How Capable Is The RAV4 Hybrid?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is out on the frontlines to compete with similar options such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid, but what can it do? Does it live up to its SUV name?
How Capable Is The RAV4 Hybrid
First of all, if you’re interested in the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid, you can get started in one for about $28k. The non-hybrid model starts around $25k, so this isn’t a massive price jump to gain a better fuel economy.
The Toyota RAV4 | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images
The price of the RAV4 Hybrid is also competitive with the CR-V Hybrid, which starts around $27k and the Ford Escape Hybrid, which starts around $28k.
With the RAV4 Hybrid, you get an enhanced fuel economy of up to 41 mpg in the city and up to 38 mpg on the highway. This is pretty impressive and will get you significant savings at the pump.
The Escape does get up to 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, but it’s not as capable as other SUV options.
RAV4 Hybrid Power
The RAV4 Hybrid has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor that combine to pump out 219 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. This robust build allows the RAV4 Hybrid to tow up to around 1,700 lb.
The non-hybrid option has a maximum towing compacity of 3,500, so you can haul a little more if you decide to forego the hybrid option.
Also, the RAV4 Hybrid has a pretty solid acceleration. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. That’s not the slowest time, but also not the fastest.
Electric competitors in its price ranger take about 10 seconds to get up to 60 mph. The Mustang Mach E takes 3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mpg, but that’s a sports car, not an SUV.
Plus, the RAV4 Hybrid is all-wheel-drive, making it able to traverse in snow and other adverse conditions.
The help you maintain control and stability during your drive, the RAV4 Hybrid has a variety of driving modes, including sport, eco, and trail modes.
Also, the Hill Assist Control feature will help you crawl up steep inclines by applying brake pressure to certain tires to prevent slippage.
RAV4 Hybrid Features
The RAV4 Hybrid is a great family car with the ability to fit up to five passengers comfortably. Behind the back row of seats, you can access up to 37 cubic feet of cargo space for your luggage.
Once you fold the seats down flat, you can access up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which is a ton of room for fitting large items.
You can also ride in comfort with sizeable padded leather seats and a panoramic sunroof that allows more light to fill the cabin.
The A/C controls in a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images
The 8” touch screen infotainment center can connect to Apple Car Play and Android Auto to put all of your favorite apps right at your fingertips too.
So, Is the RAV4 Hybrid Capable?
Yes, it is. The RAV4 is an extremely capable family SUV packed with features for comfort, safety, and a little off-roading capabilities. While we wouldn’t go rock crawling or through streams in this SUV, we would drive to campsites and through the snow.
