Model Tested: 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD SUV
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
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
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
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
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.
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