Is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid a Better Deal Than the World’s Most Popular SUV?
Toyota makes some of the most popular SUVs in the world. The Japanese automaker is responsible for legendary nameplates like the Toyota Land Cruiser. It currently produces the world’s most popular SUV, the Toyota RAV4. Is the RAV4 Hybrid actually a better deal than its internal combustion engine predecessor?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has incredible fuel economy
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid starts at $30,725. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to make 219 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid gets 41 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway.
Toyota’s small hybrid SUV has a 14.5-gallon gas tank. The RAV4 Hybrid can travel for around 572 miles on a full tank of gas thanks to its stellar gas mileage. It has a higher driving range than most small SUVs because of the boost in efficiency provided by its two electric motors.
Hybrid SUVs are rapidly becoming more popular than ever before because automakers have found ways to produce affordable models. They are often more powerful than their gas alternatives, and they can get much further on a single tank of gas. The RAV4 Hybrid is leading the charge for small hybrid SUVs, but should consumers really choose the hybrid version over the original?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is quicker than the gas version
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.3 seconds. The RAV4 takes about 8.0 seconds to go from 0-60 miles per hour.
Toyota’s small hybrid SUV has a higher output than its small SUV because of electric motors. The motors aren’t just good for gas mileage. They also give the RAV4 Hybrid some extra oomph. One of the reasons some consumers skip out on the gas-powered RAV4 is that it isn’t as exciting to drive as rivals. The RAV4 Hybrid inadvertently addresses its predecessor’s power (or lack of power) issue.
Don’t get it twisted, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is no speed demon, but it’s more exciting to drive than the OG RAV4. It’s no RAV4 Prime, but it’s a step up that many drivers can appreciate.
Toyota’s small hybrid SUV won’t break the bank
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid only costs $2,750 more than the gas version. Drivers who choose the RAV4 Hybrid over the RAV4 will save hundreds of dollars a year. Drivers that keep the RAV4 Hybrid for a long period of ownership will save thousands on fuel costs because of the SUV’s gas mileage. So, it may cost more than the RAV4, but RAV4 Hybrid drivers save more money in the long run.
The RAV4 Hybrid is a better deal than the internal combustion engine RAV4 because it has better fuel economy, more power, and it’s still affordable. Car and Driver praises the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s spacious cabin and standard infotainment features.
If you’re looking for a small hybrid SUV, Toyota has been producing hybrid vehicles for decades. The Prius crawled so the RAV4 Hybrid could walk, and the RAV4 Prime could run (and boy, does it run).
