What kind of transmission does a Toyota RAV4 take?
The Toyota RAV4's transmission depends on the powertrain. In the current lineup (model years 2024–2025), gas-powered RAV4s use an 8-speed automatic, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants use an electronic CVT (e-CVT); exact configurations can vary by market and year.
Transmission options by powertrain
Below is a concise breakdown of how transmission type aligns with the RAV4's powertrains.
Gasoline RAV4 models
Gas-only RAV4s sold in most markets today pair their 2.5-liter engine with a traditional automatic transmission.
- 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT)
In short, if you are buying a standard gasoline-only RAV4, you’re typically getting an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly across a wide range of speeds.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid RAV4 models
Hybrid variants blend the gasoline engine with electric motors and rely on a continuously variable setup designed for efficiency. The plug-in hybrid variant uses the same electronic CVT architecture tailored for extra electric-range operation.
- RAV4 Hybrid: e-CVT (electronic continuously variable transmission)
- RAV4 Prime (plug-in hybrid): e-CVT
In these versions, the e-CVT helps optimize fuel economy and smoothness during acceleration, rather than delivering fixed gears.
Summary
The Toyota RAV4 offers two main transmission families depending on powertrain: an 8-speed automatic for gasoline models, and an electronic CVT for hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Always verify the exact configuration for a specific model year or market, as there can be regional variations.
