In-depth reviews

Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid reliability & safety rating

Toyota regularly tops owner satisfaction surveys, with its ratings backed up by a comprehensive manufacturer warranty

Overall rating

3.5 out of 5

Reliability & safety rating rating

5.0 out of 5

Euro NCAPAdult protectionChild protectionSafety assist
5 stars (2019)93%87%77%

Reliability and safety have long been Toyota strongholds, and the latest RAV4 looks set to continue that trend. The maker always finishes well in the Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, placing sixth in the 2020 edition; Toyota treats its customers well – with every model backed up by a five-year warranty. Safety is in no doubt, either, with all models faring well in Euro NCAP’s ever-more stringent crash tests. The latest RAV4 Hybrid is one of the safest cars the organisation has ever tested.

Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid reliability & problems

While it was Toyota’s sister company Lexus that topped the 2020 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, the Japanese giant still finished in a respectable sixth place overall. Just 6.6% of Toyota owners have experienced faults – by far the lowest of any manufacturer in the top 10 – with the biggest complaints concerning the cars’ infotainment systems.

While it’s too new to have featured in the 2020 survey, the RAV4 on which this plug-in version is based finished 12th overall in the top 75 cars rundown. Owners complimented their cars’ safety features (below), as well as practicality and running costs. Overall, it seems the RAV4 is a particularly satisfying car to run.

Safety

While the Plug-In Hybrid model hasn’t been evaluated by independent crash-test body Euro NCAP, the Hybrid version was awarded top marks back in 2019. It stormed near enough every category – earning a solid 93% for adult protection and a worthy 87% for child occupant protection.

Every version of the Plug-In Hybrid RAV4 comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2, which brings a pre-collision warning system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, plus adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assistance. These features helped the Hybrid to a 77% score in Euro NCAP’s safety assist section. All in, there are few family cars that will take such complete care of you and your family.

Most Popular

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword
Tesla badge
News

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword

Tesla’s updated EV will have an improved interior, greater range and a more affordable price – as well as one unfortunate drawback
1 Jun 2023
Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video
Vauxhall Astra Electric
News

Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video

The new Astra Electric shares its parts with the Peugeot e-308, with first deliveries due soon
31 May 2023
Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV
Ford Puma EV
News

Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV

The Ford Puma EV is set to arrive in 2024 with a range of over 200 miles and a tweaked exterior design
22 May 2023