The RAV4 enters its seventh year in 2025, far longer than any of its predecessors, with no changes of note. Previously known as the Prime, the plug in variant is now known as the PHEV.

While quieter than when introduced for 2019, the RAV4’s 2.5L four is still not paragon of refinement but not that much noisier than most competitors. The engine is quick, flexible, very economical and generates a thoroughbred soundtrack at high revs. When introduced, the RAV4’s eight-speed-speed automatic transmission was criticized for some indecision and rough shifts during low-speed operation. The transmission now works very well. Despite our tester being the off-road-oriented Trail TRD Off-Road trim, its ride is compliant with no road shocks reaching the occupants. The off-road-specific Falken tires on our tester gripped well enough on paved surfaces and acted with the RAV’s suspension to deliver predictable handling and a feeling of control to the driver.

The RAV’s steering is nicely weighted, precise and even serves up a scintilla of road feel. With a firm pedal and no lost motion, braking is reassuring. Other than an engine that intrudes somewhat on brisk acceleration from a stop, the RAV4, with reasonably-suppressed road noise and little wind noise, is an acceptably refined vehicle for its class. The powerful air-conditioning of the RAV4 keeps occupants cool in the most torrid summer conditions. The high-end Trail TRD Off-Road trim gives the driver the ability to direct, or restrict air flow to the rear compartment at the push of a button, allowing stronger airflow to the front compartment if the rear seat is vacant. The JBL-branded audio system is quite sonorous and drivers can totally turn off the infotainment screen to better enjoy a drive-in movie. Cellphone hookup is easy and the voice command works well.

Like most current Toyotas, the RAV4 is built on Toyota’s TNGA architecture. The sole engine offered in the conventional RAV4 is a normally-aspirated 2.5L four. Power finds its way to the wheels via a hydraulic eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant combines the efforts of the 2.5L four and the electric motor; sending power to the front wheels via a CVT. On all-wheel drive hybrids, the rear wheels are driven electrically. A plug-in version, called the PHEV, is catalogued but delivery times are so long that the car is not really available.

Conventional model: with a comprehensive active safety suite including blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors as well as heated front seats, the base LE trim in nicely equipped. The XLE trim adds a sunroof, a power driver’s seat, alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel and power tailgate. The XLE Premium adds little of value for the money. The Trail trim is unique in that among its modifications is its ability to town 1587 kilograms (3500 pounds). Moving up to the Limited ups the content level with a digital gauge package, a JBL-branded audio system, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a 360 degree camera system.

Hybrid: the hybrid model is campaigned in L(uxury) and S(port) trim themes. With alloy wheels and a full active safety suite with blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, is reasonably equipped. Moving up to the XLE adds a sunroof, a power driver’s seat and a heated steering wheel. The XLE Premium offers little of value. The Woodland trim is simply an appearance package with no real content upgrade. The Limited trim adds a JBL-branded audio system, a 360 degree camera system, wireless cellphone charging and reverse auto braking. Compared with the XLE, the SE is simply an appearance variation. The XSE adds a JBL-branded audio system and a black roof. The XSE Technology upgrade adds wireless cellphone charging, a 360 degree camera system and reverse auto braking.

PHEV: the base plug-in, the SE, with a sunroof, power tailgate, a power driver’s seat and a heated steering wheel, is reasonably equipped. The XSE adds wireless cellphone charging and the XSE Technology adds dual-panel sunroof, a JBL-branded audio system, a power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a 360 degree camera system and a head up display.

The PHEV used to be eligible for government rebates but there are none in place as of March 2025.

Above average reliability predicted. There was an issue with premature failure of the cable that connects to the electric rear drive unit. Toyota issued several recalls and extended the warranty on previous versions but has still retained the short three year/60,000 kilometer warranty on newly-purchased cars.