More power & less fuel equals the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

It’s hard not to like the Toyota RAV4. It is Toyota’s top-selling vehicle and in 2024, it was the third best-selling vehicle in the world. The RAV4 is that popular and that good. And for those that want more out of the RAV4, there is the RAV4 Hybrid. Think of it as the RAV4 2.0 – delivering every bit of style and utility of the gas version but with a fuel-sipping powertrain that incidentally makes it quicker. Let’s look at the hybrid version of this ever-so-popular SUV.

The RAV4 made its debut back in 1996, going through its latest redesign in 2019 where it went from a “cute-ute” as its always been known as, to a more tough ute, as the current RAV4 takes on a more muscular, chunky, squarish look. Today’s RAV4 remains a five-passenger crossover and is slotted above the Corolla Cross and below the Venza and features styling cues that are more in line with the 4Runner. Its good looks make it fit in with the attractive crowd it competes in, which includes the likes of the Ford Bronco Sport, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-50 and Nissan Rogue.

Like its gas-powered version, the RAV4 Hybrid uses at 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine. But mated to that engine are two electric motors, one powering the front wheels and the other powering the rear wheels, thus making all RAV4 Hybrids all-wheel drive. Total horsepower is 219 – up 16 horses from the all-gas version.

Obviously, the biggest draw to the RAV4 Hybrid is fuel economy, and it doesn’t disappoint. The EPA rates the RAV4 at 41 mpg city and 38 mpg on the highway, compared to 28/30 mpg for the all-gas version.

In Hybrid form, the RAV4, which, by the way stands for Recreational Active Vehicle, is available in seven different trim levels – all to meet certain wants or needs. Into luxury? The top-of-the-line Limited equips the RAV4 with heated and vented seats, power seats, a digital instrument panel and a JBL sounds system. The Woodland Edition gives the RAV4 some Subaru touches by adding 18-inch bronze-colored wheels, a TRD off-road suspension and roof rails. The XSE, which is how the tester arrived, is the sportiest RAV4 Hybrid, giving it a two-tone paint scheme, and a synthetic leather upholstery with cloth inserts. The base LE starts at $33,295 (about $3,000 more than the base RAV4 LE non-hybrid) while the tester came with an MSRP of $43,509. Other trim levels include the XLE, a step up from the LE, equipping the RAV4 with keyless entry and pushbutton start, the SE, a sportier version with black wheels, and the XLE Premium, which combines the XLE and SE features.

The cabin of the RAV4 Hybrid is quite impressive. Lower trim levels get 8-inch touchscreens while the higher ones get 18-inch touchscreens. All RAV4s are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready. The controls and switches are easy to use – and big – so using them with gloves on isn’t an issue. The thick steering wheel is perfectly sized and there is a good solid feel to the shifter, both of which assist in a better driving experience.

With no third-row seat to contend with, space for the five passengers becomes the RAV4’s biggest asset. Driver and passenger have plenty of room up front, and in the back a pair of adults will have nothing to complain about on short trips thanks to a reclining second-row seat. Sure – squeeze three in the back, and things get a little too close for comfort – but if that is going to be a common occurrence, a mid-size SUV would better suited.

Somehow, Toyota was able to prevent the battery pack from consuming any valuable cargo space, so the utility of the RAV4 Hybrid matches that of the regular RAV4. There is about 38 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat, but when folded down (its folds nearly flat), that jumps to nearly 70 cubic feet. Both numbers are nearly the largest in this class.

There is not much drama when it comes to driving the RAV4 Hybrid. But there is plenty of power, so straight-line sprints and merging with traffic are not only easy but can be equally entertaining. Tests show the RAV4 Hybrid can hit 60 mph in under 8 seconds, which is about a second quicker than the non-hybrid RAV4. Considering the better fuel economy and the RAV4 Hybrid becomes a win-win driving situation.

So far, the RAV4 Hybrid is turning out to be quite an enjoyable vehicle. It looks great, feels solid, and it’s roomy for its size. Its purpose of being economical is easily met, and throw in the fact that it is powerful and fun to drive are added bonuses. The RAV4 Hybrid has come a long way from being a little cute-ute and has turned into fully functional, economical crossover SUV topped off with Toyota reliability.
– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Base Price: $37,560.00
Price as Tested: $43,509.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 liter 4-cylinder with electric motor
Transmission: CVT automatic
Horsepower: 219 horsepower
EPA Fuel Economy: 41 city / 38 highway mpg

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