The Toyota RAV4 has been the best-selling crossover vehicle in 2021. The 5th gen RAV4 has received a lot of acclaim for its looks inside and out, its technology and overall practicality.
The RAV4 also has two hybrid editions: the standard hybrid and the Prime model. While it’s not as quick, the former model is still known for its amazing fuel efficiency. Its 2022 version is out and should be on sale soon.
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review and Features
The new RAV4 Hybrid features a few changes. As far as the exterior is concerned, most trims get a new set of headlamps. There’s a new SE trim that bridges the gap between the high-end sporty XSE trim and the lower ones.
The following is a brief review of the hybrid:
Powertrain and Fuel Economy
The 2022 RAV4 Hybrid features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an eCVT gearbox. The output is 219 horsepower and it is sent to all the wheels as standard. Testers say that the car blasts off every time you hit the throttle.
At around 7 seconds, it certainly does better than its gasoline-powered twin. However, it does fall behind the RAV4 Prime which takes around 5.5 seconds to achieve 60mph. But what about the fuel economy?
The RAV4 Hybrid does decently here with its 40-mpg fuel mileage. Of course, it is dwarfed by the RAV4 Prime with its 70+mpge fuel economy. The Prime also adds to this with its all-electric range of more than 40 miles.
Interior and Technology
While it isn’t the most stylish one in the market, the hybrid RAV4 still gets a great-looking cabin. It has been beautifully designed for maximum spaciousness and practicality. There’s a lot of room for your head and legs.
Looks aside, you get a lot of tech available as well. There’s a dual-zone climate control system, keyless entry, multimedia controls on your steering, telematics, and an adjustable floor. There’s a 7-inch touchscreen as well.
You can also upgrade to goodies such as ventilated seating, leather seat covers, ambient interior lighting, etc. The RAV4 Hybrid also offers an ample amount of space for your cargo and many storage cubbies.
The standard safety systems are plenty as they’re offered on most Toyotas. You get adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane departure and lane keep assists, etc. The new SE trim doesn’t add a lot to the mix however.
Exterior and Driving
As decent as the interior is, the exterior is striking to look at. It makes the car look huge and a complete powerhouse. If you want your RAV4 to look even more eye-catching, then the SE and XSE trims give it sportier accents.
With everything great so far, the drive may change things a bit. While the RAV4 Hybrid is decent when you consider acceleration, it isn’t so when it comes to handling. The steering and the cornering feel flat unfortunately.
Price and Warranty
The 2022 RAV4 is expensive when you consider its base model. It costs around $30k and this can go up to the mid $40,000 range. Moving up the trims does make it good value for money when you look at what’s offered.
The warranty is the same as any other Toyota car available today. The new RAV4 will be covered for 36k miles or 3 years. Its powertrain will be covered for 60k miles/5 years. Toyota’s genuine parts will be used in both cases.
One or the other milestone will end the warranty in both coverages. For the plug-in, you also get an 8-year or 100k mile-warranty for its batteries. Toyota will also give you complimentary maintenance for two years or 25k miles.
For a post-warranty period there are some Toyota genuine parts suppliers like https://sts-global.com/toyota-parts, which can provide a reliable supply of necessary parts and components.
Verdict
There’s no doubt that the Toyota RAV4 and its hybrid versions are some of the best CUVs available today. They’re very functional and spacious. The design on the outside is eye-catching while the inside looks very composed.
There’s a techfest inside with all of the utility and safety features. The ride is good and so is the acceleration. The RAV4 does lose points for its poor handling but at least the ride is comfortable.
The Prime version overshadows the standard hybrid in terms of fuel economy and acceleration. Still, the RAV4 Hybrid does well with what it has based on the price. The SE trim doesn’t add a lot to the lineup however.
