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3 Things to Know About 2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid Before Buying

Important factors that may help you while considering a purchase of 2020 RAV4 Hybrid – especially the XLE trim level.

Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models work together to bring you the best-selling SUV in the entire country. They are reliable and dependable, have great passenger space and are fun to drive.

Today the focus is on one of the most popular RAV4 Hybrid trim levels. Here are some things you should know before buying one.

Meet the 2020 RAV4 XLE Hybrid.

2020 RAV4 Hybrid Selling Points

I am going to lump a few key benefits together here to form one of the three things to know. Because these are big factors a person might have as part of their initial car-buying search criteria.

Gas mileage is huge here folks. A 2020 RAV4 XLE Hybrid (or RAV4 Hybrid XLE as I want so badly to call it) averages 40 mpg. This is 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg along the highway.

2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE dashboard instrument panel

Also, RAV4 XLE Hybrid produces 219 horsepower with its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine / electric motors combination. This is more than the 203 horsepower a 2020 Toyota RAV4 gasoline-only model produces.

So, more power and better gas mileage. Bonus.

READ NEXT: I compare RAV4 vs CR-V features in my recent story. Spoiler alert: RAV4 beats CR-V in mpg and in power.

2020 RAV4 XLE Hybrid Cargo Capacity

I looked at the specs for cargo space in the 2020 RAV4 XLE Hybrid and knew there was a good amount of storage capacity. Expect 69.8 cubic feet behind the first row and 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row.

2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid cargo space

What really sold me on its cargo capacity was when I laid the second row down flat (well, close to flat). Toyota RAV4 actually has quite a bit of what I call “usable cargo space.” I liked the openness and available height. I can see packing easily for a family road trip or a big move to a college dorm room.

If you get a fold-out cargo tonneau cover for your RAV4 Hybrid, it may come in handy on trips as well. This hides luggage and computer bags and camera equipment you have stored in back from curious eyes.

Upgrade packages for RAV4 Hybrid

There are a few ways to upgrade a base factory RAV4 XLE Hybrid, and these come in the form of option packages you need to choose at the time of purchase.

One thing to note. A 2020 RAV4 XLE Hybrid comes standard with a power driver’s seat, while a moonroof is now considered as an available option. This is flip-flopped from how it was presented for the 2019 model year. I think the logic is that more people would prefer a power seat versus people who had to have a moonroof standard.

2020 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid front seats power driver seat RAV4 Hybrid XLE

Do you agree?

If you pick the upgraded weather package, you will be getting three items. Look for a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers with windshield de-icer function.

Convenience package is important to me. This valuable option group gives you power moonroof and a power back tailgate.

You can also upgrade to audio plus package. This increases your multimedia touch screen from 7 inches to 8 inches. Also, look for an anti-theft system. Service connect and remote connect are part of this package as well.

Time for your thoughts on 2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid

Thanks for reading everyone. I cover Toyota news, how-to stories, and breaking rumors with coming attractions for Torque News.

Feel free to bookmark this Toyota News page to follow along if you like.

VIDEO REVIEW: Watch as I point out key higlights of RAV4 Hybrid XLE.

What do you think about RAV4 or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid models? Do you own one and how do you like yours so far? Is it on your short list of vehicles to consider next?

Would you choose a hybrid or gasoline version?

See you next story when I reveal 2 new Toyota hybrid models to be announced.

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