Skip to main content

It doesn’t matter what comes my way, I’ll drive it and provide an unbiased review. From the Ram 2500 HD Rebel to the Toyota Supra, I’ll spend hours behind the wheel. To be honest, I didn’t have the best experience with the Toyota RAV4, so I wasn’t excited about the RAV4 Hybrid. But now I know that upgrading to the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is worth it. 

The benefits of upgrading to the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 

Upgrading to the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid may involve some extra cheddar, but it’s more than worth it in the long run for a better performance and fuel economy. 

The entry-level RAV4 starts at $30,025 with the $1,325 destination fee included. The RAV4 Hybrid starts at $33,050. So there it costs about $3,025 more and there are benefits to consider. For example, AWD is standard. 

The gas-powered RAV4 is a little slow. It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.1 seconds, making it the slowest option in the class. It also isn’t very athletic with vague steering  

The RAV4 Hybrid pairs the same engine with an electric motor to generate 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is a noticeable difference for passing others and merging into traffic. 

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid near foliage
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit

Plus, the RAV4 Hybrid provides better handling and cornering because it has a sport-tuned suspension. It’s more fun to drive. 

Also, the regular RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway with AWD equipped. The RAV4 Hybrid gets up to 41 mpg in the city and up to 38 mpg on the highway. 

The best fuel economy I achieved was 39.9 mpg. The lowest mpg I saw was 38.8. This was during some bad traffic. A semi-truck caught on fire and I was stuck for two hours, but luckily no one was hurt. 

I was able to keep the RAV4 hybrid on the entire time and only lost about seven gallons of gas. In similar situations, I’ve had to turn my car off to save gas. 

Another benefit of upgrading to the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a quieter engine. The regular RAV4 has a persistent loud wheeze, but the RAV4 Hybrid has an occasional engine growl.

The only place the regular RAV4 tops the hybrid is off-road. But I had the RAV4 TRD Off-Road model with suspension upgrades and all-terrain tires. These additions made going through the woods more confident. 

The RAV4 Hybrid has a Trail mode and plenty of traction for slippery conditions but doesn’t feel as stable on dirt paths. It slid more than expected in muddy areas. 

While I feel like upgrading to the 2024 Toyota RAV4 is worth it, I still advise you to consider other options in the class. The RAV4 Hybrid is really loud on the highway and the seats are a bit stiff. Stay tuned for a list of pros and cons. 

Best in Vehicle Reviews
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.