Toyota has pioneered some advances in the SUV market for nearly two decades to bring us the RAV4 that was made to be a smaller SUV at the time when behemoths ruled the road.  As a vehicle that offered the versatility and drivability of a wagon but also the body style and capacity that bought it close to some of the larger models the RAV4 has been a formula for success for Toyota and continues to offer great performance and ability on a variety of fronts.  One of those happens to be the inclusion of a hybrid powertrain that is made to give you even more fuel efficiency than before.

What is the RAV4 Hybrid?  this is a great crossover SUV that is stylish and reliable that is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine plus a high torque electric motor to products a total system power output of 194 horsepower and 206 lb.-ft. of torque.  This setup is attached to a CVT automatic transmission and returns 33 mpg combined at a base price of $29,270 to give you a fuel efficient SUV that offers affordability along with great driving and enjoyment.

The numbers you see might not impress you when you think of hybrids that offer more than forty mpg on the highway, but those are the smaller sedans.  When you think of what the Rav4 has to offer as a typical model you will only see a combined mileage of 25 mpg.  Even in the city the hybrid Rav4 is better at 31 mpg, being a much more efficient model than all other crossover SUVs on the market.  This makes the Rav4 a great choice when you want an SUV that is efficient and gives you some of the features you need for driving.

Although the power output doesn’t sound like a lot, and it isn’t , the hybrid Rav4 offers a quick acceleration and the full menu of equipment on the inside that is found on the gasoline powered version.  Using the AWD system you experience the benefit of the added grip whenever needed to give you the control you need in this amazing vehicle.  As with many other hybrid vehicles, the Rav4 hybrid is only available on the XLE model which is near the top of the trim range for the Rav4, giving you the equipment you want on a great trim that is still at a price you can easily afford.

In order to create an SUV that is a bit quieter on the inside Toyota added more spot welds and extra mounds on the rear suspension to quiet the noise entering the vehicle from the outside.  The added benefit of this change is the extra stability the Rav4 enjoys to give you a more active driving experience.  While you won’t take your Rav4 hybrid off road on a regular basis the AWD can handle a few light trails and give you the ability to full enjoy this SUV on and off the road knowing you are driving the most efficient SUV on the market from the name that made hybrid popular, cool and attractive; Toyota.