2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is among the best-selling compact hybrid SUVs on the market. Toyota first introduced the hybrid driveline to the RAV4 for the 2016 model year, and the quicker acceleration plus increased fuel economy made the electrified RAV4 a popular choice. The 2016 RAV4 also received a midcycle refresh, and that made the RAV4 Hybrid all the more attractive. The RAV4 of any model year is known for its spacious interior, smooth ride quality, and easy-to-use technology. The RAV4 Hybrid provides a fuel economy and performance benefit over the standard RAV4 at a small price premium.
Explore the evolution of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Get our expert take on used Toyota RAV4 Hybrid models, or view year-by-year changes.
Second generation Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 line was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year, giving the hybrid SUV more technology features and better driving dynamics. Toyota’s industry-leading work with hybrid drivetrains also boosted the RAV4 Hybrid’s fuel efficiency advantage over non-hybrid competitors with only a small price increase. EPA-estimated fuel economy was boosted by 6 mpg over the previous generation, up to 39 mpg in combined city/highway driving
. The new generation also includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 or higher, offering a variety of advanced driver-assistance features. Toyota has continued to improve the RAV4 throughout this latest generation. As always, recent model years include more advanced features, but any model year in this generation is a smart choice.Model highlights
2.5-liter hybrid engine
Continuously variable transmission
Seating for five passengers
Standard all-wheel drive with electric rear motor
Advanced infotainment
First generation Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota introduced the RAV4 Hybrid in the middle of the fourth generation of the RAV4. The hybrid system used a 2.5-liter gas engine paired with an electric motor driving the front wheels, and an extra electric motor to drive the rear wheels, yielding all-wheel drive. The gas engine and front motor drive the front wheels through an electronic continuously variable transmission, while the rear motor drives the rear wheels directly. The RAV4 Hybrid with AWD could tow up to 1,750 pounds when properly equipped
. The first-generation RAV4 Hybrid returns an estimated 33 mpg in combined city/highway driving.Model highlights
First generation for RAV4 Hybrid
Seating for five passengers
Standard all-wheel drive
Quicker and more fuel-efficient than standard RAV4
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2019 - present
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Highlights
New multimedia infotainment system
New digital instrument cluster
Woodland off-road trim debuted
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2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Highlights
Midcycle refresh added LED headlights and USB-C ports
New SE midgrade trim level introduced
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2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Highlights
First year of second-generation RAV4 Hybrid following a complete redesign
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Previous generation from 2016 - 2018
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Highlights
First model year for all-new RAV4 Hybrid
Midcycle refresh updated interior and exterior
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Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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