2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD SUV – Review by David Colman +VIDEO

You can’t do better for the money

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

There are no less than 9 rungs on the RAV4 Hybrid ladder. The lowest step is designated LE, and carries a bargain base price of $33,295. From there, you progress through the XLE, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE Premium, and XSE models until arriving at our test vehicle this week, the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid Limited. This fully loaded version carries a base price of $40,205 and a delivered price of $45,203. Accounting for the sticker bump are $3,603 worth of optional accessories and services: $1025 for the "Limited Grade Advanced Technology Package," $815 for the "Limited Grade Weather Package," and $500 for the "Panoramic Glass Roof." While these accoutrements make for an exceptionally comfortable and livable SUV, you can probably do without the extra $120 for a "Black Chrome Exhaust Pipe" you can barely see.

After recently evaluating a long string of highly automated, confusingly menu-driven SUVs, I reveled in the RAV4's comparatively simplified operation. The first best thing I discovered was that the RAV4 didn't automatically jerk the steering wheel out of my hands whenever I changed lanes on the Freeway. Thankfully, you could activate this Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) via a switch prominently located on the right spoke of the leather-wrapped steering wheel. By the same token, you could delete the annoying function without hunting all over the dash, the video screen, or the steering wheel spokes. Similarly, the RAV4 presented me with the most concise, clearly defined cruise control operation I have had the pleasure to enjoy in years. Simply hit the Cruise Control main switch on the right spoke, then hit the "SET" switch below it. Finally, adjust the vehicle-to- vehicle distance button, logically located on the right spoke. Cruise Control was never easier to operate than in a Toyota, and that fact still holds true.

The simplified operational interface of the RAV4 is indicative of its overall design brilliance. This SUV has a sweet spot a mile wide. It's not only comfortable to live in and pleasurable to drive, but especially useful for transporting bulky cargo. Let's start with the Limited's cozy cabin, which is generously upholstered in Softex faux leather, fitted with 5 USB ports, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel rim, and full power adjustment controls for both comfy front seats. Opening the Panoramic Glass Roof exposes the spacious interior to a refreshing curtain of external illumination. We particularly enjoyed the deep center storage bin between the front seats, as well as the usefully configured door storage pockets. Pulling just two manual levers allows you to convert the RAV4's 60/40 split backseat into a 70 cubic foot cargo space. Thanks to a hands-free power liftgate and a wide interior spread between the rear fender wells, loading my mountain bike into the RAV4 proved a piece of cake.

Traversing the 90 or so switchback turns that separate my domicile from civilization, the RAV4 Hybrid proved itself an unexpectedly talented road runner, with really good grip available at all four driven corners from its 225/60R18 Michelin Primacy A/T radials, mounted on 18 x 7J dark metallic-finished alloy wheels. In fact, even with a slight surplus of body roll, this RAV4 really hauls the mail. It administered a real spanking to the twists and turns of my daily commute. You can button things down a bit more by electing to choose Sport setting from the Mode dial. According to Toyota, Sport mode "Controls the steering feeling and hybrid system to create an acceleration response that is suitable for sporty driving. Suitable for when crisp handling is desired, such as when driving on mountainous roads."

The ultra-smooth hybrid link snaps this 3,817lb. beast from 0-60mph in just 7.3 seconds, and propels it through the standing start quarter mile in 15.6 seconds at 90mph. From the outside, the latest RAV4 Hybrid may look rather bulky and cumbersome, but when you push it hard through the twisties, you quickly gain confidence in its grip, and the unexpected responsiveness of its A25A-FXS petrol engine. Coupling this gas fed inline-4 to front and rear electric motors churns out 219 horsepower (combined). If that is insufficient for your needs, you can pick up an additional 83hp by upgrading to the Plug-In rechargeable, $49,170 RAV4 Prime XSE. This 302hp version of the Hybrid rockets the RAV4 to 60mph in 5.4 seconds, and clears the SS quarter mile in 14 seconds at 100mph. The Prime is the model I would personally select.

The 219hp Hybrid we tested arrived with a full 14.2 gallon tank of gas, good for a stunning estimated range of 540 miles. The EPA states our test Toyota will travel 39 miles for each gallon of fuel, an achievement that will save you $2,750 in fuel costs over 5 years. In sum, the RAV4 Hybrid Limited is a remarkably useful vehicle, with design practicality and operational efficiency topping the hit list. I don't think you can do better for the money.

2025 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID LIMITED AWD SUV

• ENGINE: 2.5 liter inline-4, plus front and rear AC motors and 1.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack
• HORSEPOWER: 219hp
• TORQUE: N/A
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 41MPG City/38MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $45,203

HYPES: Great Graphic User Interface, Top Powertrain

GRIPES: Need to Renew "Connected Service Trial Offering"

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2025 David E Colman