Is RAV4 hybrid 4 or 6 cylinder?

The RAV4 Hybrid uses a four-cylinder engine, not a six-cylinder. Specifically, it pairs a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine with electric motors, delivering a combined output typical of four-cylinder hybrids. There is no six-cylinder RAV4 Hybrid in the current lineup; a plug-in variant called the RAV4 Prime uses the same four-cylinder base with a larger electric system for higher performance.

Drivetrain and efficiency

The RAV4 Hybrid employs a 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine paired with electric motors and an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). Depending on configuration, it can be front- or all-wheel drive, and it typically delivers around 219 horsepower combined. The setup emphasizes efficiency, with EPA-estimated fuel economy among the best in its class for a compact SUV.

Power and performance notes

While the hybrid version uses four cylinders, the system borrows electric propulsion to boost power without a larger engine. This approach yields balanced daily performance suitable for city driving and highway merging, while prioritizing fuel savings and lower emissions.

Variants in the RAV4 lineup

In addition to the standard RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota offers the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid that uses the same four-cylinder base but adds a larger battery and dual electric motors for higher output and a limited electric driving range. There is no six-cylinder hybrid option in the current RAV4 family; the V6 was offered in some older, non-hybrid RAV4 configurations before the model line shifted toward four-cylinder efficiency.

Historical context

Former generations of the RAV4 did include a 3.5-liter V6 option in certain trims, but Toyota phased out that configuration in favor of four-cylinder powertrains across the lineup. The modern focus is on efficient four-cylinder hybrids and plug-in hybrids rather than larger displacement V6 engines.

What this means for buyers

For most buyers, the RAV4 Hybrid provides a strong blend of efficiency and practicality with its four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain. If you want more performance and the option to drive short distances on electric power, the RAV4 Prime offers a compelling alternative, albeit at a higher price. If a six-cylinder engine is a priority, that option is not available in the current RAV4 lineup.

Summary

The RAV4 Hybrid is a four-cylinder hybrid, not a six-cylinder one. The current lineup centers on four-cylinder hybrids and a plug-in hybrid variant that enhances electric capability, while older non-hybrid RAV4s briefly offered V6 options. For those seeking efficiency with reasonable power, the Hybrid delivers; for extended electric driving and higher performance, the Prime is the right counterpart.

What Toyota SUV has a 6 cylinder?

Toyota still offers several 6-cylinder SUVs, including the 4Runner (with a V6) and the Sequoia (with a twin-turbo V6 hybrid). While many models are transitioning to turbocharged four-cylinder or hybrid powertrains, the Highlander (though the V6 was discontinued for the 2023 model year, it had one previously) and Grand Highlander (which offers a V6 in some trims) still use V6 engines.
 
Current Toyota V6 SUVs

• Toyota 4Runner: Features a high-output V6 engine and is known for its off-road capabilities. 
• Toyota Sequoia: Comes exclusively with a powerful 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain. 
• Toyota Grand Highlander: Offers a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine in certain configurations, with other models featuring turbocharged options. 

Notable details

• Engine displacement: The 4Runner uses a 4.0L V6, while the Sequoia features a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid. 
• Towing capacity: The 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Sequoia's hybrid V6 allows for up to 9,000 pounds of towing capacity. 
• Transition: Note that Toyota is moving away from naturally aspirated V6 engines in many models. For example, the 4Runner's new generation will use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead. 

Is the Toyota RAV4 a 4 or 6 cylinder?

What engine comes in the new 2025 Toyota RAV4? The new Toyota RAV4 comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

How many cylinders is a RAV4 Hybrid?

four-cylinder
Every new 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is equipped with a peppy powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a continuously variable automatic transmission.

What is a common problem in a RAV4 Hybrid?

Common problems reported for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid include electrical issues like 12V battery drain, excessive oil consumption, and potential corrosion of the hybrid high-voltage cable in areas with road salt. Other concerns are with interior quality, such as rattles and cheap plastics, and ride quality, including a stiff ride and poor highway MPG relative to its city rating. Additionally, some owners have experienced issues with the infotainment system, seat comfort, and problems with the fuel tank or gas cap.
 
Engine and mechanical 

• Excessive oil consumption: Some owners report that the engine consumes oil at a higher-than-expected rate. 
• Corrosion of high-voltage cable: The hybrid's underbody cable can corrode due to road salt and moisture, potentially leading to hybrid system malfunctions. This issue primarily affects models from 2019–2022, and while newer models may have updated cables, the long-term durability is still unknown. 
• Water pump failure: Some owners have reported early water pump failure, sometimes accompanied by engine noise. 
• Transmission issues: Reported problems include slipping gears and leaky transmissions. 

Electrical and technology

• 12V battery issues: Problems with the 12V battery have been noted, including drain issues. 
• Infotainment glitches: Some drivers experience problems with the navigation and multimedia system, such as freezing or connectivity issues. 
• Electrical accessory problems: Issues have been reported with accessories like the remote engine starter and radar sensor, which may require frequent cleaning. 
• Driver-assist system issues: The lane tracing assist feature has been criticized for requiring constant steering correction. 

Interior and comfort

• Interior quality: Concerns include cheap-feeling interior plastics, rattles from the door panels or quarter panels, and a general lack of fit-and-finish for the price point. 
• Seat discomfort: Some users find the driver's seat uncomfortable, especially during long drives. 
• HVAC and other controls: The HVAC controls are sometimes described as being too small, and the heated steering wheel and seats may not provide even heating. 
• Poor ergonomic design: The center console is not ergonomically designed for some drivers, and there is a lack of a proper cord tunnel for devices. 

Other

• Tires: Some models come with tires that provide poor performance in snow and are prone to air leaks. 
• Gas tank filling problems: Several owners have reported issues with filling the gas tank, which can take an unusually long time or stop filling prematurely. 
• Steering wheel issues: Besides the driver-assist features, the heated steering wheel has hot spots. 
• Recall: There was a recall for the 2024 and 2025 models where brake caliper bolts could be loose, potentially causing damage to the brake hose or wheel detachment.