2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Price and Rumors

Last year Toyota managed to sell more than 350,000 RAV4 units which is one of the best results on the market. With those units sold, they also managed to sell more than 45,000 hybrid models which are quite impressive to its right. Not that long ago they revealed the 2018 RAV4 which includes an all-new version of the Adventure. Soon enough they are also expected to reveal the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid which will more than likely go through a few subtle changes.

For starters, we expect the car to become available in a new trim level with the Premium. Besides that, it might also receive some attention to its running gear, especially since the hybrid did lack the comfort of the regular model. If they manage to sort that out, then the hybrid will certainly become a lot easier to sell, and it might even become one of the best-selling hybrids in the US.

2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Price and More Details

The rest of the car will likely remain unchanged which is to be expected. Toyota did refresh the RAV4 not that long ago, and the hybrid offers great performance for the price. Like we said, the only real drawback has to be the handling. Due to the added weight and the same running gear as the regular 2.5 model, the hybrid rolls more through the corners and its suspension is overloaded by the extra weight. We expect the 2018 version of the car to receive a slightly better set of shocks and possibly new springs. The result should be a more comfortable ride that will be able to cope with the car’s weight. The price is likely not going to change much which means it will still start at roughly $30,000. Even though it will have a minimal amount of features, the base model is still going to be worth it for most due to the great fuel economy. 

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Specs
Dimensions And Weight
Wheelbase	104.7 inch;
Length	181.1 inch;
Height	65.5-65.9 inch;
Width	72.6 inch;
Weight	3400-4000 lb
Engine And Transmission
Engine type	2.5-liter hybrid powertrain
Displacement	2.5-liter
Power/torque	194 hp
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Performance
0-60 mph	8,3 sec
Top speed	114 mph
PRICE RANGE: starting at $30,000 (est)
Competitors: Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage

*Some of these figures and data belong to the previous model.

Design

The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is expected to remain pretty much identical to the ongoing model. It will continue to share its looks with the regular version with the only differences being the hybrid badges. Some suggested the car may receive the Adventure trim level, but Toyota, unfortunately, said that this model would only be available with the regular gas powertrain. This will leave the hybrid as a rather tame-looking crossover which will have to impress with its fuel economy and great interior layout.

Inside the Cabin

Here the RAV4 always managed to impress, and things are only going to get better. For starters, it seems that the hybrid will receive more safety features as standard. Things like an adaptive cruise control system, a frontal collision warning and avoidance system and even blind spot monitoring are going to come as standard. The design of the cabin will remain unchanged which means sharp angles will still dominate the RAV4’s interior. Luckily though these do give the cabin a muscular look and together with the lower-than-usual driving position make up for a great experience inside. We may see a new trim level with better quality leather, a larger infotainment screen, a nicer steering wheel and even a digital instrument cluster. This hasn’t been confirmed, but it would definitely elevate the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid over most of its rivals.

Under the Hood

Here the 2018 version of the car will remain identical to the one before it. This means it will continue to rock the same 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain which managed to impress so far. It is unlikely for the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid to receive a bump in power even though some rumors suggested it. We expect the car to continue to offer a combined output of 194 horsepower, for the all-wheel drive model. This gets an extra 67 horsepower electric motor which will drive the rear wheels independently from the gas engine. This basically allows the RAV4 to boast all-wheel drive without having to use a prop-shaft. The CVT transmission is here to stay as well, and regarding performance, the hybrid should still be able to trump the 2.5-liter powerplant. The only real drawback will remain the front wheel drive model which will have to do without the 67 horsepower electric motor which is a bit of a shame. However, this will boast better fuel economy, so it might be the better choice for those looking to put some miles on their car.