The Japanese Hybrid SUV With The Highest Fuel Cost Savings

The Japanese Hybrid SUV With The Highest Fuel Cost Savings

Efficiency is one of the primary factors to consider when you’re shopping for a hybrid car. Hybridization is becoming an increasingly popular option for many consumers because of the immense cost savings without having to sacrifice performance or utility. Thanks to this demand, together with the realization that a full electric transition is basically unattainable within the next decade, brands are making a concerted effort to invest more in gasoline-electric hybrid technologies. Of course, they’re placing a much bigger focus on the electrification aspect, as many companies have already reached the peak of their engine development programs.

The Japanese automotive industry benefits from an extensive history of producing affordable, efficient, and reliable vehicles. This is even more true when looking at its gasoline-electric hybrid industry. The likes of Toyota and Honda are widely

considered to be the pioneers in this field
, as they have consistently offered impressive examples that apply this technology. As you can expect, there is a fair share of compelling Japanese hybrid SUVs currently available in the new car market, but there’s one option in particular that stands out from the rest. This is thanks to the considerable fuel cost savings that you can enjoy over an extended period with frequent use. It also has the benefit of enjoying a strong reputation in the global market, thanks to its consistently reliable, versatile, and cost-effective execution.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota’s websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and Edmunds.

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How Much Gas Money You’ll Save Over 5 Years With The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 is a top three pick for a family SUV, but the hybrid version takes it a step further with significant gas savings.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Saves $2,500 On Gas In Five Years

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid benefits from an impressive set of EPA-estimated fuel consumption ratings, despite boasting a relatively heavy curb weight figure and low drag coefficient rating. According to the EPA, you can expect the RAV4 Hybrid to return a

41/38/39 MPG result on its city/highway/combined cycle
and a class-leading 566-mile range from the 14.5-gallon tank and 1.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Opting for the Woodland Edition
means you have to make do with a 38/35/37 MPG consumption estimate and a 536-mile range, because it features a chunkier set of multi-terrain tires.

Fuel Consumption Data

RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition
City 41 MPG 38 MPG
Highway 38 MPG 35 MPH
Combined 39 MPG 37 MPG
Overall Driving Range 566 Miles 536 Miles

According to the EPA’s aforementioned testing, you can expect to save up to $2,500 in fuel costs over the course of five years and spend $1,150 on fuel every year. It will also cost you $1.96 to drive 25 miles and $44 to fill up the 14.5-gallon tank. The Woodland Edition will see you saving $2,000 over the same period and $2.06 to drive 25 miles.

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Why The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Should Be On The Top Of Your New-Car List

If any hybrids are on your radar, they should include some Toyotas. And, if it had to come down to one, it should be the RAV4 Hybrid.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Produces 219 Horsepower

A blue Toyota RAV4 Hybrid small hybrid SUV.
Toyota 

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid features the brand’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine. This generates 176 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque without any electrical assistance with a dual-motor setup for the all-wheel drive system. Toyota doesn’t disclose combined torque figures for most of its hybridized products, but confirms that the system generates a combined 219 horsepower output. The ICE produces 176 horsepower, while the front electric motor generates 118 horsepower and 149 pound-feet. The rear motor produces 54 horsepower and 89 pound-feet of torque.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Specs And Performance

Engine 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder And Two Permanent-Magnet Motors
Transmission eCVT
Combined Horsepower 219 HP
Combined Torque 163 LB-FT
Drivetrain All-wheel drive Integrated Management
0-60 MPH 7.3 Seconds
Top Speed 117 MPH

The result is a fairly respectable 7.3-second 0-60 MPH time and 117 MPH top speed. If you want to enjoy a good RAV4 performance experience, we’d recommend considering the PHEV Prime model, with its 302-horsepower state-of-tune thanks to a third motor configuration. Independent reviews suggest that Toyota is a bit bold with its performance claims, and that you can expect this model to cover the sprint in 7.8 seconds from a standing start. Regardless, there are still some impressive results in the context of the current hybrid crossover market.

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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Reliability

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Being a RAV4, the hybrid iteration also benefits from some incredibly high-reliability scores. Consumer Reports issues the model with an 83/100 predicted reliability rating, which is one of the highest marks you’ll see in this segment. J.D. Power backs this score with a reasonably impressive 80/100 quality and reliability rating.

Furthermore, the NHTSA has not subjected the RAV4 Hybrid range to any recalls whatsoever over the last three model years, which is an incredible result for a vehicle that has been sold so extensively during this period, further highlighting the brand’s commitment to long-term dependability and reliability.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s Atkinson-cycle engine enhances reliability through its efficient and simplified design, which reduces internal stress and wear. This engine generates less heat and pressure by optimizing the timing of the intake and compression strokes, which leads to improved durability and fuel efficiency. Toyota pairs this engine with a

direct drive eCVT
instead of a conventional transmission, eliminating many components prone to failure, such as a torque converter or clutch. The eCVT relies on an electric motor system, which operates seamlessly with fewer moving parts and requires less maintenance over time.

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This Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Trim Is Actually Worth The Premium

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is available in several trims. Here’s the one that offers the best bang for your buck and is worth the extra penny.

How Much A New Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Costs

A green 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is parked in the grass.
Toyota 

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE starts off at $31,900, while the Limited sits at the top of the range at $40,205. Toyota also makes the RAV4 Hybrid range a bit more diverse, by including the special Woodland trim, which costs $35,120. This is basically an XLE with a lot of off-road-inspired exterior and interior trimmings applied.

If you prefer the XLE, this will cost you $33,410, while the

XLE Premium will have you increasing your budget to $36,300
. Toyota charges a $1,350 delivery fee for all RAV4 Hybrid units. Toyota doesn’t offer many optional extras for the RAV4 range, but there are some available packages for select trims. You can only specify the Hybrid LE with the $680 blind-spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert and $90 rear cargo cover packages.

2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Pricing

Price

LE

$31,900

XLE

$33,410

Woodland Edition

$35,120

XLE Premium

$36,300

XSE

$37,560

Limited

$40,205

The Hybrid XLE has access to the brand’s $925 Winter Package, $1,265 Convenience Package, and $2,190 Premium Convenience package. These include a host of extras, such as an electronic tailgate, sunroof, a heated leather steering wheel, and front seat heating. The XLE Premium gets access to the 10.5-inch touchscreen and 11-speaker JBL audio system for $2,485. You can merge this with the aforementioned packages for $3,125 and $3,750, respectively. The Limited has access to three package groups, the most expensive of which is the $2,540 specification. This adds most of the aforementioned features, as well as a panoramic roof and digital rearview mirror.

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Ranking The Best Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Model Years For Reliability

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is pushing a decade on the road, and here’s how they fared in terms of reliability.

Why The RAV4 Hybrid Is Such A Big Deal For Toyota

A side View Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition.
Toyota 

Research and investigative studies highlight why U.S. consumers typically prefer crossovers and SUVs like the

Toyota RAV4 over sedans like the Camry
. A noteworthy reason for this is because of how these higher-riding alternatives offer improved versatility and practicality. The RAV4 Hybrid doesn’t benefit from much more cargo space and better rear-seat legroom compared to a midsize sedan, but it does outperform other noteworthy hybrid sedan options in this category. This makes it an ideal companion for families who tend to frequent road trips and live active lifestyles.

The Toyota RAV4’s Success In The U.S.

  • The Toyota RAV4 offers a spacious interior and ample cargo capacity, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Its fuel-efficient engines, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, attract eco-conscious buyers seeking lower running costs.
  • Toyota’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs makes the RAV4 a trusted choice for long-term ownership.
  • The RAV4 features standard advanced safety technologies, including Toyota Safety Sense, appealing to safety-conscious consumers.
  • Its all-wheel-drive capability and rugged styling resonate with buyers looking for versatility and off-road potential.
  • A broad range of trims and price points ensures the RAV4 caters to diverse customer needs and preferences.

Crossovers also benefit from an elevated driving position, which provides better visibility compared to sedans. Drivers appreciate this when traversing urban and suburban environments with lots of obstructions and visual distractions. Drivers also feel safer when piloting a larger vehicle like a RAV4 Hybrid, even though many experts have disproved its safety benefits over sedans. The RAV4 hybrid in particular nails the perfect balance between fuel efficiency and utility, thanks to Toyota’s extensive experience in gasoline-electric hybrid technology, which dates back to the

original 1997 Toyota Prius
.

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