Is the RAV4 Hybrid Actually Worth It? (Here’s How to Figure It Out)
If you are anything like me, you want a vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, safe, and enjoyable to drive. The RAV4 Hybrid fits those boxes, making it appealing for today’s driver. But is the RAV4 Hybrid worth it, considering the extra cost?
In this guide, I break down these considerations for you. I share some overall thoughts, look at the sticker price and discuss the fuel economy ratings.
I will also show you the features and discuss the tax rebate to help you determine if it’s worth it for you.
Overall Thoughts
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is very similar to the standard gas model. It looks the same and has many of the same features. The biggest difference is that it has a hybrid configuration, using electric motors (called traction motors) to increase efficiency.
Here are a few basic specifications to consider:
- 2.5L four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to create 219 combined horsepower
- CVT (continuously variable transmission, i.e. smooth shifts, efficient MPGs)
- All-wheel drive (safer)
- Maximum towing capacity of 1,750 pounds
- 5-passenger configuration
- Cargo hold measuring 37.6 cubic feet, 69.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded down
Keep in mind that the RAV4 Hybrid is not a plug-in model. Therefore, you gain efficiency without the need to plug in and charge the batteries. In short, it’s the best of both worlds.
Here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros
- Fuel-efficient
- Great resell value
- Peppy powertrain
- Decent tow capacity
- Handles mildly rough terrain
- Spacious cabin
- High-tech features come standard
- Easy to customize
Cons
- The base trim isn’t as exciting
- The engine can be noisy
- The price is more than the standard gasoline RAV4
- Not eligible for tax credits
In the coming sections, I will explore some of these topics in more detail.
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Sticker Price
Yes, the RAV4 Hybrid does help you save some money because of the efficiency, but you will pay more upfront to drive this model. Consider the cost when determining if the RAV4 Hybrid is worth it to you.
The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid has an MSRP of $31,725. Compared with the gasoline RAV4, this price is $3,050 more. The 2023 RAV4 starts at $28,675.
Quick note about RAV4 pricing: those numbers above are the base MSRPs. The actual price once shipped to the dealership with any add-ons will be about $1,500 to $2,500 more.
Overall, that’s not too much of a price increase over the standard RAV4.
Keep in mind that getting your hands on one of these can be challenging. Because of high demand, you may need to wait a few months for a RAV4 Hybrid.
Fuel Economy
The RAV4 Hybrid’s fuel economy is one of the main reasons people desire this SUV. At best, it is rated for 39 combined mpg. According to the EPA, it also is rated at 38 highway mpg and 41 city mpg. Fuel economy does drop slightly with the Woodland Edition trim.
How does this compare with the standard RAV4’s mpg? Both the front- and all-wheel drive configurations earn up to 30 mpg combined.
With an additional 10 combined mpg, it wouldn’t take long for the RAV4 Hybrid to pay for itself, especially if you drive a lot.
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Tech Features
When it comes to high-tech features, it’s hard to beat everything that the RAV4 Hybrid offers. Even as a base model, you gain the following features:
- 8” touchscreen display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Satellite Radio
- Virtual Assistant
- Three USB ports
- Six-speaker sound system
Beyond the base model, there are plenty of upgrades to choose from. Some of the most popular include the following:
- 10.5” multimedia display
- 12.3” Multi-information Display
- Panoramic view monitor
- Up to five USB ports
- Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad
- 11-speaker sound system
Aside from these high-tech features, the RAV4 Hybrid also includes the latest safety systems for your protection. Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 has some of the most coveted features, including the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).
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Tax Credit Qualification Status
Can you get a federal tax credit for buying the RAV4 Hybrid?
For many years, people enjoyed getting money back from the government for qualifying hybrid and electric vehicles.
Due to recent federal changes, there’s no longer a RAV4 Hybrid tax credit to take advantage of. Still, there may be some local incentives you may qualify for.
Is It Worth It?
There are several considerations to determine if the RAV4 Hybrid is right for you, including the following:
- How many miles you drive each year
- Whether you drive in the city or on the highway
- Your vehicle budget
- Waiting time to receive the vehicle
- Annual maintenance and repair costs
- Whether you want the eCVT transmission or you prefer the traditional automatic
- How much technology you desire
- How much you enjoy the aesthetics of the vehicle
- How much you value the resell value
You may think that the only consideration is cost, but there’s so much more. Even if you aren’t saving a ton of money on fuel, there are other reasons to drive the RAV4 Hybrid. The high-tech features alone make this hybrid SUV a winner. You may choose to drive it for these reasons alone.
There are two ways to determine if you like this hybrid SUV. For starters, we recommend learning more about the model on the Toyota website. After that, you should schedule a test drive at a local dealership.
Conclusion
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid isn’t for every driver. I know some aspects appeal to some but not others, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you get behind the wheel of a vehicle that fits your needs and budget.
If you are in the market for a new hybrid SUV, the RAV4 Hybrid deserves a second look. Carefully weigh your options to determine what’s going to be best for you.