2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Harja
Price: Coming Soon
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivers all the style and utility of the gas version but with a fuel-sipping powertrain that incidentally makes it quicker. It slots above the Corolla Cross Hybrid and below the Crown Signia in Toyota’s hybrid SUV range. Small crossover competitors include the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Ford Escape Hybrid.
What’s New
Like the gas model, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was completely redesigned for 2019 and received a refresh for 2023. Minor styling and equipment updates were made for 2024, and the 2025 model is mostly carryover. However, as of this year, the Toyota badge no longer features blue accents. We could see a next-generation RAV4 Hybrid for the 2026 model year.
What We Think
The RAV4 might be better as a hybrid. There are the obvious fuel- (and by extension, money-) saving reasons why it’s preferable, but the RAV4 Hybrid is also quicker and power delivery is smoother and more refined.
As with other RAV4s, this one looks good on the outside and boasts an equally stylish cabin. Its dash and center console feel uncluttered, and details like the grippy climate control knobs delight. There’s no cabin space penalty for the hybrid (unlike the plug-in hybrid), so cargo capacity is generous. Soft-touch materials in the RAV4 Hybrid’s top trim levels feel legitimately upscale.
While the hybrid is quicker than the gas model, it’s still not all that fun to drive. The ride can get choppy over some road surfaces, and its steering isn’t very direct. Plus, it’s about time Toyota upgraded these screens, which are on the small side.
Competition in the class has ramped up quickly, in some ways leaving the RAV4 Hybrid behind. We expect the next generation to regain some of that territory through stellar efficiency and competitive technology.
Performance
Every 2025 RAV4 Hybrid features a powertrain with a 2.5-liter inline-four linked to two electric motors and a CVT automatic. A rated 219 hp is sent through the crossover’s standard AWD. With this generation, we launched a 2023 XSE to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds and a first-year model did it in an even quicker 7.1 seconds.
That’s swifter than the gas version’s best time of 8.3 seconds but not nearly as quick as the RAV4 PHEV’s 5.5 seconds. The RAV4 Hybrid also has the edge against the Honda CR-V Hybrid, which needs 7.6 seconds to reach 60 mph.
Fuel Economy and Range
EPA estimates for most 2025 RAV4 Hybrid come in at 41/38 mpg city/highway except the trail-oriented Woodland Edition model, which is rated at 38/35 mpg. Many rivals get close, but few can beat the higher numbers. With its 14.5-gallon tank topped off, non-Woodland models can go up to 566 miles before needing to refuel, too. The 2024 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD approaches this range at 558 miles but is equipped with a tank that’s 0.2 gallon smaller.
Safety Ratings and Features
NHTSA awarded the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid its highest overall rating of five stars. The RAV4 is also recognized as an IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick, the institute’s second highest award. However, it receives only Marginal and Acceptable ratings in the updated moderate front overlap and updated side impact assessments, respectively.
As it is with the gas version, the RAV4 Hybrid is equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This technology suite delivers automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and centering, and automatic high-beams. Available features include blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, and parking assist with automatic braking.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Standard cargo capacity compares favorably to the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid. These competitors offer more legroom, though.
Legroom (front/rear):
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 41.0/37.8 inches
2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid: 41.3/41.0 inches
2024 Ford Escape Hybrid: 42.4/38.9 inches
Cargo Space (seats up/down):
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 37.6/69.8 cubic feet
2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid: 36.3/76.5 cubic feet
2024 Ford Escape Hybrid: 34.4/60.8 cubic feet
Technology
Every 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electric parking brake with brake hold, and LED exterior lighting. An 8.0-inch touchscreen, 7.0-inch driver information screen, six speakers, and three USB ports come in the base model. They are upgradeable to a 10.5-inch touchscreen with voice recognition, a 12.3-inch gauge cluster screen, JBL 11-speaker audio, and up to five USB ports, respectively.
Power ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a wireless phone charger, 360-degree camera, and dual-zone climate control system are also available. Options include power-folding side mirrors and rain-sensing wipers.
Which RAV4 Hybrid Trim Level Is Best?
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is available in seven trims: LE, XLE, Woodland Edition, XLE Premium, SE, XSE, and Limited. Every version delivers impressive efficiency, attractive styling, and a healthy dose of feature content, but we’ve singled out the XSE as the gem of the lineup for its upscale and thoughtfully designed interior. The 2025 base model starts at just over $33,000 while the top model goes for just over $41,500.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Videos
