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The Good and the Bad with 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid MPG Told by New Owners

I recently asked new owners of the red-hot 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid about the mpg they are getting. You will not believe some of their responses. It is crazy.

If you have been searching for a 2019 Toyota RAV4 any time in the past few months, you may have discovered an interesting little fact about them. They are very challenging to locate.

Sure, you may find a few on any individual Toyota dealership’s lot. However, when you start narrowing your choice to a specific trim level (LE, XLE, XSE vs Limited), and then by option packages and color, it becomes much more difficult. At least without having an expected delivery wait time of a few weeks to several months.

Part of this national RAV4 Hybrid buying craze can be attributed to an EPA-rated 40 mpg combined. Drivers doing city driving can expect 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway at higher cruising speeds.

2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid window sticker mpg

This past weekend I wrote a Torque News story showing four new Hybrid owner accounts of their fuel efficiency. I did not expect the gigantic outpouring of comments from all over the country and the entire world about gas mileage from owners. This blew my mind and I love it.

New Owners are seeing great mpg with 2019 RAV4 Hybrid

While sifting through the comments from my Torque News readers, I found I could group them into those who are thrilled with their gas mileage, those who are seeing lower mpg than they expected, and a different group we will call “the others” for now.

Here is the feedback from 2019 RAV4 Hybrid owners reporting on-location from coast to coast. It is fascinating.

Reader Splaino wrote, “I have a 2019 Rav4 Hybrid Limited and absolutely live it. Been averaging a solid 42.0 mpg! A mix of driving conditions, rural and highway but here in PA no roads are flat.”

Added Lori, “We just bought a new 2019 hybrid RAV4 XLE and we are getting with less than 500 miles under our belt 41 + 42 plus miles to the gallon on average! I wasn't believing it until I read this article but I guess everyone is. That's awesome! We love it!”

“Get 48 mpg. My recommendation is to use the adaptive cruise control (dynamic radar cruise control).” Suggested Srikanth.

2019 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid interior

Son Do reported back excellent results so far. “My 2019 RAV4 Hybrid LE 4 months 2600 miles overall averaged 50.5 mpg. On one 800 miles trip average highway speed 75-80 mph non-stop it got 44.5 mpg. Toyota is very conservative. I am Prius owner 10 years now RAV4 and continued impressed by Toyota Hybrids.”

Check out the fuel efficiency Arun is seeing. “I am getting between 43 and 48 mpg on my 3 months old Rav4 hybrid XLE.”

“Over the first 5,000 miles averaging 42.5 mpg (combination highway and rural roads).” Commented reader Jay.

Ron found his gas mileage improved over time. “I have had my RAV4 hybrid limited since early August. MPG has been around 40. Yesterday it went up to almost 45 mpg driving the same route.”

Let’s see how Scott and his wife are doing. “My wife has put 10,000 miles on hers in 4 months and she’s seeing between 40-43 MPG average. She went from a 4Runner Limited and we noticed the savings after her first month of driving. We are totally happy with this vehicle so far.”

Some 2019 RAV4 Hybrid owners have seen lower mpg

Just as with nearly everything in life, there are two sides to every story. While I saw an overwhelmingly positive response from new RAV4 Hybrid owners, there were some who are not enjoying the great gas mileage rewards so far.

“I’m averaging 34 to 35 miles per gallon which is disappointing compared to what everyone else is getting.” Lamented Cindy.

“We bought a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Limited. Our mileage averages 38.6-39 mpg.” Commented Michelle.

Watch as I tell 3 reasons why 2019 RAV4 Hybrid sales are skyrocketing in my video review

RAV4 Hybrid is not the only Toyota model seeing great mpg

This is perhaps the most fun part of my story. As we all know, RAV4 Hybrid is not the only kid on the block. Toyota owners reported back on the fuel efficiency they are getting with other popular Toyota models.

David loves his Camry so far. “I have the 2018 Camry Hybrid, and it's a completely new hybrid system and car versus years past. My 49 mpg is either on the open road or in town. It's quite quick too, with plenty of passing power. Hybrids have incredible range and are so friendly to live with.”

“I'm getting 40 mpg in the city with my gas Rav4.” Nikkoli shocked me with his answer about the gasoline RAV4 Hybrid. This makes the debate between gasoline and Hybrid RAV4 even more interesting.

Pbear chimed in. “I can get well into the 40's for mpg in my gas Rav4 for highway. In fact, on trips over 10 miles, I average 44 mpg.”

I sure wish we had the C-HR Hybrid in America. Leon supports my statement with his mpg over the last year. “I have had a C-HR Hybrid for over a year and averaged 60 mpg over 12,000 miles.”

And the comment of the day goes to Tim

“I’m getting 62mpg consistently with my Corolla LE Hybrid, so I am not surprised at the Rav4 Hybrid mileage being so good. Why buy anything else?”

I am happy to have such a great and overwhelming response from everyone about their gas mileage. Tell me about what you own and what your mpg is. How many miles on your current vehicle?

Also, how has your search gone for a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid? Did you have an easy time getting it, or was your wait time longer? Are you still waiting for yours?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.

2019 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid interior front seats

Bookmark Jeff Teague's Toyota News and Reviews at Torque News Toyota. Please subscribe to Jeff’s “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel for Toyota news, reviews and how-to videos. Follow Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter him @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories.

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Comments

Steve Stocker (not verified)    February 15, 2020 - 2:20AM

I have driven about 1500 mile with my rave 4 hybrid and am so disappointed i am only seeing 26 to 33. Mpg and the 33 was only for one short trip... i achived as goo of mpg on my 2014 non hybrid... so upset with this 40,000$ POS i may never buy another Toyota and will do my best that anyone i know won't either... ugh

Cool Senior (not verified)    February 15, 2020 - 1:02PM

Purchased RAV 4 Hybrid in Sept. 2019... Have reported fuel tank problem to National Highway Safety Agency. If there are enough complaints government will force Toyota to fix the problem. Cold weather and short trips have reduced MPG to 26.Lot of warming up in winter.

Bruce (not verified)    May 15, 2020 - 3:01PM

I bought a new RAV4 limited hybrid in September 2019 and only get 30-32 mpg. Should it get better milage than a non hybrid?

Eastern Mass X… (not verified)    October 26, 2020 - 6:20PM

Two things about gas mileage. One, If you are consistently pumping in 10 gallons before the pump shuts off it is because you have 4.5 gallons in the tank before you started pumping. Several owners have proven this by driving past the point of the light going on, some nearly 200 miles. FIgure you can use another 2 gallons to calculate the distance you can safely drive. Two the longer warm ups of the combustion engine is definitely eating into mileage numbers. Expect it to get worse as the days get colder. Today's 50 MPG may drop well below. As the President likes to say, "It is what it is." Apparently Toyota says it too.

Hideki Hara (not verified)    November 9, 2020 - 2:52PM

I complained to Toyota and they said a fix is in the works. I'm still trying to fix the issue of getting my GPS to get the software for my Android phone. I purchased my CAR in Oct 2019 and in the 2020 models they added Android capabilities. My dealer won't help me because there is no recall notice on this. My GPS is useless so i purchased an external Garmin unit. I never heard of having to plug in your phone to use the GPS. This is just ridiculous.

michael keller (not verified)    January 10, 2021 - 10:06PM

Purchased 2019 Rav4 hybrid XSE

Current date: 1-10-2021

Just had gas tank and fuel sensor replaced. Dec 17, 2020
Yes, I can put more than 10 gal in now..Thats Good.........

BUT

My biggest complaint is I only get 30.7 miles a gallon.. That is in the city.
Maybe 32 or 32.5 on extended highway driving.

EVERYONE says they have this AMAZING gas mileage.. WHY Not me.. have 11,000 miles so far and Gas mileage same the whole time.. 1.5 years NOW..

FYI - I drive in ECO all the time ( green color band on Screen)
Other setting even worse. Reg and sport..

Frustrated to say the least...............................

Anyone else have this issue..

Matt Bocko (not verified)    February 9, 2021 - 6:00PM

In reply to by michael keller (not verified)

I got a 2021 Rav4 Hybrid a few months ago and I'm getting about 31mpg. Very disappointed as I was expecting the 40mpg or better since so many people are raving about it.

Mike Keller (not verified)    March 5, 2021 - 10:26PM

In reply to by Matt Bocko (not verified)

Hey Matt I thought I was one of the only few out there they had this problem. There must be something wrong with our cars. It does not sound correct. If you hear anything I would like to share please let me know thanks.

Lin in Nutmeg State (not verified)    April 18, 2021 - 8:16AM

after searching 3 states for options/color, purchased a 2020 Rav4 hybrid in late Oct. drove a 2007 Prius Touring for 13 yrs, so was pretty familiar with how climate impacts hybrid mpg.

the 1st few tanks averaged between 38-39 mpg, so wasn't too happy, but it was also winter in New England.

last couple of tanks have increased to 47-48 mpg, so wasn't sure if gauges were accurate? or if warmer weather makes that much difference? or its breaking-in?

filling up the Prius could be tricky cuz of the bladder, but filling up a Rav4 hybrid is royal pain. the nozzle angle is annoying, and I'm guilty of squeezing after the 1st click - so will try the suggestions re: pulling nozzle back.

if mpg continues to improve, certainly won't complain, but gotta wonder why Toyota was so "off" in estimates.