4 Big Differences Between 2020 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD and Limited Hybrid

One of the most important decisions you may make with your next SUV purchase is whether to choose one that is gasoline-powered or one that is a hybrid. This is especially true if you are considering a 2020 Toyota RAV4.

The RAV4 is the country’s top-selling SUV, and one of the main reasons for this sales success is due to the RAV4 Hybrid lineup. After all, they get fantastic gas mileage, more power than their gasoline-powered counterparts and are a very strong value.

An ideal example of the difficult choice potential consumers have on their hands is with the Limited trim level. I recently had the opportunity to compare both the 2020 RAV4 Limited AWD and the 2020 RAV4 Limited Hybrid. Very interesting to say the least.

Price difference between 2020 RAV4 trims

Since the 2020 RAV4 Limited Hybrid is an all-wheel drive, it only makes sense to compare specs for the Limited gasoline powered AWD model as well.

First off, there is not a giant price difference between these two grades. Expect a factory MSRP of $35,880 for Limited AWD and $36,880 for Limited Hybrid. Only $1000 exactly separates the two. Whether this is an important factor or not is up to you.

One thing to consider is whether you need an all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive if you are considering the RAV4 gasoline version. Factory pricing decreases to $34,480 for Limited FWD models.

MPG for RAV4 Limited AWD vs RAV4 Limited Hybrid

All 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vehicles have the same gas mileage, which is 41 in the city, 38 on the highway and 40 combined. This is terrific fuel efficiency and will certainly save people money and time at the pumps.

A Limited AWD 2020 RAV4 combines for 28mpg, which equates to 25 in the city and 33 on the highway. While this is significantly less fuel efficiency compared to RAV4 Hybrid, it may not be all the important to you currently. With gas prices at their lowest levels they have been in many years, perhaps the threat of rising fuel costs will not affect your decision-making process this time around.

Powertrain differences

The engine and transmission combination is where there are major differences between these two Limited trim levels. Both grades feature a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, but this is where similarities end.

RAV4 Limited Hybrid utilizes electric motors working in sync with the engine to produce 219 horsepower. Other than the upcoming 2021 RAV4 Prime, which produces just over 300 horsepower, 2020 RAV4 Hybrid is the most powerful in the RAV4 lineup.

As with most Toyota hybrid models, Limited Hybrid features an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode, which is a shift from traditional gasoline powered RAV4 transmission.

The 2020 RAV4 Limited AWD uses a direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission working in combination with the same 2.5-liter 4-cyl to produce 203 horsepower.

All-wheel drive systems

Hybrid RAV4 models for this current generation utilize an on-demand all-wheel drive with Trail mode. This on-demand system only works as an AWD when there is loss of traction. To be as fuel-efficient as possible, when not needed, 2020 RAV4 Limited AWD operates as a front-wheel drive vehicle.

Get used to this technical group of buzzwords, and it is a long one. Dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive with rear driveline disconnect. This unique and state-of-the-art system allows your 2020 RAV4 Limited AWD to send up to 50 percent of the vehicle’s available torque to the rear wheels as needed, and then it can also distribute this power to each individual left and right side based on which one needs it most.

Using this system to its full potential allows you to take advantage of your 2020 RAV4’s ability to drive off the beaten path along uneven trails and river or rock beds.

Time for your thoughts on 2020 RAV4

Thanks for reading my story. I would love to hear your experiences with Toyota RAV4. Do you own or have you driven either a gasoline or Hybrid 2020 RAV4? What do you think so far? Would you consider a Hybrid for your next Toyota, and if not, how come?

See you next story when I introduce to the one-of-a-kind 2007 FJ Cruiser with 382k miles and the man behind it.

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