The Toyota RAV4 is incredibly popular in the US due to its durability, reliability, and hybrid options, serving as a gateway to electrification for many.
Introduced in 1994, the RAV4 created the small car-based crossover class and has sold over 10 million units worldwide, making it a successful model.
The RAV4 Hybrid features Toyota's Hybrid System with a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle gas engine and trio of electric motors, offering good fuel economy at 41 city/38 highway/39 combined mpg.
The dashboard layout of the RAV4 is simplistic but functional with a button-heavy approach, lacking soft-touch plastics commonly found in higher-end models.
Critiques of the RAV4 Hybrid include its syrupy and disconnected power delivery, leading to a somewhat unnatural driving experience, and mediocre on-road dynamics.
Compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V hybrid, the RAV4's interior space falls short with less rear legroom, impacting passenger comfort and usability.
Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid is a comfortable and popular choice, although not groundbreaking, appealing to buyers seeking reliability and practicality over dynamic performance.
Despite its drawbacks, the RAV4 hybrid's features can be seen as positive attributes by different consumer segments, contributing to Toyota's success and future electrification plans.
The RAV4's continued popularity hints at potential success for Toyota's upcoming full electrification efforts, aligning with consumer preferences for reliable and dependable vehicles.