3 Reasons to Choose the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Over the RAV4
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is one of the best new small hybrid SUVs for the money. The RAV4 Hybrid is a hybrid version of America’s favorite small SUV. Here’s why the RAV4 Hybrid is an even better option than the legendary RAV4 for 2023.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive
One reason why many drivers avoid hybrid SUVs is pricing. Vehicles with hybrid powertrains are more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. Automakers are throwing in standard all-wheel drive with base-model small hybrid SUVs to make the fuel-efficient models even sweeter deals.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with Toyota’s Electric On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. The LE trim starts at $30,225. A new RAV4 LE with all-wheel drive starts at $28,975 before taxes and additional fees. So, drivers can get the RAV4 Hybrid with all-wheel drive for an additional $1,250 before taxes and additional fees. Not bad at all for a hybrid powertrain.
Standard AWD makes the RAV4 Hybrid even more impressive because of its incredible fuel economy. All-wheel drive is especially helpful to drivers that live in states that experience harsh seasonal driving conditions.
The RAV4 Hybrid will save you money on gas
More drivers are learning that hybrid options can potentially help save hundreds of dollars on fuel costs. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 achieves 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. It has a 14.5-gallon gas tank. The gas-powered RAV4 has a driving range of about 449 miles.
The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid gets 41 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway. It has a 14.5-gallon fuel tank capacity as well. The RAV4 Hybrid is capable of traveling for over 572 miles on a single tank of gas. That means RAV4 Hybrids get 123 more miles of driving range than RAV4s every time they are refueled.
Ultimately, the average RAV4 driver will have to refill their tank more than the average RAV4 hybrid driver. This can result in hundreds of dollars in savings a year and thousands of dollars in savings over the average new vehicle ownership period (8.4 years). If you plan on long-term ownership, then the RAV4 Hybrid is a much better deal than the RAV4 over time.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes with better standard features
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid may have plenty of similarities, but the hybrid version comes with better standard features. The RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with a vehicle proximity notification system, dual-zone automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter and rear-seat vents, and an electronically controlled braking system.
Buying a hybrid vehicle for the first time can be intimidating, but Toyota is one of the pioneers of hybrid tech. The RAV4 Hybrid arrived as a 2016 model year. There are very few complaints registered against the 2021 and 2022 RAV4 Hybrid models on CarComplaints.com.
The Toyota RAV4 may be the most popular small SUV for now, but the RAV4 Hybrid has the potential to become even more popular thanks to standard all-wheel drive, its incredible fuel economy, and other great features. It will compete with models like the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid.
