Used 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combines some of the company’s greatest strengths. The RAV4 has been and still is a best-selling compact crossover, one of the most popular new vehicles in the United States. It’s roomy and has great safety ratings.

Toyota is also both a pioneer of hybrid technology as well as a pillar of hybrid manufacturing. Factor in the build quality, reliability, and strong resale values that come with every new Toyota, and the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid has a lot to recommend it.

We crowned last year’s RAV4 a Best Buy in the compact SUV class and this hybrid variant magnifies the power and fuel economy aspects. To go even further down this particular road, there’s also the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid (reviewed separately, as is the non-hybrid RAV4).

This could be the definition of a win/win situation. Compared with the regular version, the gasoline/electric drivetrain in the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid adds more muscle (219 horsepower, as opposed to 203) while improving fuel economy (by about 10 mpg on average) at the same time.

Toyota doesn’t quote maximum torque figures for the whole system, but electric motors have the praiseworthy trait of delivering virtually maximum thrust from standstill.

Many will like the raised driving position, plenty more will wish Toyota had installed some extra sound insulation once they’re on the freeway. The XSE version has its own sport-tuned suspension, meaning that it’s firmer. If other aspects of this model appeal, make sure to test drive it to assess whether the ride quality is sufficiently forgiving for your tastes.

It’s a compact crossover, but the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid feels much bigger inside. Occupant space is generous in both seating rows and the extra hybrid hardware hasn’t compromised the plentiful cargo space. It’s 37.6 cubic feet behind the 60/40 split rear seats, or 69.8 cubic feet when they’re both folded down — the same as the regular RAV4.

Outward vision is generally good, build quality compares well with any rival, cabin materials are perfectly acceptable for the class, and the infotainment system is easy to use. LE trim is quite basic, with cloth upholstery. The top Limited trim has simulated leather seating surfaces and blue ambient cabin lighting.

Anyone familiar with the Prius and — in Southern California, at least — the Mirai fuel-cell car will know that Toyota has a tendency to make its low-emissions vehicles look markedly different from anything else. That’s not the case with the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid.

A “hybrid” badge or two and a few subtle aerodynamic tweaks aside, this variant is decidedly similar to its non-hybrid stablemate. There are a couple of changes for this year, though. Like different wheel designs and colors. Thinner headlights are installed on all but the LE version. The XSE also gains vertical lights.

Cavalry Blue is a new color for 2022. It’s available on the also-new SE trim and on the XSE with a black roof.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
In the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, one of the motors turns the rear wheels and another assists the engine to power the fronts. So there’s a form of all-wheel drive as standard. Not one for adventuring into the wilderness, but great for bad weather.

JBL AUDIO SYSTEM
Only available in the higher trims, sadly, but JBL is a respected name in the music reproduction industry (used JBL speakers go for relatively high prices). Under the same corporate umbrella is Harman Kardon and Mark Levinson — the former found in many BMWs, the latter going into Lexus vehicles.

Trim levels for the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid are LE, XLE, XLE Premium, SE, XSE, and Limited. LE trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/daytime running lights/taillights, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, and cloth upholstery.

Safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The infotainment system has a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, Wi-Fi, one USB port, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and six speakers.

The higher the trim, the more equipment, which is the best way to equip a new RAV4 Hybrid, as opposed to selecting option packages. The LE doesn’t qualify for many extras anyway.

The XLE Premium brings more features that can make everyday life more bearable, such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated leather seating surfaces, front/rear parking sensors, and a powered liftgate. It’s also eligible for an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, four USB ports, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

By the time we get to Limited trim, we’re rolling on 18-inch alloy wheels, enjoying puddle lights, heated/8-way power-adjustable front seats, and the upgraded infotainment features. Even at this level, there are several options such as adaptive front headlights, rain-sensing wipers, powered panoramic moonroof, heated/ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, wireless charging, hands-free liftgate operation, and a 360-degree camera system.

Every trim except the LE is eligible for a heated steering wheel.

The combination of 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors energized by a lithium-ion battery endow the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid with a total of 219 horsepower. An automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.

The engine requires nothing more fancy than regular 87-octane gasoline. These fuel economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pertain to 2021, but 2022’s should be the same. The EPA reckons the RAV4 Hybrid can cover 580 miles on a single tankful.

Maximum towing capacity is 1,750 pounds.

2.5-liter inline-4 engine/two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors
219 total horsepower
163 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600-5,200 rpm (engine only)
EPA city/highway fuel economy (estimated): 41/38 mp