2025 Toyota RAV4 vs Hybrid vs Plug in Hybrid

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2025 Toyota RAV4 vs. RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: Which SUV Wins?

The RAV4 is Toyota's highest selling SUV, partly because it earns some of the best fuel economy estimates in its class. However, Toyota also offers two other compact SUVs that use electric power for even better gas mileage. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) are roomy and well-equipped like the regular 2025 RAV4, but they use less gas and release fewer carbon emissions. At Newburgh Toyota, we have all three RAV4 versions in our new inventory, and we're happy to help you choose between them.

Features2025 Toyota RAV42025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
DrivetrainAll wheel driveAll wheel driveAll wheel drive
Engine power203 hp @ 6,600 rpm219 hp @ 5,300 rpm302 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Engine torque184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpmNot availableNot available
Engine displacement2.5 l2.5 l2.5 l
Engine configurationInline 4Inline 4Inline 4
Transmission8-speed shiftable automaticContinuously variable-speed automaticContinuously variable-speed automatic
City/Hwy/Combined MPG27 / 33 / 29 MPG41 / 38 / 39 MPG40 / 36 / 38 MPG  (Gas only)
Cargo Space37.5 cu. ft.37.5 cu. ft.33.5 cu. ft.

Performance

Powertrains


  • Toyota RAV4: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.


  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors making a combined 219 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque.


  • Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors and an 18.1-kWh battery pack producing a combined 302 horsepower.

    • While the RAV4 has ample zip for everyday driving in Newburgh, both the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid put out more horsepower for quicker passing and easier merging onto highways.

    Fuel Economy



  • Toyota RAV4: gets 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.


  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: earns 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.


  • Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: returns a 94 MPGe combined rating using electric power and an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined using gas only.

    • If fuel efficiency is your main concern, all three RAV4 variants will allow you to go further on a full tank than many SUVs. However, the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are the most efficient. Newburgh drivers may even be able to make their full commute on electric power only with the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, which can go up to 42 miles on battery power alone.

    Towing Capacity


  • Toyota RAV4: can tow up to 1,500 pounds.


  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: can pull up to 1,750 pounds.


  • Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: can tow up to 2,500 pounds.

    • If you want to tow a boat to Chadwick Lake Park in Newburgh, the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is your best option of the three. Thanks to its stronger horsepower, the RAV 4 PHEV can tow 1,000 pounds more than the regular Toyota RAV4.

    Cargo Space


  • Toyota RAV4: has 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded flat.


  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: has 37.5 cubic feet of room with the rear seat raised and 69.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.


  • Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: has 33.5 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear row and 63.2 cubic feet of room with the rear row folded down.

    • All Toyota RAV4 variants have spacious cargo holds. However, both the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid have a little more space for Newburgh drivers to stow suitcases or shopping bags than the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.

    Standard Tech Features


  • Toyota RAV4: comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driver assist features.


  • Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driver-assist features, and dual-zone automatic climate control.


  • Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driver assist features, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats.

    • The Toyota RAV4 is available in six trim levels, the RAV4 Hybrid comes in seven trims, while the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid only has two trim levels. However, since the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid's trim levels are equivalent to the higher trims in the gas-only RAV4, it starts you out with more features. Standard heated front seats in the RAV4 PHEV help you stay warm on chilly mornings in Newburgh.

    Test Drive Your Preferred RAV4 Version at Newburgh Toyota

    While the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid earns better fuel economy, can tow more, and has more standard features than the RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid, its starting price is over $15,000 higher than the gas-only RAV4 and over $11,000 more than the regular RAV4 Hybrid. Whichever RAV model you choose, you'll get a roomy, efficient SUV with plenty of useful tech features. Visit Newburgh Toyota and test drive your favorite RAV4 version today.