By Nick Nelson | July 20, 2022, at 4:49 p.m.
Toyota RAV4 Versus RAV4 Hybrid: The Ultimate Showdown
At first glance, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and its hybrid variant may look identical, but there are some key differences that set them apart.
The current generation of the RAV4 launched in 2019 and hasn’t changed too much since that time. Both it and the hybrid offer a number of standard features, good safety ratings and plenty of interior space. However, these two models differ when it comes to powertrains, handling and fuel efficiency.
As you click through this slideshow, we will examine the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid across a number of categories in order to help you understand which is the better fit for your buying needs. Keep in mind that our reviews are constantly being updated so you’ll refer to the actual car reviews for the most up-to-date stats.
Price
Winner: 2022 Toyota RAV4
Pricing for the base 2022 RAV4 starts at $26,525. That’s just over average for the compact SUV class. Several mid-level trims are available ranging between $28,000 to $33,000. Top-tier trims such as the Limited and TRD Pro are priced over $35,000.
The base 2022 RAV4 Hybrid carries a pretty reasonable starting MSRP of $29,075, and pricing ranges up to $37,575 for the top-tier Limited trim.
Reliability
Winner: Tie
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid both earn great scores of 81 out of 100 for predicted reliability.
Both SUVs are covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The 2022 RAV4 Hybrid model gets a little extra coverage: hybrid components get an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the hybrid battery is covered by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.
Cargo Space
Winner: Tie
In some vehicles, the hybrid model’s battery eats into the available cargo space, leading to a modest reduction in capacity compared to the nonhybrid, but that’s not the case with the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid.
Both models offer a minimum of 37.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk area and max out at almost 70 cubic feet when the back row is folded flat. Those are good totals for a compact SUV.
Seat Comfort
Winner: Tie
Both the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the RAV4 Hybrid provide comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Offering plenty of legroom in both rows and decent cushioning, these RAV4s earn high marks from critics.
Cloth upholstery comes standard, though upgrades such as synthetic leather with heating and ventilation are available in higher trims of both models.
Interior Quality
Winner: Tie
The 2022 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid are evenly matched with high-quality interiors featuring well-crafted, solid materials that are built to withstand the rigors of everyday life. The cabins have upscale styling as well.
They may not be on the level of a Lexus (Toyota’s luxury brand), but these crossovers offer solid and inviting interior quality.
Interior Features
Winner: Tie
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid offer the same interior features. Standard equipment includes a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.
Upgrades to the infotainment system include an 8-inch touch screen, wireless device charging and an upgraded sound system. Other optional features include a moonroof and a digital instrument cluster.
Powertrain
Winner: 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Those hoping to sprint off the line should look at the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Thanks to its electrified powertrain, the RAV4 Hybrid feels energetic when accelerating. The RAV4 isn’t as exciting or powerful, though it performs well around town.
At higher speeds, both the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid have some downsides. In the hybrid, wind and road noise is noticeable from inside the cabin, and the nonhybrid RAV4’s engine drones under heavy acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Winner: 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 hybrid earn great fuel economy for their respective classes. However, when stacked against each other, the RAV4 Hybrid is the clear winner. It earns 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the RAV4 earns 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
With current gas prices being what they are, you’ll likely want to pick the hybrid. The EPA projects you’ll spend $2,300 with the non-hybrid in a year while the hybrid is projected to only cost $1,750. Over 5 years, picking the RAV4 Hybrid over the standard RAV4 equates to a savings of $2,750.
Ride and Handling
Winner: 2022 Toyota RAV4
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid handle relatively nimbly on the open roads and offer comfortable rides thanks to their quality suspension systems. Neither exhibits much body-roll when going around corners.
When braking, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid feels lackluster compared to the nonhybrid RAV4. The 2022 RAV4 is also available in a more adventurous TRD trim which allows it to do some light off-roading.
Safety
Winner: Tie
Toyota has a reputation for making safe vehicles, and the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid live up to that billing. Both received 5-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave the 2022 Toyota RAV4 top scores in all categories except the side crash test, where it earned the second-highest rating of Acceptable. The IIHS only tests the RAV4 models but the ratings carry over to the nearly identical RAV4 Hybrid.
Both models come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of features, which includes pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.
The Winner Is …
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
As stated in the beginning, the 2022 RAV4 and 2022 RAV4 Hybrid are incredibly similar, which means you can’t go wrong picking either one. That said, the RAV4 Hybrid is the better pick by the slimmest of margins.
It provides a little more verve when accelerating and gets much better gas mileage than the nonhybrid RAV4 while featuring the same interior space and quality and the same assortment of technology. The nonhybrid model costs a bit less, but that will be offset over time by the hybrid’s superior gas mileage.
