Give It Up For a Compact Crossover That Comes With Great Fuel Economy Standard
HomeToyotaRAV42027Michael Simari|Car and DriverMichael Simari|Car and DriverMichael Simari|Car and DriverMichael Simari|Car and DriverView PhotosMichael Simari|Car and DriverMSRPHIGHSFuel-efficient hybrid. . .
HomeToyotaRAV42027Michael Simari|Car and DriverMichael Simari|Car and DriverMichael Simari|Car and DriverMichael Simari|Car and DriverView PhotosMichael Simari|Car and DriverMSRPHIGHSFuel-efficient hybrid powertrains, lots of desirable equipment comes standard, plug-in hybrid models bring performance. LOWSPlasticky interior, nothing-special handling, some uncouth engine noises. VERDICTThe RAV4 is a solid player thanks to roomy accommodations and a host of trims to choose from, capped off by parsimonious hybrid and plug-in hybrid power. ByDrew DorianOverviewNot only is the RAV4 one of Toyota's best-selling models, it's also perennially one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States. There are good reasons for that. The RAV4 sports a spacious and practical interior, 10 trims to choose from, plenty of bang for the buck, and, most importantly, great fuel economy. When the RAV4 was redesigned for the 2026 model year, it dropped its nonhybrid powertrain, leaving a gas-electric setup that makes 226 horsepower standard; with all-wheel drive, the output goes up to 236 ponies. There's also a plug-in hybrid variant offered with 324 horsepower and up to 52 miles of electric range. Expert Tip:For the price of a loaded RAV4, you might find a base-level of the largerGrand Highlanderis more suitable for family duty, given it comes with a third row of seats. What's New for 2027?Since the RAV4 was redesigned just last year, we expect to see no significant changes for 2027. What's Your Car Worth?Car and Drivercalculates your car's value in three free and easy steps - using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe plug-in (PHEV) hybrid is more desirable thanks to its extra power and snappy performance, but it also costs considerably more. Among the available plug-in hybrid trims, we'd choose the XSE, because it features DC fast-charging capability that the SE and GR Sport trims do without, and it's more efficient than the rugged-looking Woodland. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceHybrid Powertrains:2. 5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, 226 hp combined; 2. 5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors, 236 hp combined; 2. 5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors, 324 hp combined (PHEV)Transmission:continuously variable automaticDrivetrains:front-wheel drive, all-wheel driveThe RAV4 Hybrid is powered by a 2. 5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combine for 226 horsepower; front-wheel drive is standard. If you opt for all-wheel drive, a third electric motor is added to drive the rear axle, and horsepower climbs to 236. RAV4 PHEV models get a lot more power—324 horsepower combined—and feature all-wheel drive standard. The GR Sport trim is the sportiest offering, with a suspension tuned by Toyota Gazoo Racing, summer tires, and a reworked power steering system. When wedrove the standard RAV4 Hybrid, we found its acceleration to be responsive and smooth, but didn't enjoy the noisy gasoline engine. TheRAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is considerably quicker, and the GR Sport model is slightly more fun to drive thanks to its tighter body control and sharper steering. 0–60-MPH TimesC/D60-mph Test: 7. 1 seconds (Limited AWD); 5. 2 seconds (Woodland PHEV)In Comparison:TheHonda CR-V Hybridwe tested tied the standard RAV4 Limited with a 7. 1-second 60-mph time. Both theMazda CX-50 Hybridand theSubaru Forester Hybridwere considerably slower, turning in 7. 6-second and 8. 6-second times, respectively. Towing and Payload CapacityMax Towing:3500 poundsWhile front-wheel drive RAV4s and the all-wheel-drive LE trim can tow only 1750 pounds, the other models all offer up to 3500 pounds of max towing capacity. Range, Charging, and Battery LifeC/D Range Test:38 miles (Woodland)Claimed EV Range:52 milesPlug-in hybrid models boast a claimed electric driving range of up to 52 miles per charge; in our 75-mph highway range test, we achieved a real-world range of 38 miles in the Woodland trim. Toyota says the battery can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes on a DC fast charger. Oddly, only the XSE PHEV and Woodland PHEV trims offer DC fast-charging, though, which means SE PHEV and GR Sport PHEV models will require more time to juice up. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGC/D75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test:36 mpg (Limited AWD), 35 mpg (Woodland PHEV)EPA City Ratings:41-47 mpgEPA Highway Ratings:35-40 mpgThe EPA rates the RAV4 Hybrid to deliver 47 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 43 mpg combined in its most efficient, front-wheel-drive configuration. All-wheel-drive models are rated as high as 46 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined. The more rugged Woodland trim is the least efficient version, at 41 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined. In our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD achieved 36 mpg. The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid Woodland achieved 35 mpg in this test. We don't yet have EPA numbers for the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, but Toyota estimates the PHEV at 41 mpg combined for the SE and XSE, 38 mpg for the Woodland, and 37 mpg for the GR Sport. For more information about the RAV4's fuel economy, visitthe EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and CargoFirst Row:A blocky design theme inside the RAV4's cabin gives the dashboard a rugged look while also being straightforward for the driver. The center console provides several storage bins, and some models feature a low-profile toggle-type lever for the shifter, which saves space and makes it easier to access items stored in the bins or cupholders. Most models come with either cloth or faux-leather upholstery, but sporty-looking XSE and GR Sport models feature faux-suede seat coverings with red stitching. Second Row:The RAV4's cabin has enough rear-seat spread-out room for adults to get comfortable. Cargo Capacity:Cargo space is reasonable. We fit 10 carry-on suitcases in the cargo area behind the rear seats and 24 cases with the rear seats folded. Infotainment and ConnectivityInfotainment:10. 5-inch touchscreen (standard), 12. 9-inch touchscreen (optional)Connectivity:Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoAudio System:6-speaker stereo (standard), 9-speaker JBL stereo (optional)A 10. 5-inch infotainment display is standard, but a larger 12. 9-inch unit is available as an option on some models. The system can support a Bluetooth connection with up to two smartphones at a time and offers wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12. 3-inch digital gauge cluster is also standard, but if you want the available head-up display, you will have to spring for the Limited or XSE trims. Base RAV4s come with a six-speaker stereo, but a nine-speaker JBL setup is optional. Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesToyota offers a comprehensive suite ofdriver-assistance featureson every RAV4 model, including desirable features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control included as standard. Other items are offered as options, including a 360-degree exterior camera system. Standard Safety Features:automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise controlOptional Safety Features:front and rear parking sensors, driver-attention monitor, 360-degree exterior camera systemFor information about the RAV4's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance CoverageAll RAV4s come with a comprehensive warranty that matches those provided by rivals Honda and Nissan. Far from the norm, Toyota's complimentary scheduled maintenance policy stretches for two years or 25,000 miles. Limited Warranty:three years or 36,000 milesPowertrain Warranty:five years or 60,000 milesHybrid Component Warranty:ten years or 150,000 milesComplimentary Maintenance:two years or 25,000 milesC/DTest Results and SpecsEach year, we put hundreds of vehicles through ourrigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed from when we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate. SpecificationsSpecifications2026 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWDVehicle Type: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagonPRICE (C/DEST)Base/As Tested: $44,000/$46,000POWERTRAINDOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2. 5-liter inline-4, 183 hp, 163 lb-ft + 3 AC motors, 134 and 40 hp, 153 and 62 lb-ft (combined output: 236 hp; lithium-ion battery pack)Transmissions, F/R: continuously variable automatic/direct-driveCHASSISSuspension, F/R: struts/multilinkBrakes, F/R: 12. 0-in vented disc/11. 1-in discTires: Toyo Open Country H/T235/50R-20 100V M+SDIMENSIONSWheelbase: 105. 9 inLength: 181. 0 inWidth: 73. 0 inHeight: 66. 7 inPassenger Volume, F/R: 51/48 ft3Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 70/38 ft3Curb Weight: 3875 lbC/DTEST RESULTS60 mph: 7. 1 sec1/4-Mile: 15. 3 sec @ 92 mph100 mph: 18. 5 secResults above omit1-ft rolloutof 0. 3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7. 6 secTop Gear, 30–50 mph: 4. 0 secTop Gear, 50–70 mph: 5. 1 secTop Speed (gov ltd): 112 mphBraking, 70–0 mph: 179 ftRoadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0. 80 gInterior SoundIdle: 30 dBA/1 soneFull Throttle: 75 dBA70-mph Cruising: 69 dBA/24 soneC/DFUEL ECONOMYObserved: 34 mpg75-mph Highway Driving: 36 mpg75-mph Highway Range: 520 miEPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/DEST)Combined/City/Highway: 42/44/39 mpgC/DTESTING EXPLAINED2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland Plug-In HybridVehicle Type: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagonPRICEBase/As Tested: $46,895/$47,995POWERTRAINDOHC 16-valve 2. 5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4, 186 hp, 172 lb-ft + 3 AC motors, 203 and 55 hp, 201 and 91 lb-ft (combined output: 324 hp; 19-kWh [C/Dest] lithium-ion battery pack; peak charge rate, AC: 11. 0 kW)Transmissions: continuously variable automatic/direct-driveCHASSISSuspension, F/R: struts/multilinkBrakes, F/R: 12. 9-in vented disc/12. 4-in vented discTires: Dunlop Grandtrek A/T 30T235/65R-18 106V M+SDIMENSIONSWheelbase: 105. 9 inLength: 182. 7 inWidth: 74. 0 inHeight: 69. 1 inPassenger Volume, F/R: 51/48 ft3Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 64/34 ft3Curb Weight: 4497 lbC/DTEST RESULTS60 mph: 5. 2 sec1/4-Mile: 13. 9 sec @ 100 mphResults above omit1-ft rolloutof 0. 3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5. 4 secTop Gear, 30–50 mph: 2. 5 secTop Gear, 50–70 mph: 3. 3 secTop Speed (gov ltd): 117 mphBraking, 70–0 mph: 181 ftBraking, 100–0 mph: 367 ftRoadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0. 78 gInterior SoundIdle: 28 dBA/1 soneFull Throttle: 73 dBA70-mph Cruising: 69 dBA/24soneC/DFUEL ECONOMYObserved: 43 MPGe75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 83 MPGe/35 mpg75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 38/500 miEPA FUEL ECONOMYCombined/City/Highway: 37/41/34 mpgCombined Gasoline + Electricity: 94 MPGeEV Range: 49 miMore Features and SpecsShopping ToolsShop For CarsResearch, compare, and find the exact car you're looking for at a dealer near you. Shop NowWhat's My Car Worth?Get your car's trade-in and private-party-sale values using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles. Get EstimateCompare CarsCompare features, specs, prices, and performance between different trim levels on any vehicle. 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