2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Review

Many American drivers opt for compact SUVs due to their car-like handling and increased maneuverability compared to their full-size counterparts. The popularity of Toyota’s RAV4 contributes to this trend as the fourth-best-selling vehicle in the US during 2023, with drivers purchasing 434,943 examples. Hybrid options within the RAV4 sweeten the deal with increased fuel economy and a competitive starting price. 

MotoPickers Rating: 8/10

Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 Hybrid starts at $31,725. While there are no significant changes to this production year’s entry from its predecessor, you’ll receive access to some new exterior color shades and combinations increasing curb appeal, such as Army Green and an optional Midnight Metallic Black roof. 

Outdoor enthusiasts who purchase a 2024 RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition trim now receive a 1.25” activity mount for carrying cargo like a bike rack, while a newly available weather package contains a leather-wrapped steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers with a de-icer feature.

Besides the minor additions mentioned above, the general pros and cons of this popular compact SUV, separate from its fuel economy, include a smooth ride feel and a quality cargo space. Rumored drawbacks, which we’ll confirm, include spongy brake pedal responses and front seats that may fall short of providing enough comfort during extended drives. Still, the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid is quicker than its non-hybrid counterpart.

Learn more about the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid’s strengths and weaknesses below.

Exterior spotlight

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid’s robust and stiff platform helps accentuate its SUV proportions despite the model’s compact configuration. Drivers can select 17” or 18” wheels, with the Woodland Edition trim’s 18” wheels featuring a bronze finish. Falken WildPeak AT tires wrap this bronze-finish alloy wheel for additional durability alongside front and rear mudguards. Selecting this special edition trim also delivers Black RAV4 badging and a Woodland Edition decal.

Colors and two-tone combinations for this Toyota’s exterior include:

• Cavalry Blue/Midnight Black Metallic roof
• Magnetic Gray Metallic
• Wind Chill Pearl
• Ice Cap
• Cavalry Blue
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Ruby Flare Pearl
• Blueprint
• Silver Sky Metallic
• Wind Chill Pearl/Midnight Black Metallic roof
• Silver Sky Metallic/Midnight Black Metallic roof
• Magnetic Gray Metallic/Midnight Black Metallic roof
• Army Green/Midnight Black Metallic roof
• Ice Cap/Midnight Black Metallic roof

Toyota brings form and function to the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid’s front with active grille shutters, underbody panels with vortex generators (small fins), front and rear wheel spats, and an integrated rear spoiler—all of which bolster aerodynamic performance. 

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid’s exterior features optional LED projector-beam headlights with available LED accent lighting and modern LED taillights above a dual chrome-tipped exhaust. This compact SUV’s rear power liftgate is height adjustable with jam protection, while black exterior accents on areas like door handles and the rear hatch garnish elevate appearances. Privacy glass is present on all rear, quarter, side, and liftgate windows.

Interior overview

Cargo dimensions are a significant consideration when shopping for an SUV, even within the compact segment. Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 excels in its rear cargo capacity with a space measuring 37.6 cubic feet (cu. ft.), which is amongst the highest of its competitors. You can fold down the 60/40 fold-flat rear seat to increase cargo room or utilize both seating rows to accommodate up to five passengers. 

This SUV’s interior also contains quality materials, like the available SofTex synthetic leather trim on seats complementing the optional 8-way power-adjustable driver and 4-way power-adjustable passenger seats. There’s a practical shelf between the upper and lower passenger-side dashboard for smaller items, which may seem insignificant, but certain rivals, like Honda’s 2025 CR-V Hybrid, don’t offer many storage solutions for small cargo. 

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid’s available panoramic glass roof enhances the cabin’s ambiance with an airy feel and more natural light entry, and optional ventilated front seats ensure comfort when temperatures rise. 

However, dual-zone automatic climate control is an available feature we’d prefer to see as standard, and the front seats are slightly uncomfortable during longer drives due to lessened cushion density. 

Power and performance 

Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 Hybrid offers 219 net combined horsepower via a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder powertrain with front and rear electric drive modes. This powertrain works alongside an ECVT (electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission). 

One of the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid’s most significant performance perks is its standard inclusion of electronic on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) across all trims. The electronic portion of this drivetrain represents the electric drive motor, which automatically distributes power to the rear wheels for added traction. 

This Toyota offers five drive modes: 

• Eco mode (optimize fuel efficiency)
• EV mode (maximizes short-distance efficiency) 
• Sport mode (most responsive performance)
• Trail mode (more off-road traction)
• Normal mode (blends efficiency and power)

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid has an exceptional 8.1” ground clearance, providing a much needed boost regarding its off-road capabilities. Fuel efficiency registers at an estimated 38-41 MPG in the city and 35-38 MPG on the highway. 

This compact SUV achieves its smooth ride feel via well-designed options like TRD-tuned off-road and sport-tuned suspensions. TRD-tuned off-road suspension within the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition contains:

• Off-road-ready coil springs
• Enhanced bump stops
• Twin-tube shocks with internal rebound springs

The sport-tuned suspension utilizes stiff shock absorbers and springs to increase power and acceleration via reduced body roll during cornering and acceleration in addition to a firmer ride.

Performance drawbacks include a spongy brake pedal feel, average handling within the XSE trim, and AWD that’s not designed for off-roading, even with the Woodland Edition that’s slightly more capable off the beaten path.

Technology overview 

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid’s available infotainment display measures 10.5”, while the standard version spans 8”. You can utilize these display’s features via touch and voice recognition by saying “Hey, Toyota.” Competitors like BMW and Toyota’s subsidiary, Lexus, contain similar voice command technology. 

The optional 12.3” Multi-Information Display streamlines your ability to receive vital driving information, such as turn-by-turn navigation directions, safety warnings, and more, through a screen that replaces a traditional analog instrument cluster. 

Wireless features within this Toyota include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an optional Qi-compatible charging pad. Drivers can channel wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto streaming via the available JBL Premium Audio system, which features 11 speakers in nine cabin locations. This upgraded sound system also includes a subwoofer.

Connected service upgrades

Connected services associated with the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid include:

• Remote Connect
• WiFi Connect
• Safety Connect
• Drive Connect
• Service Connect

Remote Connect allows you to wirelessly communicate with this Toyota to complete commands like locking and unlocking doors or starting the engine. However, the one-year Remote Connect trial is limited to XSE and Limited grades, which we’ll explore more in our review’s trim guide section. You can more accurately determine whether you’ll need a WiFi hotspot with this SUV’s WiFi connect feature, which offers a one-month trial upfront.

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid’s Safety Connect platform offers significant value, including 24/7 roadside assistance and emergency SOS capabilities. Drive Connect comes with a one-year trial, enabling you to receive live navigational support from a Toyota agent, cloud navigation, or an AI-driven intelligent assistant.

Safety analysis 

Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 Hybrid received high crash protection scores from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The NHTSA gave this compact SUV its highest safety score of five stars, while the IIHS labeled it a Top Safety Pick, the organization’s second-highest rating behind Top Safety Pick+. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standard safety features driving these high ratings. 

Standard safety

The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid anchors its standard safety capabilities within the Safety Sense 2.5 suite, which consists of:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection 
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Automatic High Beams
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist

The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection provides automatic braking when detecting an imminent pedestrian, vehicle, or cyclist collision.  Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control keeps you at a safe pre-set distance from vehicles you follow at speeds above 20 MPH via automatic braking and acceleration.

Automatic High Beams aid your night drives by automatically turning off your brights for oncoming traffic before reactivating when it’s safe. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist ensures you remain centered within your lane on and off the highway via assistive steering inputs, while Road Sign Assist displays posted notices like speed limits onto the Multi-Information Display.

There’s also the standard Star Safety System, which boasts:

• Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control
• Traction Control
• Anti-lock Brake System
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution
• Brake Assist
• Smart Stop Technology

You can bolster the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid’s safety capabilities with the available Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic alert feature.

Trim guide 

Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 Hybrid offers seven trim options. We’ve listed their starting prices and highlights below.

Hybrid LE (base trim) – $31,725

The 2024 Hybrid LE doesn’t offer much beyond its inclusion of the Multi-Information Display. Its infotainment display measures 8”, the audio system is basic, and seats require manual inputs for adjustments instead of power operation.

Hybrid XLE – $33,235

Moving up into an XLE trim means receiving 41 MPG city/highway, LED projector-beam headlights with chrome-finished bezels, and a Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate, which you won’t find within the base LE grade.

Hybrid Woodland Edition – $34,945

The Hybrid Woodland Edition is the 2024 RAV4’s most rugged trim, with features like 18” bronze-finish wheels, a standard activity mount, and all-terrain tires. 

Hybrid XLE Premium – $36,125

You’ll receive SofTex leather-trimmed seats and 18” multi-spoke dark metallic finish alloy wheels with an XLE Premium purchase. 

Hybrid SE – $34,420

Attractive features within an SE trim include sleek blue interior seat stitching, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and Bi-LED low and high-beam headlights. 

Hybrid XSE – $37,385

Two-tone exterior color options and 18” multi-spoke black-painted sport alloy wheels provide the XSE trim with additional flair.

Hybrid Limited – $40,030

A Limited variant features the larger 10.5” display and upgraded sound system as standard offerings.

Warranty considerations

Warranty protection is one of the most vital aspects of purchasing a new vehicle. The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid offers three years or 36,000 miles of basic protection, whichever comes first, and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Hybrid components have warranty protection for eight years or 100,000 miles, and the battery pack has 10 years or 150,000 miles of protection. This hybrid SUV’s rust warranty lasts 60 months for unlimited miles.

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid comparison 

We’ve covered some drawbacks associated with the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid, but drivers can gain a fuller sense of this Toyota’s downsides by comparing it with a primary competitor such as Honda’s 2024 CR-V Hybrid.

The 2024 CR-V Hybrid is generally rated as more reliable than its Toyota counterpart with increased front seat comfort. Honda’s CR-V Hybrid also contains more cargo room, albeit a slim difference, and higher quality cabin materials. However, Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 Hybrid has a lower starting price, better fuel economy, and slightly more impressive acceleration.

Final verdict 

It’s clear why the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid is such a popular choice within the compact SUV segment. This Toyota checks all the right boxes for its class with quality fuel economy, comprehensive safety features, and standard tech must-haves like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. MotoPickers is giving the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid an 8/10 overall score but recommends staying away from the base variant, which is lacking in standard features.

It’s also worth noting that the RAV4 won’t receive a significant redesign for its 2025 model year, so while a facelift may be around the corner, opting for a 2024 model isn’t a bad choice, given its additional value. The primary downsides associated with this Toyota are its average acceleration, spongy brake feel, and lack of off-road capability. However, Honda’s CR-V isn’t an off-road ace either, so off-road enthusiasts are better off with a model like Subaru’s Forester.

We’ve also reviewed the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, so while information is more limited on the 2025 Toyota Highlander, check out our review for insights on what this competing model has to offer for its newest production year.