The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid sets a high bar with outstanding fuel economy, a roomy and versatile interior, and a relaxed, easygoing ride. Aging in-car and safety tech gives more updated rivals an edge, though.Read full review
Part of the fifth Toyota RAV4 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
by the Edmunds Experts
1/13/2025
Toyota is taking a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it approach" to the über-popular RAV4 Hybrid, which soldiers on for another year unchanged. That's not a bad thing, even if most rivals have outpaced it with up-to-date technology. The 2025 Toyota RAV4's mix of capabilities — standard all-wheel drive, punchy acceleration, 39 mpg combined, and an airy cabin with plenty of headroom and cargo space — still make it a solid pick for a compact SUV. It's also one of the more affordable hybrids in its segment in base LE trim, although we suggest selecting a version with a few more features.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.71 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
Edmunds spotlight: A strong contender, but time is catching up
Many automakers tinker with their top sellers every few years to stay current. But Toyota tends to ride a winning hand as long as possible. (Witness the Tacoma pickup, which has changed just three times in 30 years.) The current RAV4 has been knocking around since 2019, a fairly extended run in the constantly evolving compact SUV class. And while the RAV4 moves swiftly off dealer lots, it's starting to show its age as rivals offer newer and more advanced tech. The touchscreen interface's software and graphics respond slowly, and the bundle of standard driver assist features, while varied and useful, lack other extras like safe exit alerts and automated parking systems that are available on rivals. These aren't deal-breakers given the RAV4 Hybrid's other strengths, only a reminder that other options are out there.
Competitors to consider
Compact SUVs are plentiful, but hybrid versions less so. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid are cut from the same corporate cloth with similar powertrains and underpinnings, and they offer plenty of standard convenience and safety features. The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a pricier rival but backs it up with loads of rear seat legroom and up to 40 mpg combined. The Ford Escape Hybrid is a budget-minded pick that delivers the essentials. And performance-oriented drivers will also want to check out the new Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. It uses the same powertrain as the RAV4 Hybrid, but the CX-50 has a more luxurious interior.
Edmunds Expert Rating
 edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.8
out of 10
We drove the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Performance
7/10
How does the RAV4 Hybrid drive? Surprisingly swift acceleration helps make the RAV4 Hybrid kind of fun to drive. There's always enough power ready for lively slingshots around traffic, and straight-line sprints are equally entertaining. Our test vehicle did 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. That's more than a second quicker than the non-hybrid RAV4 and respectably quick for a small SUV.
Things are less amusing when stopping — the brakes feel mushy and devoid of much feedback — and the same can be said of the steering. Handling is also lackluster, though the XSE trim (which is what we tested) has a sport-tuned suspension that better helps the hybrid stay planted and stable around turns. All RAV4 Hybrids have all-wheel drive. It's not meant for off-roading, but it will definitely help provide more traction on snowy and icy roads.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the RAV4 Hybrid? The RAV4 Hybrid can cover long and short distances in pleasant comfort. The XSE trim we tested handled rough patches and bumps with ease without feeling overly firm or harsh. The front seats are nicely sculpted and padded appropriately, but the seat bottoms begin to feel flat on longer drives. The passenger side's lack of adjustment can also make it difficult to find a comfortable position.
At highway speeds, the RAV4 is generally quiet. The exception is when you hit the gas for a burst of speed, at which point the engine sound gets rather coarse. The climate control system regulates temps quickly and distributes air well throughout the cabin.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? It's easy to get in and out of the RAV4 Hybrid's front and back seats, and the roomy cabin gives four adults plenty of space to stretch out. The RAV4 doesn't feel claustrophobic, and there's good visibility in all directions. And while the rear seats are set low, the front seats are oddly high and can't be adjusted down. It can be an issue for taller drivers and front passengers.
Most controls are logically placed and easy to figure out at a glance. Unfortunately, there's still a long reach to the touchscreen. The tuning knob and buttons on the passenger side of the screen also require a reach to use.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $637 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $637 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the LE trim.
How’s the tech? The RAV4 Hybrid has an 8-inch touchscreen standard or an optional 10.5-inch touchscreen. While easy to use, it suffers from middling performance. Load times are slow, graphics are outdated, and it requires a monthly subscription to unlock the highlight features. The standard six-speaker audio system also leaves a lot to be desired. Get the upgraded JBL system if you can.
Toyota's driver assist features are a highlight. For example, the adaptive cruise control works cohesively on the highway, both in traffic-heavy and free-flowing situations, to keep a constant gap from the vehicle ahead.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The RAV4's cargo hold is nearly the largest in its class, hybrid or otherwise, and the load floor is low and makes loading items easy. The battery pack doesn't consume valuable cargo space, and the RAV4 Hybrid offers the same luggage space (37.5 cubic feet) as its gas counterpart.
A small center console and a handful of storage nooks offer space for most small items, although a nifty tray lined with rubber grip spans the length of the dash and makes a good spot to park phones and wallets. Parents with young kids will appreciate the RAV4. It's easy to locate and connect safety seats to the lower car seat anchors. Forward-facing seats and boosters fit readily, but installing a rear-facing infant seat on the passenger side will likely require scooting the front seat up.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? You'll have a hard time doing better than the RAV4 Hybrid's EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined. (The Woodland Edition gets 37 mpg combined.) That's not only impressive in its own right, but it's also a full 10 mpg better than non-hybrid RAV4 models. We averaged 35.2 mpg during our test. While that's disappointing, we've found most other small hybrid SUVs also underperform in our real-world testing. Drive with a bit of restraint in the city and 40 mpg is within realistic reach.
Value
8.5/10
Is the RAV4 Hybrid a good value? The RAV4 Hybrid looks and feels well built. Nice tactile touches abound, such as rubberized grips on dials and soft landings for elbows. The optional synthetic leather upholstery is soft and pliable. The hybrid doesn't cost much more than a non-hybrid, and in return you get better power and fuel economy. It should pay for itself in gas savings during your loan or lease. Toyota's traditional warranty coverage is average, but the hybrid components are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. Free scheduled maintenance for two years/25,000 miles is generous.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The RAV4 Hybrid has a somewhat rugged look, but there's only so much design aggression you can bake into a crossover. Much of the fun of stabbing the hybrid's throttle for a juicy burst of low-end punch is negated by its rubbery steering, numb braking, and droning engine under high load. Still, its zippy electrically assisted acceleration and modest off-road capability make the RAV4 Hybrid a solid all-around driver.
Which RAV4 Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
If we lived anywhere remotely rural, mountainous or with exciting terrain, we'd probably opt for the Woodland Edition, which gives the RAV4 a modest amount of off-road ability (namely, all-terrain tires and an off-road suspension). It also looks great with its bronze wheels and rugged design elements. But if life limits you to the pavement, the SE trim is hard to beat for overall value. It's a midtier trim that offers nice upgrades like a sport suspension, better headlights and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Actually love this car, with some minor complaints
4 out of 5 stars
MB, 02/19/2024
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I have owned numerous Toyota trucks the last 35 years and was recently assigned a 2024 Rav4 XLE for work. I like so much about this car, let me just concentrate on the few knit-picky negatives that I have found :
Off the bat, this car drives and handles amazing. The AWD is solid, the steering is tight with no play and just makes the car feel like it is solidly planted on the pavement. … A far cry from the FWD 2022 Hyundai Tucson I had been driving (bleh). The hybrid electric to gas engine is seamless, you can barely notice when the two engines stop and start. So much nicer than the newer cars that have the engine stop on you when stopped in traffic then roar back to life and briefly lag before you start driving again. I have driven this car in the dumping rain, unpacked snow and solid ice and it just does great. I will drive anywhere from 2 to 5 hours daily and the car is very comfortable on a long trip. It has great get up and go and acceleration, which is even better when dialed into "sport" mode.
Great storage in the back and this model has all weather rubber material on the backs of the back seats. When the seats fold down to extend the cargo area, the back of the seats are protected from whatever wet or muddy item gets put in the cargo area. The rear seats DO NOT fold flat thought (which is a negative) so you will not be able to lay a large object flat when the seats are down and will face a little uphill bump when trying to fully load this area with cargo. One oddity- the cargo net that comes with the car cannot be used like a gate to keep items from falling out of the cargo area when you open the hatchback. It is actually a "spiderweb" hold down net that anchors to four tie downs. Great if you don't want soccer balls rolling around on the floor, or a case of soda sliding around, but that's it. The actual picture on the cargo net package shows it installed as a "gate" across the width of the opening of the hatch--- don't be fooled!
The electronics are good (not great), it will support 2 bluetooth devices at the same time (I run two different phones an iphone and an android), but it is a little extended going from Carplay back to the Toyota menu to get to say the satellite radio settings. There is also no way to split the screen to have your map on and an app at the same time where maybe you are listening to a podcast and want to be able to pause, play or fwd what you are listening to or take a phone call and keep the map displayed at the same time. As much as I hated the Tucson, it had the ability to have two things on the screen at once. Another minor complaint I have is the light and dark gray seat color combo in cloth. It took only a few days for the light gray fabric (which is on the edges of the seats, including the sections right next to the cup holders) to get stained up. I recommend getting dark, one color seats if possible.
Biggest complaint about the Rav4? The interior buttons and layout. The interior itself is great, leather feel surfaces, no shiny piano black plastics. It has a nice higher end and refined look and feel. The first thing I noticed is how far forward the interior door grab handles are. Going to pull the door in to shut it does not give you the proper leverage (due to the handle being so close to the hinge point of the door). Very awkward feeling and it takes some muscle to get it going and still feels off. I have had the car for 3 months and I still can't get used to the feeling. The doors themselves are actually very light feeling when you open it from the outside, obvious effort to reduce weight for fuel economy. I have not looked at the side crash data yet, but I doubt the doors offer much protection.
Many controls are located to the left of the steering wheel, below the dash line and below the line of sight of the wheel. These include the light cluster adjustment, the auto dim high beam button, the heated wiper nozzle, heated steering wheel and trunk release. You really have to shift your body left and look down awkwardly to find these buttons to use them.
While the speedometer is digital with a digital "needle" on fixed digital numbers, there is no option for a real time digital number speedometer readout. There is a very small digital km/hr display in the far left corner, but it is too small to be of any value and can't be converted to MPH. I would much rather have a large real-time digital speed display. Weird this isn't a programmable option. The digital display (speedometer area) is also not very functional, with the majority of the information surrounding battery and fuel consumption screens. The steering wheel buttons are also pretty small with the radio volume ones not very thumb friendly.
While the temperature control knobs are nice and big round dials, the defrost, fan speed, re-circulation and vent controls are extremely small, thin, rectangular buttons all laid out in a long row very close to each other that need the tips of your fingers to activate. While it all looks very clean and minimalist, they are a pain to locate and activate while driving and keeping your eyes on the road. My last gripe would be the location of the side-by side cup holders in relation to the shifter. Any beverage in the cup holder makes you have to reach over the top of the beverage to get to the shifter which feels like it is far forward and deep under the dash.
My complaints aside, I have actually recommended this model to several friends based on the comfort, handling and performance. After 5k miles, I consistently get 36 mpg with majority highway driving. If this wasn't a work vehicle, I would seriously consider getting one for myself if in the market for a small SUV.
2024 RAV4 XLE Hybrid checked all my boxes
5 out of 5 stars
Jron, 03/08/2024
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I have had my 2024 RAV4 hybrid for about a month. My experience is that I have not found it to be noisy at all and is very quiet on the highway. Handling is very good for a compact SUV as I did not expect it to take corners like a BMW M3 or ride like limo. Toyota has been perfecting the hybrid drive trains since the early days of the Prius and that totally influenced my decision on the … RAV4 hybrid. Mileage is right in line with the EPA estimates and will actually surpass the estimates if you drive it gently around town. I love that it has a real spare tire instead of a can of "fix a flat" which will be totally useless if tire encounters sidewall damage. I was initially concerned about the 8inch screen, but I since found it to be plenty large and functional. There seems to be a touchscreen size race going on with car makers, but at some point, the larger screens may be a distraction. My criticisms are minor, ie all trims should have homelink garage door openers in mirror and some of the buttons on the steering wheel could be larger, but other than that, I am hard pressed to find any substantial negatives.
This thing is just amazing!
5 out of 5 stars
Bo Goulet, 12/31/2023
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Runs like a Prius, but in every way a RAV4!!! You can't tell when the engine turns on and off, the transition from electric to gas is seamless. No hassles with the engine turning off at the stop lights, because the engine may not even turn on when you hit the gas!
RAV 4 IS SO GOOD WE BOUGHT 2
5 out of 5 stars
Jim - Melbourne, Florida, 03/18/2024
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We bought a 2021 Rav 4 Hybrid XSE w/ black roof in December 21. We traded a Highlander. I am 6' 225lb. I find the seats comfortable, and drive with the seat all the way back & down to the floor to maximize room. I cannot picture anyone taller than me being comfortable. As for performance, the car rides comfortably and has moderate noise levels. The stereo is pretty good. The … car is surprisingly powerful if you hit the gas hard. According to Car & Driver, it hits 60mph in 7.1 seconds, the same as our V6 Highlander did. But we are conservative drivers, and keep the car in Eco mode. We live in the south and it is usually warm & the roads are flat, which probably benefits MPG. Our driving is generally local driving with little highway time. We work the gas pedal a little to coax the car into EV mode as often as possible and this works up until about 55 mph. So far, we have averaged 49 MPG over 16,500 miles. We have found highway speed of 60 mph maxes out at around 40 mpg and declines quickly as speed increases. 65 - 70 mph drops mpg to 37 or so. With the rear seats folded, there is plenty of cargo space for our 60lb rescue dog, and he loves the space, which easily allows 2 suitcases and a decent sized cooler without cramping his room. Reliability has been flawless. When we decided to replace our 2019 Camry XSE in October 23, we ended up with a second RAV 4 XSE Hybrid, this time silver w/black roof. While the cars are identical with respect to interior dimensions & comfort, the new model performs a little better with respect to MPG. I see no difference in acceleration, but the 2023 has a slight mpg advantage. Again, driven solely in ECO mode, with little highway time, and coaxing the car into EV mode as often as possible, the 2023 has returned 52 mpg over 6,200 miles. It also seems to be a little quieter inside as well. I have read many reviews of other hybrid cars (Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Honda CRV), both on here, and in auto magazines. There are many articles & reviews reporting these other models don't produce their claimed MPG. Our RAV 4s easily exceed the window sticker 41 city/37 highway estimates. It seems Toyota has really mastered the hybrid technology beyond their competitors.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the RAV4 Hybrid since its last redesign.
Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs. Mazda CX-50 Hybrid | Small Hybrid SUV Comparison Test
Let's get electrified! In this comparison test video, Edmunds' Emme Hall reviews the hybrid versions of three of the most popular small SUVs on the market: The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-50. Each has its pros and cons, but one stands out above the rest.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a small crossover SUV and one of the most popular vehicles on the road today. Despite being among the oldest vehicles in its class, the current RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid outsell everything in Toyota's lineup as well as basically anything that's not a full-size pickup truck. While we like the RAV4 Hybrid for its stellar fuel economy, sizable cargo area and smooth ride, things like in-car tech and Toyota's driver aids feel behind the times when stacked up against rivals.
Edmunds spotlight: Better mpg and power than a regular RAV4
The RAV4 Hybrid has more power than the regular model and boasts an excellent EPA fuel economy estimate of 40 mpg in combined driving. Compared to the standard RAV4, the price increase is reasonable, and the RAV4 Hybrid offers just as much cargo space as the standard version.
Competitors to consider
The RAV4 Hybrid has plenty of tough competition. Some top rivals include the Kia Sportage Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid. That bunch are all roughly the same size and start around the same price as the RAV4 Hybrid. If you need a little more space than what the RAV4 offers, Toyota offers two other hybrid SUVs that we think are pretty solid, the Toyota Venza and three-row Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Edmunds says
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a competitive choice for a small SUV. We like its high mpg, smooth ride and sizable cargo capacity. Whether you're looking for a basic SUV for urban living or something with all-wheel drive and a little more adventure in its DNA, the RAV4 has you covered.
FAQ
Is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 58 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the RAV4 Hybrid ranges from 37.5 to 37.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid:
No significant changes for 2025
Part of the fifth Toyota RAV4 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RAV4 Hybrid. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RAV4 Hybrid's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 58 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $32,300.
Other versions include:
LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $32,300
XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $33,810
SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $34,995
Woodland Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $35,520
XLE Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $36,700
XSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $37,960
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $40,605
What are the different models of Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?
If you're interested in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the next question is, which RAV4 Hybrid model is right for you? RAV4 Hybrid variants include LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Woodland Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of RAV4 Hybrid models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more