What type of transmission does the 2024 RAV4 have?
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 uses different transmissions depending on the drivetrain: gas models use an 8-speed automatic; hybrids and the plug-in hybrid use an electronically controlled CVT (e-CVT).
Transmission options by variant
Below is a quick guide to the transmission type you’ll find in each major RAV4 variant for 2024.
- Gas RAV4 (non-hybrid): 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT).
- RAV4 Hybrid: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT).
- RAV4 Prime (plug-in hybrid): Electronically controlled CVT (e-CVT) paired with the hybrid powertrain.
In practice, buyers choosing the gasoline model get a traditional stepped 8-speed auto, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid models rely on the e-CVT to optimize efficiency with electric motor assistance.
How the transmissions affect performance and efficiency
Details on how each transmission impacts acceleration, fuel economy, and driving feel.
- Gas RAV4 with 8AT delivers conventional, stepped gear shifts and strong towing capability at the cost of slightly lower city efficiency compared with the hybrids.
- RAV4 Hybrid’s e-CVT provides seamless power delivery and excellent city/highway fuel economy, with smoother operation than a traditional auto.
- RAV4 Prime’s e-CVT combines the gasoline engine with electric motors for quicker acceleration and the ability to run on electric power in certain conditions, though performance benefits depend on battery charge.
Overall, the choice between gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid transmission arrangements shapes driving feel and efficiency more than raw top speed.
Maintenance considerations
Transmission care varies: traditional automatics (8AT) require standard fluid maintenance intervals; e-CVTs have different service needs and may use different fluids and cooling requirements. Always refer to the owner's manual for Toyota-specific maintenance intervals.
Summary
The 2024 RAV4’s transmission depends on the drivetrain: gas models use an 8-speed automatic; hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants use an electronically controlled CVT (e-CVT). This setup helps optimize efficiency in the hybrids while preserving familiar driving dynamics in the gasoline version, with the plug-in hybrid offering performance benefits from electric motor assistance.
