Sensible and fuel-efficient, with a hint of ruggedness in its chiseled form, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SUV is the golden child in the brand’s electrified lineup. It’s far outselling the Toyota model synonymous with the term “hybrid”—the Prius. Choose between the conventional RAV4 Hybrid or the plug-in hybrid RAV4, with the latter offering an EPA-estimated 42 miles of electric-only driving range. Both versions incorporate a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, a continuously variable transmission, and all-wheel drive.
At least some of the RAV4’s popularity can be attributed to the variations available: with nine trims to choose from, there’s something for almost everyone. Toyota packages its compact hybrid SUV with a generous set of driver-assistance features and plenty of storage cubbies. It’s worth noting that the RAV4 plug-in model, now known as the RAV4 PHEV for 2025, offers unexpected zippiness for a vehicle wearing a crossover costume. Additionally, its impressive EPA-rated 38 mpg (combined) figure makes the upcharge over the gas RAV4 worth considering.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
#4 in Best Hybrid Compact SUVs
1) Honda CR-V Hybrid Starting At: $36,000
2) Kia Sportage Hybrid Starting At: $29,965
3) Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Starting At: $34,760
5) Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid Starting At: $42,145
6) Ford Escape Hybrid Starting At: $33,985
What’s New for 2025?
For 2025, Toyota is dropping the “Prime” name for its plug-in hybrid. This model will be available as the RAV4 PHEV SE and RAV4 PHEV XSE. The plug-in hybrid will sport a PHEV badge and all hybrid models will ditch the blue shadow shading behind the Toyota emblem in the front and rear. Other than that, the RAV4 Hybrid and PHEV stay unchanged.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is expected to start around $34,000 and increase up to $49,000, depending on the trim and options.
We recommend the XLE Premium trim, which boosts the standard equipment without significantly raising the price. XLE Premium buyers receive:
- Standard LED fog lights
- Heated exterior mirrors
- 18-inch wheels
- Power liftgate
- Passive keyless entry
- Synthetic leather seating
- Soft-touch armrests
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Moonroof
- Blind-spot monitoring
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The RAV4 Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a continuously variable transmission and aided by three electric motors. Combined, the output totals 219 horsepower, and because one of the electric motors powers the rear axle, all-wheel drive is standard on all RAV4 Hybrid trims. The additional output and e-motors make the RAV4 Hybrid quicker and more efficient than the standard gas model. This pep is particularly felt around town.
For even more performance, the PHEV is equipped with more powerful electric motors, totaling 302 horsepower. Like the standard RAV4, the hybrid and PHEV models’ handling is competent, and their ride is comfortable, but don’t expect cornering heroics.
0-60 MPH Times
In our testing, we clocked a 7.3-second 0-60 mph time in the hybrid Woodland Edition trim. Comparatively, the standard gas model needed 8.0 seconds. The RAV4 PHEV zipped to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The RAV4 PHEV features an 18.1-kWh battery pack, providing an EPA-estimated electric-only range of 42 miles. Our testing achieved 32 miles on electricity alone on the highway, with expectations of a longer driving range in city conditions. Toyota’s 6.6-kWh charger is standard on both PHEV models, enabling charging in just 2.5 hours via a 240-volt outlet; a 120-volt outlet increases this time to about 12 hours.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The RAV4 Hybrid is significantly more efficient than the conventional gas-powered RAV4 with AWD. The EPA estimates the Hybrid achieving 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined. In our testing on a 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, it delivered 37 mpg. The RAV4 PHEV boasts a combined rating of 38 mpg and 94 MPGe; it delivered 73 MPGe during our highway tests.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 PHEV feature practical cabins that prioritize functionality. Ample storage spaces—including cubbies and bins—are ideal for stashing small cargo, with all buttons and controls easily accessible. All trims include a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a height-adjustable false floor in the cargo area. Higher trims offer features like heated seats, ambient lighting, and upgraded faux-leather upholstery named SofTex.
Infotainment and Connectivity
LE and XLE trims come equipped with an 8.0-inch infotainment display, while XSE, Limited, and PHEV XSE models feature a 10.5-inch screen. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, enhance connectivity. Most models offer a 7.0-inch digital gauge display, with a larger 12.3-inch screen available on Limited and PHEV XSE trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system are optional, while a six-speaker system is standard.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Toyota offers many advanced safety features standard across the RAV4 lineup. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The RAV4 models come with a comprehensive warranty that matches rivals and includes an extended protection plan for hybrid components. Moreover, Toyota’s complimentary scheduled maintenance spans two years or 25,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for ten years or 150,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is for two years or 25,000 miles
Specifications
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $34,860/$36,104
Options: running boards, $620; door-sill protector, $199; frameless HomeLink mirror, $175; door-edge guard, $150; fog-light accent trim, $100
ENGINE
DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4, 176 hp, 163 lb-ft + 3 AC motors, 118 and 54 hp, 149 lb-ft and 89 lb-ft (combined output, 219 hp); 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.0-in vented disc/11.1-in disc
Tires: Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail 01A
225/60R-18 100H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length: 180.9 in
Width: 73.0 in
Height: 67.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/47 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 70/38 ft3
Curb Weight: 3817 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.6 sec @ 90 mph
100 mph: 20.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.4 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.78 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 30 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 32 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 460 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 37/38/35 mpg
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$49,170 (base price: $42,545)
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4, 177 hp, 165 lb-ft + 3 permanent-magnet synchronous motors, front: 179 hp, 199 lb-ft; rear: 53 hp, 89 lb-ft; combined output, 302 hp; 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.9-in vented disc/12.4-in vented disc
Tires: Yokohama Avid GT S35, 235/55R-19 101V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length: 180.9 in
Width: 73.0 in
Height: 67.2 in
Passenger volume: 99 ft3
Cargo volume: 33 ft3
Curb weight: 4400 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.4 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.4 sec
1/4 mile: 14.0 sec @ 100 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 117 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 195 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.75 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
75-mph highway driving, EV/hybrid mode: 73 MPGe/32 mpg
Highway range, EV/hybrid mode: 32/460 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 38/36/40 mpg
Combined gasoline+electricity: 94 MPGe
EV range: 42 miles
