2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

Name: 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 17234 USD

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Fuel economy far surpasses that of traditional compact crossovers
Small price premium over non-hybrid RAV4
Ample room in both rows and generous cargo capacity
Delivers a composed, comfortable ride

Cons

Synthetic brake feel isn't very reassuring
Some interior controls feel a little flimsy
You can't get real leather upholstery

What’s new

New for 2017 is a standard suite of safety systems that Toyota calls Safety Sense. Included are a forward collision warning system, lane departure warning and intervention, automatic high-beam control and adaptive cruise control.

Vehicle overview

There aren't many choices if you want to buy a compact crossover segment and achieve remarkable fuel economy. Before 2016, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid was the only hybrid crossover in the game, and we didn't think its marginal fuel savings were worth the higher price. (Customers apparently agreed because the Crosstrek Hybrid has been discontinued for 2017.) Thankfully, last year brought the debut of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which offered significantly higher fuel economy compared to the regular RAV4. We think the price bump is justified.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.01 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$117/mo

$175/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

If you're worried that this fuel-sipping crossover won't be able to keep up with traffic, know that those fears will go unfounded. The RAV4 Hybrid is quicker from 0 to 60 mph than the standard RAV4 and even many other crossovers in this class. You might also worry about cargo space, but again the RAV4 Hybrid hardly suffers. Storage is barely impacted by the hybrid battery pack, which trims space from 38.4 cubic feet to 35.6 cubic feet. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid is a compelling compact crossover with all the benefits of a traditional hybrid with few downsides.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

3.5 / 5

With all-wheel drive and battery-amplified fuel economy, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid occupies a niche among small crossovers. Whether you're looking for a frugal crossover or a hybrid with more cargo-carrying versatility, it's worth a close look.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the (2.5L inline-4 hybrid | CVT automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	3.5 / 5
Driving	3.5
Comfort	3.5
Interior	3.5
Utility	3.0
Technology	3.0

Driving

3.5

The RAV4 Hybrid offers sprightly accelerative performance, even beating the standard RAV4 in a drag race. It's also a decent handler, though it's a little wallowy in a set of switchbacks. The grabby mechanical brakes make it feel as if you're just learning how to drive every time you use them.

Acceleration

5.0

The instant torque provided by the battery and dual electric motors help the Hybrid jump off the line quicker than the standard RAV4. Makes you wish that every compact crossover had a hybrid variant. Zero to 60 mph takes 8 seconds flat, quicker than any non-turbocharged rival.

Braking

2.5

The brake pedal is long and mushy with little resistance. The handoff from regenerative to mechanical brakes is noticeable, making it hard to brake smoothly. Braking to a stop from 60 mph took 123 feet, a few feet longer than average.

Steering

3.0

The RAV4's steering wheel is weighted a little heavier than that of most compact crossovers but is fairly easy to turn. Like many in this class, it's totally devoid of feedback and feel.

Handling

3.0

You wouldn't think a big, heavy crossover (it tips the scales at nearly 4,000 pounds) goes around corners well, but you'd be surprised. The RAV4 Hybrid is composed around sweeping corners at higher speeds. Tight corners and back-to-back transitions reveal ample body roll.

Drivability

5.0

The Hybrid pulls away from a stop under battery power, firing up the engine only with liberal application of the gas pedal or once you're past about 20 mph. Avoid driving in Eco mode; it severely dulls throttle response. Sport mode keeps the engine revving higher but responses are sluggish at times.

Comfort

3.5

The front seats are roomy and should be comfortable for drivers and passengers, even on a long road trip. But the omnipresent road and wind noise is disappointing. The Hybrid's ride quality is well-sorted and only gets unsettled when you drive over big bumps or traverse washboard roads.

Seat comfort

3.0

Front seats are comfortable enough, but there's no lumbar adjustment unless you upgrade to the SE (though its faux leather isn't as comfy as the XLE's cloth). Only the driver's seat is height-adjustable. Three-person seating in the back is challenging due to an oddly placed middle seat-belt anchor.

Ride comfort

4.5

The RAV4 Hybrid remains comfortable and composed over rough roads. Neither does it feel floaty or disconnected. Well-done, overall.

Noise & vibration

3.0

There's not much engine noise at any speed unless you're really pushing the RAV4 Hybrid hard. Wind and tire noise is overly intrusive while cruising on the highway. The faster you're driving, the less you'll notice the engagement of the gas engine.

Climate control

3.0

The dual-zone climate control adeptly cools the interior on a hot day. For those in front, that is — rear air vents are not available at any level. The cloth seats easily dissipate body heat.

Interior

3.5

Entry and exit are fairly painless, and most occupants will find the cabin quite roomy. Controls on the upper portion of the center console are easy to reach, but you might have difficulty finding some of the buttons below. Outward visibility is excellent.

Ease of use

3.0

The infotainment system features a nice mix between high-level physical buttons and easy-to-press virtual ones. Eco and Sport buttons are slightly hidden on the lower portion of the center stack, in front of the shifter. The door's grab handles intrude on and reduce the length of the armrest.

Getting in/getting out

3.5

A low step-in height and tall doors make it easy to enter and exit the front, except for drivers who like a raised seat. Steering wheel tilt is limited, and drivers may hit their knees on the column. Entering or exiting the back is also easy thanks to the seats' lack of thigh padding and bolstering.

Driving position

3.5

The driver's seat offers a huge range of adjustment in height, and the seat bottom angles up nicely. As in many other Toyotas, the steering wheel doesn't offer much tilt or telescoping adjustment.

Roominess

3.0

There's an abundance of head- and legroom throughout the cabin. Four 6-footers will have no problem on a long road trip. Even the middle seat position has enough headroom for adults. The front seats feel a bit narrow.

Visibility

5.0

The tall, wide windows allow for an expansive view out. There's a sizable window in the three-quarter view that compensates for the wide rear pillar. The rear window is also large. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid is impressively easy to see out of.

Quality

2.0

Materials quality in the RAV4 Hybrid is inferior to that of similarly priced competitors. Rivals simply do a better job concealing the use of hard plastics; the RAV4 seems to embrace its economy roots. Our tester had only 4,000 miles on the odometer but exhibited its share of squeaks and rattles.

Utility

3.0

Not only does the RAV4 Hybrid offer one of the largest cargo areas in the class, its low liftover height also means you won't strain your back while loading heavy items. But the liftgate doesn't open very high. Quite a few storage cubbies are strewn throughout the cabin, though none are large.

Small-item storage

3.0

There are two cupholders and a couple small storage areas under the center stack, plus a moderately sized bin under the central armrest and a tray in front of the passenger. Front door pockets aren't especially large and require a stretch to reach. Rear door pockets will only hold a water bottle.

Cargo space

5.0

The cargo area is wide and flat, with a low liftover height. Maximum cargo volume of 35.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 70.6 cubes with them folded is slightly less than the regular RAV4, but it's larger than what almost every other non-hybrid offers.

Child safety seat accommodation

2.5

The lower LATCH anchors are well-concealed and far from the seatback. You really have to reach in and fish around before you find them. The three seatback tethers can be accessed with the cargo cover in place, but these are also hidden under a thin cloth cover.

Technology

3.0

The infotainment interface is easy to navigate and use, though it looks rather dated and it's impossible to see the screen in direct sunlight. All RAV4 models receive additional driver assistance features for 2017. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and multiple USB ports are all absent.

Audio & navigation

2.5

The touchscreen's user interface prioritizes function over form. It has a relatively simple layout and menu structure, though it's not particularly attractive and the screen resolution is fairly low. The screen totally washes out in direct sunlight.

Smartphone integration

3.0

There's a single USB port in front and none in the back. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are notably absent. Instead, Toyota utilizes a smartphone integration system of its own design, called Entune. You'll have to download the app, create an account, and pair your phone before it's ready to be used.

Driver aids

3.0

The RAV4 is now equipped with a ton of standard advanced safety equipment, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise overshoots its speed on downhill grades, which is unusual. The low-resolution display translates to a fairly muddy rearview camera picture.

Voice control

2.5

Hitting the voice control button displays a list of phrases, and the recognition software also recognizes natural speech. It's not the best, with a lot of garbled translations before it hits the mark. Best to use Siri Eyes Free if you have an iPhone (accessed by holding the phone disconnect button).

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid models

The 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is one of your only choices if you're in the market for a compact crossover with seating for five and fuel economy that only a hybrid can provide. An electric motor and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (194 horsepower combined) are connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive is standard. The RAV4 Hybrid comes in three trims: XLE, SE and Limited, all of which have similar features to their standard RAV4 counterparts. The XLE is loaded with equipment, while the SE and Limited command price jumps that we think are proportionate to their extra content.

Highlights for the XLE include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights with auto high-beam control, foglights, heated mirrors, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat, a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface (Entune), keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Several advanced safety systems are standard this year, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning and intervention.

Our favorite is one step up: the SE. With it you also get LED lighting (including headlights), 18-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, simulated-leather upholstery (SofTex), a power driver seat, heated front seats and a power liftgate,

If you want it all, though, there's the range-topping Limited trim with its front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver-seat memory settings, and a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation and smartphone app integration.

Some of the SE and Limited's features can be added to the XLE as options. A premium JBL sound system and a surround-view parking camera system are other notable options for the SE and Limited.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

5 (61%)

4 (15%)

3 (18%)

2 (4%)

1 (2%)

4.3

46 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Great SUV

cyclenut, 06/07/2017

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

It's a truly remarkable combination of technology, quality, value,and refinement that sets a standard for Honda (and others) to chase. I was very interested in the new CRV since I just turned a 2014 in after a 36 mo. lease. The current (spring/summer 2017) Toyota incentives made me look at the RAV 4 and I chose the RAV 4 Hybrid because the deal/value proposition was exceptional. It's … my first hybrid car so there's been a little acclimation required with all the extra noises a car with regenerative braking and a CVT entails but since my mileage is 37.8mpg in mixed driving I having no problems getting used to the odd sound or two. I hate cars that have a no get up and go (press the accelerator and nothing happens). This car ain't the quickest but if you hit the gas it actually responds well so I'm okay. The only 'complaint' I have is that it definitely has less internal cargo space than the CRV. The ride is very, very solid. The handling is smooth, about what's to be expected in a small SUV. The safety features are phenomenal especially considering the price. I read lots of reviews dissing this car on one attribute or another but every one of the reviews ends with the same mantra: If you want a car that combines value, reliability, and awesome gas mileage, there's only one, the Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid. Update: I’ve had the RAV for five months and I continue to amazed and pleased with it’s mileage which is better than advertised and it’s Ride/comfort which wasn’t part of my buying calculation. My only complaint is that the NAV system isn’t very good. If Toyota put Apple Car Play in its cars/trucks they’d be the ‘gold standard’ but alas we’re left with ‘Entune’ a vastly inferior product. Update: It’s been a year. I still love this crossover. I use it to deliver for Amazon Flex and it’s been awesome. The combination of reliability and utility makes it a truly great vehicle. Update: 2.5 years into a 3 yr. lease I’m still amazed by the car. I get great mileage and despite the slanted cargo area it’s fully functional as a hauler. The Entune radio/nav system is terrible but I use my iPhone to avoid it. I’ll be considering another in May 2020 if the deal is right. Update: Three years and 30K and it spins like a top. I extended my lease because the ‘deals’ offered by my local dealer was insultingly high. I’m very happy to stay with this wonderful 2017. Update: I just rang up 36K in early December 2020. It still runs like a top. I am completely happy with it. The mileage is down from when it was new but it's still in the 28-33 mpg range for mixed driving. I'd get another if the local Toyota dealership would sharpen their pencils! Update: The Toyota dealerships still won’t ‘deal’ and Toyota Financial Services would’ve extend the lease any further so I bought the car. At 42K it still runs great. Entune is still horrible and the back seat folded cargo area slope is still very annoying but I still totally love this car!

My Rav4 AWD Limited Hybrid SUV

Raina, 11/11/2016

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I love Toyoya, my first vehicle in 1988 was a Toyota which is why I stayed loyal to Toyota all these years. They have been very comfortable and reliable vehicles. As much as I love the looks and features of the 2017 Rav4 Hybrid Limited I am very diappointed with the look of the Soft Tex fabric which looks cheap. In addition, the passenger seat is extrememly uncomfortable. I have owned …

This is an OUTSTANDING car.

Nikki_Shops, 03/22/2017

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I really love this car, and I keep looking at it like I can't believe it is mine. Yeah, I dead serious and really do think that about my RAV 4. To put this into context, I have owned a lot of different cars and have had mostly luxury cars like Mercedes and Lexus. But, I have kids, I work in the city, and I wanted something stylish, functional, economical, environmentally friendly, but … most important, SAFE. I work in the transportation industry and know a lot about the up and coming safety technology of automated vehicles, so I wanted a crossover that had the latest safety features and that could be updated as new features come out. I do have expensive taste, so deciding on this car, I looked at every luxury model including BMW X3 and the Lexus NX models. None of them had the features I wanted like this RAV 4 in a hybrid version unless I wanted to spend almost double. I'm not into keeping up appearances or caring what my neighbors think that I wanted to pay $20K plus more for a car that shared a number of the same parts with the RAV4 anyway. I could get a luxury SUV close to what I paid for my RAV4, but it wouldn't have the features, and with the kids in the car, the features are important. The features are definitely worth it in this RAV 4, and I decided paying double and having a much higher car payment was not worth it to me even though I can afford it, especially as nice and high quality as Toyota has made this version of the RAV 4. I'm driving around the city for work and carting kids around, and this car is cool and safe. I'm not crazy about the lesser models, but my car has the extra features that take it up a notch, and it is perfect to me. I'd rather spend the extra money on trips or my house or retirement. Toyota's TSS safety suite in my RAV4 Hybrid Limited is excellent and is not annoying. I love the distance pacing cruise control and collision avoidance system, which paid for itself just the other day as I was trying to merge onto the highway and a car pulled in front of me and slammed on its brakes. My RAV 4 reacted and slowed itself way down and let me know it did much faster than I could have processed the situation in my own head. I love the back up camera and the bird's eye view, as well as the front camera, which has saved me some wheel scratches already while trying to park. This sort of drives itself on the DPCC. This is not a hot rod car, and it is a little weak like on the highway when you try to press on the gas such as to go around a slow vehicle, but that is in Eco mode, and it does have a sport mode that does much better. But, if you can get over the need for power and speed, it is a very safe and economical car. With the distance pacing cruise control on, I am going a bit slower than I had been driving, but I am actually making the same time and using less fuel. In fact, I just drove almost 200 miles on a quarter tank of gas. I don't think I will get 800 miles as it says I have 260 left to go, but my gas gauge is at 3/4 full, so that is not bad. I have been averaging 30 plus mpg. I have the Sensatec interior, and I chose the cinnamon. The car looks sharp and like some of the luxury models in the color combo I chose. You can definitely choose some very sharp options with pretty paint and sleek interior. I don't think it is cheap looking like some have said. The Sensatec is not as nice as my husband's Lexus' leather or the leather in other cars I have had, but it is very nice looking, durable, easy to clean and kid friendly in addition to being vegan friendly. I'm not a vegan, but I do like the leather alternative. I'm also not carting around the Queen, and I have a coffee spilling problem, so the Sensatec is perfect. Some people do not like the front of the RAV 4. It is ok and I wish it looked more like the Highlander front, but this is a sharp looking car from most all viewpoints. Sometimes I cannot tell the difference on the highway between my car and the Highlander until I see it closer. They are very similar looking, but the RAV 4 is just the right size for my family. It has the racks on top for extra luggage, but the cargo area is quite big and not too much different than the Highlander, so I didn't want to cart around extra car when I didn't need to. The technology in it is exceptional and is better than my husband's 2013 Lexus GS 350. The ride is nice and smooth. This is a boring ride car, so if you are Lightning McQueen, this is not for you. But, if you are tech forward, interested in the safest options and want a stylish, high quality, reliable and technologically cool car, this is for you. You will not win the drag race, but you will arrive at your destination safely and with money in your pocket. I also liked the Hyundai Tucson, which actually has one additional safety feature than my car, but I went with the RAV 4 Hybrid for the hybrid option and city gas mileage of 34 mpg, since that is where I drive the most.

Practically runs on air!

Jennifer M, 10/18/2016

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

We are really pleased with our new 2017 Rav4 hybrid. It looks beautiful and we find it very roomy and comfortable. I love the moon roof and the push button power on switch. This is our second Rav4. I cant believe how many miles it can go before you have to refill it. The cargo space in the rear is very big and it also can be covered with a pull over blind to hide your possessions. …

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2017 RAV4 Hybrid Highlights

Trim:

XLE

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,030
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	32 MPG
Cost to Drive	$117/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	35.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the RAV4 Hybrid models:

Pre-Collision System: This standard feature automatically applies the brakes if a forward collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is deemed imminent.
Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist: Sensors read lane lines, sound an alert and apply corrective steering if the vehicle is moving outside its lane. This feature is standard.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: The RAV4 Hybrid's cruise control speed automatically reduces if it rapidly approaches the vehicle in front.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Poor
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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