Toyota RAV4 vs RAV4 Hybrid 0-60 Test & Comparison!

[@Realistick]

I will include a full section on reliability in my full review, however, it is worth noting that numerous people (especially in Canada) are reporting corrosion issues with a pivotal wiring harness that can be upwards of 6 grand to fix! Thank you @anthony aron

[@Hardwaretuned]

Idk I’m rly liking my 0-60 in my rav 4 prime. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYDXg6Slfcubm9k

[@monctonma2227]

Completely unrelated however I have a Cherokee with corrosion issues in the break control module. This is also a heavy repair ($1500) however you can achieve similar results with a toothbrush and contact cleaner inside the connector. Wonder if this is the same thing with the hybrid issues? Would hate for someone spend 6 grand that they could fix by simply unplugging and cleaning a connector. Just not sure how safe that would be considering this is high voltage.

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

The high voltage cable has been addressed. It’s where the cable hooks up to the rear electric motor. The housing was sealed meaning moisture just sat inside it. They put some holes in the end of the housing so water can drain.

[@maxmaxed2887]

Ppl still report corrosion

[@vfcs]

Purchased a 2020 Rav4 Limited Hybrid in October of 2019 for most of the reasons you site as well as my personal preferences. Average Annual mileage has been a consistent 40.5 MPG the last two years. This includes all sorts of driving in northern Illinois including road trips to south Florida (mid winter) and north Wisconsin (all seasons). High average MPG is of course in the summer climbing to approximately 45 MPG. This diminishes to 40.5 by the start of March when I reset the meter. Trip mileages as high as 50+ MPG when driving 45 MPH or slower in the summer on two lane roads or city with minimal stopping and as low as 33 MPG when driving winter into a north headwind on the highway at 70+ MPH with the rear loaded with two bicycles and trip luggage, and two passengers.

[@narcisoperalta7288]

Wow! Thank you for that detailed, precise report. Those numbers make me feel much better now. I preordered the RAV4 Hybrid, and the California weather will likely help MPG. Waiting time for that baby is about 6-8 months though. 😎

[@manuelgalang6492]

Never forget the expense of replacing the battery.

[@waki0069]

@@manuelgalang6492 they last 10+ years (as in older priuses) and are cheap, because they are 1% of these mounted in teslas

[@Somebody2687]

​@waki0069 They are NiMH batteries so they shouldn't be terribly expensive. I would imagine most of the cost is labor since it's a dangerous and time consuming job that would be done by a skilled technician. The lithium batteries I would imagine cost significantly more to replace.

[@joedanero5360]

I've driven both and the Hybrid is a smoother experience. It's buttery nice to drive and quick. As the cost of hybrid battery replacement technique comes down I don't think replacement will be as difficult or expensive when these need to be replaced. The drive batteries are underneath the rear seat. There are two types. NiMh and Lipo. Lipo does'nt do as great in cold climates and NiMh is better for the environment(currently). By the time these batteries need to be replaced in these new hybrids they will be far less expensive to remove and replace than the current day cost(which isn't bad currently). And recycling will be far more efficient which it already is for NiMh and is gaining steam for lithium. By the way....The Toyota eCVT is an amazing piece of tech. It's been evolving over 20yrs. I'd trust it to last over that 8speed. Based off of the 20yr Prius experiments...Now they are beefed up in a few different versions. It's really a mechanical marvel. I'm an engineering nerd and it is a very impressive, yet simple and reliable drivetrain.

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

I drive a second gen Venza which has the same power train as the RAV4 hybrid. Everything about that car is amazing. And yes the transmission is amazing. I shied away from eCVTs for a long time because “CVT”. Not even remotely close to the same thing. The Car Care Nut on KZbin has never had to replace an eCVT from normal use. If you change the fluids regularly and don’t try to modify it, it’ll last as long as the car rolls down the road. 4th and 5th gen Toyota hybrids are just amazing. Smooth, fast and reliable.

[@joedanero5360]

​@@alaskabornheathen8902 Spot on post. eCVT is not a typical CVT. They're closer to a geared transmission. They're actually one of the most reliable transmissions.

[@JesusTorres-bw3bn]

3k for a hybrid battery over 12years is such a good deal. And I can confirm Toyota hybrid reliability, I have a 2012 Prius with 210k miles and it is now 12 years old, I’ve owned it since brand new and the car still drives like when it was brand new, the hybrid battery still holds charge like when I drive it off the lot 12 years ago. Now with the rav4 being newer I’m sure Toyota perfected the hybrid system in their cars so I would definitely say that it would definitely last 12-17 years on the original battery

[@tico78742]

That’s good to know! New hybrid owner. I love the hybrid but worried about battery life. Still not bad if it needs to be replaced.

[@tomtalker2000]

I think if one is going too go with the RAV the hybrid is your best bet. The 219hp is quite punchy and makes a big difference over the gas engine.

[@lmstefanini1]

Some facts about the hybrid. 1.,The hybrid is meant to save fuel in the city or slow roads. If the driving profile is mainly on motorways with velocity above 110 km/h the fuel consumption of the Hybrid approaches the Regular one and the extra investment may not worth 2. The hybrids work best in mild to hot ambient temperatures ( 18 - 30 degC). Since the design relies on the thermal efficiency of the engine and in the availability of the battery, the performance of the car drops significantly in cold weather conditions. Not only the gas mileage, but also the lack of acceleration through the electrical motor / traction battery is easily noticed. In my experience, the fuel consumption can easily drop by 30 % in sub freezing ambiente temperatures, approaching the regular model. 3. The life of the battery is not determined by the mileage, but by the usability of the cars. Cars that are used daily are prone to have last longing batteries, while the ones that are used sporadically, the battery will tend to fail shorter. In summary, the hybrids worths for those that rides regularly in the city or small roads and in mild to hot temperatures. Interestingly in Europe it is the preferable car for taxi drivers in some cities. For other driving styles it worths the analysis if the hybrid is adequate.

[@sunnyverma2782]

Thank you for laying it out that way. Gives me all the answers i needed. Considering buying 2024 RAV4 and trying to decide between Hybrid and Gas model. I guess I am sorted on that one with your input. Also LE or XLE Gas model? I like the moonroof in XLE, lol 😅

[@sunnyverma2782]

I mainly drive in the city but super cold temperatures in North West Indiana near Chicago. Winters are also longer.

[@maxmaxed2887]

Thank you so much I think I'm going with gas one, especially since used RAV4 difference is $3-7k between hybrid and gas. It completely removes any advantage hybrid provides outside of having some extra torque

[@cycloopnl]

Got a 2021 RAV4 XSE AWD hybrid and I love it.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Note the gas powered version is better in the snow than the hybrid version. On slippery surfaces the hybrid tends to spin the front tires momentarily before power is sent to the rear for better traction. Also note Toyota has extended the warranty from 8 years 100,000 miles now to ten years and 150,000 miles in 2020 due to some complaints about durability.

[@fallguy4209]

It’s only because of the probability of cable gate issues

[@catnipleaf8680]

Truth be told, you really can’t go wrong with either powertrain. The RAV4 is a dependable, reliable crossover that will last you a good while

[@JRZ67]

I purchased a ‘22 XLE premium after my wife passed on it when she was looking for her car. I had no intentions of ever buying a CUV, but my ‘20 WRX was killing my wallet, at 22-23mpg on premium. I got $1500 over what I paid for my WRX on the trade. I am quite happy with the RAV- acceleration, mileage and cargo capacity.

[@Realistick]

I enjoy WRXs but that premium fuel hurts different now, congrats on the RAV!

[@SWEETVENOM100]

What’s your mpg been thru the ownership?

[@ronaldoquintos1675]

Actually I have a shop that upgrade NiMH Lithium Iron Phosphate with a lifespan of 2-3 times that of the OEM batteries and they coast half af only 1600 bucks. I’m the only one in Houston who does that

[@tico78742]

That’s quite the claim. So it will last 25 or more years?!

[@tophlovr]

How does the hybrid control wind and road noise vs the gas powered? Everyone says the hybrid is quieter and cannot be compared to the gas. For the me wind noise in the gas powered one is a huge deal breaker. So noisy!

[@SlLENTSAMURI]

You know the rav4 has 2 Sport modes, right??? One on the shifter and a button or on the knob for eco or sport???

[@10cpaul]

There are a lot of aftermarket companies that are replacing or repairing hybrid batteries. Had a 2011 Prius and they're mobile. Hybrid Repair 911 was the company.. 1550 and all was will.. My nephew now has the car and has had no issues at 225k

[@cocm81]

I own a 2021 XLE hybrid. I,ve owned it for 3 years exactly this month and 78,600 miles. Gas mileage is excellent when I get a good fill, approximate,y 520 miles on a tank. The steering is soft and delayed, but it is what it is. Toyota won’t admit it but I think I have a gas tank issue. I get the 520 miles on tank when I fill up at a gas station which has a downward slope. On a flat surface gas station I only get 370-400 miles which is unfortunate.

[@kingmo4653]

I thought I was crazy but I have the same issue. And sometimes if I park the car anywhere that’s on a slope it won’t start unless I fill it up with more gas!!!

[@nosretep1960]

Driving 24 Corolla Cross SE AWD hybrid. Always hyper mile 85+ MPG local @65-70% EV, 55-60 Highway 35%+ EV, 38 MPG freeway 0 % EV. Fortunately 2/3-3/4 local. BTW only @2k mi engine run time between oil changes. Once past warranty will double to annual change. Tests by others, 0-60 slightly better in Eco mode vs power. Still soft if not floored.

[@L0LrevneD]

How would you say the hybrid’s AWD system compares to the conventional, non torque vectoring gas only model’s AWD system? I’ll probably do mild off roading every now and then with my car but nothing that most people take a 4 Runner to

[@fallguy4209]

That one doesn’t have a 8 speed. It’s a e-cvt.

[@tomtalker2000]

This guy is EXTREMELY handsome...!!!

[@ynotsend1866]

poop in the trap

[@billyrock8305]

Aghhh … not!

[@byronmoore8448]

FYI the 8 speed is a learning transmission. Look it up at the car care nut on you tube.

[@CapELarry]

I’m so glad someone else loses sleep over these pivotal issues of powertrain choice.

[@petergruber6658]

Tyler, always appreciate your insights. Do you have any thoughts on the Ford Escape Hybrid?

[@Realistick]

I can't say I've driven one, only the Fusion hybrid. It's technically a previous gen Toyota hybrid design so I'm sure it's sophisticated but I trust Toyota's engine more and I personally like the Toyota's design better too. Maybe the escape is more fun? I'll have to drive it to find out.

[@narcisoperalta7288]

I heard about the Escape hybrid CVT transmission problems, apparently not as reliable as Toyota.

[@manuelgalang6492]

i will stick with the gas powered one. no worrying about the electric cable rusting and battery replacement. i have a 2021 xle awd and i am able to exceed the EPA estimate easily in a good day. here in canada to replace the battery, the estimate quote from dealership is $7000.

[@wyw201]

Is $7000 the replacement of the entire hybrid battery or specific cells? It's rare for the entire battery to break.

[@manuelgalang6492]

@@wyw201 I was told for the whole battery. That is the quoted price for today. Might be more expensive in the years to come as the demand will increase. Replacing few batteries is not a long term repair. Better replace the whole and by Toyota

[@wyw201]

@@manuelgalang6492 I believe the whole point of moving to modular cell packs is to avoid replacing the whole battery if one cell deteriorated.

[@manuelgalang6492]

That idea is not from Toyota. And I don't think Toyota will ever do that. They are more of long term reliability and won't compromise. But if you own a hybrid there are information online on how to maintain the battery so you can make it last for a very long time. It's not for everyone. If you do lots of city driving you will benefit from it. Not so much with highway driving. Unfortunately they have issue with cable corrosion. That alone is 6k and the fact that they are simply replacing it, they didn't solve the issue so again the new cable is prone to corrosion. Unless they will do something when they install the new one. It comes with complication that unfortunately we the consumers are paying for their bad design. Other than that I will stay with Toyota.

[@wyw201]

@@manuelgalang6492 I believe cable corrosion only applies to 2019-2021 Rav 4 models where the cable connector has been inverted unlike other Toyota hybrid models. As for hybrid batteries, Toyota already sources modular cell packs from Panasonic and CATL for this generation hybrids, plug-in hybrids and upcoming EVs.

[@SingletonD]

The RAV4 might not be as pretty or modern or have the same amount of features inside as a KIA/Hyundai, WW, and Nissan crossovers, but you can trust the engine to have no problems to 100K+ miles. It will life longer, rust less and retain its value better. That being said, the cabin is shit compared to it competitors. Just look at the new rogue, shortage or tucson. If Toyota put just a little more effort into it, no one would buy any other crossover.

[@jamesdewer]

Toyota truck design has always cut corners, on amenities. When the first RAV4 with Bluetooth emerged the audio was through only a single speaker! Huh? Corollas not much better. Even the Limited models lack significant refinement over competitors middle range offerings. If you want the full on amplified audio and carbon fiber appointment think Infiniti or Lexus.

[@richardmorse5307]

Great video! I’m having a tough time deciding between the gas or hybrid RAV4 which my wife would be driving mainly. We keep our vehicles for a long time and I wonder if having to replace the high voltage battery at a cost of $8000-10,000 makes it worthwhile. I also wonder about resale after 10-15 years?

[@Realistick]

I'm usually hearing replacement costs of around $4,000? Maybe call a local Toyota service department to get an answer on that! I'd go hybrid if you can get one without markup as it should make up the costs and I prefer the powertrain!

[@richardmorse5307]

@@Realistickthanks for your reply. I hadn’t thought about the smoother drivetrain with the hybrid. I thought the hybrid would be more finicky to drive. In our market there is a large increase in resale price for the hybrid due to demand and long wait times for new.

[@zulemadelcastillo4409]

A couple of years ago, we bought a 2013 Prius V with low miles (60k). We have never had a problem other than having to replace one window actuator motor. It is still running great; not a sporty vehicle by any means but reliable engine and battery so far. My daughter and I share it so now I’m in the market for another Toyota, possibly a RAV4. I’ll have to test drive both ICE and hybrid. Thanks for the video.

[@SnowLion1959]

Hi there ! Mine is rav 4 XLE gasoline 2021 model but I get only 25.7 MPG at the moment I don’t drive that much only street and highway little bit . It’s little over 10,000 miles current on odometer, so my question ? Is it normal or do I need check with dealership ? Thank you 🙏 pls have a reply .

[@Realistick]

Cars often struggle to hit epa numbers if they are driven short enough distances to where the engine doesn’t get fully warmed up. My gf has an 2012 rav4 4cyl and her average mpg reads around 16 to 17.

[@SnowLion1959]

Thank you 🙏 sir for the answer !

[@noahw5887]

Does anybody know if the hybrid has a dual compressor for the AC? Like an electric and one hooked up to the serpentine belt.

[@Realistick]

I don’t think it has a dual compressor but it can run off of the battery so that it cools the cabin at all times.

[@noahw5887]

@@Realistick I heard some hybrids have both. If it's only electric that's fine, I could just run it with the car "off". Thanks for your help!

[@mikej238]

There is no belt on any Toyota hybrid

[@danek893]

For get about 0-60, how about 60-80 MPH or more, how it’s fell like? I drove my friend Forester it’s fast I need to watch out for speed.

[@Realistick]

That one is more tricky to measure. Plus it risks getting in trouble. The nice thing about dragy is that there is a detailed breakdown showing how fast it accelerates the whole stretch, not just 0-60.

[@mlhcanada7217]

We owned A 2017 Toyota non-hybrid RAV4 (Written off after we were hit at a red light) and we own a 2013 Toyota Camry hybrid. We actually have just ordered a 2022 RAV4 hybrid to replace the Camry. Anyways, the hussle of the Camry is substantially better than our RAV4 was at the 60-80. The RAV4 with a four-cylinder would struggle for quick acceleration at highway speed’s, but the Camry doesn’t even care even with an older drivetrain. It’s *almost* a sleeper. Doesn’t even begin to care until you hit probably somewhere north of 90 mph. The late model RAV4 hybrid has a re-designed drivetrain and, at a combined 220 hp, adds about 40 hp to our Camry (Older generation but same drivetrain that was in earlier model RAV4 hybrids) and the RAV4 weighs only about 300 lbs more. Give or take. When we test drove it, the difference in power was obvious.

[@mikej238]

" Ecvt" not cvt....big difference. After 13 months with a Rav 4 Hybrid I'm at 46 MPG..mostly highway and freeway.....where I live gas is 5 bucks USD. It will pay for itself long before the battery wears out..including replacing the battery

[@Realistick]

Huge difference! I reiterate that more in my later videos

[@worldmedia1476]

Both rav4 (petrol and hybrid) are pretty much the same.

[@gearheadsltd5590]

3:20 thats a lot of noise and a lot of nothing

[@pepefroge2983]

You can just buy the plug in hybrid it has 300hp to and it's super comen

[@kmsti8677]

Why, Toyota, why do you have to have full torque at 5,000 rpm? Who the hell drives up there on a Rav4? This makes the vehicle accelerate really sluggish and slow.

[@NormWeber-ou4lf]

Prime smokes them both at 0-60@ 5.5

[@SuperHector1987]

6.9 sec is pretty good

[@SwordsCutEmDown]

There is a very serious RAV 4 hybrid cable corrosion defect issue that has just started. The hybrid will simply stop running. Toyota is refusing to cover and repair this cable corrosion under warranty! The dealers are charging $4500 to $6000 to fix it!

[@Realistick]

Interesting, I'll note that in my full review if I can find more on it, any links?

[@SwordsCutEmDown]

@@Realistick RAV4World forum; 5th generation Hybrid subforum has several very long threads about this cable corrosion issue and the lack of any warranty coverage.

[@Realistick]

Got it, I've been reading things on it the past 30 minutes. Oddly enough, it seems like a Canadian issue. I would assume that is due to climate but I am trying to find out if there is something else going on and for any updates from Toyota. They did put out a bulletin on it.

[@SWEETVENOM100]

@@SwordsCutEmDown is this only concerning the hybrids not the ICE variants?

[@SwordsCutEmDown]

@@SWEETVENOM100 Only happens to HYBRIDS! Gas models are OK.

[@headshot9611]

Hybrid is not your choice if you drive long distances on highway

[@fallguy4209]

I have both and the hybrid easily gives me an extra couple hundred miles of range from Chicago to keywest. I can go 75 mph + on the hwy and get 37 mpg in the xse hybrid while if I do the same to the regular xle it gets tops 24 mpg. Hybrid is the way to go. Things that are in a regular rav4 burden the engine where the hybrid doesn’t have to worry about to slow it down. No alternator, no starter, no belts, ac runs off of the battery all electric, the regular brakes only activate at 17 mph and below or in a panic stop. I get about 610 miles on a tank of gas on the highway. The regular version Im lucky to get over 420 miles.

[@mikej238]

I have a hybrid the worst mpg I ever got in 13 months is 41 mpg...highway at 75mph. I easily get 50mpg off the highway .

[@quinton1306]

The prime. I want the Prime. Optimis Prime

[@Realistick]

me too:(

[@Hardwaretuned]

If you have questions I have the worlds quickest documented rav 4 prime in existence today. No one on the planet has beaten my time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYDXg6Slfcubm9k

[@tah6746]

Why would you want 19" on the Adventure or 18" on the TRD. Off Road you would be better off with smaller wheels and taller / better tires for the money.

[@ynotsend1866]

On my momma

[@fegik5922]

I prefer the corolla cross, the rav 4 is too School bus ish

[@stephaniequintana3072]

Agree to disagree, the Corolla Cross looks eggy

[@fallguy4209]

Corolla cross is ugly asf. RAV4 looks like a storm trooper

[@xavierg9066]

Don’t buy a hybrid ever the cost to repair them is out the wazoo

[@oneblach]

I drove both, hybrid and non-hybrid. Both slow and loud AF. The highlander I drove felt like a Rolls Royce in comparison.

[@Realistick]

The highlander is also much more expensive and in a different class (and also slower in hybrid form). If you compare it to its competitors, it's not slow in hybrid form and not anymore noisy either.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

The Highlander is overpriced and handles poorly.

[@saraalhumairi7584]

Wat model was it? 22? Or older

[@NightShade-X]

Highlander is expensive AF! Too much money for that car, hilarious. I wanted to buy it, but when ive been told a price for it, i said NO Thanks!

[@mturrentine0888]

Fristttt

[@SlackersIndustry]

none, the rav4 v6 is where its at

[@oldedwardian1778]

Here we go again, the steering does not feel completely ALIEN! What the hell does that mean. If you haven’t realized YET, 95% of those buying this vehicle DONT GIVE A FLYING FART ABOUT THESE RIDICULOUS REMARKS. I have a 2019 XLE HYBRID with only 20,000. Oh here again the transmission has a NATURAL LINEAR FEELING., another USELESS comment. I bought my RAV4, my first ever Toyota and I am 81 yo, because it was a nice looking car with lots of room, very economical and reliable. There are a few very annoying things about it, but NOTHING SERIOUS. NO ONE WANTS TO LEAVE RUBBER ON THE ROAD WITH BLISTERING ACCELERATION, in a car like this. After 4 1/2 years I still like the car very much. One of my main bones of contention is that I car only has Apple CarPlay, I am an Android user. Using the navigation is a pain, so I had a decision to make, should I buy a NEW RAV4 and get Android support? OR, BUY AN IPHONE. My used IPhone XS MAX arrived today, it looks MAGNIFICENT. Now for the FUN. Your reviews are good, STOP USING THOSE IDIOTIC REMARKS THAT NO ONE CARES ABOUT.

[@oldedwardian1778]

SUPER REFINED SOUNDING! What on earth does that MEAN. Your review is good, u til you use LUDICROUS remarks like that.