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Each day I receive multiple messages from new 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid owners, either telling me about the Hybrids they recently bought or about their struggles to even find one. You see, we are in the midst of a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid buying craze.
Some new owners got lucky and walked on their local dealership’s lot and found their new car just sitting there waiting for a nice home. Others, though, are stuck waiting up to 3-4 months to get their perfect RAV4 Hybrid because they just are not out there.
What makes RAV4 Hybrid so attractive?
There are several reasons for this monstrous demand for the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. It delivers more horsepower than its gasoline equivalent (gas version has 203hp and Hybrid has 219 net horsepower). Another reason is the incredible gas mileage listed on each Hybrid’s window sticker.
The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid’s EPA-estimated gas mileage is listed at 40mpg combined. That is 41mpg in the city and 38mpg on the highway. It is difficult to think of any vehicle that rivals this gas efficiency, especially in the SUV segment. In comparison, most 2019 RAV4 gas grade levels offer drivers 30mpg combined (that is 26 city and 35 highway). A significant upgrade.
READ MORE: The 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Buying Criteria Every Shopper Should Know
“I’ll take ‘The Peoples Court’ for $300 please Alex”
We all know that actual fuel mileage on the road can different from posted EPA estimates on each vehicle’s window sticker. They are estimates based on average driving. Some of us are slow, conservative drivers. Others of us are lead foots. We know who we are. No judgments. However, a person’s driving style does have the biggest impact on how much and how often they pay at the pump.
VIDEO: Watch my 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Comparison of All Trim Levels
I took a sample of feedback I have received from both my Torque News readers and my “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel viewers about what kind of mileage they are getting. The results are extremely encouraging.
“Running about 42mpg after 2,000 miles and I’m not easy on the accelerator,” wrote one happy 2019 RAV4 Hybrid owner.
California is one area where car shoppers are having a very challenging time finding a RAV4 Hybrid. One of those lucky West Coast Hybrid owners reported, “Averaging nearly 40 mpg at California highway speeds has been a welcome change from our Audi Q3 they required premium and got 20 mpg.”
RAV4 Hybrid's Amazing MPG
“We love the car and gas mileage looks between 45-60 mpg. Definitely has great power. Totally makes sense - for you folks considering it....It's only a matter of time before you get one.”
“Got our 2019 RAV4 Hybrid XLE on April 16 & were extremely pleased when we got 42 mpg on the first tank of gas.”
“So far I really like it. Pick up is better and 38 mpg doesn't suck. I had no idea they were a "hot" seller.”
“We recently bought a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid XSE and are in love! We got 40.6 mpg on the first tank with a good amount of highway driving. It's really a very well designed vehicle.”
“Ordered the XSE black over white March 1st. Took 9 weeks to arrive but it was worth the wait! Love it, averaging 42 mpg my first week.”
And this last comment about says it all…
Similar to Toyota Tacoma, the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid offers a multi-terrain select system. You can choose rock and sand, mud and dirt and snow modes to help you tackle tougher terrain.
“I live in Kentucky. My salesman said they have been overwhelmed with the consumer response of the new hybrid. I can’t get over the total redesign of the RAV4. I have to remind myself it is a RAV!!! Very happy with purchase!!!”
What has been your experience with the 2019 Toyota RAV4, both in gasoline and the Hybrids? Did it take long to find one or did you get lucky? How has it been driving your new car so far?
Thanks everyone for reading. I try really hard to be “Your Complete Toyota Resource.” See you next story…
Jeff Teague is a Toyota news reporter at Torque News. You can reach Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter at @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories. Jeff also shares Toyota news videos on his Youtube Channel at Toyotajeff.
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Comments
I hear this a lot: "I want an
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I hear this a lot: "I want an XSE Hybrid in Blizzard Pearl with panoramic roof. My dealer told me a 4 month wait.....sigh." Any thoughts on this Jeff?
Hey it's true Armen! I talked
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In reply to I hear this a lot: "I want an by Armen Hareyan
Hey it's true Armen! I talked with a customer yesterday from Michigan who flew to Raleigh to get a Hybrid. None around to get for a lot of people. Best thing to do is put a deposit on one and wait lol
One reader sent in a picture
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One reader sent in a picture of his Hybrid after 1100 miles. He's averaging 42.1mpg combined over that stretch.
On my RAV4 Hybrid I am
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On my RAV4 Hybrid I am getting 36 MPG in conservative suburban driving. Northern CA. Under 1K miles so far.
Right now 54.1 MPG on my RAV4
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Right now 54.1 MPG on my RAV4 hybrid on the freeway in traffic. I have a 150 mile commute per day. I am seeing 45 to 55 depending on traffic and AC usage.
I had been checking on line
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I had been checking on line and various dealers for a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Limited but without luck.
On April 6th I took my Prius Plugin in for service at the Toyota dealer and afterwards went to their new car lot. As I was speaking with the Manager and sales rep, a new Ruby Flare Pearl 2019 Limited was delivered still sporting plastic and paper wrappings. It had most of the essential features I was looking for. After some negotiating, I drove the RAV4 home that afternoon and used it to travel to the start of a Trans-Sierra ski trip that Thursday.
I have been unable to verify the mpg figures because the gas pump cuts off before the tank reads full. The dashboard readout has ranged from 35 to 40 mpg.
I just got my 2019 Ruby Flare
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In reply to I had been checking on line by David Todd (not verified)
I just got my 2019 Ruby Flare Pearl XLE. Great decision! Getting combined 36 MPG on the first tank (still on the first). Decided to get floor mats from the dealer that I knew would fit (Pro) and not get them from O'Reilly's where I may have to cut to fit. Con: Expensive.
Found my Rav4 Limited Hybrid
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Found my Rav4 Limited Hybrid on line. Snow Bird had ordered it and had to leave before it arrived. Got 41.7 MPG combined city/highway. Wow!
Other than fantastic mileage
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Other than fantastic mileage for the hybrid, consumer reports says the RAV4 sucks and the forester is the way to go
Hi Jeff, when do you expect
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Hi Jeff, when do you expect Toyota to start producing more hybrids? Looking for a specific build but all of the hybrids are just so hard to come by in California. Dealerships are even selling them for way above MSRP due to demand.
the hybrid corolla is here or
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In reply to Hi Jeff, when do you expect by Lydia (not verified)
the hybrid corolla is here or here soon
the next generation highlander hybrid is here next spring with 35MPG
Toyota is pushing hard for hybrids
Sorry, I should have been
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In reply to the hybrid corolla is here or by mike (not verified)
Sorry, I should have been more specific. I mean't to ask if Toyota will be producing more of the Rav4 Hybrids so that dealerships will actually have a steady stock... Will they start producing more to meet demand? Seems like people are ordering them and it's taking months to get it. I'd imagine it's slowing down production for them in general.
What’s net power with gas and
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What’s net power with gas and electric? I know 219hp so how much fully lb ft torque?!
I have a 2018 Rav4 Hybrid
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I have a 2018 Rav4 Hybrid Limited and when I got it, I was getting 35 mpg tops. Of course its summer now, but I am getting 41.7 mpg in hiway with some city driving. Did Toyota do a over the air upgrade? Is there a hardware difference in the 2019? I know there is more power, but did they make other changes?
2019 rav4 changed a lot. The
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In reply to I have a 2018 Rav4 Hybrid by Gary Walker (not verified)
2019 rav4 changed a lot. The second electric motor is on the rear for awd. The big change for gas mileage is there 2 speed cvt transmission. It starts out in a planetary gear and then switches to the CVT. This allowed Toyota to change the ratio of the cvt for better mpg. Cvt are not efficientl at start off. Much less power passes through the cvt when starting out because of the rear power being direct electrical.
2019 rav4 changed a lot. The
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In reply to I have a 2018 Rav4 Hybrid by Gary Walker (not verified)
2019 rav4 changed a lot. The second electric motor is on the rear for awd. The big change for gas mileage is there 2 speed cvt transmission. It starts out in a planetary gear and then switches to the CVT. This allowed Toyota to change the ratio of the cvt for better mpg. Cvt are not efficientl at start off. Much less power passes through the cvt when starting out because of the rear power being direct electrical.
2019 rav4 changed a lot. The
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In reply to I have a 2018 Rav4 Hybrid by Gary Walker (not verified)
2019 rav4 changed a lot. The second electric motor is on the rear for awd. The big change for gas mileage is there 2 speed cvt transmission. It starts out in a planetary gear and then switches to the CVT. This allowed Toyota to change the ratio of the cvt for better mpg. Cvt are not efficientl at start off. Much less power passes through the cvt when starting out because of the rear power being direct electrical.
I have NEVER gotten 40mpg on
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I have NEVER gotten 40mpg on my new 2019 Rav4 hybrid. I do most of my driving around town and am not a lead foot. I do not understanding how others can get up to 40mpg. My average is only 37. Do nog believe all the hype that is out there!
Jeff, I have subscribed to
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Jeff, I have subscribed to your YouTube videos and watched many and you are very personable and knowledgeable, but I have to admit you were wrong in this article. There is no rock and sand and mud options on the RAV4 hybrid. They're only in the gas model. The hybrid has the trail mode.
I have my RAV4 hybrid for 2 weeks now and I've only gotten 40 to 41 miles per gallon once. I've been averaging 36 and yet on my previous hybrids, a Prius and a Highlander hybrid, I've usually done better than the posted mileage. I lift up on the accelerator while I'm driving, I coast a lot ... I really know how to drive a hybrid. Does the car need to break in or what?
I don't like that the road signs (other than speed limit) only appear under the Driver Support tab. On the screen showing the compass, it only appears when LTA is off. The issue I have with it is that Stop signs seem to appear very close to the corner where the stop sign is .... not well in advance as I've seen on several videos.
You are knowledgeable about the car. What do you think?
I have a 2020 Rav4 Hybrid. I
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I have a 2020 Rav4 Hybrid. I am getting 33-35 city. Don't believe the hype. On the highway I average about 38. The first month, my brand new battery died. Dealer can't explain why. 2 months later, the app stopped connecting to my car and won't update, and the microphone mechanism so I can do hands free text message replies also died. They don't know how to fix it. So far, I am really missing my 2005 Rav4. This is definitely not an upgrade. It looks great but if it doesn't do what I paid for, what's the point?