Toyota currently sells 26 electrified cars in the U.S., if you include its Lexus model line as well. Most of these are hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Its most popular model in 2023 was the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which sold an impressive 161,125 copies throughout the year. Interestingly, its second most popular model was the Sienna Hybrid, which cleared 66,539 units.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a well-rounded crossover with an accessible price point and broad trim catalog, catering to a diverse clientele. Not only is it Toyota's best-selling electrified car, it's also one of the most popular EV models currently sold in the country. Toyota was widely criticized for its stance on taking a gradual approach to electrification, but looking at its current portfolio and sales figures, it's hard to argue with its strategy.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota's websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, Car and Driver, Edmunds, and the NHTSA.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is Toyota's most popular model by a very long margin. The next best is the Sienna Hybrid, with 2023 sales figures standing at 66,539 examples. There are several reasons that are attributed to its success.
The RAV4 enjoys a very strong reputation in the compact crossover segment, after years of being a capable, dependable, and affordable option, with prices starting at $31,725. The moniker has evolved into a slightly more aspirational product, since the first generation, but it remains true to its core principles.
City | 41 MPG |
Highway | 38 MPG |
Combined | 39 MPG |
Range | 566 miles |
Tank Size | 14.5 gallons |
Usage Per 100 Miles | 2.6 gallons per 100 miles |
A big reason for the Hybrid model's success is its very frugal fuel consumption figures. The EPA estimates the range returns a 41/38/39 MPG consumption on its city/highway/combined cycle. The 14.5-gallon tank will cover the crossover for 566 miles before you need to refuel. This equates to about 2.6 gallons per 100 miles, which a lot of its rivals cannot match.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid features the brand's Atkinson cycle naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a trio of electric motors driving all four wheels using a direct-drive eCVT. The system generates a combined 219 horsepower, which is a detuned figure for the sake of maintaining a low fuel consumption. Toyota doesn't declare the model's combined torque figure, but the ICE twists at 163 pound-feet when operating independently.
Engine | 2.5-Liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder hybrid engine with three AC motors |
Battery | 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack |
Transmission | Electronically controlled continuous variable (eCVT) |
Combined Horsepower | 219 HP |
Combined Torque | 163 LB-FT |
Drivetrain | Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
0-60 MPH | 7.3 seconds |
Top Speed | 117 mph |
Towing Capacity | 1,750 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,115 pounds |
(Data sourced from Toyota)
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasts a claimed 7.3-second 0-60 MPH time, but tests prove you can easily get this down to 5.4 seconds in ideal conditions. Those wanting the best performance from the RAV4 should opt for the PHEV Prime, which boasts an increased 302-horsepower output and 6.4-second 0-60 MPH claim time. Independent reviews claim its acceleration time is also conservative, and have lowered it to 5.9 seconds.
The RAV4 Hybrid's complex electrical system doesn't have a big impact on the midsize crossover's interior space. The front row benefits 37.7 inches of headroom and 41 inches of legroom, while the rear bench offers 39.5 inches of headroom and 37.8 inches of legroom. As noted, the RAV4 Hybrid's range is very diverse, consisting of the base LE, which only features a handful of kits.
Front Row | Rear Row | |
Headroom | 37.7 inches | 39.5 inches |
Legroom | 41.0 inches | 37.8 inches |
Shoulder room | 57.8 inches | 56.4 inches |
Hip room | 54.3 inches | 47.7 inches |
(Data sourced from Toyota)
Design-wise, the Toyota RAV4's interior incorporates a lot of American and Japanese elements. The physical controls are bulkier and simplified, like you would find in a Jeep or Ford, but with a more clinical and functional approach, as seen from a lot of other Toyota products. This familiarity is partly why the new-generation RAV4 is performing so well in the U.S. market.
The RAV4 Hybrid's trunk measures 37.6 cubic-feet with all seats in place, which you can extend to 69.8 cubic-feet if you fold the second row down. Toyota also offers a variety of third-party accessories ranging from storage, cooling, and dog equipment from the likes of ARB, Kurgo, and Dometic. Depending on the trim level, you can specify the RAV4 Hybrid's interior to be water-resistant, premium, or more utilitarian.
Cargo Capacity (All seats in place) | 37.6 cubic-feet |
Cargo Capacity (Maximum) | 69.8 cubic-feet |
(Data sourced from Toyota)
Those wanting additional storage facilities can opt for one of the many Yakima accessories, including roof baskets, bike carriers, boxes, and even a small Skyrise HD tent for $2,000, excluding installation. This is a rugged, all-season rooftop tent constructed with 600D Ripstop polyester fabric and a 118-inch waterproof PU coating. The tent offers room for up to three campers and features large doors, windows, and skylights to open up the vistas.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's 1,750-pound towing capacity is one of its strongest drawing cards. It's not a class-leading figure, but it's more than enough to accommodate most requirements. The 3,500-pound capacity is only available for the non-hybrid model in TRD or Adventure trims. The lower derivatives have to make do with a 1,500-pound towing capacity.
Maximum | |
---|---|
Payload Capacity | 1,230 Pounds |
Towing Capacity | 1,750 Pounds |
Tongue Weight | 350 Pounds |
(Data sourced from Toyota)
When it comes to the call of the wild, the RAV4 doesn't shy away from being an adventurous crossover. We definitely wouldn't call it a traditional mountain goat, but it certainly holds its own in the off-road arena. The body boasts a confident 19-degree approach angle and a daring departure angle of 21 degrees. These dimensions are perfect for tackling the less travel road. The entire lineup, including the Adventure and TRD models, share these off-road credentials, but the Hybrid's trims cater more to urban users.
The NHTSA awards Toyota's TNGA-based Toyota RAV4 with an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. This is an ideal result, and a good achievement for a family car in this classification. It excelled in side crash testing with a five-star rating. However, in rollover testing, it received a four-star rating, with the NHTSA indicating a 15.50-percent risk of rollover.
Toyota increases the RAV4 Hybrid's appeal by ensuring all trims come standard with its Safety Sense 2.5 advanced driver assistance suite. This is its last-generation equipment, as models such as the Prius Prime feature the updated 3.0 configuration. Safety Sense 2.5 is still a very comprehensive and secure system, covering multiple scenarios. Safety Sense 2.5 includes features such as pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams.
2024-03-25T02:14:27Z dg43tfdfdgfd