Are you looking for a mid-size economic SUV but don’t want to be waiting years for it to come into stock? Tesla, BYD, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Mazda may have a solution for you. Especially if you're considering alternatives to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid due to current Toyota Australia wait times.
Toyota RAV4 Wait Time
The Toyota RAV4 hybrid vehicle is renowned for its hybrid powertrain, fuel economy, and status as one of Australia’s most popular salary sacrifice cars. With Toyota's reliability, the RAV4 Hybrid and its plug-in hybrid version, the RAV4 Prime, have earned their place at the top of the shopping list for good reason.
However, the growing demand and limited availability have meant that a new RAV4 wait time in Australia has ballooned to 24 months in some cases. With RAV4 hybrid wait times so long, we’ve curated a list of electric and hybrid SUVs that stand out as excellent alternatives. They’re all well worth considering as a novated lease while you wait for your dream hybrid SUV to arrive.
Here are our top electric and Hybrid SUV picks that boast great features without the extended wait times of a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid:
Tesla Model Y
BYD Atto 3 Extended Range
Nissan X-Trail e-POWER
Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV
Mazda CX60 PHEV
Consider these other options with a novated lease without long-term commitment and avoid being car-less during these Toyota dealership RAV4 wait time supply issues with our recommended selection.
All Electric Range
1. Tesla Model Y - Fully Electric Motor
Offering an all-electric range that challenges traditional hybrid systems, the Tesla Model Y makes for an excellent choice with its dual electric motors and all-wheel drive capabilities. Plus, with wait times typically less than 3 months, it’s a great alternative for those looking into the hybrid market.
Salary package the Tesla Model Y 100% pre-tax and save thousands in tax. Tesla also have an online inventory section where you may be in luck and find the model and colour you want in stock and available!
The novated lease for the Tesla Model Y RWD is the most popular option we are seeing currently, with most buyers taking advantage of the government discount on electric vehicles available.
When you are novated leasing an electric vehicle such as a Tesla, you can also pay for the charging and other associated running costs pre-tax. The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption means there is no novated lease FBT on eligible models.
2. BYD Atto 3 Extended Range
This model stands out with its electric powertrain, offering an alternative for those considering hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or the Subaru Forester Hybrid.
When choosing lease cars, the BYD Atto 3 Extended range is a popular model that also qualifies for the electric vehicle novated lease incentives. You can salary sacrifice a BYD Atto 3 and likely have it delivered to you sooner than you think, with most States having stock readily available in most colours. If you are considering car leasing and looking for a well-equipped and priced vehicle, this could be the car for you.
Novated Leasing this BYD electric vehicle in your salary package will again allow you to pay pre-tax for the charging and other associated running costs.
The FBT exemption means there is no novated lease FBT on eligible models.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid System Alternatives
3. Nissan X-Trail e-POWER
With its unique combination of a petrol engine and electric motors, the X-Trail e-POWER offers a hybrid system that provides instant acceleration and an EV-like driving experience without the need for plugging in, serving as a compelling alternative to traditional hybrids.
Nissan says its first entry into the hybrid space with the e-POWER is a unique electrified technology that includes two electric motors, a petrol engine and a lithium-ion battery. The result is an almost instant acceleration response and a quiet driving sensation. It’s exhilarating and stress-free driving with this hybrid system.
In terms of popular lease cars, Nissan has been one of the top choices over the years, with the brand having very strong sales in the mid-sized SUV market. Novating leasing the e-Power will allow you to bundle the fuel, servicing and other running expenses into your salary sacrifice package.
4. Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV
Combining a petrol engine with an electric motor for an efficient hybrid system, this vehicle is perfect for those looking for a plug-in hybrid option with the versatility of a traditional internal combustion engine for longer trips.
If you are looking for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a spacious interior and super tax savings, then a Mitsubishi Outlander novated lease could be precisely what you’re after. Eligible PHEVs are payable 100% pre-tax with a novated car lease, but only for a limited time.
Novated leasing a PHEV is a great way to save on tax but still have the option to use the car for much longer trips where charging a full EV could be a hurdle.
From 1st April 2025, a PHEV will not be deemed a zero or low emissions vehicle under FBT law, so if you are thinking about a PHEV, now is the time to consider getting a novated lease.
Salary packaging for the Outlander has become very popular, especially as Mitsubishi sees the stock of these vehicles improve nationally.
The FBT exemption means there is no novated lease FBT on eligible models.
5. Mazda CX60 PHEV
As a strong contender in the hybrid SUV market, the Mazda CX60 PHEV combines a four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver a refined driving experience, offering an appealing alternative for those considering the RAV4 Hybrid.
Mazda’s first-ever plug-in hybrid, the CX60 combines power, refinement and performance into one exhilarating drive. The CX60 is an option we have seen many RAV4 buyers switch to as they love having more space.
Salary sacrifice a Mazda CX60, and you will drive away sooner on your adventures.
From 1st April 2025, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will not be considered zero or low-emission vehicles under FBT law, so if you are considering a PHEV, now is the best time to get a novated lease.
The FBT exemption means there is no novated lease FBT on eligible models - Mazda included.
Each of these vehicles presents a blend of fully electric or hybrid power, electric efficiency, and innovative features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and safety features that modern drivers value. With options ranging from the all-new model of the Hyundai Tucson to the high-demand Toyota Kluger Hybrid, there's a wide array of choices catering to various preferences in fuel consumption, cargo space, and on-road costs.
For those interested in alternatives with efficient fuel consumption, the Honda CR-V Hybrid and the Sorento Hybrid also offer compelling options, leveraging hybrid power to deliver performance and fuel economy. Similarly, vehicles like the Corolla Cross and the all-new model of the Hyundai Tucson are gaining attention for their hybrid systems and spacious interiors, providing viable alternatives to the high-demand Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Get the Right Car for You with a Novated Lease from Easi
As the automotive market evolves, with a shift towards electric and hybrid powertrains, considering a novated lease for vehicles equipped with hybrid systems, electric motors, or plug-in hybrid technology becomes increasingly attractive. These options offer tax savings through novated leasing and align with preferences for lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and the versatility of combining electric motors with traditional engines for an enhanced driving experience.
For those exploring the market for a mid-size SUV with hybrid capabilities, alternatives to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid are abundant, each offering a unique blend of features, from hybrid powertrains and all-wheel drive to safety features and spacious interiors. Whether your priority is fuel economy, cargo space, or advanced technology like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, there's a vehicle ready to meet your needs without the long wait times associated with popular models like the Toyota RAV4.
Try our novated lease calculator to see what you can save on these innovative vehicles, and explore the benefits of hybrid technology, whether through a traditional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, or an all-electric model, as you make your next vehicle choice.
