Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | One Year Later 

Clearly I tripped over my tongue, these are 225 tires, not 255, but 255s would be fun!

I bought this exact car from Alex two years ago and it now has over 65,000 miles on it and other then some basic preventive maintenance and a new set of tires it has been going strong.

Love my 2019 Rav4 XLE Hybrid. Been doing doordash with it the last 4 months and am on pace to pay it off August 2021 rather than May 2025. Turning my Rav4 into an asset.

Best line "I found this cubby useful.. I put my parking tickets there."

Love the in depth description of how each component works without being too complicated. You talk about things that not a lot of sales people or other reviewers wouldn't talk about towing capabilities or how the planetary system works.

Wow these things almost don’t depreciate. That is a huge reason for me to get one besides wanting a hybrid, but a Prius is still a lot less to buy and still holds its value.

My wife loves her 2019 RAV4 Hybrid XSE. We typically go base trim, but went upscale due to availability. No regrets about moving up.

Had my RAV4 hybrid for 8 months. Currently at 5,7 L /100km

Thanks Alex, For those who missed them, the tow videos were EPIC. The thought of offering the #243HP Highlander Hybrid system and its 3,500 lbs tow capacity in a RAV4 is pure genius, where do you come up with brilliant ideas like that? 😉I was disappointed with the final mpg number of 36.5, you must have some lead-foot hooligans on staff to drive the mpg number so low. As a matter of fact, it seems that your staff get the same mpg driving a RAV4 Hybrid that you get driving the new Highlander Hybrid. 🤔Alex, if you want to repatriate this RAV4 Hybrid to its home and native land of Canada, feel free to get in touch 🤩

So, in short, my parents really wanted a RAV4 hybrid, so we went to a local dealership to work that purchase out. They were previously in a ‘16 Prius V and wanted a higher ground clearance with the same cargo storage. I couldn’t be more pleased with the XLE; it rides so nicely and even appreciate the matte trim (over painted) because of dings and dents. This is a wonderful vehicle, and the interior layout is so on-point that I question every other vehicle in this segment.

Just bought a Ruby Red 2020 Hybrid LE!! Love it!!

Got a hybrid limited and I’m so in loved with it, it’s design, it’s response, everything

I can totally see the appeal of these, super practical and great gas mileage!

I've got a 2020 RAV4 Hybrid XLE. Really like the vehicle. Perfect size for 2 people that want to take weekend trips. Great gas mileage. The only problem is filling the fuel tank. If you complain enough to Toyota, they now have a fix for that problem

After first months and 2.000 miles, love my new hybrid limit, next time I’m going for the Rav 4 Prime!!!

Definitely going to buy a Rav4 now because of the parking ticket storage.

Thanks for all the info and insight you’ve given us since you got this vehicle. The looks and fuel economy are fantastic. It’s the car I would like to get to replace our 2013 CRV but even with 100,000 miles on it, it still looks and drives as new. That’s one of the bad things about buying a reliable car, you don’t get to replace them as often.

What I really want to know is the maintenance cost of hybrid vs regular model for 5 years

Best RAV colour ever

I have been looking at the small SUV market. The Rav4 is on my short list with that reliable 4 cyl., 8 speed auto or hybrid drivetrain. Also no nonsense interior, eg the radio is "normal" touchscreen with knobs, regular shifter. I gotta say that the interior felt kind of cheap and plastic sitting inside one for the price Toyota is asking. The doors sound hollow when closing. The seats are reported not so comfortable when driving for hours. Alex doesn't sound like he loved it, just the mileage and reliability. As he mentioned, he got it as a benchmark to compare to other cars he was testing. And it's probably great for his camera crew and equipment with the excellent gas mileage. If he really liked it, he might have bought a higher trim and kept it longer. I am torn between the Rav4 for reliability vs other SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, CX-9, CR-V EX-L, Forester and even the RDX that as per Trucar can be had discounted for under 40K. I love the looks of the RDX by far over any of these competitors and the ELS stereo is supposedly over the top nice for audiophiles and is huge plus. I haven't heard good things about the reliability, the push button shifter and the TouchPad infotainment controls. The CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve is pretty nice for thousands less than the RDX, but the cargo room and rear seat are lacking. You really can't fold down the rear seat easily without removing the headrests. And the seats are reported as too firm. The Forester checks a lot of boxes. Good cargo room and rear seat, nice HK stereo, pretty good gas mileage but not as good as the Rav4 Hybrid. Kind of slow. Also it had that CVT. CR-V EX-L gives alot of bang for the buck with comfortable leather seats, driver seat memory, rear seat fold down handles, and tons of cargo room. Just that it's reported to be boring to drive and there is that oil dilution issue if it is still an issue.

These things are actually increasing in value instead of depreciating. I was in the unfortunate position where I had to buy a new car in February 2022 and I got a used 2019 RAV4 gas awd LE w/ 7k miles and it was about $31k. The non-hybrid LE’s also have steelies which is obnoxious and surprising to me since it’s a $30k SUV. My ‘19 used base trim rav cost more now than your hybrid XLE did a year ago. I want a higher trim, would LOVE a hybrid, but they are too $$$ these days.

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.

My wife has a 2015 RAV4 with 88km on the clock. Changed tires, battery, front brakes, oil and filter and wiper blades, cabin and air filter. Outstanding vehicle! If you need a SUV . Look no further

Great looking car

"i got the Rav 4 hybrid to make videos and compare it" haha that's short for tax benefit ;) GREAT VIDEOS THANK YOU!

Long time subscriber of your channel and watch almost all of your video. Bought my 2020 xle and super happy with my decision.

I purchased a 2020 TRD Off Road in late March, with "touch-free" delivery. Turned out that there was a slight alignment issue, but, as I was mostly working from home, I waited until this past week to have it serviced. As you will see in several forums, outside mirror vibration is a common issue, and this was the case with my vehicle. It was so bad that it was not uncommon to consider trading the RAV for something else. At the service department I was informed that Toyota just released a technical service bulletin (TSB) for this issue. The work took 3 hours for each door, plus a 48-hour curing time. The good news: THE MIRRORS ARE NOW FIXED. The resolution involved remounting the mirrors to a reinforced structure attached to the inside of the doors. We will see how things workout long term, but I feel like I finally have the new Toyota that should have been delivered to me initially. Otherwise, the fit/finish and parts quality have been very good, and I have zero complaints.

TIL Alex needs an entire cubby for parking tickets.

Nice choice with the MACH-E!! I would be very interested in seeing a 1%-100% fast charging video.

I own 2010 Rav 4.never a single problem

Agree with the looks! Really wish the hybrid or prime were available in a TRD trim appearance

Our Rav Prime is coming in a few weeks but we've tested pretty much everything in the class. The new Rogue absolutely demolishes the Toyota in terms of seat comfort, technology, rear legroom, quietness, driver assistance, and overall value. The 2.4L and CVT is unremarkable and doesn't get Hybrid or Prime fuel economy, but it is plenty smooth and responsive for a vehicle like this. It's such a nice overall package, we're considering bagging on the $49K Prime we waited 6 months for and just getting the Rogue for nearly $15K less.

Thank you for this longer term review. Your comments about the interior are spot on. I, too, find the interior a bit disappointing. The interior color choices of the fabric are a big part of my disappointment. Light colors are going to show dirt and stains. The light gray fabric is horrible and stains have proven more difficult to remove than from any vehicle I have owned in the past 40 years. One of my seat coverings had to be replaced due to the stains the dealer could not remove, even though they had previously treated the fabric with the ceramic stain protection. The interior design will be a factor when I consider replacing this vehicle. Other than this and a couple of TSB's, it has been solid.

I'm glad you addressed the fuel tank issue; it's probably the only thing causing me to hesitate on pulling the trigger on a 2021 Rav4 hybrid. The frustrating part is having no real sense of how frequently it crops up -- is it 10 percent of the time? 1 percent or less? 50 percent?

Thank you, so many reviewers call it a cvt and not a ECVT. Like the Lexus, a very good transmission.

Over 30k miles on my 2019 Rav 4 Hybrid Limited. Issues are: intermittent highway buzz/rattle behind the driver side dash; fuel tank fill. Other than that its been solid as a commuter.

I got a hybrid limited few months ago, I like it a lot,especially I installed full areo kit with 19 inches rims from Tom's Racing ,special order from Japan, expensive but it looks great.

If you care about mileage range, make sure you google RAV4 fuel tank issue before buying one of these...2021 issue has NOT been fixed and after 1st fill up get only get 400 mile range.

THANK YOU for explaining the eCVT!

If one doesn’t want to receive compliments when he buys a car, this colour might be the perfect choice.

This really answers my questions as I was torn between the XLE Hybrid and the gas XLE Premium, I’ve averaged 29 mpg over 18 months and 15,000 miles, and have the softex seating and JBL Audio system, which I prefer, now starting in ‘21 they will offer the Hybrid in XLE Premium trim, which I still think is the RAV4 sweet spot trim level

Thanks for the 1 year review. I have a 2020 XLE Hybrid and I'm 9 months in. Just put on the snow tires so I'm interested to see how the eAWD works in a full Canadian winter. ;-)

My 2014 RAV4 seems like myself very old and I said to my wife that we need an upgrade, mmm her look said live with it there’s not even 70,000 miles on it yet so hardly run in

Alex doesn’t have kids? He would be an awesome dad if he has a kid

I love it!!!!

Did Alex just say "balls"? (Clutches Pearls). :-), tee-hee.

You need to get a Rav4 Prime!! 302 HP, 2nd fastest car in toyota's line up, and 90MpgE

thanks Alex

Hi Alex, can you do round up of upcoming PHEVs? The RAV4 Prime and upcoming Prius Prime are quite appealing based on the combined horsepower and offering EV only milage close to 40 miles.

I test drove this model. I liked it, but not quite enough to buy it. I bought a Peugeot 3008 and so far so good. I love the drive and the styling. Not sure what I will end up replacing it with, but if it ends up being very reliable, I would consider another Peugeot. The only thing I sometimes find, is that the 3008 is slightly on the small side for me. Perfect for the Wife, but I'm at the limits with the drivers leg room.

....dashboard rattle correcting itself over the course of ownership. I'd take that

Wanna trade in my tundra for a rav4 but the mark up right now is crazy and salesman wanna grab every penny currently from consumers! Gonna wait it out for a good deal hopefully!

Is this your work vehicle? Why need to sell it? Its such a reliable vehicle and good on gas.

Fun

Why does hybrid need dual exhaust? Weird, no??

Great review Alex 👍😎😁🤝

I was looking forward to see what Swan song would be in the information screen.

Your description of ECVT was entirely incorrect. Better research next time

Thank you that was pretty thorough!!

The back seat must be large enough, given the word of mouth and sales of the Rav4 I'm sure people are trying to load child seats in the back before buying It can't be a problem if it sells so easily, and is so recommended to others

You should get a Rav 4 prime!

I'm asking private party sale value and oh by the way, I towed over the weight limit. Hey at least you're honest lol

Awesome

Did this have that fuel tank issue everyone is talking about?

Hey Alex, I don't understand the tow capacity contradictions. Why were you able to tow more than the Toyota manufacturer ratings? Was that a dealer installed option?

Always enjoy your reviews. Good luck with the Mach-E. I'd hate to buy something and have to jump ship after a year though. Ouch. Typically underwater until at least three years in. After that some equity comes into play depending upon make/model. I had what I thought was good equity on my 2015 Q3. Drove it for about 53k miles and the dealer cut me a check for 8k equity when going up to a 2018 Q5. Q5 is very nice on lease I have no complaints and the 2021 checks all of the boxes but I may try something new this time around just because I'm getting older and a bit more upright seating position with a good range of travel in the tilt/telescopic area would be appreciated. Disco sport maybe? Your thoughts on that would be appreciated, you've sat in tons of vehicles.

Can you do Ford Escape Hybird | One Year Later?

Hi Alex thanking for the sharing. Can you comment on the roof rack water leaking issue? Is it true? Or have you experienced that?

Have a 2020 xse 5k miles every bell and whistle. Love the truck

You never discussed the two problems frequently discussed online regarding the hybrid, the fuel tank issue where it reads empty with 5 gallons of fuel still in the tank making the tank essentially 9 gallons useable, and the battery drain issue. Did you have either of these issues?

2:10 Wait did I hear that right? 255 width tires?

Love your reviews Alex, thank you! You helped me decide on my 2020 Rav4 XSE 9 months ago and i love it!😆 Sad to see the review car go.

👍👍❤ i love your Toyota rav4 hybrid

I have a non-Hybrid XLE, and it’s tires are 225/65/R17... are you sure you have such wide tires? Is it a Hybrid feature to have the 255/55/R17??

The neighbor a few blocks away where we walk our dogs has had two prior gen rav4 hybrids and traded one in on a new hybrid. Side-by-side the prior gen has a more sophisticated and refined look where the new one looks like a mis-match of styling and basically looks like it was in a wreck.

The dome light button placement isn’t intuitive. I won’t mention the gas tank fill issues.

good mrng Alex ..question you have had you smurf blue rav4 for a yr now have you had any problems with the battery going dead after not used for a few days ? cause i am looking @ a 2021 but i have some doubts about it

Have they corrected the fuel tank issue?

That color isn't very popular, even among the dealers. Order one and the deposit is higher because black and white are the most sought-after colors and the blue doesn't sell as well

I rode in the RAV4 hybrid yesterday. Cheap interior everywhere. There are better options out there.

i remember when the RAV4 first came out. i thought it said RAVA

" If you can repeat it for the dealer"... Is that the new version of " ITS NOT OUR PROBLEM". Man have we gone down hill as a society..

SPARE TIRE! SOLD. lol

the best subcompact SUV. New Prime is the beast.

Why not put the car on carsandbids and do a colab with Doug?

Hey Alex, just FYI your mic was clipping quite a bit in this video.

Will all "parking tickets" be paid before the sale?

Great video as always! I looked at getting the 1st generation RAV4 Hybrid in 2017 but was turned off by the highway mileage so I ended up getting a Subaru Forester instead. I agree with your assessment of the blandness of the interior and the impracticality of a light gray interior in keeping clean. As to the exterior styling of Toyota's and other cars, the trend to have monster grills, thin beads of rubber for tires, and the use of plastics for bumpers and bodywork - all this will age poorly and I am wondering in ten or fifteen years as to how many will still be driven on the road?

Every new vehicle seems to have problems . I'm going to wait a few years to buy a new car .

Its a conspiracy, really that's your email address. Thanks Alex, at times like these, with stupidity around us

Why can't Toyota put the Avalon Hybrid engine? Unbelievable miles per gallon.

If you believe Alex, he has gotten the most parking tickets of any car reviewer out there!!!

We had a rav4 for a rental car that we put over 5000 miles on in a 10 day road trip. We noticed rattles that were not expected, from the seatbelt adjusters on the B pillars, as well as the extermal mirrors whistling at highway speeds, any experiences with these problems alex?

I subscribed at "electric smurf"

Very disappointed in 2020 RAV4 Hybrid. Advertised at 40 mpg, but only getting 33. Field tech came out to test drive it and got 33.6 and he and Toyota said its fine and won't do anything about it. After 20 plus years of driving Toyotas which lived up to expectations, this is not what we expected or are content with

Test drove the 2020 Limited hybrid. Liked the look but when I get inside it did not feel like I'm in a 2020 vehicle. Tech inside is way behind the competition. What do you think people are lining up to buy the Rav4 ? Its crazy over here in NZ and we dont even get some of the options you get in USA or canada.

Will the sonata n line have HUD , blind view monitor and surround view cameras

Hi Alex. What type of hybrid battery does this Rav4 have? Lithium or NiMh ?

How much di the car end up selling for?

Milpitas? Are you local here too?