New S-Flow Mode on 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Can Save You Money On Gas

In the past, we have talked about how your 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid saves you gas in places that you wouldn’t think of. Just recently we talked about how your RAV4 Hybrid learns your driving habits to find shortcuts. In this article, we will look at how your RAV4 Hybrid saves gas on its A/C system.

S-flow mode, which means smart flow, basically is a mode you can turn on in your 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s A/C system to prioritize airflow to the front passengers instead of the back. This not only saves you on gas, but your compressor won’t be working as much, thus making it last longer. Eric Scott asked a question on Facebook’s Toyota RAV4 Hybrid group saying, “I have auto a/c turned off in climate settings but when I turn on my car the engine kicks on because this light is on. Is there a reason why?”

So before we take a look at what other owners said, let’s first remember how an A/C works. Basically, the refrigerant from your car recirculates through the gaseous states to absorb all the heat and humidity and blows out from the compressor as dry cool air. Now, the system gets its power from the alternator which gets its power from the engine which gets its power from fuel. So, in theory, the less you use you’re A/C, the more fuel you use.

Speaking of fuel consumption, take a look at how Toyota Tacoma owners have reduced road noise from their roof racks using simple DIY tricks.

So how is Toyota’s S-Flow system efficient? In a regular car, when you turn on the A/C, you most likely have the ability to change which climate controls settings you want. For instance, maybe someone in the back wants the temp to be 64 degrees while the driver wants it to be 69. However, on the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the S-Flow system allows you to now prioritize yourself as the main A/C receiver instead of the empty seats behind you. If you are taking a long trip, this is ideal because after the overall temperature of the cabin is nice and cool, you can turn on S-Flow mode so that you can blow less A/C, whilst still feeling the A/C temperature.

So, let’s take a look at what other RAV4 Hybrid owners said about this A/C mode. In response to Eric’s question, Alex Brandariz said, “This turns off the passenger vents to make the HVAC system more efficient.” According to SAE.org, “Based on in-house testing, this leads to an estimated 4% decrease in annual fuel consumption.” This means, that if you continue to re-circulate air and use s-mode when your car’s temp has reached your desired temp, you will save around 4% in fuel. Let’s put that in money terms.

With gas prices being high, you are expected to pay around $3000 a year on gas. This is based on 2019 numbers which I have doubled because of the current prices. So, if you press 1 button every time you drive your 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, you can save up to $120 a year on gas. Just by pressing a button. The average car lasts about 12-16 years so if you diligently remember to be conservative with, you’re a/C, you could save almost $2000. This may not seem a lot but think of the number of things you could do with $2000.

If you would like to find more ways to optimize your fuel consumption on your 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, check out our other article covering just that.

The best part about this new A/C mode is that it still feels like regular A/C, it’s just more efficient. Will this affect your MPG? Of course, it will. Your engine can now prioritize fuel to the engine instead of the alternator powering the compressor. Not only that but your kids won’t be playing with the A/C anymore with the new S-Flow mode.

What do you think? Do you like this new A/C mode? 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.