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You Will Not Believe the MPG Many 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Owners Are Getting

Window stickers for the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid will say it gets 40 miles per gallon. However, many new owners are exceeding this mileage and are thrilled. Learn their stories and see how they did it.

One of the most popular vehicles in the country for most of the year is the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. In fact, this is such a hot ticket item that many potential owners are finding it challenging to even find one to buy.

In researching this story, I looked at comments written by both my Torque News readers and my “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel viewers. Their personal accounts paint a vivid picture of happy new car owners getting incredible fuel efficiency.

There are many reasons to buy 2019 RAV4 Hybrid

People buy vehicles for many reasons, and we all have so many unique buying criteria. This same theory applies to the RAV4 Hybrid. The good news is that buyers have plenty of reasons to consider and eventually choose this model.

First, it is a great value compared to the 2019 RAV4 gasoline models. Buyers will find the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid (all RAV4 Hybrid models have standard AWD) costs less than $1000 more than its gasoline counterparts. For example, a RAV4 Hybrid LE has a factory MSRP of $27,850, while the RAV4 LE AWD gasoline model is $27,050. That is only $800 more. Excellent value.

2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid Ruby Flare Pearl profile view

Also, the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid has better pickup and acceleration than its gasoline equivalent. The gasoline RAV4 uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower. This is very good. But, the RAV4 Hybrid uses this engine in combination with electric motors to provide more power. This proven Hybrid combination delivers 219 horsepower.

Then, of course, there is that gas mileage I was alluding to. If you walk by a new 2019 RAV4 Hybrid sitting on a dealership lot, you will see the posted gas efficiency of 40mpg combined (41 in the city and 38 on the highway). This is fantastic fuel mileage for any SUV on its own merits.

In the real world, though, new owners are thrilled with their own personal results.

2019 RAV4 Hybrid Owners seeing results at the pump

I was so impressed by the comments of people all over the country who are seeing solid gas mileage with their new RAV4 Hybrids. Check out their stories.

Ravhybridowner, one of my readers, gave his thoughts. “Bought the Hybrid LE and love it! After 6500 miles I'm averaging 42.1 mpg in the mountains of Western Montana. With hypermiling (click here to read about Prius hypermiling) I got 54 mpg with one tank and I didn't ever drop below 60mph so I'm sure you could do better if you were willing to sacrifice more speed.”

2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid Blueprint Color front end

Wayne had a similar story to tell. “Hey Toyota Jeff! Your videos about the RAV4 Hybrid were enough to convince my wife and I to buy one, and we beat the rush too! It took us 24 days from ordering to receiving it. Our mileage has varied from 42.5 to a high of 47.5 mpg over the first three months, as we’re nearing our 5K service visit. We haven’t made a long trip yet, or driven over the winter in this car yet, but we will do both soon. So far, it’s been grand. Thanks again for serving the brand and your customers near and far!”

“Bought 2019 RAV4 Hybrid XLE in May. Ordered 2 months earlier. MPG is up to 45.” Commented another Jeff.

Reader Len and his wife are pleased so far as well. “We own a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid Limited and really like it. Smooth riding, comfortable seats. Wife gets 44 mpg back and forth to work in city-ish driving.”

It is Time for your thoughts on RAV4 Hybrid

I would love to hear your personal accounts on the RAV4 Hybrid. Do you own one currently and how is your gas mileage so far? Also, do you have any tips on how to get better mpg?

Watch to see what factors account for RAV4 Hybrid popularity. Click here to subscribe to Torque News YouTube channel for daily Toyota and automotive news analysis.

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I give tips on whether to buy a 2020 or 2019 4Runner TRD Pro.

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’s. Follow Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter him @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories.

Comments

Splaino (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 9:26AM

In reply to by Nikkoli I McFa… (not verified)

I have a 2019 Rav4 Hybrid Limited and absolutely live it. Been averaging a solid 42.0mpg! A mix of driving conditions, rural and highway but here in Pa no roads are flat. My only complaint is I can't black out the front toyota symbol!

NormT (not verified)    September 14, 2019 - 7:19PM

With Buick Regal TourX 2.0T with torque vectoring AWD expected to top out at 26 mpg, the almost mpg on long highway drives is truly a surprise as reported on their Facebook group.

Cornelius L Varone (not verified)    September 14, 2019 - 8:23PM

Ive had mine in the shop 4 times in 8k mi and cant fill up the tank similar to KBB problems. I would love to get these mileage reports.

Lori Grinvalsky (not verified)    September 14, 2019 - 9:51PM

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!

Mr two (not verified)    September 14, 2019 - 11:02PM

Great mileage until you consider Mitsubishi outlander Phev which we own. Given our relatively short commute, the mpg is really great for us! 60 mpg average after 6 months so far with a best of 82.9 mpg! I don't one why there is not more conversations about outlander phev! It has been a fantastic SUV for us so far! Our outgoing 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe which was an awesome car averaged around 18 mpg. Cost if charging up new phev fully each night is about 81 cents!!

Son Do (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 12:28AM

My 2019 RAV4 Hybrid LE 4 months 2600 miles overall averaged 50.5 mpg. On one 800 miles trip average hwy speed 75-80 mph nonstop it got 44.5 mpg. Toyota is very conservative. I am Prius owner 10 years now RAV4 and continued impressed by Toyota Hybrids

David Losh (not verified)    March 31, 2021 - 7:58PM

In reply to by Son Do (not verified)

Hello. I am also a Prius owner, I have gotten wonderful gas mpg sometimes 50-53 in the summer on the HWY GOING 65. I am thinking of getting a Rav 4 hybrid limited. You really do get the mileage your talking about? Warm weather ? I use to travel back and forth from indiana to Michigan. Thanks

George (not verified)    April 1, 2021 - 12:22PM

In reply to by David Losh (not verified)

I got my 2021 Rav4 XLE in early January. So far, it averaged around 36mpg in winter driving, mostly in the city, with the heat on. Since it’s gotten warmer and I’ve turned off the HVAC, it jumped to 40mpg, as promised. This is all in ECO mode.

I believe you could do better in suburban driving as I have to frequently accelerate and brake in less than smooth ways here in NYC.

That said, the heating system uses the engine in the traditional, coolant exchange way. That means it turns on the engine to heat up the cabin, while keeping the engine at operating temps. That eats gas. The air conditioner compressor, on the other hand, works off the battery (electrical) and not the engine, so you should be getting close to that 40mpg even on the hottest days. Michigan isn’t exactly Florida, so you may very well get better than 40mpg most of the warm months.

David Voorhies (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 5:52AM

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.

Pbear (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 8:02AM

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.

Jeff Teague    September 16, 2019 - 3:14PM

In reply to by danico (not verified)

Hi there and thanks for reading my article. I assure you with 100% confidence I did not get a single dime or any other compensation from Toyota. Feel free to read all the comments in the comments section. I'm reading them now, and it looks like many others are getting these same results. Have a great day! Jeff

Jay (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 8:49AM

Over the first 5,000 miles averaging 42.5 mpg (combination highway and rural roads). But what’s up with the gas tank? Supposedly 14.5 gallon capacity, but when “distance to empty” is in the single digits I can’t get more than 9.5 gallons in there. When full, the gas gauge reads just above 3/4 and the “distance to empty” reads between 400 and 440. At 42.5 mpg, that sounds like a 10-gallon tank. Dealer says 4.5 gallons are “in the system” and in reserve. Any insights, Jeff?

Cindi (not verified)    September 17, 2019 - 5:42PM

In reply to by Jay (not verified)

I’m averaging 34 to 35 miles per gallon which is disappointing compared to what everyone else is getting. I’ve also had the issue with the fuel tank not filling up all the way and when it’s filled it says I have 430 miles to go on a full tank. What’s the deal?

Ron L (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 10:25AM

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
One concern backup camera at nite is so dim while backing up I can not see the driveway
Has anyone else noted this?
I was initially told this is common to all RAV4 hybrids for many years but one Toyota expert says it is unique to the 2019 model

Ron L (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 10:31AM

MPG has been 40 for a month and increased to 45 with combined city highway driving over the same route
The backup camera at nite is so dim while backing up I can not see the driveway
Has anyone else observed this?

Ron L (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 10:37AM

Hey Jeff
MPG is around 40 but jumped to 45 yesterday on my 2019 rav 4 Hybrid Limited with 300 miles
I wanted to report an issue with dim backup camera at nite so dim I can not see my driveway
Has this been observed in the 2019 RAV4 hybrids
Ron

warren trout (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 12:36PM

About any car will beat EPA estimates if your drive like you are supposed to.

My Corolla beat by 15%. How? By driving 260,000 miles with only needing a front brake pad change once. DON'T STOMP ON THE BRAKES.

Tim Le Cras (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 2:42PM

I am 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 ?

Bruce Hall (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 3:53PM

I have to admit that I don't have a Toyota hybrid RAV4, but a Taurus SHO with 365hp twin turbo. Took a 2,000 mile trip cruising at 80mph (2,000 rpm) on the interstates and included a lot of city driving. Only averaged 26 mpg overall, but the difference in performance, comfort, and satisfaction was worth it.

Jack Wanamaker (not verified)    September 15, 2019 - 5:09PM

My mileage at 500 miles is terrible! @ 300 miles it was 31,3. At 500 it's 31.9 MPG. ( I bought a 2019 RAV 4 Hybrid in SoCaaal.)