WASHINGTON — Looking for a compact crossover with good fuel economy? You’d better look at the RAV4 Hybrid.
It wasn’t too long ago we looked at the refreshed RAV4 that sported more space and new technology for the popular compact crossover. In 2016, a hybrid version of the RAV4 also was introduced that offered the utility of a larger taller crossover without the sting of fewer miles per gallon that usually comes with having one.
Usually, you can expect hybrids to be slower than regular gas vehicles, but the RAV4 Hybrid is a different tune. The hybrid has a bit more power and easily keeps up with traffic — the electric motor adds help with off-the-line performance. You will want to be easy on the gas pedal so you can keep the car in electric mode for short distances. This hybrid version also used a CVT transmission instead of the normal automatic in the gas version of the RAV4. The CVT does a pretty good job, except when accelerating keeps the engine at higher RPM droning about. Other than that, the car seems quieter and is pleasant during the normal commute. One thing that really takes getting used to is the strange feeling brake pedal, which has a bit more travel before the brakes grab. I’m sure it’s part of the battery regeneration. Fuel economy for the week was 33.7miles per gallon, which was a touch over the 33 miles per gallon that the sticker claims.
Inside, you don’t really loose much space with the battery storage compared with the gas-only version of the RAV4. I drove the XLE trim level RAV4 Hybrid, which has a starting price of around $28,300. With the Hybrid you do sacrifice the leather seats for cloth. Still, the seats are comfortable and seem durable. My tester had some miles and the seats looked new. The rear seats are good for two adults but a third would be tight. It doesn’t seem as wide as some of the competition. The technology proves good and useful. The NAV is easy to use and there’s a back camera. Safety features such as a blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sonar are a nice touch. Toyota Safety Sense P or TSS-P provides a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Steering assist and radar cruise control add some nice safety features that were once only available in higher dollar rides.
The outside doesn’t differ greatly from the gas versions of the RAV4. There are a few hybrid badges on the side of the front fenders and one on the rear hatch that announce that this is a different RAV4. The styling for most of the Toyota products was more daring than prior models. My super white tester really stood out and I can’t exactly remember saying that about a RAV4 until now.
The RAV4 Hybrid takes the next step in the compact crossover market with better MPG at the top of the list. So if you want that crossover but don’t want to pay extra at the gas pump, the new RAV4 Hybrid is waiting for you.
Editor’s note: Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
