After taking the Toyota RAV4 for a spin, I was a bit disappointed with the acceleration and torque. That said, you shouldn’t buy the RAV4 to get good acceleration – rather you should choose it for the good mileage.
At least if you believe the hype!
But just HOW good is the mileage (Miles-Per-Gallon) on the RAV4?
Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
Check also: Common issues and problems across the RAV4 models.
Do the RAV4 Models Really Get 40 MPG?
Toyota has been promoting the fuel efficiency of its RAV4 models, with claims of up to 40 MPG. But do these models really live up to those claims?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime AWD is rated for 40/35 MPG, while the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD is rated for 41/38 MPG.
However, it’s important to note that these ratings are based on ideal driving conditions and may not be achievable in real-world driving situations.
From real-life testing, it’s apparent that 40 mpg is achievable. We even saw slightly higher numbers when accelerating Grand-pa-style and really taking it slow (no highway driving!).
The actual fuel efficiency of a RAV4 will depend on factors such as driving habits, terrain, and weather.
Furthermore, not all RAV4 models are rated for 40 MPG. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 gets up to 30 combined MPG in gasoline models and 40 combined MPG for hybrid models. There are slight variations in MPG depending on drivetrain, as detailed in the chart below:
Model Year | Gasoline Models (Combined MPG) | Hybrid Models (Combined MPG) |
---|---|---|
2018 | 26 | 32 |
2019 | 30 | 40 |
2023 | 27 (FWD LE), 27-35 (AWD), 40 (Prime AWD) | 38-41 (Hybrid) |
Overall, it’s clear that the RAV4 models are designed with fuel efficiency in mind and offer impressive MPG ratings. However, it’s important for drivers to keep in mind that actual fuel efficiency may vary based on a variety of factors.
Actual RAV4 Hybrid Mileage Numbers
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the RAV4 Hybrid is one of the most popular SUVs on the market.
But what kind of real-world mileage can drivers expect? According to data collected by Fuelly.com, the actual EPA rating is lower than estimates. Here are some real-world gas mileage figures reported by RAV4 Hybrid owners:
- 2019-2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Average of 37 MPG
- 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Average of 27 MPG
While these numbers are certainly impressive for an SUV, it’s worth noting that they may not be representative of every driver’s experience.
Factors like driving style, traffic conditions, and weather can all have an impact on fuel efficiency.
Comparison with Similar Models
First, check our comparison of the RAV4 vs. its competitors.
So how does the RAV4 Hybrid stack up against other hybrid SUVs? Here’s a quick comparison:
Model | MPG (City/Hwy) | Starting Price |
---|---|---|
RAV4 Hybrid | 41/38 | Around $31,000 |
Honda CR-V Hybrid | 40/35 | Around $32,000 |
Ford Escape Hybrid | 44/37 | Around $30,000 |
As you can see, the RAV4 Hybrid holds its own against competitors in terms of fuel efficiency.
However, it’s worth noting that the starting price is slightly higher than the Honda CR-V Hybrid and on par with the Ford Escape Hybrid.
How Far Can a RAV4 Go on a Full Tank of Gas?
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV that is known for its fuel efficiency.
The amount of miles a RAV4 can travel on a full tank of gas depends on several factors, including the model year, engine type, and driving conditions.
Here is a breakdown of the fuel efficiency for different RAV4 models:
Model Year | Engine Type | Tank Size | MPG | Full Tank Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Gasoline | 14.5 gallons | 30 MPG (combined) | 435 miles |
2021 | Hybrid | 14.5 gallons | 40 MPG (combined) | 580 miles |
2022 | Gasoline | 14.5 gallons | 30 MPG (combined) | 435 miles |
2022 | Hybrid | 14.5 gallons | 40 MPG (combined) | 580 miles |
As shown in the table, the RAV4 can travel up to 580 miles on a full tank of gas if it is a hybrid model.
The gasoline models have an estimated range of 435 miles on a full tank. Keep in mind that these estimates are based on ideal driving conditions and may vary depending on factors such as driving style, terrain, and weather.
It is also worth noting that the RAV4 has a “distance to empty” display that provides an estimate of how many miles can be driven before the gas tank is empty.
This feature can be helpful for planning long trips and avoiding running out of gas on the road.
Overall, the RAV4’s fuel efficiency is impressive for a compact SUV, especially for the hybrid models. With a full tank of gas, drivers can travel a considerable distance before needing to refuel.
30-40 More Miles When “Distance-To-Empty” Approaches Zero
It’s worth mentioning, that most vehicles will have at least 20 miles left – when the fuel indicator starts flashing.
However, with the RAV4 models – it’s probably closer to 40 miles.
We have a guide to help you understand the “Distance-To-Empty” feature on RAV4.
How Much Does the Mileage Differ Across the RAV4 Lineup?
We have a full list of the best and worst years for Toyota RAV4 here.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, Toyota has made significant strides in their RAV4 lineup. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD, for instance, boasts an impressive EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
The 2023 RAV4 lineup, on the other hand, has not yet been fully released, but there are some estimates available.
According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD is estimated to get 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
The RAV4 Prime XSE, a plug-in hybrid, is estimated to get a combined 94 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) and 38 mpg on gasoline only.
The gas-only RAV4 LE is estimated to get 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
To make it easier to compare the mileage differences across the RAV4 lineup, here is a table that summarizes the EPA-estimated fuel efficiency for each model:
Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
---|---|---|---|
2022 RAV4 Hybrid AWD | 41 | 38 | 40 |
2023 RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD | 40 | 35 | 37 |
2023 RAV4 Prime XSE | N/A | 38 | – |
2023 RAV4 LE | 28 | 35 | 30 |
As you can see, the RAV4 Hybrid models have significantly better fuel efficiency than the gas-only RAV4 LE.
The RAV4 Prime, while not as efficient as the RAV4 Hybrid in gasoline-only mode, offers the added benefit of being a plug-in hybrid with an estimated electric-only range of 42 miles.
Overall, the RAV4 lineup offers a range of fuel efficiency options to fit different needs and budgets.
How Long Can the RAV4 Hybrid Go on Electricity?
The RAV4 Hybrid is designed to run on both gasoline and electricity, and it has a range of about 580 miles when both systems are used together.
However, many drivers are curious about how long the RAV4 Hybrid can go on electricity alone.
The answer depends on a few factors, including the battery’s charge level, driving conditions, and the driver’s behavior. In ideal conditions, the RAV4 Hybrid can travel up to 40 miles (64 km) on electricity alone, thanks to its EV mode.
In this mode, the vehicle uses only the electric motor to power the wheels, without using any gasoline.
The RAV4 Hybrid’s EV mode is activated by pressing a button on the center console. It can be used at speeds up to 84 mph, but it deactivates automatically when the battery is low, or when the vehicle’s speed exceeds a certain threshold.
Driving in EV mode can be a great way to save fuel and reduce emissions, especially in stop-and-go traffic or in urban areas.
However, it’s important to note that the RAV4 Hybrid’s battery is relatively small compared to that of a fully electric vehicle, so it won’t go very far on electricity alone.
While this may not seem like much, it can still be a useful feature for some drivers, especially those who frequently drive in congested areas.
How Long Can the RAV4 Hybrid Go on Gas?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is known for its impressive fuel efficiency, thanks to its hybrid powertrain.
However, there may be times when you need to rely solely on gasoline to power your RAV4 Hybrid. So, how long can you go on a full tank of gas?
According to Toyota’s website, the RAV4 Hybrid has a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 gallons.
Based on the RAV4 Hybrid’s estimated fuel economy of up to 40 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway, you can expect to travel at least 550 miles on a full tank of gas.
Of course, your actual mileage may vary depending on a number of factors. Driving habits, road conditions, and weather can all impact your fuel economy. Additionally, if you frequently use features like the air conditioning or drive in hilly terrain, you may see a slight decrease in fuel efficiency.
It’s also worth noting that the RAV4 Hybrid’s fuel economy can vary depending on whether you’re driving in the city or on the highway. While the RAV4 Hybrid is rated for 41 miles per gallon in the city, it’s only rated for 38 miles per gallon on the highway.
So, if you’re planning a long road trip, you may want to keep this in mind.
Here’s more on how well the RAV4 does on road trips.
Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid’s fuel efficiency is one of its biggest selling points. With a full tank of gas, you can expect to travel at least 572 miles, making it a great choice for those who frequently travel long distances.
Do RAV4 Hybrids Lose Range Over Time?
One of the biggest concerns for hybrid car owners is the loss of battery range over time.
While this may be a valid concern for some hybrid models, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has proven to maintain its fuel efficiency over time.
As long as you don’t take the RAV4 off-roading 😅
In fact, some owners have reported even better fuel efficiency after driving their RAV4 Hybrid for a while.
It’s important to note that the RAV4 Hybrid’s battery pack is covered under an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, so any issues with battery range would be covered under this warranty.
Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid has proven to be a reliable and efficient vehicle, with little to no loss of fuel efficiency over time. As with any vehicle, proper maintenance and care can help ensure the longevity of the vehicle’s performance.
Are the RAV4 Hybrid Models Worth It (Compared to Gas Models)?
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the RAV4 Hybrid models are definitely worth considering.
According to the EPA, the RAV4 Hybrid achieves up to 4o mpg – which is significantly better than the gas-powered RAV4 models.
While the hybrid models do come with a higher price tag, they also come standard with all-wheel drive, which is an added bonus for those who live in areas with inclement weather. Additionally, the hybrid models offer more horsepower and torque than the gas models, which can make for a more enjoyable driving experience.
Here is a table comparing the fuel efficiency and starting price of the RAV4 gas models to the RAV4 Hybrid models:
Model | Fuel Efficiency (mpg) | Starting Price |
---|---|---|
LE Gas | 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined | $27,700 |
XLE Gas | 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined | $29,870 |
LE Hybrid | 41 city / 38 highway / 40 combined | $29,675 |
XLE Hybrid | 41 city / 38 highway / 40 combined | $31,120 |
As you can see, the hybrid models do come with a higher starting price, but the increased fuel efficiency and added features may be worth the investment for some buyers.
Overall, the decision to go with a RAV4 Hybrid model versus a gas-powered model ultimately depends on the buyer’s individual needs and preferences.
However, for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and all-wheel drive, the RAV4 Hybrid models are certainly worth considering.
What Are the Most Fuel Efficient Mid-Size SUVs?
When it comes to mid-size SUVs, fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly important for many consumers.
One of the most fuel-efficient options on the market is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which boasts an impressive combined fuel economy rating of 40 mpg.
This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a spacious and practical vehicle without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
But the RAV4 Hybrid is not the only fuel-efficient mid-size SUV available.
Here are some other options to consider:
Vehicle | Combined Fuel Economy | Starting Price |
---|---|---|
2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid | 38 mpg | $30,560 |
2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 36 mpg | $38,410 |
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid | 40 mpg | $27,605 |
Each of these vehicles offers a combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability. Of course, there are other factors to consider when choosing a mid-size SUV, such as safety ratings, cargo space, and available features.
But for those who prioritize fuel efficiency, these options are definitely worth considering.

