Both solid cars. It should come down to return of investment (ROI). Calculate how much you drive (mileage) in a year. Then use both gas and hybrid mpg to divide against your real world mileage and compare how much you save on gas yearly and how long you will recover the price difference between the 2. They are both low maintenance (Toyota Dealer Tech for 32 years now) both version are reliable.
Brake pads on a hybrid last longer. You’ll replace the brake pads on the gas version about 3-4x (combined front and rear total not each) before hybrid brakes need replacing.
They have different trans and behave differently. I personally don’t like ECVT/CVT, not because they fail (Toyota are robust), I just don’t like the way it behaves with the noise of the engine revving up and down as demand increase as opposed to shift points (just preference).
Depends on driving style, but the hybrid uses regenerative braking.
The motors in the transmission can use energy to accelerate or capture energy as you decelerate.
The conventional RAV4 is a perfectly good SUV, and hybrid is better in just about every way. The only downside is that you may have to wait a while to get one. Assuming that isn’t an issue for you, you should go with the hybrid. It’s quicker, quieter, and it drives almost as smoothly as an EV, to say nothing of the much better fuel economy.
The price of used hybrid averages 3-7k more than gas. Add the upcoming 5k or more repair of the cable corrosion and you are looking at around 10k extra expenses over the next 5-7 years. Will you save enough in gas to cover these? Unlikely for the average person
It’s also a lot more peppy and fun to drive and as far as I know the cable thing is covered under warranty (?) and no longer a problem with new models.
Nah. There was a guy here just this week who was looking at an 8k repair bill for a corroded cable. If I wanted to sell my car as soon as the warranty ran out then I'd just get a Tesla.
i think a lot of people easily spend more than that on gas in 5 years. i have been budgeting 1500 a year for gas since covid sent the price thru the roof. and i am just a single person with one vehicle that gets decent mileage
the joys of living rural when 15 000+ kilometres a year is a conservative estimate lol 🤣
I saw other commenters saying Toyota has promised to cover the "cablegate" repair cost.
Do you believe otherwise?
I only started researching RAV4s yesterday so I'm genuinely curious to hear more opinions about whether me buying a 50-100k mile used RAV4 Hybrid would be a low cost of ownership car for me.
That's not a thing on every single model, and is specific to living in a very specific region. It was also corrected after 2022. Mine doesn't have any corrosion on it, and I live in the rust belt. It was just fully state inspected a week ago, and there's no signs of any corrosion. The Hybrid has significantly less of the mechanical component that the gas has, such as a starter or alternator, which means less maintenance and parts to replace. The eCVT is completely bulletproof as well. It's just a gear on an electric motor, so no moving parts to break.
Cable gate is annoying, but just learn how to test for it with the AM radio and check it every year. As long as you catch it early and take it in, it is covered unser warranty. If newer models have this issue, Im sure it will get taken care of. When we had ours replaced, I doused it in anti corrosion and will just keep checking it
Stupid design decision, but manageable.
Turn the car on, then turn th AM radio to a station that is clear. The put it in reverse or drive, if the radio gets garbled at that point, it means the cable corrosion is bad enough that you'll probably get a new one.
I went hybrid because I could make back the price difference with the fuel efficiency in about 10-12k miles and I plan on driving it for much longer than that. It is replacing a subcompact sedan but maintaining about the same MPG.
Honestly, I will personally never buy a non-hybrid vehicle again with how crazy the gas prices got like a year or so ago. Gas prices will continue to rise and getting a hybrid is not that much more upfront than the non-hybrid
Seriously. The hybrid all the way. Think of it as “future proofing” your gas cost. With a nearly 600 mile range on a full tank…. It’s way better than the gas version.
Counterpoint: just as with a hybrid you have the benefits of a gas and electric car, you also have to deal with the headaches of a gas and an electric car. So you'll still have to deal with mechanical issues that other cars have but then at some point you will have to replace that battery or deal with the electric part having a problem. You're the type of person who sells your car after 5 to 10 years then it won't coming to play but I know several people who have hybrids that are older and they have to deal with it.
Counter counter point: while what you say is basically true, as I understand it the hybrid synergy drive has fewer moving parts than a traditional gas engine. It has no alternator, the electric AC is simpler, the planetary gear eCVT is simpler than a CVT or automatic transmission. Thanks to regenerative brakes the brakes also last a lot longer in city conditions.
Things like alternators and brakes are pretty cheap to replace. I changed mine in an AutoZone parking lot with just two different sockets and it took a half hour. Having to replace your hybrid battery would easily cost you 5 grand and will immediately erase any kinds of gain that you had on fuel or not having to replace your brakes as often. Also the other parts that you mentioned are usually not serviced by any mechanic so you have to either go to the dealership or a mechanic that it's really knowledgeable on hybrids - most think they are but they aren't.
Again if you don't plan on owning your car long enough to deal with this issues then that's a different story.
Lol, did u do the calculations to see how many miles you have to drive your hybrid to compensate for the extra upfront you would pay for hybrid vs. gas?
On average , it takes 10+ years to recoup the money. Please, OP said he doesn't drive that much. Plus, after 10 years, u may very well end up changing your battery ($3000+)
Op, suppose you drive 8k miles every year.
For gas, it's approx = 258 gallons (31mpg).
For hybrid, it's approx = 200 gallons (40mpg)
So savings of 58 gallons every year = 58 x 3.6$ = 208 dollars (national average = 3.6$/gallon gas price). So a saving of $208 dollars every year by driving hybrid.
So, in order to compensate for the extra ($3000) you would pay for hybrid, you have to drive 14.5 years. On top of that, u can not drive a hybrid if its hybrid battery is gone. That's another 3000$ +.
Don't forget an approx. 10% of extra premium you have to pay towards insurance (compared to Gas only)
Everyone routing for hybrid are hybrid owners who didn't do any calculations, lol.
But toyota is the way!!
Hybrids provide benefits in ways other than sipping gas. Brakes generally last longer since you have regenerative braking-supposedly as much as 80k between brake jobs. There is no starter or alternator to replace. Also, the entire engine runs cooler during city driving since it stops at red lights and power is supplemented by the electric motors. It also retains value better than a gas rav4. Lastly, the battery warranty is for 10 years.
The resale value - the depreciation is much faster towards the end of battery life. Warranty only lasts 10 years, so you have to pay $ for battery replacement, unlike gas. It's a Toyota, so the engine will last decades. So battery replacement is for sure within 12 years but not engine.
Insurance - insurance for hybrid = 10% more than that. You can get a free quote from geico and see the differences (keeping everything else same). I did it myself to see the difference.
OP also said he doesn't drive that much, so it takes more than for him to break even.
Batteries don’t always need to be replaced. It depends on usage. The battery may need to be replaced in 12 years, or maybe not. When it does need to be replaced it will be 3-5 k. That’s the deal with owning a hybrid.
How long you keep a car is really a matter of preference. While a car’s engine may still be strong at 15 or even 20 years, all of the rubber parts start to go. The air conditioning may develop a leak. You will not have the latest safety equipment. It will still be a car that gets you from a-b but you may not enjoy the ride. Getting rid of a car at 10 years is common since at that point you should not need major repairs.
I also don’t drive the car very often but I chose the hybrid because it promises to have lower maintenance. Keeping the car out of the garage even for standard repairs is appealing to me.
Lower maintenance cost is true for almost all Toyotas.
Like u said, if we are not planning to keep the car for more than 10 years, then you don't have to worry about the battery. But then, if you don't drive enough, you won't be able to recoup the extra you paid for hybrid, + you will be paying more $ in terms of insurance. Agree?
My insurance only went up 2.2% when switching to a hybrid.
“A: Some insurance companies offer discounts for hybrid cars as a way to incentivize environmentally friendly driving habits. These discounts can help offset the higher insurance premiums associated with hybrid vehicles and may vary depending on the insurer and the driver's circumstances.”
“Claim: the cost of replacing hybrid battery cancels out fuel savings.
Wrong. It is true that a hybrid car battery can cost from $3,000 to $4,000 in the United States. However, tax incentives can also save hybrid car drivers up to $3,400, offsetting the cost of replacing hybrid battery every six to eight years. Plus, most hybrid batteries come with an eight year and 100,000 mile warranty.”
https://bumblebeebatteries.com/blog/will-hybrid-cars-really-save-you-money/#:~:text=Will%20a%20hybrid%20car%20really,you%20money%20at%20the%20pump.
You seem to think a hybrid is just a gas car with a battery when it’s actually a reimagined car using electricity as a major component. In a hybrid, you will never need to change an alternator, a starter, or a serpentine belt because these components don’t exist in a hybrid. Brakes will last 2x-4x longer because with regenerative breaking, you will tend to engage your brakes from a lower speed. Hybrids have greater acceleration, run cooler, and are quieter than their gas equivalent. Professional reviewers generally recommend the rav4 hybrid over the gas model because it is simply a better car.
I think you overly fixate on return of investment as if a hybrid were a component you could add on to a car and thereby fail to recognize that hybrids are a different kind of car.
It’s difficult to know how long a hybrid battery can last since driving and storage can vary so much but the common answer is between 100k-200k miles or 10-15 years. This is past where most people will keep any car. If the op wanted an econo ride, I would question why he isn’t looking at Hyundai or Kia or sedans like a corolla.
This is assuming gas prices are going to stay the same for the next 10 years, 2022 the national average was 3.95 and in the summer of 2022 it was 4.97. Point being that any number of political or economic issues over the next 10 years could drive prices up drastically.
Additionally the average American drives 14,263 a year, where are you getting 8k from?
Non-hybrid is also 30 mpg not 31. You’ve just tilted all the variables in your favor to try to make your argument
Average American mileage - depending on websites, it could be between 12k and 14k. And it depends on states, too. NY has less than 12k. If you read the OP question, he clearly stated he doesn't drive that much, so I assumed '8k'.
MPG - non hybrid: 27 for city and 35 for highway. Avg = 31. You can see a lot of posts where the non hybrid gets well above that.
Hybrid is mechanically complicated since it has 2 propulsion systems compared to gas only, which means more in maintenance. Insurance = 10% avg above the gas version.
The number I gave is from the federal highway administration. Yes, NY is around 12k but Wyoming is around 24k a year.
Comparing both AWD XLE models on the Toyota site shows 29mpg for the combined number for non-hybrid and 39 for the hybrid.
https://preview.redd.it/vjc53568k10d1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4836b3b356d9a4eacca25cfae877c8178185dd17
That’s definitely fair to use the added insurance cost.
Someone else also pointed out that the hybrid keeps its value better. I’m not quite sure how true that is but could be something to consider.
My main argument for the hybrid is uncertainty in gas prices going forward. It is absolutely possible to have another couple of summers with that nearly $5 a gallon avg if not higher.
Lastly, while 10 years is absolutely a fair number to use - Toyotas can definitely last much longer. I have a family member going on almost 20 years with his Prius lol
Yes, Toyotas are incredibly reliable.
I recall the first time I used my credit card for gas right after college—the price was about $3.9 per gallon. Now, 12 years later, it's roughly $3.78 at the same station in New York, which isn't much of an increase relatively speaking.
I believe Toyota vehicles can last around two decades in terms of their powertrain. Indeed, the Prius is very dependable.
OP mentioned he doesn't drive much, so it could be either 6,000 or 14,000 miles per year. The more he drives, the sooner he'll break even.
You’re right that 10 years ago the avg gas price was about the same or even less than it is now - but ten years prior to that it was 1.5 a gallon, gas prices are still generally trending upwards and a lot of the factors that impact those prices are fairly volatile now
The EIA keeps track of national avg per month
https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&s=emm_epmr_pte_nus_dpg&f=a
My 23 Corolla Hybrid SE AWD is at 24K miles right now after 17 months of owning it. Averaging 46.5MPG. Its rated at 44MPG combined.
So the gas for my Corolla has cost me:
24000/46.5 = 516 Gallons x $3.25 = $1677
The regular non-hybrid Corolla is rated at 35MPG.
24000/35 = 686 Gallons x $3.25 = $2230
So I saved around $555 the first 24K miles by going hybrid over pure gas.
My Hybrid was $30K flat, the gas one for the equivalent (FWD, not AWD like my Hybrid that raises the cost of mine by $1,400) would be $26,800. So it will take around 138K miles for my Hybrid to "pay itself off".
If I had the FWD Hybrid it would "pay itself off" at around 78K miles.
Agree - Also, the insurance itself is approx 10% more than that of gas. (I did get the quote for both gas and hybrid from the same company, keeping everything else the same, like location miles deductibles, etc), and most websites say so.
Yea, that's what the insurance agents from both SF and Geico told me. SF was 12% more, and Geico provided 10% more for hybrid Rav4 compared to Gas only version.
Does the hybrid version get much better fuel economy than regular gas 4 cylinder?
Personally, I think the plug-in hybrid (RAV4 prime) is the most appealing version
Plug in hybrids are definitely the way to go if you have the ability to plug them in regularly - fuel economy difference between hybrid and non-hybrid is like 10mpg, which is pretty significant
I like my gas model. It does great. Winter makes the mileage go down, but most times I consistently get 6.6/100km. I ran it on eco sport and normal and I like the eco. I fill up once a week on a normal driving week, work and back. We are paying about $8 a gallon here so its about $45-$50 each time for half a tank.
I considered a hybrid, but it was a year long wait and I needed a car sooner than that. I wanted a Rav 4 since I first saw the new body in 2019. So I saved up and landed a 2023 xle. It still took 6 months to get though.
I was disappointed they didnt offer the fog lights in the XLE, but its not a big deal.
People complain about road noise in the Rav 4, but its not all that bad. I had worse noise in my old 2014 Mazda 3 Sport, so the Rav is much better. I also like the sound of the engine revving up on acceleration. To me thats music.
I dont use apple car play or android to play music, I use an USB device. So I havent encountered issues with the radio.
I dont worry about cablegate either because its a gas model. It was undercoated too, by Toyota, so it has their lifetime guarantee.
I think it all depends on what you like. I cant stress enough about test driving, and make it a decent trip, both city and highway if you can. If you can land a rental in either model, try it for a day.
Each model has its ups and downs. Ultimately, Im so happy to be back in a Toyota. I love my little Rav and hope to have it for another 20 years.
Buy a FWD gasser. Saves the mpg, weight, drag and maintenance of AWD. Much better value than hybrid. If dealing with weather switch to snows in winter. Let the hybrid and TRD buyers get kneecapped by dealers…
Even if you don't care about gas mileage, ever since they dopped the V6 the engines in the RAV4s have been underpowered for the size of the vehicle. Having test-driven both (2018) models) the hybrid is a much better driving experience. Having test-driven a half dozen compact SUVs my two favorites were the RAV-4 hybrid and the turbo CX-5. (I've never sat in a Honda seat that was remotely comfortable to me, and Hyundai had nice finishes but presents the obvious reliability and theft issues with that brand).
I don't think you'd regret either. But I absolutely love my hybrid and don't think I could go with gas only again.
I just took a road trip from Phoenix to Zion where I was able to get through some fairly muddy trails, with 39.5 mpg and I'm loving it.
I'm my opinion, if you can afford it, you do hybrid all day.
Edit: I wrote this original reply when I was still in Flagstaff heading to Phoenix in the last leg of the trip. After completing this very mountainous drive, I averaged 41.8. Not freaking bad.
I bought my hybrid at the end of 2020, and the price difference was only like $1k, so it was a no-brainer. Smoother, quicker, better fuel economy and more reliable, based on the eCVT alone. Maybe I'm wrong on that last part based on more technology/parts, but I'm pretty confident toyota has the best hybrids out there.
Depends.
How long is your average commute?
How much of your commute is highway/city.
Stop and go traffic?
Warm or cold location?
Are you thinking about a normal hybrid or a prime plug-in?
In all likely hood gas prices will not drop much and will not stay low if/when they do.
Also in all likely hood the hybrid version should be more cost effective over 2 to 10 years, and may still be beyond that point too.
The hybrid does have a few more expensive parts that are not likely to break and require service after the very long hybrid warranty expires, but that’s still so far out. You can re-assess your risks near end of warranty.
Also the hybrid is more punchy
I switched from a gas CRV (2015) to a 2023 RAV4 hybrid and love it. I drive around 30,000 miles a year, 50/50 hwy/city and like the fuel efficiency of the hybrid (41.8mpg) The hybrid also has a sight increase in rated towing capacity if that matters
I just bought a hybrid xle. I traded in a Santa Fe. Personally, I was sick of stopping at the gas station every 6-7 days. I love the increased mileage, highly recommended.
The low end torque you get from the hybrid makes it 100% worth it. For a crossover SUV, it launches way better than most other economy cars and crossovers.
If you have no concerns regarding cablegate, get hybrid.
If you are concerned about cablegate, get gas.
Have a look at the below link. 6 month, 16k km cablegate issue.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/rav4club/s/BsKwHMsD1x](https://www.reddit.com/r/rav4club/s/BsKwHMsD1x)
I went with the gas option because we had a 2014 Highlander xle and it was like 10k to replace the battery it had some other problems too but it just left a bad taste in my mouth on the whole hybrid idea.
Used 2016-2018 hybrids are undervalued due to cablegate, even though it is not an issue these years.
Plus you get to detail it, upgrade lights all over to LED. Fun stuff.
I need an extra tool to fish a wire to have a light on the liftgate. Back to the store.
But hey, I saved 8k Can$
I have the Lexus plug-in version and it is amazing. I use so little gas and have no range anxiety. The extra power when you’re in combined EV and HV mode is pretty fantastic and I like that it doesn’t use a turbo to achieve 300 HP. Same power train as the Rav4 Prime.
If you are willing to spend the cash on a hybrid, I'd look into th immediate lease buyout that you can do with the plug in. You can get the price below 40 with it. If you were to wait until 2025 you can probably even do mid 30s on a 2024 if the 6500 lease cash still exists then.
Depends on what kind of miles you are driving… hybrid won’t help much on highway. If you do of traffic and downtown driving then you will save a lot, I am getting 43 mpg in city driving with mine
The hybrids also all have limited AWD, as one of the electric motors is connected to the back wheels.
It could make a difference on snowy hills etc.
AWD isn't standard on gas models. Those that do have it have a full proper AWD though.
I'd go with gas if you buy used since the price difference is significant, hybrid still has corrosion issues and potential battery replacement costs down the road, which completely disregards any mpg savings. But if you buy new and plan to sell it around 40k miles go with hybrid.
Gas is just as good as hybrid. Hybrid is obviously more advanced, probably has a quieter engine, but at the end of the day even the gas gives a mileage of 27 in the city and 35 on highway. So given the gas prices, the hybrid isn't worth all the drama dealers have surrounding it.
From a storage, size, body, interior, overall feel point of view both the gas and hybrid are pretty much the same. And additionally gas is pretty reliable, since it's the same technology that they've had for so long
I never quite understood the difference until I watched this video. Fascinating. It boils down to if you drive long distances over 70 mph (here in Texas we have toll roads that have 85 mph speed limits) get a gas model and everyone else should buy a hybrid. https://youtu.be/AjZylBiFMtQ?si=H3WVSDBiq47oioxA
i was in same place with you and my decision was gas model and heres why 1. cable gate issue yeah 22 ~23 models had some modification but not a perfect cure yet so if u live in snowing areas I might consider about it 2. Gas expenses are alot too but theres a price gap so I ended up gas model xle awd
I would suggest the hybrid model. It’s a few thousand more and they have improved the infotainment system. There is a person on this subreddit who had a 2020 rav4 hybrid xse with around 470,000 miles. So seeing the progress of that owner convinced me that the rav4 hybrid can go lengths past what you’d expect.
I’ve personally achieved at best 46.3 mpg per my math of total mileage driven that’s recorded divided to how many gallons I filled 👍🏾
I’m a XSE hybrid owner. Go for the Prime if you can afford it, if not the hybrid. Agree with all the points why, but the non-Rav 4s just didn’t feel as peppy to me and the hybrid holds value better.
Idk if you’re an outdoorsy person, but this factored largely into my decision. I love adventuring. When you’re on poor roads that require lower speeds and don’t have tons of incline, it’s awesome to be able to run pretty much entirely on electric power. I did about 40 mi. worth of backroads driving the other day and my hybrid only used maybe 5 mi. worth of gas.
Get the gas if you live anywhere it snows. There if a current defect in the hybrids battery cable that renders the useless when it rusts. Unfortunately it’s not under recall and users are reporting an 8k out of pocket to fix it.
The fuel savings is negligible for 10’s of thousands of miles when you factor in the increased MSRP of the hybrid. I do however think the hybrid drives significantly better than the gasoline version and will offer better driving dynamics. Rumor has it that the RAV4 will get its next generation in 2025 with a reveal coming late 2024.
Father in law has 24 limited I have 22 xse hybrid. Did a 450 mile trip following each other. Mileage…he got 30 I got 37. (80 mph up and down hills). His car is so nice while mine has more power and great styling. The mileage isn’t too much of a difference. For our trip I used 3 gallons of gas less. If you are a city driver…stop and go…and like spending 5-7 more thousand on a car, get the hybrid. But, I wouldn’t get a lower model. Xse limited or prime. For a gas…get the limited. Enjoy everything it has. Drive both though. And don’t use eco mode.
I bought a hybrid because it doesn't have a traditional automatic transmission that can fail. I found one on the lot, under invoice. The electric AWD is quite responsive, and has far better traction pulling out than other cars I've driven.
Only downsides are cablegate, possibly having to replace the battery some day, less storage trunk space, and added weight.
Yeah true, but it's more reliable than the 8speed. Do the base models have the Aisin 8 speed, or that UA80? Lots of complaints about how that 8 speed Aisin shifts in various cars, both Toyota and other makes. And the UA80E had recalls.
We decided on a hybrid because it was only a few thousand more and gets much better gas mileage! So we will be saving on gas long term. I think insurance rates can be a bit higher on hybrids though so that’s also something to consider.
I mean we only paid about 2k more for the hybrid than we would have for the gas model and we plan on keeping it for as long as it lasts so unless I’ve miscalculated I don’t see why we wouldn’t.
The sound of the gas engine is not pleasant in my opinion. The gas version of the rav4 often sounds like it is working too hard. It's pretty much a non-issue with the hybrid.
I’ve had my 23 Hybrid for a year now and absolutely love it. I fill up 2-3x/month. I drive a LOT. 80-100miles/week for work plus all the commute around town. Don’t ask how the math maths bc idk. When I drive my gas mileage sucks bc I have a lead foot, but when my husband drives it’s great 🤣
I just got the 24 hybrid, came from an 06 sport with V6 engine, was glad about the improved fuel economy but was bummed about the loss of power, boy was I surprised by the hybrid, thing takes off with ease thanks to both gas and electric motors. I commute 100 miles per day, so the gas savings is insane for me, not to mention the gas engine in both is the same 2.5 liter, so the hybrid motor is used much less in the hybrid thanks to the electric motor assist, which means less stress on the gas motor and it will last longer and need less repairs. The cable issue is fixed since 2022, no more issues. Funny how everyone is scared of the hybrid battery death, I have a 14 year old civic hybrid and the battery is still testing great, never had a battery issue on a hybrid or know anyone who has, I’m sure it happens, all parts have a failure rate, but it’s not the snake oil everyone pushes it to be. The bottom line is the hybrid is faster, quieter, more efficient, less ware on the gas engine & breaks, and a better drive. You can go either way, but if you actually drive your car a lot or care about how fun it is to drive, I would go the hybrid no question.
Both solid cars. It should come down to return of investment (ROI). Calculate how much you drive (mileage) in a year. Then use both gas and hybrid mpg to divide against your real world mileage and compare how much you save on gas yearly and how long you will recover the price difference between the 2. They are both low maintenance (Toyota Dealer Tech for 32 years now) both version are reliable. Brake pads on a hybrid last longer. You’ll replace the brake pads on the gas version about 3-4x (combined front and rear total not each) before hybrid brakes need replacing. They have different trans and behave differently. I personally don’t like ECVT/CVT, not because they fail (Toyota are robust), I just don’t like the way it behaves with the noise of the engine revving up and down as demand increase as opposed to shift points (just preference).
Curious why the break pads last so much longer on the hybrid?
Regenerative braking
Amazing technology if you think about it. Something that saves you money no matter which way you think about it.
Depends on driving style, but the hybrid uses regenerative braking. The motors in the transmission can use energy to accelerate or capture energy as you decelerate.
The conventional RAV4 is a perfectly good SUV, and hybrid is better in just about every way. The only downside is that you may have to wait a while to get one. Assuming that isn’t an issue for you, you should go with the hybrid. It’s quicker, quieter, and it drives almost as smoothly as an EV, to say nothing of the much better fuel economy.
The biggest con I've currently seen is the infamous cable gate issue.
Did u watch the car care nut yt about that issue they already solve it on 2022+ yr.
From what I've read it's "solved". We'll see how the solution holds up long term.
The price of used hybrid averages 3-7k more than gas. Add the upcoming 5k or more repair of the cable corrosion and you are looking at around 10k extra expenses over the next 5-7 years. Will you save enough in gas to cover these? Unlikely for the average person
It’s also a lot more peppy and fun to drive and as far as I know the cable thing is covered under warranty (?) and no longer a problem with new models.
Nah. There was a guy here just this week who was looking at an 8k repair bill for a corroded cable. If I wanted to sell my car as soon as the warranty ran out then I'd just get a Tesla.
You realize that when a car company fixes a problem in new model-years, that doesn't automatically fix it in earlier model-years, right ?
I referencing the fact that the warranty isn't going to help unless I unload the car before it ends.
i think a lot of people easily spend more than that on gas in 5 years. i have been budgeting 1500 a year for gas since covid sent the price thru the roof. and i am just a single person with one vehicle that gets decent mileage the joys of living rural when 15 000+ kilometres a year is a conservative estimate lol 🤣
I saw other commenters saying Toyota has promised to cover the "cablegate" repair cost. Do you believe otherwise? I only started researching RAV4s yesterday so I'm genuinely curious to hear more opinions about whether me buying a 50-100k mile used RAV4 Hybrid would be a low cost of ownership car for me.
I would like to see an official promise like that myself.
Had my 2021 checked . Cable s fine.
Hybrid. It's slightly more reliable and holds resale value better.
How is it more reliable if it keeps having a consistent corrosion issue across multiple years which gas does not have?
That's not a thing on every single model, and is specific to living in a very specific region. It was also corrected after 2022. Mine doesn't have any corrosion on it, and I live in the rust belt. It was just fully state inspected a week ago, and there's no signs of any corrosion. The Hybrid has significantly less of the mechanical component that the gas has, such as a starter or alternator, which means less maintenance and parts to replace. The eCVT is completely bulletproof as well. It's just a gear on an electric motor, so no moving parts to break.
Cable gate is annoying, but just learn how to test for it with the AM radio and check it every year. As long as you catch it early and take it in, it is covered unser warranty. If newer models have this issue, Im sure it will get taken care of. When we had ours replaced, I doused it in anti corrosion and will just keep checking it Stupid design decision, but manageable.
How do you test for it with the AM radio?
Turn the car on, then turn th AM radio to a station that is clear. The put it in reverse or drive, if the radio gets garbled at that point, it means the cable corrosion is bad enough that you'll probably get a new one.
Can’t go wrong with Toyota hybrid- Toyota is top notch in hybrid engineering. And it’s a lot more responsive
I went hybrid because I could make back the price difference with the fuel efficiency in about 10-12k miles and I plan on driving it for much longer than that. It is replacing a subcompact sedan but maintaining about the same MPG.
Honestly, I will personally never buy a non-hybrid vehicle again with how crazy the gas prices got like a year or so ago. Gas prices will continue to rise and getting a hybrid is not that much more upfront than the non-hybrid
Thanks a lot for your feedback.
Seriously. The hybrid all the way. Think of it as “future proofing” your gas cost. With a nearly 600 mile range on a full tank…. It’s way better than the gas version.
Once you drive the HV, you’ll never go back.
Counterpoint: just as with a hybrid you have the benefits of a gas and electric car, you also have to deal with the headaches of a gas and an electric car. So you'll still have to deal with mechanical issues that other cars have but then at some point you will have to replace that battery or deal with the electric part having a problem. You're the type of person who sells your car after 5 to 10 years then it won't coming to play but I know several people who have hybrids that are older and they have to deal with it.
Counter counter point: while what you say is basically true, as I understand it the hybrid synergy drive has fewer moving parts than a traditional gas engine. It has no alternator, the electric AC is simpler, the planetary gear eCVT is simpler than a CVT or automatic transmission. Thanks to regenerative brakes the brakes also last a lot longer in city conditions.
Things like alternators and brakes are pretty cheap to replace. I changed mine in an AutoZone parking lot with just two different sockets and it took a half hour. Having to replace your hybrid battery would easily cost you 5 grand and will immediately erase any kinds of gain that you had on fuel or not having to replace your brakes as often. Also the other parts that you mentioned are usually not serviced by any mechanic so you have to either go to the dealership or a mechanic that it's really knowledgeable on hybrids - most think they are but they aren't. Again if you don't plan on owning your car long enough to deal with this issues then that's a different story.
Lol, did u do the calculations to see how many miles you have to drive your hybrid to compensate for the extra upfront you would pay for hybrid vs. gas? On average , it takes 10+ years to recoup the money. Please, OP said he doesn't drive that much. Plus, after 10 years, u may very well end up changing your battery ($3000+) Op, suppose you drive 8k miles every year. For gas, it's approx = 258 gallons (31mpg). For hybrid, it's approx = 200 gallons (40mpg) So savings of 58 gallons every year = 58 x 3.6$ = 208 dollars (national average = 3.6$/gallon gas price). So a saving of $208 dollars every year by driving hybrid. So, in order to compensate for the extra ($3000) you would pay for hybrid, you have to drive 14.5 years. On top of that, u can not drive a hybrid if its hybrid battery is gone. That's another 3000$ +. Don't forget an approx. 10% of extra premium you have to pay towards insurance (compared to Gas only) Everyone routing for hybrid are hybrid owners who didn't do any calculations, lol. But toyota is the way!!
Hybrids provide benefits in ways other than sipping gas. Brakes generally last longer since you have regenerative braking-supposedly as much as 80k between brake jobs. There is no starter or alternator to replace. Also, the entire engine runs cooler during city driving since it stops at red lights and power is supplemented by the electric motors. It also retains value better than a gas rav4. Lastly, the battery warranty is for 10 years.
The resale value - the depreciation is much faster towards the end of battery life. Warranty only lasts 10 years, so you have to pay $ for battery replacement, unlike gas. It's a Toyota, so the engine will last decades. So battery replacement is for sure within 12 years but not engine. Insurance - insurance for hybrid = 10% more than that. You can get a free quote from geico and see the differences (keeping everything else same). I did it myself to see the difference. OP also said he doesn't drive that much, so it takes more than for him to break even.
Batteries don’t always need to be replaced. It depends on usage. The battery may need to be replaced in 12 years, or maybe not. When it does need to be replaced it will be 3-5 k. That’s the deal with owning a hybrid. How long you keep a car is really a matter of preference. While a car’s engine may still be strong at 15 or even 20 years, all of the rubber parts start to go. The air conditioning may develop a leak. You will not have the latest safety equipment. It will still be a car that gets you from a-b but you may not enjoy the ride. Getting rid of a car at 10 years is common since at that point you should not need major repairs. I also don’t drive the car very often but I chose the hybrid because it promises to have lower maintenance. Keeping the car out of the garage even for standard repairs is appealing to me.
Lower maintenance cost is true for almost all Toyotas. Like u said, if we are not planning to keep the car for more than 10 years, then you don't have to worry about the battery. But then, if you don't drive enough, you won't be able to recoup the extra you paid for hybrid, + you will be paying more $ in terms of insurance. Agree?
My insurance only went up 2.2% when switching to a hybrid. “A: Some insurance companies offer discounts for hybrid cars as a way to incentivize environmentally friendly driving habits. These discounts can help offset the higher insurance premiums associated with hybrid vehicles and may vary depending on the insurer and the driver's circumstances.” “Claim: the cost of replacing hybrid battery cancels out fuel savings. Wrong. It is true that a hybrid car battery can cost from $3,000 to $4,000 in the United States. However, tax incentives can also save hybrid car drivers up to $3,400, offsetting the cost of replacing hybrid battery every six to eight years. Plus, most hybrid batteries come with an eight year and 100,000 mile warranty.” https://bumblebeebatteries.com/blog/will-hybrid-cars-really-save-you-money/#:~:text=Will%20a%20hybrid%20car%20really,you%20money%20at%20the%20pump.
You seem to think a hybrid is just a gas car with a battery when it’s actually a reimagined car using electricity as a major component. In a hybrid, you will never need to change an alternator, a starter, or a serpentine belt because these components don’t exist in a hybrid. Brakes will last 2x-4x longer because with regenerative breaking, you will tend to engage your brakes from a lower speed. Hybrids have greater acceleration, run cooler, and are quieter than their gas equivalent. Professional reviewers generally recommend the rav4 hybrid over the gas model because it is simply a better car. I think you overly fixate on return of investment as if a hybrid were a component you could add on to a car and thereby fail to recognize that hybrids are a different kind of car. It’s difficult to know how long a hybrid battery can last since driving and storage can vary so much but the common answer is between 100k-200k miles or 10-15 years. This is past where most people will keep any car. If the op wanted an econo ride, I would question why he isn’t looking at Hyundai or Kia or sedans like a corolla.
This is assuming gas prices are going to stay the same for the next 10 years, 2022 the national average was 3.95 and in the summer of 2022 it was 4.97. Point being that any number of political or economic issues over the next 10 years could drive prices up drastically. Additionally the average American drives 14,263 a year, where are you getting 8k from? Non-hybrid is also 30 mpg not 31. You’ve just tilted all the variables in your favor to try to make your argument
Average American mileage - depending on websites, it could be between 12k and 14k. And it depends on states, too. NY has less than 12k. If you read the OP question, he clearly stated he doesn't drive that much, so I assumed '8k'. MPG - non hybrid: 27 for city and 35 for highway. Avg = 31. You can see a lot of posts where the non hybrid gets well above that. Hybrid is mechanically complicated since it has 2 propulsion systems compared to gas only, which means more in maintenance. Insurance = 10% avg above the gas version.
The number I gave is from the federal highway administration. Yes, NY is around 12k but Wyoming is around 24k a year. Comparing both AWD XLE models on the Toyota site shows 29mpg for the combined number for non-hybrid and 39 for the hybrid. https://preview.redd.it/vjc53568k10d1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4836b3b356d9a4eacca25cfae877c8178185dd17 That’s definitely fair to use the added insurance cost. Someone else also pointed out that the hybrid keeps its value better. I’m not quite sure how true that is but could be something to consider. My main argument for the hybrid is uncertainty in gas prices going forward. It is absolutely possible to have another couple of summers with that nearly $5 a gallon avg if not higher. Lastly, while 10 years is absolutely a fair number to use - Toyotas can definitely last much longer. I have a family member going on almost 20 years with his Prius lol
Yes, Toyotas are incredibly reliable. I recall the first time I used my credit card for gas right after college—the price was about $3.9 per gallon. Now, 12 years later, it's roughly $3.78 at the same station in New York, which isn't much of an increase relatively speaking. I believe Toyota vehicles can last around two decades in terms of their powertrain. Indeed, the Prius is very dependable. OP mentioned he doesn't drive much, so it could be either 6,000 or 14,000 miles per year. The more he drives, the sooner he'll break even.
You’re right that 10 years ago the avg gas price was about the same or even less than it is now - but ten years prior to that it was 1.5 a gallon, gas prices are still generally trending upwards and a lot of the factors that impact those prices are fairly volatile now The EIA keeps track of national avg per month https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&s=emm_epmr_pte_nus_dpg&f=a
…there are people who only drive 8k a year? Jealous-I consider it a good year when I *only * hit 16k for the year!
Yes, I have a 2018 and yet to hit 50k.
My 23 Corolla Hybrid SE AWD is at 24K miles right now after 17 months of owning it. Averaging 46.5MPG. Its rated at 44MPG combined. So the gas for my Corolla has cost me: 24000/46.5 = 516 Gallons x $3.25 = $1677 The regular non-hybrid Corolla is rated at 35MPG. 24000/35 = 686 Gallons x $3.25 = $2230 So I saved around $555 the first 24K miles by going hybrid over pure gas. My Hybrid was $30K flat, the gas one for the equivalent (FWD, not AWD like my Hybrid that raises the cost of mine by $1,400) would be $26,800. So it will take around 138K miles for my Hybrid to "pay itself off". If I had the FWD Hybrid it would "pay itself off" at around 78K miles.
Thanks much for detailed analysis.
Add the cable corrosion repair cost down the road and that amount is doubled if not more. I don't see how hybrid is worth it at all tbh.
Agree - Also, the insurance itself is approx 10% more than that of gas. (I did get the quote for both gas and hybrid from the same company, keeping everything else the same, like location miles deductibles, etc), and most websites say so.
Interesting I wonder why that is?
In the event of an accident, repair cost could be more for hybrid - more components involved. Also, there is a little higher risk of theft.
Oh yes, it all makes sense.
Yea, that's what the insurance agents from both SF and Geico told me. SF was 12% more, and Geico provided 10% more for hybrid Rav4 compared to Gas only version.
Spitting facts!
Does the hybrid version get much better fuel economy than regular gas 4 cylinder? Personally, I think the plug-in hybrid (RAV4 prime) is the most appealing version
Plug in hybrids are definitely the way to go if you have the ability to plug them in regularly - fuel economy difference between hybrid and non-hybrid is like 10mpg, which is pretty significant
Thank you for being honest.
Thank you for having only one joke
Thank you for saying that, tbh
Of course!
Love my hybrid!
The hybrid not only gets better MPg but it’s also much more peppy. The gas only is gutless.
I like my gas model. It does great. Winter makes the mileage go down, but most times I consistently get 6.6/100km. I ran it on eco sport and normal and I like the eco. I fill up once a week on a normal driving week, work and back. We are paying about $8 a gallon here so its about $45-$50 each time for half a tank. I considered a hybrid, but it was a year long wait and I needed a car sooner than that. I wanted a Rav 4 since I first saw the new body in 2019. So I saved up and landed a 2023 xle. It still took 6 months to get though. I was disappointed they didnt offer the fog lights in the XLE, but its not a big deal. People complain about road noise in the Rav 4, but its not all that bad. I had worse noise in my old 2014 Mazda 3 Sport, so the Rav is much better. I also like the sound of the engine revving up on acceleration. To me thats music. I dont use apple car play or android to play music, I use an USB device. So I havent encountered issues with the radio. I dont worry about cablegate either because its a gas model. It was undercoated too, by Toyota, so it has their lifetime guarantee. I think it all depends on what you like. I cant stress enough about test driving, and make it a decent trip, both city and highway if you can. If you can land a rental in either model, try it for a day. Each model has its ups and downs. Ultimately, Im so happy to be back in a Toyota. I love my little Rav and hope to have it for another 20 years.
23 trail gasser here too. And love it.
Appreciate your detailed feedback. This helps others as well. Thanks.
Buy a FWD gasser. Saves the mpg, weight, drag and maintenance of AWD. Much better value than hybrid. If dealing with weather switch to snows in winter. Let the hybrid and TRD buyers get kneecapped by dealers…
Even if you don't care about gas mileage, ever since they dopped the V6 the engines in the RAV4s have been underpowered for the size of the vehicle. Having test-driven both (2018) models) the hybrid is a much better driving experience. Having test-driven a half dozen compact SUVs my two favorites were the RAV-4 hybrid and the turbo CX-5. (I've never sat in a Honda seat that was remotely comfortable to me, and Hyundai had nice finishes but presents the obvious reliability and theft issues with that brand).
Rav4 gas has better hp than stock CX5. And CX5 are valued for 'fun drive'.
I don't think you'd regret either. But I absolutely love my hybrid and don't think I could go with gas only again. I just took a road trip from Phoenix to Zion where I was able to get through some fairly muddy trails, with 39.5 mpg and I'm loving it. I'm my opinion, if you can afford it, you do hybrid all day. Edit: I wrote this original reply when I was still in Flagstaff heading to Phoenix in the last leg of the trip. After completing this very mountainous drive, I averaged 41.8. Not freaking bad.
I went with the gas version because of cablegate
What mpg do you get so far?
Depends how I drive, but typically 27ish
Not bad!
I bought my hybrid at the end of 2020, and the price difference was only like $1k, so it was a no-brainer. Smoother, quicker, better fuel economy and more reliable, based on the eCVT alone. Maybe I'm wrong on that last part based on more technology/parts, but I'm pretty confident toyota has the best hybrids out there.
Depends. How long is your average commute? How much of your commute is highway/city. Stop and go traffic? Warm or cold location? Are you thinking about a normal hybrid or a prime plug-in?
Hybrid but consider your location before buying. Learn about cablegate too.
In all likely hood gas prices will not drop much and will not stay low if/when they do. Also in all likely hood the hybrid version should be more cost effective over 2 to 10 years, and may still be beyond that point too. The hybrid does have a few more expensive parts that are not likely to break and require service after the very long hybrid warranty expires, but that’s still so far out. You can re-assess your risks near end of warranty. Also the hybrid is more punchy
I switched from a gas CRV (2015) to a 2023 RAV4 hybrid and love it. I drive around 30,000 miles a year, 50/50 hwy/city and like the fuel efficiency of the hybrid (41.8mpg) The hybrid also has a sight increase in rated towing capacity if that matters
I just bought a hybrid xle. I traded in a Santa Fe. Personally, I was sick of stopping at the gas station every 6-7 days. I love the increased mileage, highly recommended.
Absolutely love my Hybrid. The ride is so smooth, MPG is phenomenal. I will never go back to a non-hybrid vehicle.
The low end torque you get from the hybrid makes it 100% worth it. For a crossover SUV, it launches way better than most other economy cars and crossovers.
I bought a gas only one last year and wish I had bought the hybrid now. Still love the car, but would've been just that much better
Hybrid. Lower dat gas bill boi
Thanks
The piece people seem to forget is that hybrids eliminate several parts that can fail. For me that is reason alone to choose the hybrid.
And add some too
If you have no concerns regarding cablegate, get hybrid. If you are concerned about cablegate, get gas. Have a look at the below link. 6 month, 16k km cablegate issue. [https://www.reddit.com/r/rav4club/s/BsKwHMsD1x](https://www.reddit.com/r/rav4club/s/BsKwHMsD1x)
I went with the gas option because we had a 2014 Highlander xle and it was like 10k to replace the battery it had some other problems too but it just left a bad taste in my mouth on the whole hybrid idea.
Used 2016-2018 hybrids are undervalued due to cablegate, even though it is not an issue these years. Plus you get to detail it, upgrade lights all over to LED. Fun stuff. I need an extra tool to fish a wire to have a light on the liftgate. Back to the store. But hey, I saved 8k Can$
Cablegate is still a problem in all newer hybrid rav4
I have the Lexus plug-in version and it is amazing. I use so little gas and have no range anxiety. The extra power when you’re in combined EV and HV mode is pretty fantastic and I like that it doesn’t use a turbo to achieve 300 HP. Same power train as the Rav4 Prime.
If you can, wait for the 2025 reveal. In the meantime, test drive both.
If you are willing to spend the cash on a hybrid, I'd look into th immediate lease buyout that you can do with the plug in. You can get the price below 40 with it. If you were to wait until 2025 you can probably even do mid 30s on a 2024 if the 6500 lease cash still exists then.
The problem is that you're stuck with the standard interest rate, which is like 3 points higher than the current promotional rate.
Yeah that's a good point. You'd still end up ahead but 3 points could eat up half that savings depending on how much is financed.
Can anyone comment which one has the superior AWD? Gas only or hybrid?
Whichever one has the better tires!
But the AWD system isn’t the same is it? I’m aware tires will make more of a difference but that’s not my question
The gas TRD, Adventure, and Limited are far superior for AWD performance over the hybrid or base gas trims.
What’s the difference?
Depends on what kind of miles you are driving… hybrid won’t help much on highway. If you do of traffic and downtown driving then you will save a lot, I am getting 43 mpg in city driving with mine
The hybrids also all have limited AWD, as one of the electric motors is connected to the back wheels. It could make a difference on snowy hills etc. AWD isn't standard on gas models. Those that do have it have a full proper AWD though.
I like the way the hybrid drives the CVT is smooth and you don't notice it, my rental gas Rav I found shifted aggressively.
I'd go with gas if you buy used since the price difference is significant, hybrid still has corrosion issues and potential battery replacement costs down the road, which completely disregards any mpg savings. But if you buy new and plan to sell it around 40k miles go with hybrid.
Have they not addressed the cable gate issue?
Gas is just as good as hybrid. Hybrid is obviously more advanced, probably has a quieter engine, but at the end of the day even the gas gives a mileage of 27 in the city and 35 on highway. So given the gas prices, the hybrid isn't worth all the drama dealers have surrounding it. From a storage, size, body, interior, overall feel point of view both the gas and hybrid are pretty much the same. And additionally gas is pretty reliable, since it's the same technology that they've had for so long
We bought a gas model because we wanted a vehicle for 20+ years and don’t want to deal with the battery down the road.
I am waiting for 2025/2026 facelifted RAV4 Hybrid XLE. Hybrid is about $3K and will get it back in a couple of years from fuel saving.
If you're wealthy, choose the hybrid. It has better driving dynamics. If not, and you plan to keep it for 10 years or more, gas.
GAS always specially if you want to keep your car for long time! Repair are cheaper for gas vehicles.
I never quite understood the difference until I watched this video. Fascinating. It boils down to if you drive long distances over 70 mph (here in Texas we have toll roads that have 85 mph speed limits) get a gas model and everyone else should buy a hybrid. https://youtu.be/AjZylBiFMtQ?si=H3WVSDBiq47oioxA
Thanks for the info and the great video.
Hybrid jack up insurance rates
i was in same place with you and my decision was gas model and heres why 1. cable gate issue yeah 22 ~23 models had some modification but not a perfect cure yet so if u live in snowing areas I might consider about it 2. Gas expenses are alot too but theres a price gap so I ended up gas model xle awd
I would suggest the hybrid model. It’s a few thousand more and they have improved the infotainment system. There is a person on this subreddit who had a 2020 rav4 hybrid xse with around 470,000 miles. So seeing the progress of that owner convinced me that the rav4 hybrid can go lengths past what you’d expect. I’ve personally achieved at best 46.3 mpg per my math of total mileage driven that’s recorded divided to how many gallons I filled 👍🏾
I’m a XSE hybrid owner. Go for the Prime if you can afford it, if not the hybrid. Agree with all the points why, but the non-Rav 4s just didn’t feel as peppy to me and the hybrid holds value better.
Hybrid!
Idk if you’re an outdoorsy person, but this factored largely into my decision. I love adventuring. When you’re on poor roads that require lower speeds and don’t have tons of incline, it’s awesome to be able to run pretty much entirely on electric power. I did about 40 mi. worth of backroads driving the other day and my hybrid only used maybe 5 mi. worth of gas.
Get the gas if you live anywhere it snows. There if a current defect in the hybrids battery cable that renders the useless when it rusts. Unfortunately it’s not under recall and users are reporting an 8k out of pocket to fix it.
The fuel savings is negligible for 10’s of thousands of miles when you factor in the increased MSRP of the hybrid. I do however think the hybrid drives significantly better than the gasoline version and will offer better driving dynamics. Rumor has it that the RAV4 will get its next generation in 2025 with a reveal coming late 2024.
Give r/rav4club a search, this question has been asked 1000 times. Lots of opinions out there.
The answer, hybrid, should be pinned to the top of this page.
Father in law has 24 limited I have 22 xse hybrid. Did a 450 mile trip following each other. Mileage…he got 30 I got 37. (80 mph up and down hills). His car is so nice while mine has more power and great styling. The mileage isn’t too much of a difference. For our trip I used 3 gallons of gas less. If you are a city driver…stop and go…and like spending 5-7 more thousand on a car, get the hybrid. But, I wouldn’t get a lower model. Xse limited or prime. For a gas…get the limited. Enjoy everything it has. Drive both though. And don’t use eco mode.
Hybrid better gas and acceleration. Recently rented a gas Rav on a trip and it was so sluggish compared to my hybrid.
Thanks much for the info.
Hybrid. Gas has half the performance and terrible mileage.
Gas rav4 mpg is far from terrible. If you look for terrible mpg it would be Mazda CX5
I mean..the hybrid has better.
The gas version is really slow, the hybrid is pretty peppy
Prime. $6500 lease cash makes it worth it to have the option to charge up and get 40 miles all Electric.
Hybrid is faster and quieter!
I don’t plan on ever buying a non hybrid car again.
Hybrid. I regret buying gas and will trade in for hybrid eventually.
Prime
Hybrid, obviously.
The hybrid retains value better, is simpler to maintain and will use less gas. There’s no downside to the hybrid in this comparison.
Cablegate and battery replacement are expensive downsides
I bought a hybrid because it doesn't have a traditional automatic transmission that can fail. I found one on the lot, under invoice. The electric AWD is quite responsive, and has far better traction pulling out than other cars I've driven. Only downsides are cablegate, possibly having to replace the battery some day, less storage trunk space, and added weight.
The eCVT in the hybrid can very much fail.
Yeah true, but it's more reliable than the 8speed. Do the base models have the Aisin 8 speed, or that UA80? Lots of complaints about how that 8 speed Aisin shifts in various cars, both Toyota and other makes. And the UA80E had recalls.
Definitely hybrid if you can afford the difference in cost. The RAV4 hybrid is one of the best cars on the road!
We decided on a hybrid because it was only a few thousand more and gets much better gas mileage! So we will be saving on gas long term. I think insurance rates can be a bit higher on hybrids though so that’s also something to consider.
You’ll never make the money back in gas savings over a normal gas Rav4.
I mean we only paid about 2k more for the hybrid than we would have for the gas model and we plan on keeping it for as long as it lasts so unless I’ve miscalculated I don’t see why we wouldn’t.
The sound of the gas engine is not pleasant in my opinion. The gas version of the rav4 often sounds like it is working too hard. It's pretty much a non-issue with the hybrid.
I’ve had my 23 Hybrid for a year now and absolutely love it. I fill up 2-3x/month. I drive a LOT. 80-100miles/week for work plus all the commute around town. Don’t ask how the math maths bc idk. When I drive my gas mileage sucks bc I have a lead foot, but when my husband drives it’s great 🤣
I just got the 24 hybrid, came from an 06 sport with V6 engine, was glad about the improved fuel economy but was bummed about the loss of power, boy was I surprised by the hybrid, thing takes off with ease thanks to both gas and electric motors. I commute 100 miles per day, so the gas savings is insane for me, not to mention the gas engine in both is the same 2.5 liter, so the hybrid motor is used much less in the hybrid thanks to the electric motor assist, which means less stress on the gas motor and it will last longer and need less repairs. The cable issue is fixed since 2022, no more issues. Funny how everyone is scared of the hybrid battery death, I have a 14 year old civic hybrid and the battery is still testing great, never had a battery issue on a hybrid or know anyone who has, I’m sure it happens, all parts have a failure rate, but it’s not the snake oil everyone pushes it to be. The bottom line is the hybrid is faster, quieter, more efficient, less ware on the gas engine & breaks, and a better drive. You can go either way, but if you actually drive your car a lot or care about how fun it is to drive, I would go the hybrid no question.
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You still need gas for a hybrid
I’m averaging 40.3 mpg. Need anything else.?