I loved the flexibility of making short errands in EV mode, while using hybrid for longer trips to Avalon Golf Course and Camano Island.
For my money, and Toyota has made this bet as well, the RAV4 is the smart choice for at least another decade when infrastructure and further development of battery technology flips the equation in favor of electric vehicles.
My tester was powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine combined with a plug-in hybrid system that delivers a combined 302 horsepower. It maximizes utility with standard electronic on-demand all-wheel drive for all-weather capability and enhanced on-road driving dynamics. The engine is paired with a direct shift eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence.
For the infrequent trips off-road, RAV4 includes Trail Mode, which acts a virtual limited slip differential that delivers power to specific wheels for extra traction when needed. RAV4 seats up to five adults, and when cargo is priority, the rear seats fold flat to reveal a generous space to transport everything from camping gear to a Costco run.
In addition to Trail Mode, RAV4 Hybrid models feature Eco, EV, Sport, Normal drive modes. Eco mode helps to increase fuel efficiency by reducing acceleration levels; EV mode pulls power from its battery, maximizing efficiency for short distances; and Sport mode gives drivers a boost in acceleration. Normal mode blends Eco, Sport, and EV Modes to keep drivers rolling.
RAV4 Hybrid is available in seven trims: LE, XLE, Woodland, XLE Premium, SE, XSE, and Limited. Regular fuel models add Adventure and TRD Off-Road. RAV4 Prime PHEV models are available in SE and XSE grades.
The RAV4’s powerful stance and purposeful styling help give it a look that’s aggressive off the road and sophisticated on the streets. Exterior features included a “Silver Sky Metallic” coat of enamel, power moonroof and liftgate, LED projector headlights and 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels.
Toyota slathers the interior with all amenities imaginable. My favorites were the heated and ventilated front seats, JBL 11-speaker sound system with subwoofer and amp, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone climate control, and four USB-C charge ports.
My tester came with a “Premium Package” $2,585 that adds a panoramic glass moonroof, SofTex trimmed seats, smart key system, foot-activated power liftgate, and front and rear parking assist.
RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, Toyota’s suite of active safety systems. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that includes the ability to detect an oncoming vehicle or a pedestrian at intersections when making a turn. The Pre-Collision System is designed to detect vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists and provide audio/visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions. Emergency steering assist is an additional function designed to detect pedestrians and stabilize the driver’s emergency evasive steering maneuvers and help prevent lane departure
In addition, the vehicle also includes full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control. Lane Departure Alert is designed to notify the driver via audible alert if it senses the vehicle is leaving the lane without engaging a turn signal. When set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist is designed to assist the driver by providing a slight steering force to help center the vehicle in its lane using visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle.
Base Price: $47,545
Price As Driven: $51,493
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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