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The Toyota RAV4 is the most popular small SUV in America based on sales numbers. The RAV4 may not be the best small SUV on the market, but it certainly is the best-selling. The Toyota RAV4 dominates other small SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. It comes in plenty of different configurations. The Japanese automaker also produces a hybrid and plug-in hybrid version of the popular small SUV. Which is better, the RAV4 gas or hybrid version?

Which is better, Toyota RAV4 gas or hybrid?

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets better gas mileage and comes with great standard features. The gas-powered RAV4 sells more than the hybrid version. The RAV4 Hybrid is the better small SUV for the money because it gets more driving range and can save drivers thousands of dollars throughout the average period of new vehicle ownership (about 8.4 years).

Three Toyota RAV4 small SUVs are parked.
Three Toyota RAV4 small SUVs are parked | Toyota

So, you can’t decide between the classic RAV4 and the RAV4 Hybrid. Never fear. MotorBiscuit has got you covered. While the term “best” is subjective, potential buyers can determine which vehicle provides more value (for them) by comparing vehicle specs.

Model2022 Toyota RAV4 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Starting Price$26,975$29,575
Horsepower/Torque203 HP/184 lb-ft of torque219 HP/163 lb-ft of torque
Gas Mileage (MPG)27 city/35 highway41 city/ 38 highway
2022 Toyota RAV4/2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid specs

There’s a price difference of roughly $2,600 between the RAV4 Hybrid and gas-powered RAV4 before taxes and additional fees. The most obvious difference between the two small Japanese SUV models is fuel economy. The RAV4 gets decent gas mileage, but the RAV4 Hybrid’s gas mileage is far superior.

A gas-powered 2022 Toyota RAV4 can travel for about 449 miles before needing to refuel based on its combined gas mileage and fuel tank size. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid can travel for over 572 miles before needing to refuel. If you plan on getting a new small SUV and owning it for a long period of time, then the RAV4 Hybrid is the way to go. One of the main reasons that the gas-powered RAV4 is more popular is affordability. Many drivers are skeptical about hybrid technology as well.

Does a RAV4 Hybrid really save on gas?

The front of a gray 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid owners will save hundreds of dollars on gas every year because of how fuel efficient the small hybrid SUV is. The RAV4 Hybrid can travel further than the gas-powered RAV4 using the same amount of gas thanks to its hybrid powertrain. This means fewer trips to the gas station annually. Kelley Blue Book praises the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s amazing fuel economy.

Is the RAV4 Hybrid good for long trips?

A blue 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid small SUV is driving.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Toyota

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is great for long road trips and long commutes because of its stellar fuel economy. It’s no RAV4 Prime, but the RAV4 Hybrid is the next best thing. Toyota’s small hybrid SUV is one of the most competitive models in its vehicle segment. It competes with models like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.

Read more about the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV in the next article below.

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