Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Battery Replacement (Cost, Warranty & More)

ByBrian Jones

So you’re finally in your new RAV4 and want more details about its awesome hybrid battery. I am going to tell you everything you need to know.

The dealership may tell you the battery will never wear out, and you won’t have to replace it during the vehicle’s lifespan. Maybe you clicked on this article because you doubted that.

While the hybrid battery in your new RAV4 is built to be reliable, there are always exceptions, and something could go wrong. I’m not saying it will, but I want you to be prepared if it does.

After reading this article, you’ll be able to diagnose a failing battery, how and when to replace it, the cost, and the warranty.

toyota rav4 hybrid

You may have heard great things about the RAV4 Hybrid but you aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you. You might have many questions like, “how does the RAV4 Hybrid work?” or “what’s the mpg of the Hybrid?“.

While these questions are important, you probably also want to know how reliable this type of vehicle is and just how long the battery will last? In this complete guide, you will get a full understanding of how long the Hybrid battery will last and then you will hopefully be able to decide if the RAV4 Hybrid is actually worth it to you.

Understanding the Hybrid Battery

I’m going to be talking about the hybrid battery in your RAV4. Please note there are two batteries in your car, and we are not talking about the 12-volt battery. That 12-volt battery is used to start the vehicle, and that’s not what we’re discussing here.

The hybrid battery sends power to the electric motors and works in tandem with the gasoline engine. It gives your car the ability to use less gas because of the partial electric power.

Using the hybrid battery enhances the vehicle’s overall performance. It saves you from spending an arm and a leg at the gas pump and is more sustainable in the long run.

The hybrid battery used in the RAV4s is the 245 V lithium-ion battery. It’s also known as the “traction battery.”

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Signs of a Failing Battery

While the hybrid battery should last a very long time, there are still a few things to keep an eye on concerning the battery.

A few indicators of a failing battery are as follows:

1. Decrease in fuel economy

A failing battery could cause your RAV4 to have a lower fuel economy. A bad battery isn’t providing as much electric power as it should be, therefore the vehicle must rely more on the gasoline engine. This will result in more engine run time and lower fuel economy.

So if you suspect a failing battery, keep this in mind. Also, be aware that other factors, such as cold weather and tires, could decrease fuel efficiency.

2. Your RAV4 won’t hold a charge

If you start to notice that your charge isn’t getting you as far, or if it’s losing a charge while it’s the vehicle sits, it’s a sign to have your hybrid battery checked. It’s best to have this checked out immediately.

How Often Does It Need to be Replaced?

The lithium-ion batteries on your RAV4 are meant to last. If properly maintained, they are intended to last the life of the vehicle. Your car should last 100,000 to 200,000 miles before the battery needs to be replaced. That’s about 8-10 years for most people.

Cost to Replace

The cost to replace a hybrid battery is a hefty one. But many people say it’s worth it when it lasts them 8 to 10 years.

With parts and labor included, the total cost to replace the hybrid battery on a Toyota RAV4 is anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. And, of course, you only pay out of pocket if you are outside Toyota’s incredible warranty. I’ll talk about that next.

As hybrid batteries and the concept of electric vehicles are still relatively new, we expect the replacement cost to get cheaper as time goes on. As the technology grows and becomes more familiar, prices will go down.

Hybrid Battery Warranty

Your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes with an excellent battery warranty. You can have peace of mind knowing that your hybrid battery is covered for ten years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

That’s a pretty great deal, and it shows just how much stock Toyota puts in those 245 V lithium-ion batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

They Hybrid battery should last at least 8-10 years for most people, or 100,000 to 200,000 miles before needing be replaced.

Replacing a Hybrid battery can be expensive if paying out of pocket. The average cost to replace the RAV4 Hybrid battery is between $3,000 to $8,000.

You can replace the hybrid battery in a Toyota RAV4, but it’s best left to certified hybrid technicians. Handling the high-voltage battery can be dangerous.

Yes, Toyota has a great warranty for their Hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid battery warranty covers 2020 models and newer for 10 years or 150,000 miles whichever comes first. If your model year is older than 2020 you are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles whichever comes first.

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Take Good Care of Your RAV4, and the Battery will Last

As with most things, if you take good care of your car and provide it with the maintenance it needs, it will go far. The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular cars on the road for a reason. It’s pretty much America’s all-purpose car, and I love it. Take good care of it, and it will take good care of you. Keep the fluids topped off, keep up with the oil changes, and keep it clean. Enjoy your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and its incredible battery life.

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5 Comments

  1. We bought our 2018 rav hybrid used with under 40k miles it always says the battery is too low to drive in ev mode. Why? Covered?

    Reply
    1. RAV4 Resource says:

      Hi Danna,

      This is likely not an issue with the battery, but it could just be that the battery is low based on your recent driving conditions. For example, maybe you were idling for a while before attempting to go into EV mode. I recommend trying it again some other time.

      If this continues to be an issue every time you attempt to us EV mode, check with your dealership to make sure everything is okay.

      Reply

  2. If the Lithium Battery dies on a RAV 4 Hybrid will the car still function as a gas operated vehicle, just less efficient?

    Reply
    1. RAV4 Resource says:

      I’m not entirely sure, but I would expect that to be the case. I’m assuming that the battery would get less and less effective until it eventually does nothing at all.

      Reply

  3. The EV mode is kinda useless on a regular hybrid, you can only use it when the battery is fully charged and between 25-30 mph while feathering the gas pedal. I have one and it’s great. If the main battery fails the engine is going to run non-stop with very slow acceleration.

    Reply