Flash Drive

2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Model Tested: 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD SUV

The Toyota RAV4 comes in several iterations including a highly efficient hybrid model.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 + electric, 194 net horsepower, 152 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, on-demand all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 34-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 32-mpg combined

Base Price: $32,185

As Tested: $36,450

Performance:

Good acceleration and power

Drive modes: EV, ECO, Sport

No 4×4 controls

Excellent fuel economy—our best was 40.5-mpg highway

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid is little changed from the 2017 version. The power tailgate has ample clearance for tall people.

Our average economy exceeded EPA estimates

On-demand all-wheel-drive system

Smooth highway ride

Blind spot and lane departure monitors

Auto dimming headlights

Comfort:

Super stretch-out front legroom

Excellent headroom

Nice quality interior materials and design

Comfy, supportive seats

Driver power lumbar

Two-temp heated front seats

Spacious rear seat; excellent knee, shoe and headroom

Toyota RAV4 front seats and comfortable and supportive with outstanding front legroom.

Great medium thick contoured leather steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Average tilt/telescopic range

Minimal second row floor hump

Adult room in middle position, although seat cushion is hard

Adjustable seatback recline

Good rear seat ingress/egress

Utility:

Power liftgate with ample clearance

Flat cargo deck, but raised area over axle

Some tools under raised area

Folded rear seats have some slope

The split, folding rear seats have a noticeable upward slope.

Retractable cargo cover

Large glovebox, but no lock

Two-part console bin with cell phone tray

Medium size front door bins with bottle notches

Large sunvisors with center extensions

Good sized infotainment screen

Small second row door bins

Two large, pliable, vinyl seatback storage pouches

WOW Factors:

Excellent fuel economy

The Toyota RAV4 leather steering wheel has just the right thickness and contour for long trip comfort.

Great interior passenger space

Good city size compact SUV

Whines:

Cargo floor not completely flat

Not big fan of grille/frontend styling

Heated front seat switches hard to reach

Cheap headliner

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a very well balanced compact SUV that’s big on interior space, but small enough outside for parking and maneuvering in town. It gets excellent fuel economy and has the added plus of on-demand all-wheel-drive for sketchy driving conditions.