Toyota Rav4 Hybrid continues to post great mileage numbers
Craig and Deanne Conover
Sunday Drive
Just two short years after Toyota introduced the hybrid version of the ever-popular RAV4 mid-sized SUV, it continues to impress us with mileage numbers that are certainly worth a look. Last year, the RAV4 overtook the Toyota Camry as the best-selling vehicle in the Toyota arsenal. This is quite a feat as the Camry has held that title for a very long time.
The RAV4 is the eighth hybrid offering from the king of hybrid technology and is one of only two SUVs that have made the list for Toyota. The only vehicles not on that list are the larger SUVs and trucks, but we would suspect that at some point the hybrid magicians at Toyota will find a way to include them also.
This year, Toyota’s website claims that the new RAV4 will bring about a “New level of innovation.” After a week with the SE version, we were more than impressed with all the innovation that Toyota has injected into the hybrid version of the RAV4 — including the ability to get fantastic gas mileage. This time around, we were not disappointed as we achieved just over 33 mpg during the week.
The first time we drove the RAV4 Hybrid, we were so impressed with the mpg numbers that we just had to know how it was possible from a mid-sized SUV? What the engineers have done is include two electric motors in the hybrid system, one that adds extra power for the front wheels and will allow the RAV4 to drive up to a certain speed to function in electric mode only. There is another electric motor that is used on the rear wheels only as needed, which is determined by the vehicles onboard computer if road conditions warrant its use or if more power is needed.
This unique setup is like getting the best of all worlds — more power when needed, extra traction that is all electric only when needed. With all four wheels hooked up to electric motors, there is more regenerative breaking ability for the RAV to recharge the batteries when braking. We did note that, with all four wheels used in this breaking process, the SUV slowed more evenly without the strange feeling that we had applied too much brake as usually happens with front-wheel drive hybrid.
Four years ago, the RAV4 got a complete overhaul, receiving its coming-of-age look. Most likely, that was one of the reasons that it has outpaced the Camry. Many folks here in the U.S. are flocking to buy mid-sized SUVs instead of the typical family sedan or minivan. Since its inception in 1994, when the RAV4 was meant to replace the huge SUVs that had become most folks’ choice, it has come a long way and now leads the pack, even when the likes of the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape are involved.
Two years ago, Toyota did a mid-cycle refresh on the RAV4. The most notable change is in the front of the SUV, which now looks really grown up and even more truck-like, getting some design element help from its big brothers in the Toyota family. It now more closely resembles the 4Runner and Tacoma from up front. It’s definitely the angrier, more chiseled look that Toyota has been touting for the past few years.
The all-LED headlights and daytime running lights round out the front end. The new look is really something that Craig and basically all the men are drawn to in this version of the RAV4. The addition of what looks like front and rear skid plates are a very nice touch, tempting every driver to get off road and use the small SUV as it has been designed.
Gone with the new design is the option of a V6 motor as most folks were opting for the 4-cylinder anyway. The current 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder motor with the electric motor boost puts out an impressive 194 horsepower. Never did we feel underpowered — something that some hybrids can’t say. It also has a decent 0 to 60 time of 8 seconds.
With the addition of a six-speed transmission, the RAV4 is quite nimble. In the past, we have had the opportunity to have four adults in the RAV4. They fit better than we would have expected, with no complaining about leg room in the back. In fact, riders we have had commented on the ample room for their legs and heads when riding in the rear seats.
New this year was the addition of the Toyota Safety Sense package as a standard feature on the RAV4. This system includes lane departure warning, pre-collision warning with emergency braking and pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and our favorite — dynamic radar cruise control. If you have never driven with radar cruise, it is so helpful, even in heavy traffic.
A great add-on was the addition of the 7-inch touch screen that came with navigation, Toyota Entune system, and a very powerful JBL sound system with 11 speakers, including a great subwoofer in the rear of the RAV4.
The spare tire, of course, no longer resides on the rear door. It has moved underneath the rear compartment, as with most all of the competition, taking away some of the rear under-carpet storage space.
The RAV4 is the perfect small family automobile. It is made for running around with gear for all the kids in comfort, yet not having to worry if the kids spill something — and they will — in the rear seats. Maneuvering in tight spaces is fantastic and it will turn on a dime — a couple of the great features that come with a small-footprint SUV. Wintertime will pose no challenge for the AWD vehicle, so it’s a great addition to any Utah family.
It would also work for empty nesters just like us that just wanted to get great gas mileage from a compact SUV for running errands or the occasional night out with friends. Overall, it was a fun vehicle that we would enjoy driving even for an extended period of time. Check them out today at Brent Brown Toyota, 1400 Sandhill Road in Orem, (801) 224-1320.
Base Price: $33,610
Price as Driven: $34,510
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