THE AWD HYBRID SUV WITH THE BEST FUEL ECONOMY IN 2024
In 2024, the massive benefits of electrification have been introduced to every segment in the industry. With manufacturers from around the world implementing this cutting-edge technology into their lineup, the market has become ultra-competitive in each of these categories. Although electric cars tend to grab the headlines, hybrid powertrains offer the best of both worlds, making the most of both electric motors and combustion engines to maximize efficiency and practicality.
Due to the massive improvements in these areas, it's no surprise that manufacturers have seen so much success with hybrid powertrains in their SUVs. The crossover SUV segment is one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry by itself offering the feel of sedans with the functionality of the SUV. With added electrified power, hybrid crossovers have become some of the most attractive vehicles on the market.
In 2024, the Toyota RAV4 will be available in three different versions: the gas-powered RAV4, the PHEV RAV4 Prime, and the self-charging RAV4 Hybrid. With range being one of the biggest selling points for hybrid crossover SUVs, the RAV4 Hybrid offers class-leading efficiency in 2024. Here's a detailed look at the all-new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which also introduces the performance benefits of all-wheel-drive as standard.
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 and other authoritative sources, including the EPA.
2024 Toyota RAV4: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, and Pricing
The current Toyota RAV4 is nearing the end of its lifespan as a new generation approaches, but it stands strong against the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Offers 39 MPG Combined With Standard AWD
With no major design changes compared to the 2023 model, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes with a mild hybrid option for the crossover SUV. Unlike a full hybrid or PHEV system, this option cannot be driven solely by electric power. However, it does offer the ability to operate in all-electric mode when the vehicle is stationary or when driving at constant slow speeds, making it a great option for those who are looking for further efficiency, especially in urban environments.
While full hybrid systems offer advantages in shorter trips around the city, mild hybrid systems can be a great option for those looking to drive longer distances without worrying about running out of juice. The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid comes with all-wheel-drive as standard, offering an EPA-estimated 41 MPG in the city, 38 MPG on the highway, and 39 MPG combined, narrowly beating the tough competition.
Starting At $31,725
Hybrid vehicles have a higher price tag than their gas-powered counterparts, which is the industry standard. The 2024 RAV4 is no exception to this trend. However, it's worth noting that Toyota has done an excellent job of keeping the cost of the RAV4 Hybrid close to that of the gas-powered model.
For the base LE trim, the RAV4 Hybrid starts at just $31,725. While not the cheapest, it's still one of the most affordable options if you're interested in making the switch to a dual-motor hybrid SUV. In comparison with the gas-powered model, prices start at a lesser $30,075.
A Total Driving Range Of 566 Miles
Despite being all-wheel-drive, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers an impressive total range of 566 miles, making the crossover SUV one of the best - if not the best- in this regard. It falls slightly short of the segment leader, the Kia Sportage Hybrid's 589-mile overall driving range. Combined with its fuel efficiency, this hybrid SUV can keep you on the road for longer periods, helping you save money on fuel expenses.
Over one year, the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid's average fuel costs will come to $1,400. Compared to the gas-powered version of the SUV with all-wheel drive, the price increases to $1,800 per year, highlighting the cost-effective benefits of hybrid technology.. Looking towards the rest of the industry, you'll save up to $2,750 per year on fuel compared to the average new vehicle in 2024.
Here's How Much Maintenance Costs Are For The Toyota RAV4
Discover the real cost of upkeep for your Toyota RAV4 in this insightful article, shedding light on maintenance expenses you may encounter.Powered By A 2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Combined With Dual Electric Motors
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 boasts an impressive combination of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder combustion engine and dual electric motors, which work together to provide ample power for the SUV. As for the combustion engine under the hood of the RAV4 Hybrid, it produces 176 horsepower, which is expectedly down compared to the gas-powered model's 203 horsepower.
However, the RAV4 Hybrid gets the rest of its power through its dual electric motors, with the front motor putting down 118 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. Moving to the rear motor, the power decreases to 54 horsepower and 89 pound-feet of torque. Achieving a net power output of 219 horsepower, having most of the power delivered to the front axle enhances the RAV4 Hybrid's abilities while towing and keeping stable in adverse conditions.
The Benefits Of On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive
Although regular all-wheel-drive powertrains offer unique performance-enhancing benefits, front-wheel-drive vehicles are renowned for their efficiency. To give the RAV4 Hybrid class-leading fuel economy, Toyota uses an on-demand all-wheel-drive system, which always sends power to the front wheels and only sends power to the rear when further traction is needed. This is achieved by removing the driveshafts and replacing them with electric-motor generators for the rear tires
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.5-liter Four-Cylinder with Dual Electric Motors |
| Transmission | CVT Transmission |
| Horsepower | 219 HP |
| Torque | 252 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.8 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 112 MPH |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,210 lbs |
| Fuel Economy | 39 MPG Combined |
(Specs sourced from Toyota and EPA)
Its Continuously Variable Transmission With Drive Mode Select
The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid's continuously variable transmission, commonly abbreviated CVT, ensures the smoothest driving experience possible. The RAV4 Hybrid has a sequential shift mode with its CVT to make the overall drive even more mechanically efficient.
The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid also comes standard with five different drive modes, including EV mode as mentioned before. As for the additional four modes, these include Normal, Sport, Eco, and Trail. These modes give you the ability to maximize the RAV4's electrification in all scenarios, whether you're on a quick trip, a long-distance haul, or tackling tricky terrain.
How The Original Toyota RAV4 Popularized The Compact SUV Segment
Uncover the story of how the RAV4 reshaped the SUV industry, pioneering its own segment in the market.The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Comes With All The Essential Safety Features And Technology
Alongside the rapid development of electric power in the automotive industry, driver assistance and safety features have also drastically improved in recent years, thanks to the cutting-edge technology that's available to brands in 2024. The RAV4 Hybrid is no different, being equipped with technology that enhances the performance of the SUV as well as improving the cabin experience as a whole.
Built To Handle All Environments
A feature that's included with most 2024 Toyota models is the Toyota Safety Sense package, which comes with pre-collision assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, and automatic high beams. As well as this, the 2024 RAV4 comes with the Star Safety System, which includes:
- Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control
- Anti-lock Brake System
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution
- Brake Assist
- Smart Stop Technology
To further maximize the Sportage Hybrid's potential, the SUV comes with five different drive select modes as standard: Normal, Sport, Eco, EV, and Trail. An anti-lock braking system also comes as standard. When off-road, the Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control features make things easier on tricky terrain.
The RAV4 Hybrid also has independent MacPherson strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar and multi-link rear suspension with another stabilizer bar, ensuring that the crossover SUV is more than capable of tackling any trail.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's Closest Rivals
It's no surprise that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid faces tough competition in 2024 with so many SUVs implementing the technology into their powertrains. While not all offer all-wheel-drive, there are still multiple rivals for the RAV4 Hybrid that deserve to be considered, even if they can't quite match the Kia's fuel efficiency.
2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid
One hybrid SUV that competes at the very top of the SUV segment is the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, with the nameplate leading the brand for decades in the SUV segment. Unlike the RAV4 Hybrid, the CR-V Hybrid comes with front-wheel drive as standard but can be upgraded to all-wheel drive for a starting price of $31,000.
Despite being only slightly cheaper than the RAV4 Hybrid, the CR-V can't quite match the Toyota's performance specs across the board. Regarding efficiency, the AWD CR-V Hybrid trim offers 29 MPG combined, as per the EPA. Performance is also down compared to the RAV4 Hybrid, with the Honda producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque.
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Another direct rival to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid, which barely falls short of the RAV4 in terms of efficiency. The Sportage Hybrid also comes as a single-motor front-wheel-drive model as standard, but all-wheel-drive can be selected, leading to a starting price of $30,390.
Although the RAV4 offers the best fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive hybrid SUV, the Sportage Hybrid all-wheel-drive trim sits right behind it with EPA-estimated ratings of 38 MPG across the board. The Sportage Hybrid also produces a standout 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, giving the Toyota RAV4 serious competition in 2024.
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