the RAV4 Hybrid and have the flexibility to have the ability to cost a automotive at residence, then you may doubtlessly save much more cash with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
With this in thoughts, one of many benchmark PHEVs I’ve skilled up to now is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. An entry-level ES variant, which is arguably the decide of the vary, aligns when it comes to asking value with the flagship RAV4 Edge Hybrid AWD.
Within the Outlander PHEV you may simply get round 80-100km of real-world electrical vary from its 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack. As soon as the battery cost is depleted the engine does come alive to help however very quietly and seamlessly.
A giant consideration of why you must at the moment contemplate shopping for an Outlander PHEV over a RAV4 Hybrid, particularly should you’re contemplating novated leasing, is that PHEVs underneath the luxurious automotive tax (LCT) threshold are nonetheless exempt from fringe advantages tax (FBT) till April 1, 2025.
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Jordan Mulach: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
No, it won’t have hybrid tech that’s fairly on the identical stage as Toyota, however the Hyundai Tucson appears to be like nice and is loaded with tech, holding it again from being simply one other automotive in visitors.
For mine, it’d be fairly arduous to go previous the flagship Premium N Line, which affords the most effective exterior look and inside tools, whereas its turbo-petrol hybrid drivetrain delivers a powerful claimed 5.3L/100km.
Give me one in Cashmere Bronze, should you’re providing.
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Josh Nevett: Cupra Formentor V
I’ll throw some European aptitude into the combination. In spite of everything, who stated shopping for a mid-sized SUV needed to be boring?
A brand new Formentor is on the best way subsequent 12 months, however till then the present mannequin affords hanging design, a punchy powertrain, ample inside area and real sophistication.
It doesn’t have as a lot boot area because the Toyota and can price you extra on the pump, however you’ll really take pleasure in driving the Cupra.
For top-spec RAV4 Edge cash you may snag a base Formentor V with spare change for a couple of choices. Your children will love you for it.
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William Stopford: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The mid-sized hybrid SUV phase is booming proper now, and there’s a raft of compelling choices.
I’m fairly keen on the Nissan X-Path e-Energy and Honda CR-V e:HEV particularly, however I’ll give the nod to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.
It affords all-wheel drive in Australia, not like the CR-V or the associated Kia Sportage, whereas in Premium guise it affords a extra luxurious vibe than its rivals because of obtainable brown or gray leather-based upholstery and ventilated entrance seats.
I haven’t pushed the Tucson Hybrid but, however I totally take pleasure in this powertrain within the bigger Santa Fe Hybrid so it looks as if a no brainer. Additionally they’ve mounted that bloody annoying pace alert…
MORE: All the things Hyundai Tucson
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