2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byJames Riswick
Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Great fuel economy for a compact crossover
- Small price premium over standard RAV4
- One of the biggest, more useful cargo areas of any compact crossover
- Advanced safety and driver aids come standard
Cons
- Interior more utilitarian in look and feel than those of competitors
- Less useful interior storage as well
- Noticeable shudder when gas engine kicks in
- Real leather seating is not available
What’s new
The Hybrid can now be had in a new LE base trim level, further lowering its point of entry. The SE also gains 0.4 inch of ground clearance.
Vehicle overview
If you're having trouble picking a compact crossover, we don't blame you. There's a ton of them. They're all pretty good, and they often even look alike. Among this group, the regular Toyota RAV4 doesn't stand out much. In general, we've found rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 to be more refined, engaging and even luxurious. But the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has something even those models lack: exceptional fuel economy.
The higher fuel economy of the RAV4 Hybrid allows it to exit the shadows and draw attention to itself. That would be, perhaps not surprisingly, its fuel economy of 32 mpg combined. None of its conventionally powered competitors can match that and it doesn't come with an overly prohibitive price premium.
When you consider that along with its standard safety tech, huge interior, surprising acceleration and, yes, Toyota's reliability reputation, the RAV4 Hybrid becomes one of the must-drive vehicles in the segment.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as one of Edmunds' Best Hybrid SUVs for this year.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.2 / 10You wouldn't necessarily expect it, but the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is more appealing than its gas-only sibling. The Hybrid gets 32 mpg in combined driving and gives up hardly anything to the regular RAV4. It's the RAV4 to get.
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 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE (2.5L inline-4 hybrid | CVT automatic | AWD).
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.2 / 10 |
| Driving | 7.5 |
| Comfort | 7.5 |
| Interior | 7.5 |
| Utility | 7.0 |
| Technology | 6.5 |
Driving
7.5The 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 like you're just learning how to drive every time you use them.
Comfort
7.5The front seats are roomy and shaped well, but only the driver gets lumbar and height adjustment. The seats feel comfortable even on a long road trip, but road noise and wind noise are omnipresent. Ride quality is comfy but suffers when you opt for the SE trim.
Interior
7.5Entry and exit are easy, and most occupants will find the cabin quite roomy. The controls on the upper portion of the center console are easy to reach, but you might have difficulty finding some of the buttons and switches below. Outward visibility is excellent.
Utility
7.0Not only does the RAV4 Hybrid offer one of the largest cargo areas in the class, its low liftover height means you won't strain your back while loading heavy items. The liftgate doesn't open very high, however. Small, haphazardly placed storage cubbies aren't very useful.
Technology
6.5The infotainment system is easy to navigate and use, but the graphics look rather dated, and it's impossible to see the screen in direct sunlight. All RAV4 models receive standard safety tech. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and multiple USB ports are not available.
Which RAV4 Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
We would recommend a RAV4 Hybrid XLE. For about $2,000 over the LE, it provides enough desirable equipment that will actually make a difference to you on the daily drive. You really don't need the SE's sportier suspension, and its simulated upholstery is not as appealing as the XLE's fabric. We also like that you can opt separately for the heated front seats with eight-way driver-seat adjustment.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid models
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV powered by a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. It consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three motor generators — one that powers various vehicle systems, one that powers the front wheels and one that powers the rear wheels, effectively creating a standard all-wheel-drive system. Total system output is 194 horsepower. There are four trim levels: LE, XLE, SE and Limited. The regular RAV4's Adventure and Platinum trims are not available.