2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

An Adventurer’s Vehicle of Choice

Spacious, comfortable and reliable since 1994. The Toyota Rav4 has pretty much been the default choice for the weekend adventurers while offering family practicality with its shear amount of cargo space in a 5 passenger size factor. And as good as it sounds, it didn’t take long for others to hop onto the hot seller’s bandwagon that marked a new generation of cross-over SUV’s. Honda was quick to adapt to the market with its ever-popular CR-V and since then, many others have joined the cross-over SUV competition arena. The Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tuscon, and Ford Escape are those that come to mind when spotting 5-passenger cross-over species on the road today.

Although its 4th generation was initially debuted back in 2012, the 2018 RAV4 comes with plenty of new standards and features. All models now come with Toyota Safe Sense Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams. Base models now also come standard with a 4.2″ information display, automatic headlamps, 6.1″ display audio. The LE FWD and AWD are also rewarded with heated front seats and a rear view backup camera.

In terms of packages, there are plenty. The base LE FWD model comes in at $27,395 while the starting price for the base LE AWD model comes in at $29,870 and the highest Platinum AWD model will set you back $39,856. And of course, there’s the RAV4 Hybrid models available. Our Rav4 Hybrid Limited tester comes in at $41,990 that comes equipped with upgraded JBL audio system, enlarged 18″ alloy wheels, dual climate controls and the full Toyota Safety technology package. In retrospect with last year, minimal changes have been made with this year’s iteration. But we did notice a price drop on the RAV 4 Hybrid Limited model with a price difference of $1700 from last year’s model.

The Drive

The magic behind the wheels are explained by a 2.5L hybrid synergy drive powertrain whose reliability has been proven to the bones since the days of the Prius. The output power is a rated at 176 horsepower and 172 lbs.ft of torque. So there’s no denying that the drive is somewhat numb and boring with limited torque provided during acceleration. With its elevated chassis height, the Rav4 does provide some capability riding over rough grounds to some extent. The RAV4 also makes an attempt to refuse submission on harsh cornering, and that’s thanked by a stiff-tuned Macpherson Strut/Double Wishbone suspensions. That; however, is compromised a bit with driving comfort. Despite its harsh(er) ride on the road, the drive is still a comfortable one thanks to its smooth powertrain and excellent insulation from the road noise.

A key not worth mentioning is the smooth power transition between pure electric and hybrid mode where the engine kicks in. A century’s wait for power to kick in from the engine has been significantly shortened to offer a much responsiveness in the accelerator pedal to improve ride quality and driver demand.

Interior space and materials reflect an accommodation to outdoor applications. Flooring is layered with thick rubber pads and the overall interior paneling is made up of rugged leather material. Our tester model also comes with leather seats that provide both a clean and simple look with plenty of comfort that comes along with it. Though some of its competitors such as the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape will offer an interior space of better eye candy, but the RAV4 interior does hold well on its own by opting in for a more rugged and durable feel rather than just for strict cosmetics.

Final Thoughts

At a price point of $41,990 for the RAV4 Hybrid Limited model, you get a smooth sailor with sharp styling and AWD all in a convenience package. There’s still plenty of room in the rear seats, and there’s also the ability to fold them down through a 60/40 split to increase rear capacity. Fuel economy is impressive to say the least with its rated EPA at 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The pet peeve that I do have is its lack of steering precision and feedback, especially given its stiff tuned suspensions that does make the RAV4 more stable around corners. But the lack of steering precision does rob driving enthusiasm a bit. Still, the RAV4 plays a good balance of off road adventuring, practicality and city driving that will continue to make plenty of buyers happy with what it has to offer.