Model Tested: 2018 Toyota RAV4 SE AWD Hybrid SUV
Engine: Hybrid Synergy Drive — Gas/Electric, 2.5-Liter In-line 4-cylinder, plus electric motor; 194 net Horsepower; 152 Lb.-Ft. of Torque
Transmission: Electronic Continually Variable Transmission — On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive (AWD)
EPA Rating: 34-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 32-mpg combined
Base Price: $32,185
As Tested: $36,450
Driving modes: EV, Eco, Sport
Performance: Respectable power and acceleration, but nothing extraordinary. On round trips to both Spokane and Tri-Cities, it handled well and boasted fuel economy exceeding the EPA ratings – 39.4 mpg average over both trips. The highway ride is smooth but tends to feel a little top-heavy cornering at speed in windy conditions.
Safety Features: Blind Spot and Lane Departure monitors;
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert;
Adaptive Cruise Control;
Smart Stop Technology;
Stability and Traction Controls;
Auto High-Beams;
Four-wheel ABS Disc Brakes;
5-Star safety rating.
Comfort: High-Quality interior materials;
Excellent fit and finish;
Good Ergonomics;
Premium JBL audio system with AM-FM-SiriusXM Satellite radio;
Lots of front legroom;
Excellent headroom;
Comfortable, supportive seats with power lumbar adjustment for the driver;
Dual temperature heated front seats;
Roomy rear seats with good head and legroom;
Almost flat second row floor;
Adults can fit in middle position, but hard seat cushion;
Power Moonroof
Utility: 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system;
Backup camera;
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls;
USB Port with iPod connectivity;
18-inch alloy wheels;
High-Adjustable power liftgate with good clearance;
Flat cargo deck, but raised over rear axle;
Retractable cargo cover;
Large glovebox, but no lock
WOW Factors: Much better fuel economy than EPA ratings;
Easy to handle and park in urban settings;
Great interior room
Whines: No 4×4 Controls;
Seemingly cheap headliner;
Cargo floor not totally flat, with rear seats that slope when folded down
Bottom Line: The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets excellent fuel economy with the bonus of on-demand all-wheel-drive. Overall, this is a very well balanced compact SUV with lots of interior room, but a small enough for easy maneuvering in city/urban conditions. And don’t forget Toyota’s legendary reliability.
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