2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited 
Class: Compact crossover
Miles Driven: 599
Fuel Used: 19.3 gallons
Real-world fuel economy: 31.0 mpg
Driving mix: 40% city, 60% highway
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A- |
| Power and Performance | B |
| Fit and Finish | B |
| Fuel Economy | A |
| Value | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 34/30/32 (city, highway, combined)
Base price: $34,030 (not including $940 destination charge)
Options on test car: Advanced Technology Package ($1435), tonneau cover ($90), Carpeted floor mats and cargo mat ($224), mudguards ($129), body side molding ($205)
Price as tested: $37,067
Quick Hits
The great: Fuel economy
The good: Powertrain performance, spacious cabin, good cargo room
The not so good: Some controls are a bit of a reach
More 2017 Toyota RAV4 price and availability information
Rick Cotta
With the hybrid version being dropped from the redesigned 2017 Subaru Crosstrek’s roster, the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue become the only members of the popular compact-crossover class to offer an AWD hybrid model. (Kia’s new Niro is a hybrid, but it’s front-drive only.) We’d previously tested the base RAV4 Hybrid — the XLE — but this time sampled the line-topping Limited, with an SE Hybrid sitting in between.
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In all cases, the hybrids are all-wheel drive, and they only cost $800 more than the gas all-wheel-drive versions of the same trim level. In return, they get considerably better fuel economy (particularly in city driving, but even the EPA combined figure is 7-mpg higher) and are also quicker: Toyota says they do the 0-60-mph dash in 8.1 seconds vs. 9.0 for gas models. Our tests have tended to validate those claims. A 2016 AWD gas SE averaged 24.2 mpg, whereas test XLE and this Limited Hybrid averaged about 31.2 mpg, or 7 mpg better. Furthermore, we timed this Hybrid Limited at 8.2 seconds 0-60, nearly matching Toyota’s number – and the Limited is a bit heavier than the others. Add in the fact that the hybrids give up very little in the way of cargo space to their gas counterparts, and they become exceptionally attractive alternatives.
Added on the Limited are auto-dimming rearview mirror, memory for the power driver seat, built-in navigation system, and chrome wheels as unique features. It’s also the only one to offer the rather eye-popping “Cinnamon” brown interior trim fitted to our test vehicle. The most notable option was the $1435 Advanced Technology Package, which brought – among other things – a 360-degree camera, premium audio system, satellite radio, and traffic information.
Other than that, impressions of the Limited mirror those we had of the earlier Hybrid XLE. Acceleration is quite good and the powertrain is very responsive to throttle inputs, especially at around-town speeds. Ride and handling rate well for the class. Visibility is only restricted to the rear corners, but the standard 180-degree rearview camera helps when backing – as does the Limited’s rear-obstacle detection – and the 2nd-row headrests fold to improve the view out the rear window. Passenger room both front and rear is suitable for full-size adults. Even if the front seat is pushed all the way back, an average-size adult can fit behind it, and the step-in height eases entry and exit.
Audio and climate controls are fairly straightforward, though some at the far right (including the tuning knob) are a stretch for the driver to reach. Cabin storage is fairly impressive and includes a large open dash bin over the glovebox.
Hybrids sometimes sacrifice cargo space to the required hybrid battery, but little is lost here. The cargo floor can be set at two positions: low for maximum cargo height, or raised at the front to bring the floor nearly level with the folded rear seat backs. A panel flips up to cover the gap between the two, and there’s some cargo space beneath that panel. Positioned as such, the floor runs “uphill,” so it’s flat if not actually level. Niceties include a wide underfloor bin that can hold the roll-up cargo cover when not in use, and the Limited’s standard height-adjustable power liftgate.
We’ve been quite impressed with the RAV4 Hybrids we’ve driven, with this top-line Limited bringing some worthwhile features for its extra cost. New for 2017 is the aforementioned SE model, which adds some sporty touches to a surprisingly sporty hybrid, giving Toyota an even stronger presence in the competitive compact-crossover class.
