Follow us today...
This year has been great for the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Its continuous reliability, brand recognition, and great gas mileage make it the perfect car to commute to work, haul your kids, and even tackle a few dirt roads. However, if you are a prospective RAV4 Hybrid buyer who maybe thinks there are other options that are better than the RAV4 Hybrid, you are greatly mistaken.
Weeks ago, we published an article about hybrid owner intimidation and how you shouldn’t be scared to drive a hybrid. Check out that article if you want more information. However, this is more towards the trim rather than a hybrid. There are tons of hybrid SUVs out there and even EV ones for the same price. However, the reliability and rigidness of the RAV4 Hybrid are to be unmatched so far.
Now whether you want the RAV4 TRD, RAV XSE, SE, LE, etc, it’s important to know that not all of them are hybrids. There are even some new trims coming out like the Woodland Edition but that’s for the 2023 Model year. Lara Eastridge asked on Facebook’s Toyota RAV4 Hybrid group whether Hybrid XSE owners had any regrets. She asked, “Is there anything you regret about purchasing the Rav4 Hybrid?”
For the record, our Torque News team has tested the RAV4 TRD which we loved. However, the owners of the XSE trim level say their car is unmatched. Jayme Slager commented saying, “I had the chance to drive an Adventure for a week, and I much prefer the way the XSE drives. Much smoother. I have zero regrets buying the XSE so far.”
The XSE trim is the more luxurious and loaded version of the RAV4 Hybrid and boasts a bigger screen and nice upgrades than the other hybrid trim levels. One thing that took me by surprise is just the amount of DIY mods owners do to their XSE Hybrids. For instance, Gina Young said, “I love everything about my XSE! My favorite car I have ever owned. I actually love it more now than the day I picked it up last September. I changed a few little things (interior lights, wrapped the bumpers, etc. mostly cosmetic stuff) and she’s perfect now!”
Small modifications like lighting, bumper wraps, PPF wraps, or even full-on body decals are just some of the things that RAV4 Hybrid owners do and honestly, it doesn’t look too bad. There was a picture of a heavily modified 2022 RAV4 Hybrid which was an off-road build and it looked almost factory.
So whether you think that the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE is not for you, or you think that it’s not the right car at all, remember that there is nothing but a positive reflection on this car. The only negative talks anywhere on forums or groups are related to market adjusted MSRPs and maybe a few faulty wiring harnesses. Remember no car is perfect.
What do you think? Would you get a Hybrid XSE? If you have one, please share your thoughts and experience with the car 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 own a 2021 RAV4 XSE Hybrid;
Permalink
I own a 2021 RAV4 XSE Hybrid; purchased new in Jan 2021. I really love it. At just over 11K miles, lifetime average MPG is about 39. Observations: Fuel economy takes a hit at speeds above 70mph, and below freezing temps also really impact mpg. I live in Texas and drove to Utah this past Christmas to go skiing. Average MPG over 2800 miles was 36, with a low of 28 and a high (in Texas) of 42. I think the sport-tuned suspension makes a nice difference over the lower trim levels, There is less body roll than I experience with an XLE that I drove, yet the ride is still very composed and comfortable. No repair/recall issues with the car thus far, and I never encountered the fuel tank issue that seemed to plague 2019 and some 2020 models. But I am finding that I get a max distance of about 500 miles before I need to fill up. But Toyota says there should be 2.2 gallons remaining when the low-fuel light comes on.
Did I think about getting a Prime? Yes. But in Jan 2021, I needed a new vehicle and Primes were virtually non-existent; especially in Texas - even now. If you are on the fence about Prime vs regular Hybrid, (ignoring availability, price and tax credit) the first thing I would consider is how much city driving you do vs long trips. If most of your driving is around town and you can plug-in at home or nearby, I would go for the Prime. Also, if you like to camp out at local parks with electrical hookups, Prime is also the way to go: "Room Mode". But if most of your driving is on long trips, you would probably do just fine with saving a little money and getting the Hybrid.
Would I change anything about the RAV4? Make the engine a little quieter, and add a couple of inches to the rear-seat room. I would also like to be able to see a few more mpg than my life average of 39. (But I should not complain about that. I think I'm just spoiled now.)
Same, love my Rav 4 hybrid…
Permalink
In reply to I own a 2021 RAV4 XSE Hybrid; by David G (not verified)
Same, love my Rav 4 hybrid XSE
We have owned at 2022 Hybrid…
Permalink
We have owned at 2022 Hybrid XSE for two years now. Has nearly 40,000 miles on it and can’t wait until our next adventure. Love having our 60 pound berm doodle jump in the back and take off for a few days. We are retired. So going anytime anywhere is possible. Love it.