The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a no-nonsense SUV

Taking pole position on America’s passenger vehicle sales chart in 2022, the Toyota RAV4 is a staple in the U.S. market. Recognizing the importance of keeping it fresh, Toyota brings new updates to the RAV4 each year. The Hybrid variant, which made up over a third of its sales this year (January to September 2023), is particularly significant, and receives regular updates and improvements.

While the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid retains much of the previous model, there’s a number of updates to be excited about for its target audience. Toyota showcased the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid (XSE trim) at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where I had the chance to experience its features and comfort. Here’s what I found:

Design

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is essentially a five-year-old design, but when I saw it at the 2023 LA Auto Show, I still liked its exterior, thanks to its chiseled appearance, underscored by the combination of soft, modern design cues and an athletic shape.

My favorite part of the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid is the front fascia, which exudes a powerful look with its sharp, swept-back headlamps and an aggressive split grille. One thing I hope Toyota improves on with the next update, which is expected to be a full makeover for the sixth generation, is the design of the glasshouse, which looks a bit unattractive on the current model due to the oddly shaped rear-quarter glass.

Toyota offers a wide range of personas in the RAV4 Hybrid, and in my opinion, the Woodland Edition is the pick of the lot. The Woodland Edition endows the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid with an adventurous and rugged exterior with 18-inch Bronze-finished wheels and raised roof rails with crossbars. I think it looks particularly stunning in the new Army Green/Midnight Black (roof) dual-tone color scheme.

Interior

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid maintains a functional interior, but I felt that it looks a bit too simple by 2023 standards, especially after spending time in the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid, which is also available with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. I liked the sleek dashboard and the free use of soft-touch materials across the cabin. Additionally, I appreciate the abundance of analog controls in the vehicle, finding them convenient and user-friendly for drivers across age groups.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster has smooth animations and is easy to use. While I liked some of its customizable layouts, which showed details like charging level and EV driving ratio, I missed the map view that VW offers in the Tiguan’s 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. As for the 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system, I didn’t find it particularly snappy or smooth, but it wasn’t slow or laggy either. Owners would also tell you that the menu structure is pretty easy to get accustomed to, and that the desired function can be attained with the fewest inputs.

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid has a new Integrated Streaming feature that allows customers to listen to music directly using Apple Music or Amazon Music. As much as I appreciated the new music streaming capability and found it convenient, I was disappointed to find that Spotify wasn’t among the supported services.

I felt that the compact steering wheel of the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid had a fine grip and its manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel offered a good range of adjustability. I had no issues whatsoever with forward, side, rear-diagonal, or rear visibility. I think the low beltline and wideness of the rear-quarter glass help in improving side and rear-diagonal visibility, respectively.

I’m a six-footer, and had no issues with ingress or ingress in the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid. However, I felt that the headroom was a little tight for my liking. The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid I was sitting in was equipped with a moonroof, and I think taller drivers would be more comfortable in a configuration not equipped with this feature.

Spending time in the heated and 8-way power-adjustable front driver’s seat with lumbar support, I found the legroom to be quite comfortable. I can’t say the same about under-thigh support, though, as I felt that the cushion was a little bit short. This is an area where I hope Toyota spends more budget on in the next-gen model.

In the back, I was able to step in and out without any discomfort. In addition to reclining, the 60/40 bench seat offers a heating function in the outboard positions, a feature I think I’d truly appreciate in the current season.

Sitting right behind the driver’s seat, I had generous legroom and knee room. The headroom was good, too, especially after using the recline function. The under-thigh support was average, though. As for shoulder room, I don’t think three tall adults like me would be able to sit abreast comfortably.

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid is available with a power liftgate that features hands-free access. It offers 37.5 cu. ft. of cargo space, expandable to 69.8 cu. ft. with the rear seat folded. I appreciate Toyota including a temporary spare tire, which lies below the two-stage load floor.

Driving Impressions

The 2024 Toyota RAV4’s Hybrid has no mechanical changes, so I expect it to drive the same as the previous model. With 219 horsepower and an EPA-est. fuel economy of up to 41 MPG (city)/38 MPG (hwy.)/39 MPG (comb.), the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers a great balance of performance and efficiency.

The RAV4 Hybrid offers superb acceleration from the word go, thanks to its electric motors, although it doesn’t feel all that exciting once it reaches highway speeds. Those who’ve reviewed the recent model years add that the car feels out of breath at high speeds, and when pushed, the cabin gets a bit noisy. The firm chassis setup does make it a bit engaging to drive, though, especially in the SE and XSE trims.

Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, but with competitors regularly upgrading their products, it doesn’t feel like the most refined or dynamic compact SUV in the U.S.

Price

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s prices start at USD 31,475 and go up to USD 39,780. Both prices exclude a DPH fee of USD 1,350.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid may not look as fancy or have as many party tricks as newer rivals, but it’s functional, offer good value for money, and promises a great saving in fuel cost. Despite its age, the fifth-gen RAV4 Hybrid continues to be the top pick for compact SUV buyers.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid FAQs

This article contains contributions from our reader.

An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.