The standard Toyota RAV4’s features, usability, fuel efficiency, and hassle-free ownership make Toyota’s small crossover vehicle a hit at the movies. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime provide butter on that by being faster and using less gasoline. The Prime plug-in hybrid model can outpace a four-cylinder Toyota Supra sports car to 60 mph, achieve 38 mpg combined, and go 42 miles on pure electricity. When a car buyer combines all of that with the stylish exterior and comfortable interior of the standard RAV4, the hybrid models become obvious choices for their comparison list. However, it appears that Toyota overlooked a chance to add some flair when it incorporated the electric motors. More enjoyable-to-drive crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage—all of which have hybrid trim levels—do not suffer from the same lackluster handling as the RAV4 Hybrid and Prime.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s best features
What’s New for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in 2024?
This year, Army Green, a paint shade that is already available on several of Toyota’s larger trucks and SUVs, will be available for the RAV4. The color will be available with the tough-appearing TRD Off-Road, Adventure, and Woodland Edition hybrid trim levels. On the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, the color is free to choose; however, Army Green on the Woodland Edition will cost an extra $500 when paired with a Midnight Metallic Black roof. Now, you can match that black roof with the Ice Cap exterior color of the Woodland. Along with a standard 1.25-inch activity mount that can hold a cargo carrier or bike rack, the Woodland Edition also comes with a new optional Weather package that includes heated front seats, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, and rain-sensing wipers with a de-icer feature. You can select between a black or white roof on the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which also have the two-tone option available.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance Hybrid Toyota RAV4
Two electric motors and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to a continuously variable transmission power the RAV4 Hybrid. With a combined output of 219 horsepower, all-wheel drive is standard on all RAV4 Hybrid trims because one of the electric motors powers the rear axle. The RAV4 Hybrid is faster and more efficient than the standard, non-electrified model thanks to its extra output and e-motors. In the Woodland Edition trim we tested, we recorded a 60 mph time of 7.3 seconds; the gas-only model required 8.0 seconds to complete the same task. Additionally, drivers will experience that extra kick, especially in town, where the electric motor’s instant torque delivery gives them an extra push when starting from a stop. The plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime is happy to oblige for even more performance. The Prime has more potent electric motors, resulting in a combined output of 302 horsepower.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
An 18.1-kWh battery pack with an estimated 42-mile electric-only range is concealed in the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime. Although we were only able to drive 32 miles during our testing on the highway, we would anticipate a greater driving range in urban areas. With Toyota’s 6.6-kWh charger, which is standard on the Prime SE and Prime XSE, charging a battery in a 240-volt outlet only takes 2.5 hours. Anticipate a 12-hour charging duration if only a 120-volt outlet is available.
Real-World MPG and Fuel Economy of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The unpowered, gas-powered RAV4 with AWD is significantly less efficient than the RAV4 Hybrid model. The Hybrid is expected to outperform the standard RAV4 by 14 mpg, 5 mpg, and 11 mpg, respectively, with EPA estimates of 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg overall. During our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, the RAV4 Hybrid achieved 37 mpg, which is 1 mpg less than the EPA’s stated fuel efficiency. On the same route, the tough-looking Woodland Edition Hybrid only got 32 mpg, which is 3 mpg less than its EPA rating. The Prime plug-in hybrid achieved 73 MPGe in our highway fuel-economy test and has an EPA combined rating of 38 mpg and 94 mpge. Visit the EPA website to learn more about the fuel efficiency of the RAV4 Hybrid.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s Cabin, Comfort, and Interior
Though they still put utility above style, the cabins of the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime add flourishes to set them apart from the nonhybrid model’s interior. You will have plenty of room to store small items in the many cubbies and bins available, and all of the buttons and controls are simple to locate and use. A height-adjustable false floor in the cargo area, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel are all standard equipment even on the base model. As you move up the trim ladder, additional options appear on the menu, such as heated front and rear seats, ambient interior lighting, and improved SofTex faux-leather upholstery.
Toyota RAV4’s Connectivity and Infotainment Hybrid
The infotainment screen on the LE and XLE trim levels is 8.0 inches wide, while the 10.5-inch screen is available on the XSE, Limited, and Prime XSE models. An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration are all included as standard features. A larger 12.3-inch digital gauge display is optional for the XLE Premium and available on the Limited and Prime XSE trims, while a 7.0-inch display is standard on the majority of models. There is an 11-speaker JBL stereo system and navigation available. You will receive a six-speaker system otherwise.
Hybrid Safety and Driver-Assist Features in the Toyota RAV4
Driver-assistance features have been rapidly adopted by Toyota, and many of them are standard on the RAV4 lineup. Visit the websites of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for additional details regarding the RAV4 Hybrid’s crash test results.
Coverage for Warranty and Maintenance on the Hybrid Toyota RAV4
All RAV4s have a comprehensive warranty that is comparable to that of competitors Honda and Nissan; however, electrified models have an extended warranty covering the hybrid system’s components. Toyota’s unusually generous two-year or 25,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance program stands out.