2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJames Riswickzzdcar Contributor

　　James Riswick is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$118/mo  for RAV4 Hybrid LE

　　RAV4 Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $27,385 MSRPLE Plus Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $27,910 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $29,280 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $32,435 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $34,280 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　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 zzdcar' Best Hybrid SUVs for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.2 / 10

　　You 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

7.5

　　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 like you're just learning how to drive every time you use them.

　　

Acceleration

9.0

　　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 takes 8 seconds flat, quicker than any non-turbocharged rival.

　　

Braking

6.0

　　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

6.5

　　Steering effort is a little heavier than normal for this class. The wheel isn't difficult to turn, however, and it's easy to turn into a parking spot. Out on the road, rivals from Ford, Honda and Mazda provide more engaging and confidence-inspiring steering.

　　

Handling

7.0

　　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

8.0

　　The Hybrid pulls away from a stop under battery power, but there's a noticeable shudder and kick-in when the engine fires to life midacceleration. Avoid driving in Eco mode; it severely dulls throttle response. Sport mode keeps the engine revving higher, but responses are still sluggish at times.

　　

Off-road

　　The RAV4 Hybrid is technically all-wheel-drive, but it relies on an electric motor for rear power and the system isn't a mechanical one like the regular RAV4's and lacks the locking center differential. It's not well-suited to adventures off the beaten path.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　The 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.

　　

Seat comfort

7.0

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

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　The SE's sporty suspension tuning improves handling but not enough to warrant the busier and harsher ride. Perhaps the extra suspension travel for 2018 will change this, but we'd probably stick with any of the other, more comfortable-riding trim levels.

　　

Noise & vibration

6.5

　　There's not much engine noise at any speed unless you're really pushing the RAV4 Hybrid hard. There's a noticeable jolt when the gas engine kicks in after pulling away from a start under electric power. Wind and tire noise is overly intrusive while cruising on the highway. Others are much quieter.

　　

Climate control

7.0

　　The dual-zone climate control adeptly cools the interior on a hot day. There are no rear air vents. Toggle switches for the heated seats are hidden depending on viewing angle, so you'll have to remember to switch them off. Even on the low setting, they get nice and toasty.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　Entry 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.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　The infotainment system features a nice mix between physical buttons and easy-to-press virtual ones. Eco and Sport buttons are out of the way, as are toggle switches for the heated front seats. The door's vertical-oriented grab handles mean the rear armrests are really just elbow rests.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.5

　　A low step-in height and tall doors make for easy entry and exit in the front, except for drivers who like a raised seat. The steering wheel tilt is limited, and drivers may hit their knees on the column. Entering/exiting the rear is also easy due to the seats' lack of thigh padding and bolstering.

　　

Driving position

7.5

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

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　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 an adult. Side bolsters make the front seats a bit narrow.

　　

Visibility

9.0

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

　　

Quality

5.5

　　The RAV4 looks and feels cheap compared to its top competitors. There's a ton of hard plastic throughout, and the utilitarian design doesn't help. SofTex vinyl covers the seats in top four trims, but unlike other faux leathers, it's obviously vinyl and there's no option for real leather.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　Not 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.

　　

Small-item storage

6.5

　　Two different-size cupholders are separated by the shifter. There are a couple of small, oddly shaped storage areas on the center stack, including a shallow, low-grip smartphone holder that isn't very good at holding smartphones. Not great for this family-friendly segment.

　　

Cargo space

9.0

　　The cargo area is wide and flat, with a low liftover height. The 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 what the regular RAV4 offers. But it's still larger than the cargo areas of almost every other nonhybrid.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

6.0

　　The lower LATCH anchors are well-concealed and far from the seatback; you really have to reach in and fish around to 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.

　　

Towing

　　Unlike the regular RAV4, which can be optioned to tow up to 3,500 pounds, the Hybrid is limited to 1,750 pounds. It's one of the few sacrifices for going battery-electric.

　　

Technology

6.5

　　The 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.

　　

Audio & navigation

6.0

　　The standard touchscreen is easy to use. It has a relatively simple layout and menu structure, but it's not particularly attractive, the screen is small and resolution is fairly low. Optional 7-inch screen offers nominal improvement. Either washes out in direct sunlight.

　　

Smartphone integration

6.5

　　There's a single USB port in front and none in the back. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are notably absent. Instead, Toyota uses 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

7.0

　　Unique for the segment, the RAV4 comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot warning is available on all but LE. Adaptive cruise doesn't maintain speed downhill and the clarity of the standard rearview camera is poor.

　　

Voice control

6.0

　　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).

　　

Which RAV4 Hybrid does zzdcar 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.

　　The new-for-2018 LE base trim comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, integrated blind-spot mirrors, rear privacy glass, roof rails, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, and a 60/40-split folding and reclining second-row seat.

　　Also standard is Toyota Safety Sense P (forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams), a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface, Bluetooth, one USB port, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, a media player interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

　　The XLE adds foglights, a sunroof, an upgraded rearview camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation package that includes satellite radio, HD radio, Siri Eyes Free and a Scout GPS smartphone-based navigation system. Heated front seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver is optional.

　　The SE adds sportier suspension tuning, 18-inch wheels, special exterior styling, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems (optional on XLE), automatic LED headlights, LED running lights and taillights, a height-adjustable power liftgate, an eight-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, heated front seats and SofTex vinyl upholstery.

　　The Limited reverts to the XLE's styling and suspension tuning, but includes the SE's other upgrades. It further adds front and rear parking sensors, chrome exterior trim, driver-seat memory functions, an auto-dimming mirror, and the Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite (optional on the XLE and SE) that includes a 7-inch higher-resolution touchscreen, a variety of smartphone apps and an integrated hard-drive-based Toyota navigation system. A hands-free liftgate is a stand-alone option.

　　An 11-speaker JBL audio system can be added to the SE and Limited trim levels as either a stand-alone item or within an Advanced Technology package that also includes a bird's-eye view parking camera, and on the SE, the parking sensors and auto-dimming mirror. The XLE's Hybrid Convenience package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, the power liftgate, and the Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App suite.

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2018 RAV4 Hybrid Highlights

Trim: LELE Plus FleetXLESELimitedLE

　　

Base MSRP	$27,385
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	32 MPG
Cost to Drive	$118/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	35.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles