Is the RAV4 heavy on fuel?

In general, no—the RAV4 lineup offers competitive fuel economy for a compact SUV. Gas models typically deliver around 30 mpg combined, hybrids about 40 mpg, and the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime provides up to 94 MPGe when charged, plus about 38 mpg in gasoline mode if you’re running on gasoline alone.

Fuel economy by drivetrain

Here is a quick breakdown of the main RAV4 powertrains and their typical efficiency figures.

• Gasoline RAV4 (2.5L four-cylinder with 8‑speed automatic): approximately 30 mpg combined for front-wheel drive (FWD) models; all‑wheel drive (AWD) variants are slightly lower, around the high-20s to 30 mpg combined depending on trim and tires.


• RAV4 Hybrid: about 40 mpg combined (commonly cited as around 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, with little difference between FWD and AWD).


• RAV4 Prime (Plug-in Hybrid): 94 MPGe combined when using electricity; official electric range is about 42 miles, and 38 mpg combined when operating on gasoline after the battery is depleted.

These figures come from EPA ratings and can vary with wheel size, tire type, and driving conditions. In typical daily use, hybrids tend to outperform gasoline models, and the Prime shines on short trips where you can run mostly on electric power.

Real-world performance and practical tips

EPA fuel-economy numbers are estimates based on standardized tests. Real-world results depend on driving style, terrain, weather, and how you use features like air conditioning or rapid acceleration. Here are factors that can affect the RAV4’s mpg and how to get more from each variant.

• Drive smoothly and anticipate stop-and-go traffic to minimize rapid acceleration and braking.


• Maintain proper tire pressure; under-inflated tires reduce efficiency.


• Use eco modes where available and take advantage of regenerative braking on hybrids and the Prime to recover energy.


• Keep the vehicle well-maintained (air filters, engine oil, spark plugs) to avoid unnecessary fuel use.


• Lighten the load and remove roof racks when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag and weight.


• For the RAV4 Prime, charging regularly and using EV or hybrid modes for short trips can maximize electric-range benefits and MPGe.

In practice, most drivers who prioritize efficient driving habits will see meaningful gains across the lineup, especially with the Hybrid and Prime variants.

Which RAV4 fits your needs?

Your choice depends on your typical driving pattern and access to charging. If you do a lot of city driving and can plug in, the RAV4 Prime offers substantial electric-only miles. If you want strong fuel efficiency with less reliance on charging, the Hybrid is a solid middle ground. For straightforward, low-stress operation and broad highway capability, a gasoline RAV4 remains a capable option.

Ultimately, the RAV4’s efficiency is one of its strong suits in the compact-SUV segment, and your best pick depends on how you plan to use the vehicle day to day.

Summary

The RAV4 family provides a range of efficiency options: roughly 30 mpg combined for gas-only models, around 40 mpg combined for hybrids, and up to 94 MPGe with a 42-mile electric range for the RAV4 Prime (38 mpg gasoline-only when the battery is depleted). Real-world results vary, but the lineup is designed to offer meaningful fuel savings across different driving needs.

Is the Toyota RAV4 good on gas?

Yes, the Toyota RAV4 is generally considered good on gas, especially when compared to other SUVs, but its fuel efficiency varies significantly between the gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models. The gas-powered models achieve an EPA-estimated combined 27-30 mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid offers substantially better efficiency with a combined 39-40 mpg.
 
Gas-powered models

• City/Highway: Around 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for the front-wheel drive LE trim. 
• Combined: Varies by trim, but is in the 29-30 mpg range. 
• Efficiency Features: Includes a stop and start engine system and a Drive Mode Select with an ECO mode. 

Hybrid models

• City/Highway: Offers an excellent 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway on most trims. 
• Combined: Up to 40 mpg combined for most hybrid models. 
• Efficiency Features: The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with electric motors, and some models come standard with all-wheel drive. 

Plug-in hybrid models (PHEV) 

• MPGe: Up to 94 MPGe combined.
• All-Electric Range: Up to 42 miles on a full charge.
• Gas-only MPG: Around 38 mpg when running on gasoline. 

Which model is right for you?

• If fuel efficiency is your top priority, the RAV4 Hybrid is a much better choice than the gas-only model. 
• The RAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid is the most efficient option overall, especially for drivers who can charge at home and primarily drive short distances, allowing them to use the electric-only range. 

Is RAV4 expensive to run?

Vehicle Information
On average, the Toyota RAV4 (SUV) would cost around £938.16 per year, based on driving 7500 miles annually and an electricity price of £0.26/kWh and a petrol price of £1.34/litre. The EV tariff is calculated at £0.06/kWh and assumes all charging is completed during off-peak night-time hours.

Why is my RAV4 consuming too much fuel?

Over time the fuel injector system can become clogged. This can lead to a drop in fuel efficiency as well as slow acceleration and the car not having enough power. If caught early, simply cleaning the injectors can solve the problem. As it progresses, the injectors may have to be replaced.

What is the weakness of the Toyota RAV4?

Common cons of the Toyota RAV4 include a noisy engine, rough ride quality, and a cheap-feeling interior with hard plastics. Other issues reported by consumers and reviewers are sluggish acceleration, vague steering, and poor sound insulation. Certain model years have also been linked to specific problems like power liftgate hinges or oil consumption. 
Performance and handling

• Noisy and underpowered engine: The four-cylinder engine is often described as noisy and underpowered, particularly during acceleration to cruising speed. 
• Hesitant transmission: Some drivers report the transmission can be sluggish or hunt for the right gear, especially in non-hybrid models. 
• Vague steering: The steering can feel imprecise and lacks feedback, which can make the drive feel disconnected. 

Ride and comfort

• Rough ride: The ride quality is often criticized for being harsh and transmitting too much from road imperfections into the cabin. 
• Poor sound insulation: Significant road and wind noise can enter the cabin, making highway driving less pleasant. 
• Uncomfortable seats: Some reviews mention the seats lack comfort, especially for long drives, and the lumbar support is inadequate. 

Interior and features

• Cheap interior materials: The interior is frequently criticized for using hard plastics and feeling outdated for its price point. 
• Ill-placed controls: Some controls, such as those for lights and windows, are not illuminated, making them hard to find in the dark. 
• Outdated infotainment: The infotainment system is sometimes described as small and slow, with dated graphics. 

Other issues

• Potential reliability problems: Some specific years have been associated with issues like excessive oil consumption, fuel system problems, and potential battery drain or degradation. 
• Liftgate issues: A lawsuit has been filed regarding allegedly defective power liftgate hinges in certain model years. 
• Updated model coming: The 2026 model year is expected to be redesigned, which may make the current version feel outdated by comparison.