A Hybrid That Doesn't Suck To Drive? 2020/2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid [Full Review!] 

Just bought the XLE version. Drives surprisingly well and is quicker than I expected. Comfortable, reasonably quiet, solid/responsive feel. If it does as well as my 2005 Prius with 150K miles (that still runs like new) I expect the RAV4 to last a long time.

Your reviews of new cars are some of the best out there. They're very fair, well thought out, and well filmed. You're not afraid to call out issues you might have, but you're also able to rate them from a "realistic" perspective of an average new car buyer, vs a car enthusiast that thinks that every car needs to go super fast!

Just bought one. I was amazed at how much it improved from the last time I drove in 2017.

For those that like my '80s/'90s car videos, don't worry, more are coming! Occasionally manufacturers let me borrow new cars and I simply can't pass up the opportunity. In the future, if I get a new car to review I'll try to do comparisons of new versus old. I tried to buy a 1st gen RAV4 for this vid but it fell through! If you like my '80s/'90s videos, there will be a new one next week. Thanks for your support! :)

Definitely a Hybrid, my first Toyota was a 79 Corolla with a 1.2 engine it sounded like a lawn mower but with an EPA 31 city and 40 highway I loved it and I also loved the not so frequent trip to gas station and was a lot of fun, today this hybrid is even better so I'm all for it.

I got this week the rav that you are reviewing in this video and i’m sooooo soooo happy. Thank you

Amazing review as always man. Your camera work, and fair, clear presentation are truly top-notch. You should be known equally for your car reviews as you are for your 80’s-90’s car videos! But the RU-vid algorithm is a cruel mistress. Awesome stuff man. Keep it up!

Allow me to join the stoke: My XLS is just a few days old, got it with just 3 miles on the odometer. This is my third hybrid, my wife also drives a hybrid Camry, so make it 4 under our roof....so far. Briefly, I'm already getting 50+ mpg. And got space for dogs, bicycles, kayaks, etc. What a vehicle! Thanks for your excellent review, looking forward to read more comments of our hybrid peers👍

It’s amazing how large the RAV4 has gotten over the years and it’s still considered mid-sized. Digging the drone and camera work :)

Just got my 2021 Rav4 XLE Premium Hybrid. Great vehicle. Averaging 41.6 MPG in mixed driving. This is my 4th Rav4 in the last 11 years. Have had a 2010 LE AWD, 2017 LE, 2019 LE with AWD and now the 2021. I know I am a Toyotaholic, but this is a fine ride.

The efficiency gage is amazing after you get used to it. I used to use only the scoring panel, but I could not figure out how to increase braking recharge score. Took me a while to figure out the efficiency gage goes negative in the charge zone when you are braking, and it helped me get a feel for how to recharge better when braking.

I really like the video editing that you are doing. It adds something extra to the video content you are putting online. The music also adds to the great experience. Keep up with the good work 🙂

Just ran across this review, very well done, I really liked how you were very clear about the positives as well as the not so good stuff. That being said we purchased a 2021 Rav4 XLE Hybrid a few months ago and can't RAVe (see what I did there) enough about it, space is top notch, the convenience and tech features are awesome, we stepped up from a Prius V wagon so we knew going in the hybrid was a smart choice for fuel economy and savings, the Rav4 gets high ratings in that dept for us too. Great review, very straight forward and concise, thanks for being objective and informative about this! Cheers!

I've just ordered a new Rav4 adventure hybrid today, hopefully it will be here in 6 months (New Zealand). I have to say after test driving one twice your review sums it up nicely. Very fair and well explained. Thanks for the video.

Thanks for the very informative video! I’d been looking to buy a RAV4 for a while, but recently decided to buy the hybrid version instead. Thanks to your video, it sounds like I made the right decision 😁 My new RAV4 Hybrid will be delivered Monday or Tuesday 🥳

So nice to have a reviewer that knows the difference between ECVT and CVT.

Just got our XSE Hybrid in Blizzard Pearl back in October and coming from the previous gen SE Hybrid, this one blows it out of the water in every category...and I actually enjoyed the previous gen quite a bit. I will say I was in the anti-SUV/CUV crowd before....but when it comes to needing to lug around a family with ample leg room, head room, cargo capacity, and all the above - I understand the allure.

I think it’s wild that this is considered a “small” suv lol

great review. crisp. concise. hit all the issues. best i've seen.

Great review. I am about to put my paid off 2014 F-150 FX4 on a break for this Rav4 hybrid.

I have a RAV4 XSE and I did a lot of research before buying... I have also watched alot of review videos. This guy hits it perfectly, THANK YOU!!! I love the CX5 and Honda tidbits and for some people, certain items are a must! I love my XSE and tell people everyday go RAV4 hybrid.

I just bought one today and I love it. So glad I saw your review very helpful!

Think I just found my new car review source! What a great way to describe the RAV4. Thanks for the great review!

I need this is my life. Great review b

Waiting on delivery today or tomorrow. Your video was helpful and now I’m REALLY excited. Thanks.

Excellent review, thanks. I'm in New Zealand and placed my order a month ago for a gxl hybrid (gxl is what they call the mid-spec here). Estimated wait time is 6 months, which I was put off by at first, but after doing the research and test drive, and comparing to the alternatives - decided it was worth waiting for (so now I'm just watching review vids to enjoy the anticipation, lol !). And tbh, the exterior styling was definitely a factor - I know some people don't like it, but personally I think it looks way cool (especially if you're a fan of darth vader, lol !). And re your love of older vehicles - 10 to 7 years ago I had a 1994 rav4 three door - such a cool and fun little buggy! ...

My dad has a 2019 Toyota rav4 xle, it’s his first Toyota and he absolutely loves it

Love my 2021 xse. Great video, one of my favorites on the car so far

Thanks for this very informative video!

I just got a 2021 RAV4 Hybrid XLE and I love it. 1,600 miles in averaging about 36.5 mpg but I drive somewhat fast. I like almost everything about it minus the tiny center console and the fact that the chrome like air vent on the driverside door always reflects on the windshield so that’s always there in your line of vision

Thanks for the info. I just ordered one. In 4 months it will be mine!

I'm in love with my 2019 rav4 XSE hybrid....it is a good family compact suv!

I like it, been driving it for the past 4weeks, very smooth and powerful, and looks pretty good too, I wouldn't hesitate to choose this over the Nissan Qashqai 2020 model which I have also been driving a lot, even though they are very similar in performance, the Toyota seems a bit more smooth to drive.

Lucky to avail a 2021 hybrid rav4. Freshly shipped so I cannot take it home right away as they needed to inspect it before giving it to me. Can’t wait to have mine this coming Saturday

One of my top favourite vehicles ever! My most beloved model is the first generation 2 door dual sunrooff, I'm not financially able to purchase it yet, but I will work my very best till I get one. The latest model is just amazing, but the classic ones are always closer to my heart.

Thanks for your review. My wife drives this Same model Rav, in white and black. She loves it.

We have a last gen Rav4 Hybrid and love it. The new Gen has better styling (IMO) then ours and really is the sweet spot for the lineup.

my mom's 2018 cx5 has already started rusting. my dad's 2009 rav4 still looks new and the paint shines after a rinse.

Very good review and presentation.

I still have my 1998 Rav4 L. It's a bit beat up but it still runs great!

Awsome Car, Bought one last year 2020 Hybrid Cruise Model in Australia. Since then love the Rav4 from great toad performance with excellent fuel efficiency single tank Average 880 to 900 Km piece of cake . Generously safety features provide you best of peace of mind especially when your kids are with you at the back It is capable to cover up all the blind spots. And most importantly great caps service I just had my second service like as they promise only $210 (AU). OVERALL it is Great Famly SUV gets all the job done.

Buying one tomorrow! I'm excited!

I bought a 2020 RAV4 Hybrid Limited in September 2020 and love the comfortable ride. We have 16,000 miles on it and the only issue I have is the cornering ability during a spirited drive. Adding 4 PSI to the rear tires has helped but now that I know the XSE suspension is a little stiffer I might just change the springs and shocks. Thanks

Mine just arrived in Australia and my mpg is the same (5.7L/100). Absolutely lovely car to drive, can't get enough of it.

Gosh this is such a good video, Needs more views

Thank for your review, especially about the passenger seat. I too am 6’3”. You confirmed my complaint about the passenger seat. It is so annoyingly uncomfortable getting into and out of at my height due to no height adjustment. This is the same for the Venza. So if my wife and I decide on this looks like I will be doing all the driving when she is with me. Ugh Toyota!

I would love to buy one of those someday

Latest on TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID (5th Generation) AWD Just spoke to my brother who lives in Europe and is an automotive enthusiast, he said a Memo was just released regarding serious issue in RAV4 HYBRID... AWD only... So it turns out that the cable running to the motor that powers rear axle is corroding and needs replacing, it's a roughly $3,000 repair. Models effected 2019 - 2022 build in CANADA. Memo also mentions USA but I didn't know they made RAV4 in USA.

Thank you, good video, thinking about buying one.

Love the montages

Seen hundreds of car reviews, especially Toyota. You my friend have mastered the art of car reviews. I can’t watch any other reviewers after you. Having said that, you didn’t talk about the Limited and the XLE. Any reviews of the new Rav4 2022s? I’m looking to exchange my Camry XLE 2018 and I’m hesitant between just sticking with Camry XLE 2022 or switch to Hybrid, or switch to Rav4 XSE or Limited Hybrid. Money-wise Camry 2022 XLE Hybrid will be cheaper of course.

What an honest review. Good job. Rav 4 is good car it is not sports car and it is not hard core offroad. It is in middle and can do everything good. Amazing family SUV.

Luckily we don’t have that fuel issue here in Australia. Love my RAV4 hybrid 👍🏻

I wouldn´t say that other Toyota hybrids "suck to drive". OK, your Prius ZVW50 has a little less power than my ZVW30 Prius, but I can drive my Prius as fast as my 1998 Levin and my 1985 MR2 here in the mountains. It doesn´t "suck" at all, considering it´s not even meant to go fast. We are mechanics at Toyota, and we appreciate their hybrids for a lot of reasons. Speaking of this new RAV4 here, we are amazed at how fuel efficient this large car is compared to the old model! Great car! And great review, Ethan!

Thank you so much!!! Does it have the automatic lights mode

Your mention of the passenger seat not being able to go down in height brought back my PTSD from driving a later 2000's RAV4 from NY to IN. Company I worked for was hosting an event, and those of us that were "Close" had to drive in with a rented car. I was "Upgraded" to a rental car level RAV4, and spent hundreds of miles in this upright, close to the windshield "Shopgirl" position. I just pictured a short hairdresser or nail tech driving one because it was short girl friendly. It was a miserable drive, and there was no comfortable position with it. Your description of that passenger seat brought that miserable ride to Indiana back to me. Lol

TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 👍🏻😎

Great review I just subscribed 😀👍🙂

What about the tucson or jumping up to the highlander i have also thought about the venza which one would you buy with your own money

Looking at the Rav4 2021 Cruiser Hybrid here in Australia wondering is the nudge bar worth it as the dealer is trying to flog it to me ( Cheap ) Cheers

Really thorough review, you nailed it! Best features for my 2020 Limited Hybrid are all for safety: the camera rear-view mirror, the 360° Birds Eye Camera that is flat-out the BEST aide to backing up that I've ever seen and also is fantastic when you pull into a parking spot and want to see if you're between the lines and how close to the car in front or in back of you that you are. Most disappointing feature is definitely the manually adjustable passenger seat. My golf buddy is 6-4 and drives a Ford Edge, but he can hardly get into my RAV4 without twisting his neck. Comon Toyota, at least make a fully adjustable passenger seat an option!! As for the fuel tank issue, my 2020 definitely had it. I called to make an appointment for service and they booked me for the next week. The fuel tank, sending unit, and gasket were replaced, no questions asked. 5½ hours, all under warranty. Everything is fine now.

The major reason I prefer a Toyota is I drive a 2011 Camry that has had NO problems, it still handles well AND the sound system in it is GREAT. My question is- is the sound quality good in the newer Toyotas? I test drove a Mazda CX-5 and while it handled well & was fun to drive, the sound quality wasn’t near as good as my Camry. And the CX 5 had Bose speakers! Music is important to me. The RAV 4 Hybrid, if it has a superb sound system, is my kind of vehicle!

Subscribed. Great review.

I'm never going to be the biggest fan of modern cars, but I appreciate the way you review this car as it would be used - a practical utilitarian vehicle meant for small families. 41 MPG in a family SUV is pretty impressive. Question - for those of us that live in colder, snowier environments (I live in Vermont) do you think this would have any issues during winter. (Edit): Also would someone tell Toyota to bring back the Prius V, maybe with an AWD variant?

I have this model and I love it!

I'm debating which to buy Rav4 Hybrid or Rav4 Hybrid Prime. Only Prime get the tax credit, and it'll end up only being $2k more. But, I don't think I have a lot of chance to plug in to charge because I park on the street for my apartment.

I bought the Venza Limited. Same drivetrain as the RAV 4 Hybrid, but with AWD standard. I was hesitant to buy a CVT, with all the Subaru and Nissan CVT complaints. It accelerates from a light well, is excellent merging onto the freeway, and does 40 mpg if I drive it like a regular car. 50 mpg if I drive it like a hybrid. I will only drive a hybrid from now on.

I just bought a 2021 RAV4 XSE last week! I love it! Very well built and the gas mileage is crazy.

If i had to have a suv i would choose the rav4 or the citroen c4 catcus. Love the video keep up the good work🙃

great vid!

I love the rav4 montage lol

Interesting that you averaged 41 mpg. Are your freeway speeds at approximately 65-70 mph or 55-60 mph? That could make a difference. Thanks 🙏

Cool Review !

Keep up the great content. I really want that ford probe. In canada where i live they have long rusted away.

are the electric motors on the rear wheels? seems hard to find this out.

I just bought this exact model In white and I love it

Great review. Regarding the fuel tank issue, was your test vehicle a 2020 or 2021? My understanding was that they resolved the issue for 2021 models, but I'm not positive.

The fuel tank issue only affects Rav's in the states and Canada. In the UK and Europe we don't have any issues with filling. I don't think Australia has the issue either, though I may be wrong. Great video.

Help me decide between the xse and limited. I don’t want full panoramic glass roof.

@hello road... could you please do a comparison of the hybrid Rav4 to the Hyundia Tucson hybrid?

Thanks for the video after watching I'm in the market for a hybrid rav4

VERY GOOD 😊 INTERESTING REVIEW OF THIS CAR!!! Thank YOU 🙏 sooooo much!!!!!!! It’s a pleasure!!!

funny how the Rav4 is a small SUV in the USA. In Australia it is a mid size SUV. The Toyota Kluger is a large here.

Great video. Any issue with head room for people 6ft tall?

I really want to see climbing hill performance hybrid vs gas

Dual exhaust on a hybrid, interesting choice! Mitsubishi Mirage review coming next??

Have you seen any of these with the glass roof? You think that might not do so well in a city like Vegas?

How’s leg and foot room in the back seat? I’m 6’3”, size 15 feet.

What is the road noise like in this RAV 4?

Got the recall for mine in march 2021

Great review of the RAV4 hybrid and quite accurate. I have had the model you test drove for over a year now and absolutely love it. I agree about the EV mode kind of pointless. I do enjoy the sport mode, it definitely shifts more to my liking. Also It seems to utilizes the EV motor more than other driving modes.

On the issues of size. The Rav4 has very similar footprint to the Toyota Corolla. It really is a crossover, not a full SUV. This shows in the back seat space and the fact that with the back seats down a 6 foot adult cannot stretch out in the back. Rear facing car seats are also a bit of a squeeze. The only thing which makes the Rav4 seem larger is the height of vehicle (which includes very generous ground clearance you won't get on a Corolla!). I bought the Rav4 Prime (easier to buy on the East Coast - often with zero markups - and ship to wherever you live). After 3 months I'm averaging (including electric) 55.1 mpg. Plus you have the power to overtake easily on mountain climbs and 2 lane roads. The only truly useless feature on the car is the lane-keeping - poor at night and easily confused anytime. All the other safety features seem to work fine. As for the driving experience.... the car dives alarmingly under heavy brakes and I don't appreciate the tendency to 'porpoise' under low brakes - Toyota need to work on the suspension. Steering is a little vague (too much power assist) and the tires on the stock hybrid/Prime are horrible. Definitely don't try to flick between lanes - feels unnerving despite traction control. But to put a perspective on that, my other cars are mid-engine super-cars, so maybe I'm being a bit judgey on the handling. Certainly no worse than a brand new Honda Passport I drove recently (ugh)! If you can find a Prime, this is definitely the one to get. Packaging on the both the Prime and Hybrid is poorly thought out, combining disparate features so to get the ones you want, you end up paying for a bunch you don't. For instance, the minimum Hybrid I would buy (for seat memory) would be a fully equipped Hybrid Premium. At which point you might as well buy the Prime because with tax credit it's actually cheaper! The Prime is basically the Hybrid on steroids. You get much better overall mileage (even with a healthy mix of out-of-town and freeway) and for local work you can be in all-electric mode. Driven conservatively around town I am routinely seeing 46 mile range on electric which is better than expected. It does drop though if you turn up the A/C to full blast or decide to go 'lead foot' on the accelerator. Driven that way I've seen the electric range drop below 38 miles. What I love, though, is the acceleration in HV mode - great for overtakes and especially on mountain roads where the Prime can also grab more regenerative power than the Hybrid thanks to the larger battery. As I said, the Prime is just a better hybrid.

Just ordered the Prime (it's sold as the 'cruiser' here in Australia). 10 month lead time!

Toyota stopped selling the very practical Prius V in the USA and Canada and won't sell us their Corolla Hybrid Wagon. That means the RAV4 Hybrid is our best option for an affordable Toyota Hybrid 'utility' vehicle for family duty. In and around town that Mazda CX-5 you mentioned will burn nearly twice as much gas. The RAV4 LE Hybrid is a steal.

Great video

Love my 66 corvette my 22 rav should be here any day

The back seat seatbelt sensors are very sensitive. Also the initial detecting is overreacted. We live in a small town and ofzen sits persons in tje rear. For example my aunt sits in back and for the 500m we ride it begins chiming as hell. I think toyota has the strictest and loudest seatbelt reminders for the rear seats. Sad. Do you have same observations?

Hi, any chance to compare RAV 4 hybrid new Tucson hybrid?

Great review

Anyone figure out something, (other that not driving it) to help reduce the road noise?