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2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

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Make
Toyota
Model
RAV4 Hybrid
Year
2018
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 LE 4dr All-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $27,385
2018 XLE 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $29,280
2018 SE 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $32,435
2018 Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $34,280

Overview

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid takes the appeal of the Prius and Camry Hybrid and puts it on a pair of stilts. While affordable gas prices mean consumers aren't thinking too much about fuel economy as they devour new crossovers, the RAV4 Hybrid is a reminder that electrification and crossovers are not mutually exclusive concepts.

What's New for 2018

After 2017’s safety update to include the Toyota Safety Sense suite to all trims, the 2018 RAV4 Hyrbid enters the year with a new Hybrid LE base trim but, otherwise, there are no major feature or styling updates.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Choosing Your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

All Hybrid models are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is tuned for efficiency and mated to a continuously variable transmission. Working together with the two-motor hybrid system, 194 combined horsepower is transmitted through a standard all-wheel drive system.

The RAV4 Hybrid is EPA-rated at 34 miles per gallon city, 30 highway, 32 combined, representing a 33-percent increase in the combined rating versus the gas-only model. The Hybrid specific gauge cluster and energy monitor display provide real-time feedback as to the source and direction of power.

The Hybrid model lineup starts with the new LE base trim, while the mid-level XLE, the sporty SE, and the most popular and luxurious trim, Limited carry on unchanged.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

LE

The RAV4 Hybrid LE trim starts at $28,130 (including $995 destination fee) and features 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, and Toyota Safety Sense – a suite of safety tech that consists of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Dual-zone climate control will keep both driver and passenger comfortable, while a rear-view camera makes reversing less of a chore.

Also included is a six-speaker audio system which operates via a 6.1-inch Entune infotainment system. Proximity entry and push-button start make entering and exiting the RAV4 Hybrid a breeze, too. There are no major option packages on this base trim.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

XLE

The Hybrid XLE ($30,025) features a leather wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, a sunroof, and heated mirrors. Push-button start makes getting going easier, and might be the most welcome improvement over the base model.

The Hybrid Convenience Package is available for $1,905 and includes blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic assist, front and rear parking sensors, navigation via the Entune infotainment system's seven-inch touchscreen, and a height adjustable power tailgate. The same package is available with front heated seats for $2,785.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

SE

The Hybrid SE trim ($33,180) is Toyota's attempt at a sporty hybrid crossover. It adds 18-inch wheels, a firmer suspension, and LED headlights.

The interior receives a navigation system, faux leather upholstery, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, and heated seats up front.

The Convenience Package is now standard, while the available Advanced Technology Package ($2,875) adds a premium JBL audio system, surround-view cameras, front and rear parking sensors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated Homelink.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Limited

The Hybrid Limited trim ($35,025) takes everything from the lesser trims and adds an auto-dimming mirror, Homelink system, bright 18-inch wheels, a leather wrapped shifter knob, and a memory function for the driver's seat. Front and rear parking sensors and the Entune audio system are both standard.

The Advanced Technology package now only includes the surround-view cameras and an upgraded JBL audio system, but the price is down to a more reasonable $1,435.

CarsDirect Tip

While the Hybrid SE and Limited are appealing, neither really offers enough content to justify their higher prices. Instead, check out the XLE for a good blend of content that's easy on the wallet.

Get your price on a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid »

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Writer

Reintroduced in 2016 following a 13-year hiatus, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers buyers a roomy interior, smooth ride, a slew of active safety features, and better fuel economy and acceleration than its gasoline-only sibling. But it also disappoints with a quirky design, a pedestrian interior, and mundane handling.

Best Value

Available in four all-wheel-drive trim levels, pricing for the 2018 RAV4 Hybrid begins at $28,430 for an LE and finishes up at $37,000 for a Limited model with the available Advanced Technology Package with options.

With a single engine and transmission choice, the RAV4 Hybrid comes with a range of standard advanced safety features (a rearview camera, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams), and an equipment list that includes the usual power bits plus dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, keyless push-button start, and privacy glass.

The choice comes down to equipment level. Although it isn't any sportier, we'd gravitate to the SE with easier-to-clean leatherette seats, brighter and more efficient LED headlights and taillights, a moonroof, a height-adjustable power liftgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless push-button start, and an upgraded audio and rearview camera system with navigation, Siri Eyes Free, satellite radio, and HD traffic and weather. Here's how we'd build it:

  • Model: 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE
  • Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 50-kw electric motor
  • Output: 194 hp / 206 lb-ft (hybrid system net)
  • Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  • MPG: 34 City / 30 Hwy
  • Options: None
  • Base Price: $33,480 (including a $1,045 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $33,480

Performance

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Although an 8.1-second zero to 60 time is one second quicker than the gasoline-only version, the RAV4 Hybrid is best at smooth, relaxed cruising. A comfortable everyday vehicle, it easily manages bumps and road irregularities, is quiet, and little wind and road noise makes its way into the cabin. With a high-tech two-motor setup that includes a winter-friendly 67-horsepower motor that powers the rear wheels, it can accelerate – albeit gingerly - to 20 miles per hour on electric power alone.

Hardly fast, it lacks the usable low-end torque found in the available turbocharged entries from Honda, Subaru, and Ford. When pressed, the 2.5-liter four-pot emits a tortured howl. In addition, the comfortable ride comes at the expense of handling prowess and, compared to the Mazda CX-5, the RAV4 Hybrid isolates its driver much more, both through the chassis and the steering. Finally, fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 34 miles per gallon city, 30 mpg highway, and 32 combined, isn't much better than many of its gasoline-only rivals.

Style

The RAV4 Hybrid's functional cabin offers solid build quality with fine materials, a logical layout, and with well-placed buttons and knobs. The front seats offer plenty of all-day driving support along with an easy to access cargo area and up to a nearly class-leading 73.4 cubic feet of space.

At the same time, the steering wheel doesn't telescope enough for taller drivers, the second row bench isn't nearly as comfortable as the seats up front, while the lack of available leather upholstery is an affront – especially on the range-topping Platinum trim, which can cost $37,000.

As for the exterior, we'd appreciate a bit more personality. The RAV4 Hybrid is neither exciting nor attractive to look at.

The Best and Worst Things

Like most of the rest of Toyota's lineup, all RAV4 Hybrid trims come standard with a best-in-class array of advanced safety technologies. At the same time, the RAV4 Hybrid's priciest trim doesn't come close to matching that of rivals from Honda, Mazda, or Ford.

Right For? Wrong For?

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

An extensive list of standard advanced active safety features is sure to attract safety-conscious buyers.

A dearth of luxury features and quirky, odd styling are sure to be turn-offs for style-conscious drivers.

The Bottom Line

A solid contender in the compact crossover class, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid adds improved fuel economy to the gasoline-only model's repertoire. At the same time, buyers looking for performance and luxury touches should check out its competitors.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 150 HP / 152 ft.lbs.
Transmission
2-spd sequential shift control CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Automatic Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
34 / 30 / 32 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 150 HP / 152 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Automatic Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
34 / 30 / 32 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
14.8 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$56
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
70.6 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
101 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
181.1 "
Exterior Width
72.6 "
Exterior Height
67.1 "
Front Headroom
39.8 "
Rear Headroom
38.9 "
Front Legroom
42.6 "
Rear Legroom
37.2 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,925 Lbs.
Wheel Base
105 "
Turning Radius
17.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Machined Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated Convex Spotter
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Toyota Safety Sense C Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Alert (lda) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Vehicle Sway Warning Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 25,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
24 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for Sale

4 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Toyota
SE
Color: Gray
Mileage

64,253 mi

Map location icon

Pacific Auto Center - Fontana (56 mi)

Phone: (909) 429-1100
Toyota
LE
Color: Silver
Price

$18,995

Mileage

124,222 mi

Map location icon

Yans Auto Group (19 mi)

Phone: (818) 455-5588
Toyota
XLE
Color: Red
Price

$20,999

Mileage

78,163 mi

Map location icon

Royal Auto Dealer Los Angeles (32 mi)

Phone: (424) 444-6030
Toyota
SE
Color: Silver
Price

$24,551

Mileage

54,060 mi

Map location icon

Honda of North Hollywood (18 mi)

Phone: (818) 301-3800
See All Used Car Listings

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