2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

　　

2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　Hybrid SUVs are in many ways the perfect family hauler. Drivers get the much-liked high driving position, passengers have plenty of room, and cargo space is usually plentiful. Beyond that, the higher ground clearance and available (or standard) all-wheel drive increase capability, and perhaps best of all, you save money at the pump. When it comes to the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, you get a 10-plus mpg advantage over the standard RAV4, along with more power and a smoother powertrain compared to the non-hybrid RAV4. If it weren't for the slightly higher price tag, it'd be a no-brainer.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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) - $29,575 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $31,045 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $32,230 MSRPXLE Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $33,935 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $35,555 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $38,075 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The two-row RAV4 Hybrid isn't the only efficient SUV in Toyota's arsenal. If you have a larger family to haul around, go for the three-row Highlander Hybrid. For an all-electric driving experience, there is also the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid version that has an all-electric driving range of about 40 miles. For the 2022 model year, Toyota expanded the RAV4 Hybrid lineup with the new sporty SE trim.

　　The efficient, comfortable and roomy RAV4 Hybrid has a lot going for it, but the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid are also worth a look. Want to know what our test team thinks of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid? Check out the zzdcar' Expert Rating below for a comprehensive review.

　　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, 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below