ToyotaRAV4 Hybrid

　　

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　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 zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.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.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawSenior Reviews Editor

　　Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining zzdcar as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$96/mo  for RAV4 Hybrid LE

　　RAV4 Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $31,725 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $33,235 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $34,420 MSRPWoodland Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $34,945 MSRPXLE Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $36,125 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $37,385 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $40,030 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Better mpg, and sportier too

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.

　　

Competitors to consider

This SUV is nearing the end of its current generation, and a completely redesigned version might 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 to see our test team's full evaluation.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the RAV4 Hybrid drive? Surprisingly swift acceleration helps make 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. Handling is also lackluster, though the XSE trim (which is what we tested) has a sport-tuned suspension that better 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below