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It's no secret that hybrid vehicles have become extremely popular of late. In 2023, the US market saw an increase in hybrid vehicle sales by 76 percent compared to last year.
This perfectly aligns with Toyota's focus on hybrid powertrains instead of fully electric vehicles. Toyota currently features hybrid powertrains across the majority of its model lineup, and this includes the brand's best-selling SUV, the RAV4. Like all vehicles, Toyota RAV4 has its common issues, but remains a solid pick.
I recently spoke with a Toyota insider and asked him which variant of the current Toyota RAV4 is the most popular. To no surprise, the most popular Toyota RAV4 is a hybrid, but it might not be the one you expected.
Which Toyota RAV4 trim is most popular?
The Toyota RAV4 has eight different levels, including gasoline-powered, FHEV, and PHEV models. Currently, the most sought-after RAV4 trim is the XSE hybrid model. The Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid sits in the sweet spot, offering a perfect balance of generous standard equipment, fuel economy, and price.
In terms of pricing, the XSE Hybrid comes in at $37,385, which is much less than the range-topping RAV4 Prime XSE's $48,910. Granted, fuel economy and performance is down compared to the Prime's potent PHEV setup, which is expected to gain more power with the 2025 Toyota RAV4, but even so, the XSE Hybrid returns 41 MPG city and 38 MPG highway according to the EPA cycle. The FHEV RAV4 can also go 566 miles on a single tank, in mixed driving while still offering AWD.
Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid Specifications:
Powertrain: 2.5-liter, naturally-aspirated inline-four with Atkinson cycle plus two electric motors
Output: 219 horsepower (combined system output), 176 horsepower and 163 pound-feet (ICE), 120 horsepower and 149 pound-feet (e-motor 1), 54 horsepower and 89 pound-feet (e-motor 2)
Combined fuel economy (EPA): 39 MPG
0-60 MPH: 7.7 seconds
Toyota RAV4X SE trim highlights
- Gloss finish on exterior trim instead of matt finish
- 18-inch wheels with dark gloss finish
- Sport-tuned suspension with stabilizer bar and blue struts
- Two-tone exterior with black roof
- Distinctive front and rear aprons, rocker panels, and fog-light trim
- Heated mirrors
- Semi-leather, SofTex and fabric seats with blue stitching
- AC vents for the second-row seats
- Optional, $815 Weather Package – heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, and de-icing, rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Connected services
How much maintenance costs are for the Toyota RAV4 in 2024?
The Toyota RAV4 is known for being a reliable vehicle with below average maintenance costs. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect: annual cost, and the first 10-year cost of the RAV4.
RepairPal estimates an average of $429 per year for routine maintenance.
CarEdge anticipates maintenance and repairs to cost around $5,531 within the first decade of ownership, which is significantly lower than the industry average for SUVs.
Some additional factors that can influence the maintenance costs of your Toyota RAV4 are the model and trim level, your driving habits, the car's location, and where your RAV4 gets serviced.
Different RAV4 trims may have slightly varying maintenance schedules. More aggressive driving or frequent towing can increase wear and tear. Labor costs can differ depending on your area. Dealerships tend to be more expensive than independent repair shops.
To conclude this article, I would suggest these tips to keep your RAV4 maintenance costs low.
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Use high-quality parts during repairs. Consider getting your RAV4 serviced at an independent mechanic specializing in Toyotas.
If you have any tips yourself, please write them in the comments section below. Please click the Add New Comment red link below to add your comment.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image sources: 2022 Toyota RAV4, 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime
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