Toyota RAV4 vs RAV4 Hybrid 0-60 Test & Comparison!

The RAV4 is a great SUV, but for a similar cost, you can have a hybrid version. So today I break down the differences between the two along with their performance and reliability. This kind of test is becoming even more important with the new Honda CR-V and Kia Sorento also offering hybrid versions and a whole host of others on their way!

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Realistick_

Thank you, Royal South Toyota for loaning me the RAV4s for today’s review!

@drivingsports video on RAV4 TRD Offroad

[Realistick]

I will include a full section on reliability in my full review, however, it is worth noting that numerous people (especially in Canada) are reporting corrosion issues with a pivotal wiring harness that can be upwards of 6 grand to fix! Thank you @anthony aron

[JesusTorres-bwbn]

3k for a hybrid battery over 12years is such a good deal. And I can confirm Toyota hybrid reliability, I have a 2012 Prius with 210k miles and it is now 12 years old, I’ve owned it since brand new and the car still drives like when it was brand new, the hybrid battery still holds charge like when I drive it off the lot 12 years ago. Now with the rav4 being newer I’m sure Toyota perfected the hybrid system in their cars so I would definitely say that it would definitely last 12-17 years on the original battery

[joedanero]

I've driven both and the Hybrid is a smoother experience. It's buttery nice to drive and quick. As the cost of hybrid battery replacement technique comes down I don't think replacement will be as difficult or expensive when these need to be replaced. The drive batteries are underneath the rear seat. There are two types. NiMh and Lipo. Lipo does'nt do as great in cold climates and NiMh is better for the environment(currently).
By the time these batteries need to be replaced in these new hybrids they will be far less expensive to remove and replace than the current day cost(which isn't bad currently). And recycling will be far more efficient which it already is for NiMh and is gaining steam for lithium.
By the way....The Toyota eCVT is an amazing piece of tech. It's been evolving over 20yrs. I'd trust it to last over that 8speed. Based off of the 20yr Prius experiments...Now they are beefed up in a few different versions.
It's really a mechanical marvel. I'm an engineering nerd and it is a very impressive, yet simple and reliable drivetrain.

[vfcs]

Purchased a 2020 Rav4 Limited Hybrid in October of 2019 for most of the reasons you site as well as my personal preferences. Average Annual mileage has been a consistent 40.5 MPG the last two years. This includes all sorts of driving in northern Illinois including road trips to south Florida (mid winter) and north Wisconsin (all seasons). High average MPG is of course in the summer climbing to approximately 45 MPG. This diminishes to 40.5 by the start of March when I reset the meter. Trip mileages as high as 50+ MPG when driving 45 MPH or slower in the summer on two lane roads or city with minimal stopping and as low as 33 MPG when driving winter into a north headwind on the highway at 70+ MPH with the rear loaded with two bicycles and trip luggage, and two passengers.

[tomtalker]

I think if one is going too go with the RAV the hybrid is your best bet. The 219hp is quite punchy and makes a big difference over the gas engine.

[cycloopnl]

Got a 2021 RAV4 XSE AWD hybrid and I love it.

[maxmaxed]

Thank you so much I think I'm going with gas one, especially since used RAV4 difference is $3-7k between hybrid and gas. It completely removes any advantage hybrid provides outside of having some extra torque

[catnipleaf]

Truth be told, you really can’t go wrong with either powertrain. The RAV4 is a dependable, reliable crossover that will last you a good while

[LLrevneD]

How would you say the hybrid’s AWD system compares to the conventional, non torque vectoring gas only model’s AWD system? I’ll probably do mild off roading every now and then with my car but nothing that most people take a 4 Runner to

[petergruber]

Tyler, always appreciate your insights. Do you have any thoughts on the Ford Escape Hybrid?

[JRZ]

I purchased a ‘22 XLE premium after my wife passed on it when she was looking for her car. I had no intentions of ever buying a CUV, but my ‘20 WRX was killing my wallet, at 22-23mpg on premium. I got $1500 over what I paid for my WRX on the trade. I am quite happy with the RAV- acceleration, mileage and cargo capacity.

[cpaul]

There are a lot of aftermarket companies that are replacing or repairing hybrid batteries. Had a 2011 Prius and they're mobile. Hybrid Repair 911 was the company.. 1550 and all was will.. My nephew now has the car and has had no issues at 225k

[tophlovr]

How does the hybrid control wind and road noise vs the gas powered?

Everyone says the hybrid is quieter and cannot be compared to the gas. For the me wind noise in the gas powered one is a huge deal breaker. So noisy!

[ronaldoquintos]

Actually I have a shop that upgrade NiMH Lithium Iron Phosphate with a lifespan of 2-3 times that of the OEM batteries and they coast half af only 1600 bucks. I’m the only one in Houston who does that

[Buc_Stops_Here]

Note the gas powered version is better in the snow than the hybrid version. On slippery surfaces the hybrid tends to spin the front tires momentarily before power is sent to the rear for better traction. Also note Toyota has extended the warranty from 8 years 100, 000 miles now to ten years and 150, 000 miles in 2020 due to some complaints about durability.

[SlLENTSAMURI]

You know the rav4 has 2 Sport modes, right??? One on the shifter and a button or on the knob for eco or sport???

[richardmorse]

Great video! I’m having a tough time deciding between the gas or hybrid RAV4 which my wife would be driving mainly. We keep our vehicles for a long time and I wonder if having to replace the high voltage battery at a cost of $8000-10, 000 makes it worthwhile. I also wonder about resale after 10-15 years?

[cocm]

I own a 2021 XLE hybrid. I, ve owned it for 3 years exactly this month and 78, 600 miles. Gas mileage is excellent when I get a good fill, approximate, y 520 miles on a tank. The steering is soft and delayed, but it is what it is.
Toyota won’t admit it but I think I have a gas tank issue. I get the 520 miles on tank when I fill up at a gas station which has a downward slope. On a flat surface gas station I only get 370-400 miles which is unfortunate.

[lmstefanini]

Some facts about the hybrid.

1., The hybrid is meant to save fuel in the city or slow roads. If the driving profile is mainly on motorways with velocity above 110 km/h the fuel consumption of the Hybrid approaches the Regular one and the extra investment may not worth

2. The hybrids work best in mild to hot ambient temperatures ( 18 - 30 degC). Since the design relies on the thermal efficiency of the engine and in the availability of the battery, the performance of the car drops significantly in cold weather conditions. Not only the gas mileage, but also the lack of acceleration through the electrical motor / traction battery is easily noticed. In my experience, the fuel consumption can easily drop by 30 % in sub freezing ambiente temperatures, approaching the regular model.

3. The life of the battery is not determined by the mileage, but by the usability of the cars. Cars that are used daily are prone to have last longing batteries, while the ones that are used sporadically, the battery will tend to fail shorter.

In summary, the hybrids worths for those that rides regularly in the city or small roads and in mild to hot temperatures. Interestingly in Europe it is the preferable car for taxi drivers in some cities.

For other driving styles it worths the analysis if the hybrid is adequate.

[byronmoore]

FYI the 8 speed is a learning transmission. Look it up at the car care nut on you tube.