Choosing the RAV4 Hybrid brings both added power and higher fuel efficiency – a sweet deal. Hybrid grades come equipped with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i) as standard. A second, independent electric motor drives the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction.
Most noteworthy, the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive sets the benchmark for seamless hybrid performance, efficiency, and exemplary dependability.
Drivers love the way it works. It’s due to and because they cannot feel the vehicle working. According to Toyota “and that’s the point”. The 2018 RAV4 Hybrid combines output from a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and a small high-torque electric motor through its unique transaxle. RAV4 Hybrid delivers powerful performance from a joint 194 system horsepower. The versatile Hybrid is the quickest in the RAV4 line, with zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.
The hybrid system seamlessly varies power between gas, electric or combines both, all seamlessly. Regenerative braking changes the electric motor to a generator. Thereby braking that captures the kinetic energy of the still-turning wheels. In other words, when the brake is used, storing it in the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery pack. Choosing ECO mode optimizes throttle response and air conditioning output to help prioritize fuel economy. In EV mode, RAV4 Hybrid, under certain conditions, will run solely on the electric motor. Can you say up to 0.6 miles at speeds below about 25 mph.
A Hybrid System Indicator and fuel consumption indicator, in a 4.2-inch TFT screen.
That helps coach the driver to run the vehicle as economically as possible. The 2018 RAV4 Hybrid received an EPA-estimated 34 mpg city/30 mpg highway/32 mpg combined. Our tests in all ECO with some Sport resulted in 38 MPG on average and 45 on the highway.
As US News and World Report added:
In the very competitive compact SUV class, the RAV4 Hybrid is a good SUV. It has spacious, supportive seats and fuel efficiency that you’d expect from a hybrid. It isn’t an athletic SUV, but the RAV4 Hybrid has composed road manners and standard all-wheel drive (a rarity in the class). Additionally, it has tons of driver assistance features and plenty of cargo room. However, its safety scores are lower than many competitors. As well and just as important its cabin could use an update.
Platinum-Level Refinement
The car came with Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and that App Suite.
Also and more important for Smart Tech it has:
- five-door Smart Key System
- foot-activated hands-free power liftgate with jam protection,
- and Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, Overhead 360 degree view in drive and reverse, and curb view.
Most noteworthy, that standard Entune Premium JBL Audio was sweet. In addition, it came with Integrated Navigation and App Suite system. Finally, this brings music to life with 576 watts (largest). So boom gets pumped through 11 JBL GreenEdge Technology speakers. Most important, Can you say seven locations, including a subwoofer.
Musically Inclined with Entune
The Entune Multimedia Bundle comprises a 6.1-inch touch-screen display. Also, let’s not forget:
It’s AM/FM CD player
MP3/WMA playback ability
6 speakers
auxiliary audio jack
USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control
advanced voice recognition
hands-free phone capability
phone book access,
and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology with integrated backup camera display with projected path static lines.
Furthermore, this vehicle come with Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite on SE and Limited grades; it’s standard with the Platinum grade.
More Impressive Safety Technology
As Consumer Reports notes:
In addition, Toyota tried to change it up and tried to resolve design concerns. For example, Two weak spots of the 2013-15 RAV4 were its firm ride. Also and a somewhat loud cabin. Therefore, Toyota addressed both issues.
Also, the RAV4 is now much more responsive on turning. When pushed to its handling limits, the RAV4 also remains steady and predictable. Although, Toyota tweaked the RAV4’s overly firm ride into something more cushioned. Yet, compromise also comes at a slight sacrifice of handling precision. In conclusion, Toyota also quieted the road and engine noise that seeps into the cabin.
Yet MotorTrend adds:
“NHTSA gave the 2018 RAV4 Hybrid a five-star overall safety score (out of a possible five stars). The IIHS has yet to test a 2018 RAV4 Hybrid. However, the 2017 model received a Good score on all crash worthiness tests and Average on the headlights test (Good is the highest possible score). In the front crash prevention test, the RAV4 Hybrid received a Superior rating after it avoided 12-mph and 25-mph collisions (Superior is the highest possible score in the front crash prevention test). As a result, the IIHS gave the RAV4 Hybrid the 2017 Top Safety Pick+ award.”
Standard on all 2018 RAV4 Hybrids is Toyota Safety-Sense-P.
Limited Warranty
Finally and More important are the hybrid-related components. These include a HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter. Therefore, all of these are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. In applicable states, LIKE NYS, hybrid-related component coverage is 15 years/150,000 miles. That’s with excluding the the hybrid battery. So, The hybrid pack gets covered for 10 years/150,000 miles. In conclusion, for an SUV hybrid fully loaded to come in at $29,734. That comes with all the bells and whistles is something not to fret at. Not one bit!
