2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Name: 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review
Brand: Toyota

Release Date: Fall 2023

Estimated Price: Starting around $33,000

good

7.8/10

edmunds TESTED

The RAV4 Hybrid promises the comfort of a roomy interior and smooth ride with the practical benefits of large cargo space and impressive fuel savings. It delivers where it counts, but it comes with small compromises to the driving experience and interior quality. It's versatile and among only a handful of hybrid SUVs, but it shares the regular RAV's shortcomings compared to other compact utes.

Contact your local dealers about upcoming availability and pricing details.

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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for Sale

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

byChristian Wardlaw^{Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.}

Pros

Excellent fuel economy
Smooth ride quality
Plenty of space for cargo

Cons

Front seats lack comfort for longer drives
Mushy brake pedal feel

What's new

Expect no significant changes for 2024
Part of the fifth Toyota RAV4 generation introduced for 2019

Overview

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling vehicles in America, and it's easy to understand why. The RAV4 is spacious, practical and available in a wide variety of trims and models to suit a lot of shoppers looking for a small SUV. Within the RAV4 lineup, our favorite is the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid.

The RAV4 Hybrid has more power than the regular model and boasts an excellent EPA fuel economy estimate of 40 mpg in combined driving. Compared to the standard RAV4, the price increase is reasonable, and the RAV4 Hybrid offers just as much cargo space as the standard version. Toyota highlights the hybrid's quick acceleration by offering it in sporty SE and XSE trim levels, and there is a Woodland Edition for slightly better off-roading capability.

After several updates for 2023, including a new infotainment system and the debut of the Woodland Edition, we don't expect many changes to the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid. This SUV is nearing the end of its current generation, and a completely redesigned version is expected to arrive for 2025. That would ensure the RAV4 remains competitive with rivals with newer designs, including the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. If you're interested in getting into a new 2024 RAV4, first read our Expert Rating.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change slightly once we test the RAV4's updated infotainment system, which debuted in 2023.

good

7.8/10

Edmunds Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.0/10

How does the RAV4 Hybrid drive? Surprisingly swift acceleration, aided by the hybrid's electric power unit, makes the RAV4 Hybrid kind of fun to drive. There's always enough power ready for lively slingshots around traffic, and straight-line sprints are equally entertaining. Our test vehicle did 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. That's more than a second quicker than the non-hybrid RAV4 and respectably quick for a small SUV.

Things are less amusing when stopping — the brakes feel mushy and devoid of much feedback — and the same can be said of the steering. Still, the XSE's sport-tuned suspension helps the hybrid stay planted and stable around turns. All RAV4 Hybrids have all-wheel drive. It's not meant for off-roading, but it will definitely help provide more traction on snowy and icy roads.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the RAV4 Hybrid? The RAV4 Hybrid can cover long and short distances in pleasant comfort. The XSE trim we tested handled rough patches and bumps with ease without feeling overly firm or harsh. The front seats are nicely sculpted and padded appropriately, but the seat bottoms begin to feel flat on longer drives. The passenger side's lack of adjustment can also make it difficult to find a comfortable position.

At highway speeds, the RAV4 is generally quiet. The exception is when you hit the gas for a burst of speed, at which point the engine sound gets rather coarse. The climate control system regulates temps quickly and distributes air well throughout the cabin.

Interior

8.0/10

How’s the interior? It's easy to get in and out of the RAV4 Hybrid's front and back seats, and the roomy cabin gives four adults plenty of space to stretch out. The RAV4 doesn't feel claustrophobic, and there's good visibility in all directions. And while the rear seats are set low, the front seats are oddly high and can't be adjusted down. It can be an issue for taller drivers and front passengers.

Most controls are logically placed and easy to figure out at a glance. Unfortunately, there's still a long reach to the touchscreen. The tuning knob and buttons on the passenger side of the screen require a reach to use.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? Audio and navigation controls are easy to use thanks to a large tablet-style display, but the graphics look pretty dated. The tablet is nothing fancy, but it does the job. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. It's a good thing too since Toyota's native Entune software remains clunky.

Voice commands can handle basic phone, audio and navigation functions but require deliberate verbal input. It pays to spend time training the system to learn your voice — or use Siri or Google Voice instead. The advanced driver aids that come as standard equipment are a huge plus.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? The RAV4's cargo hold is nearly the largest in its class, hybrid or otherwise, and the load floor is low and makes loading items easy. The battery pack doesn't consume valuable cargo space, and the RAV4 Hybrid offers the same luggage space (37.5 cubic feet) as its gas counterpart. Tie-down hooks and a 12-volt power outlet enhance the hybrid's utility.

A small center console and a handful of storage nooks offer space for most small items, although a nifty tray lined with rubber grip spanning the length of the dash makes a good spot to park phones and wallets. Parents with young kids will appreciate the RAV4. It's easy to locate and connect safety seats to the lower car seat anchors. Forward-facing seats and boosters fit readily, but installing a rear-facing infant seat on the passenger side will likely require scooting the front seat up.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? You'll have a hard time doing better than the RAV4 Hybrid's EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined (41 city/38 highway). (The Woodland Edition gets 37 mpg combined.) That's not only impressive in its own right, but it's also a full 10 mpg better than non-hybrid RAV4 models. We averaged 35.2 mpg during our test, and that was when driving with an often heavy foot. Drive a bit more deliberately and 40 mpg is within realistic reach.

Value

8.5/10

Is the RAV4 Hybrid a good value? The RAV4 Hybrid looks and feels well built. Nice tactile touches abound, such as rubberized grips on dials and soft landings for elbows. The optional synthetic leather upholstery is soft and pliable.

The hybrid doesn't cost much more than a non-hybrid, and in return you get better power and fuel economy. It'll actually pay for itself in gas savings during your loan or lease. Toyota's traditional warranty coverage is average, but the hybrid components are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. Free scheduled maintenance for two years/25,000 miles is generous.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The RAV4's most recent styling change gives it a tougher look, but there's only so much design aggression you can bake into a crossover. Much of the fun of stabbing the hybrid's throttle for a juicy burst of low-end punch is negated by its rubbery steering, numb braking and droning engine under high load.

Still, its zippy electrically assisted acceleration, taut suspension and modest off-road capability make the RAV4 Hybrid a solid all-around driver. Toyota has mostly succeeded in taking the bland out of the RAV4.

Which RAV4 Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

Toyota hasn't released official information on the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid as of this writing. We'll update our recommendation if anything changes, but based on last year's RAV4 Hybrid, Edmunds recommends the XLE Premium trim level. It has nicer wheels, added conveniences, a power sunroof and synthetic leather upholstery for, well, a premium look and feel.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid models

[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's RAV4 Hybrid. We expect the 2024 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is available in seven trim levels: LE, XLE, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE Premium, XSE and Limited. All trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). A second electric motor powers the rear wheels when traction is necessary, meaning every RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. Altogether, the hybrid powertrain produces 219 horsepower. Feature highlights for each trim include:

LE
The base LE is the most affordable trim in the RAV4 lineup and includes these key features:

17-inch wheels
LED headlights
Six-speaker audio system
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Three USB ports
8-inch touchscreen display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (both with wireless connectivity)

Every RAV4 Hybrid also comes with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite of advanced driver aids. It includes:

Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automatic high beams
Road sign recognition

XLE
Stepping up to the XLE gets you all of the LE's features, plus:

Keyless entry with push-button start
Heated exterior mirrors
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Five USB ports
Cargo cover
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

SE
The SE serves as the more affordable of the two sporty RAV4 Hybrid trims. It includes the above features and adds:

18-inch black wheels
Upgraded projector-style LED headlights
Sport suspension
Blue interior accents and ambient lighting
Leather-trimmed steering wheel

Woodland Edition
Based on the XLE, the Woodland Edition is styled and equipped to head off-road with:

TRD off-road-tuned suspension
Bronze-color wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires
Woodland Edition badging

XLE Premium
Building off the XLE trim, the XLE Premium adds:

XSE
The sportiest XSE trim builds off the SE and XLE Premium trims and adds:

Two-tone paint with black trim
Digital instrument cluster
Synthetic leather upholstery with cloth inserts and blue stitching
Heated front seats
10.5-inch touchscreen
Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Limited
The top-tier Limited trip eschews the XSE's sporty looks but keeps many of its features and adds:

Heated and ventilated front seats
11-speaker JBL audio system
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Dark brown interior accents
Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking

Many features that are standard on higher trims are available as options on lower trims. Other notable options are dependent on trim level and include:

Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the RAV4 Hybrid and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Panoramic sunroof
Heated steering wheel
Heated rear seats
Wireless charging pad
Hands-free liftgate
Rain-sensing wipers
Digital rearview mirror

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2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which RAV4 Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid models

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