2024 and 2025 New SUV Models Redesign, Concept, Changes, Prices and Releases: Read about best SUV models for 2018 and 2019 model year. Here you can find all info about new crossover SUVs.
There are plenty of compact crossover models on the market but not all of them offer the mix of reliable performance and great fuel economy like the upcoming 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The new model does not come with drastic changes to the existing model.
However, it gets a cheaper entry-level trim, a new exterior color and some decent safety technology upgrades. The model is positioned below the larger sibling Highlander Hybrid in Toyota lineup.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Stylish and Safety SUV
The 2018 RAV4 Hybrid is stylish and there are 4 trims. The LE trim is a new addition to 2018 lineup and the rest are SE, XLE and Limited. The exterior colors are black sand pearl, magnetic gray metallic, silver sky metallic, galactic aqua mica, super white and electric storm blue. The cabin is not lavish but material quality is good except the LE trim- which has an abundance of cheap plastic parts. Despite the hybrid powertrain, it has 35.6 cubic feet default cargo space. There are Eight cup and bottle holders and bottle holders on the doors.
Safety Features and Trims
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets laden with enough safety features and amenities are decent as well. LE trim gets Halogen projector-beam headlights, Halogen Daytime Running Lights, 17-in. alloy wheels, Rear window defogger, Privacy glass, Acoustic and UV reduction glass based front windshield, 2 zones automatic climate control, rearview mirror. It also gets Cruise control, 12V power outlets etc.
XLE trim gets bumper integrated fog lights, Power tilt/slide moonroof, Toyota’s Entune infotainment setup and leather-trimmed steering wheel. It can be laden with the Hybrid Convenience Package that adds Entune Premium Audio, navigation, Blind Spot Monitor. SE trim adds LED projector-beam headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, 18-in. Sport alloy wheels, Power heated outside mirrors, Height-adjustable power liftgate, Unique doorsill protectors, leatherette upholstery, heated seats/
However, the Top Limited trim of the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets 18-in SuperChrome alloy wheels, Chrome outside door handles, Frameless and auto-dimming rearview mirror, larger 7.0-inch touchscreen etc. It can be also equipped with the Advanced Technology Package that adds Bird’s Eye View Camera and Premium JBL Audio setup. All trims are fitted with Toyota Safety-Sense-P suite. This is aimed at evading collisions.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Engine Performance
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is laden with a powertrain which has three electric motors and 2.5-liter I-4 engine and a CVT. It also has a nickel metal hydride battery. The combined output is 194 hp and mileage varies between 30-34 MPG. The ride remains more or less quiet. The powertrain has 3 modes- Eco, Sport and hybrid. Also, the AWD system comes standard on the hybrid models, as does a CVT automatic transmission.
Besides the Hybrid engine, the base model Toyota RAV4 comes with 2.5-liter inline-4 that produces 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. However, the torque for this one model is 172 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm. As for the EPA city/highway it is 23/29 mpg for the (FWD) and 22/28 mpg for the (AWD) system. The AWD system placed in the new model can tow maximum 1,500 pounds. However, this model comes coupled with the standard 6-speed automatic transmission.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Price, Availability and Competitors
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid pricing begins at $30.000 and the top trim price is approx $35.000. It is now available for sale. The 2018 RAV4 Hybrid is a nice offering from Toyota- aimed mostly at mileage aware buyers. The styling is decent and new safety features make it a compeering choice. It will still face competition from the likes of Nissan Rogue Hybrid and new Kia Niro.
