Follow us today...
When my father came home late one night in 2016 and brought a weird goofy egg-shaped car with him, we were all in awe. We had traded in our 1997 Nissan Altima which would rattle and cough every time you started it so now it was time to upgrade. We had test-driven the 2013 Toyota Prius a few years ago and my father really liked it. So, there was no hesitation to buy a used Prius when the Altima finally wanted to retire.
At first, we were very skeptical (as kids always are). We didn’t understand why the car didn’t make any noise when you started it or why there was a beeping sound coming every now and then. However, after some time and as I got my license, I started to like the car and like hybrids in general.
I think we Prius owners get a bad rap for being (tree-huggers) or (boring people). But when you really think about it, it's actually a very fun car to drive. The transition to a hybrid car from a conventional ICE car was smooth, and I honestly felt like I couldn’t see myself not driving a Hybrid as I got older. Karla Jones recently shared how she almost wanted to pull the plug on a purchase of a 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid on Facebook's Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Group. Here’s what she said, “I'm wanting to pull the purchase trigger but have a bit of Hybrid intimidation happening! Has anyone else experienced this?”
So first off, before we take a look at what others say, I just want to clarify that the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is a great family hybrid SUV with many high reviews and as far as I am concerned, the best in its class. With that being said, let’s take a look at what other hybrid owners said.
Gina Young wrote, “The second I drove an XSE I had to have one. No question or hesitation. Granted I have a Type A personality and research everything to death, so I knew exactly what I was getting into before I test drove one…but still. No hesitation and zero regrets.” You know, the RAV4 Hybrid tends to have that sort of grabbing feeling because it just feels so good to drive. I personally haven’t driven one yet but from forum talks and discussions, people really like the driving aspect of it.
What’s the first thing you look for in a car when you buy one? Quality. The driving quality of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is that of a stiff yet soft steering wheel that you can turn with your pinky. Some of the guys on the forums even described it as the Mercedes steering wheel.
Douglas Gitt, another commentator said, “Last winter we were stuck in a massive traffic jam. Other vehicles were either burning fuel to stay warm or shut down to save fuel. We were comfortably listening to music with the heater going on battery power, knowing the engine would recharge the battery if it got low.” This is one of the reasons why I love hybrids, especially Toyota Hybrids like the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The fact that you can still have the heater, radio, and lights on while not using a single drop of gas is very nice.
So, it seems that the stigmatism of switching to hybrid is bad is non-existent. I have been driving my Prius for about 2 years now and I can assure you unless someone paid me, I would not go back to conventional ICE cars. Really it's like a whole new driving experience.
What do you think? If you drive a hybrid, would you ever go back to conventional ICE cars? Let us know in the comments below.
Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun for daily Toyota news.
Follow us today...
Comments
I would never go back. We
Permalink
I would never go back. We bought the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. It's the best kept secret ever. We wanted it so we could travel without ridiculous high gas bills. The fact that we don't have to plug it up is even better.
I'm on my second Prius after
Permalink
I'm on my second Prius after putting 190k on a 2013, absolutely the best you can own, driving a Prime now and laugh at gas prices,no maintenance other than yearly oil change
I will never go back!! I
Permalink
I will never go back!! I purchased a new Rav hybrid in the summer of 2020. Best decision I've made lately, except for installing a solar array a few months before! It's a great vehicle, getting about 30 percent better fuel economy than my matrix. 5.4 litre per 100 km...800 km + on 42 litres. Moving forward, the matrix will be replaced with an ev in two years.
I don't want to go back. The
Permalink
I don't want to go back. The Rav4 Hybrid is a dream to drive and gas savings are great. Jigging around town I run on battery most of the time because the charging system where rolling and braking charge the battery. Hybrid is the way to go.
I bought the Venza, like the
Permalink
I bought the Venza, like the vehicle does everything it’s supposed to do. However I am disappointed with Toyota’s reaction to a problem with the high voltage cable corroding and causing the vehicle to quit. Very expensive repair, this happens on the Rav 4 so it will also happen to the Venza same platform. Wrote Toyota Canada, wrote my dealer no response.
We have owned and driven
Permalink
We have owned and driven Prius' for 20 years. After we sold the 2003, I bought a standard ICE RAV 4. Without the hybrid component it was an inferior driving experience, so sold it and bought 2 2010 Prius'. Still driving them. Recently rented a new Camry, and instantly missed my Prius. There are several differences between a traditional ICE and a Toyota hybrid vehicle. The electric motor gives an initial snap to acceleration that let's you jump off the line, and having all that electricity, recharging when needed let's you stay comfortable at all times. Just having the key fob on your person let's you open and lock the doors and start the car. I really missed all of these features on the rented Camry, and would have preferred my 13 year old Prius. A clearly superior ownership experience. I will be purchasing a hybrid RAV 4 when our Prius' are done, hopefully still several years from now.
Problem is that they are very
Permalink
Problem is that they are very hard to get a hold of.
I also had a problem with my local dealership. Since demand was so high they refused to drop all sorts of after market addons jacking the cost up by 2K.
Ended up going with a Ford Escape PHEV since it was available. It also has a longer EV only range. It won't have the acceleration at the RAV4 Prime has though.
I want one but I can’t fine
Permalink
I want one but I can’t fine one
In that beautiful blue or that white withe back top
Please someone help me
I live in the foothills of
Permalink
I live in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains! How about a 2022 RAV4 hybrid and love it! It's averaging approximately 44 miles per gallon overall. The rain so far is about 570 miles per tank. Never been able to get 14 and a half gallons in tank. Love my RAV4 hybrid and it's worth more now than when I bought it!
Toyota hybrids since 2006.
Permalink
In reply to I live in the foothills of by Steve Walker (not verified)
Toyota hybrids since 2006. Loaded RAV4 Prime and a loaded Venza now. Lucky and extremely pleased. Prime is the ultimate, never use gas except for road trips.
After placing an order in
Permalink
After placing an order in January, I’m at week one of owning a nice red RAV4 Prime SLE. It’s a phenomenal driving experience. Your first 40 or so miles are all electric, and the hybrid motor kicks in once the battery is drained (and can slowly refill it as you drive). The battery boosted acceleration, cabin feel, the drive experience, shifting from eco to sport when you want to break out of a traffic cluster… it’s immensely satisfying.
I tend to keep my cars for 15 years or so, so safe to say I’ll never go back to ICE cars, and will never miss them.
I bought a 2021 RAV4 Hybrid
Permalink
I bought a 2021 RAV4 Hybrid and my only regret was not getting the Prime when I had the chance. At the time, my rationale was "It's just another device I'll need to plug in every night", which is why I haven't gone full electric. But seeing that the Prime is just the hybrid with a bigger battery and more powerful electric motors, I should have gotten in. Love my RAV4 hybrid. May go full electric someday, when newer batteries allow for faster charging and longer range, but for now, the convenience of gas and the fuel efficiency of electric represents the best of both worlds.
got my daughter a well used
Permalink
got my daughter a well used 2014 Prius about 3-4 years ago - and guess who drives it all the time ? me... my other cars are 14 BMW 528i and 07 Acura MDX, but between the phenomenal gas mileage (44+ vs 18-22), quiet at light and around town, and all the room to put all my windsurfing or bikes, I take it all the time (she's in college now too). car has 185k now.
I was very close to getting a used Rav4 Hybrid 2 years ago to replace the MDX (need 4x for snow trips) but wife wanted a bigger car (MDX can fit 7, or 5 with lots of gear we need when skiing... too bad as I really liked test driving it an would rather get 2x the mpg. hybrid for sure, maybe electric soon... ICE no way...
I bought a 2021 Toyota RAV4
Permalink
I bought a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime 8 months ago. I love the fact that even though the car has over 6,000 miles on it, I have only filled the gas tank 6 times. For the first 3 months I only did local driving, putting about 2,000 miles on the car and still had the first tank of gas. I love not having to gas up. Plugging into my 110 volt outlet at night couldn't be easier. When EV's are able to charge faster I will be a buyer.
Kia Sportage hybrid is
Permalink
Kia Sportage hybrid is superior in every conceivable way.
No, definitely not every
Permalink
In reply to Kia Sportage hybrid is by Dingus McGillicuddy (not verified)
No, definitely not every single way. The Kia and Hyundai hybrid twins have tiny motors with turbos, and direct injection without port injection, so they won't last as long as the larger, less stressed, naturally aspirated, port/direct injected Toyota motor will. The Toyota's engine won't suffer from the Koreans' carbon buildup on the intake valves. The Toyota returns better fuel economy. The Toyota's HVAC and infotainment systems use real knobs and switches. No cheap, touch-capacitive garbage like the Korean twins use. The Toyota uses much less of that awful piano black plastic that ruins the Koreans' interiors. The Toyota has a much larger dealer network, with significantly better customer service after the sale. The Toyota has vastly superior resale value, because it's more reliable and durable.
Move past the childish fixation on empty flash and shiny baubles, and you'll realize that the Toyota hybrid is clearly the superior vehicle when it comes to what really matters in a long-term vehicle ownership experience.
Kia niro here and totally in
Permalink
Kia niro here and totally in the same boat. Had a Cruze diesel since I had a lot of hiway driving and read hybrids gave diminishing returns on fuel savings in that scenario. Got the niro and ended up giving the same fuel mileage with a smaller tank and regular gas. Then it had the same mileage intown driving the Cruze diesel lost.
Can never go back to an ice vehicle ever. Our next vehicle were looking at in a few years will be the RAV4 plugin for the larger size, room and better creature comforts.
Thank you for the HYBRID
Permalink
Thank you for the HYBRID write up.. I definitely want to purchase the new RAV4 HYBRID …BUT the additional MARKET ADJUSTMENT CHARGE is crazy .. the Auto Dealership are just making a killing by price increase. Know of any Car Dealer not charging this additional fees?
I bought a 2021 Rava4 XSE,
Permalink
I bought a 2021 Rava4 XSE, love it. We had 2 different Pruis previously, loved them too. Will always own a hybrid!
Have a Tesla and a RAV4
Permalink
Have a Tesla and a RAV4 Hybrid. The RAV4 is a decent car, but as soon as I hop from the Tesla to the RAV4, it feels like I’m in a Flinstone’s vehicle.
I bought a 2022 Corolla
Permalink
I bought a 2022 Corolla Hybrid and couldn't be happier with 66-68 mpg. Not nearly as comfortable as my Jeep Grand Cherokee, but that doesn't matter. My whole purpose was the mpg and the fact that it saves my Cherokee. When I need to haul/tow stuff it's the Grand Cherokee, when I want to spend next to nothing at the pump it's the Corolla, simple. The Corolla is definitely my most used vehicle.
66-68mpg ?? is that 'computer
Permalink
In reply to I bought a 2022 Corolla by David Barber (not verified)
66-68mpg ?? is that 'computer' readout or actual pump mpg during fill ups, because no-one on fuelly.com gets even close to that... seem like the average is 55mpg for the 45 cars listed (2021 as 2022 had two few to count), which is still amazing.
I just bought the Haval H6
Permalink
I just bought the Haval H6 Hybrid and absolutely love it. Both the Rav4 and H6 hybrids are well ahead of the market. Hyundai and Kia have misread the SA market by ignoring to bring it in. Next year Haval launch the Jolin hybrid which will compete with Toyotas x-Cross. Also both good cars. Howevr Haval lead the way in value for money. My Haval H6 Hybrid has more features the same ( if not more ) features than BMX X3.
Bought my 2022 Rav4 XLE
Permalink
Bought my 2022 Rav4 XLE hybrid about 7 months ago and have put 9k miles on it through cities, country, hills, including the Ozarks. The power it has makes you feel like you're in a powerful SUV but then you look at the info screen and find you just climbed that mountain of a hill on full EV power. Averaging 39.8 mpg and have been all over the Midwest. Hell no I won't go back, hybrid or all electric for me.