When Used Isn't a Bargain: New vs. Pre-Owned Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The main issue for myself was the in screen climate controls versus physical controls of the previous generation. Knobs and buttons are a better solution in my opinion. It will be a great choice either way though. All preference based issues as a whole.

I wish reviewers would point out the lunacy of having two giant pods jutting out of the dash for… drive modes. Why? You don’t need to access those hardly at all and it could be a switch on the console. That dash space should be for climate controls.

I'd get the new one because of the latest hybrid system, as the new one is smoother and delivers better fuel economy. I also like the styling a bit better on it as well.

A week and about 300 miles into owning a 2026 PHEV RAV4 Woodland trim, here on west coast where gas is pushing towards $7/gallon, my assessment is that Toyota has totally nailed the ideal recipe. With the Woodland's larger sidewall tires it rides like a much larger, quiet, refined sedan (part of that due to its heavier weight for the larger battery). EV range is a few miles less than the larger-wheeled RAV4s that have thinner tires, but as a daily driver who logs less than 50 miles a day, it is basically a full time EV without range anxiety that can get off the line as quickly and silently as the Teslas (though it does make more cabin noise when you punch up all 324 ponies from the three electric + gas motor trying to stay with a performance model Tesla. : ) ) I said goodbye to my 2009 Highlander that is still in perfect condition but now costing about $120 to fill up. Went to the gas station to top off the RAV4 yesterday after a week of driving and it took 1.5 gallons. Time will tell about durability but so far it is hands down the best car I have ever owned in the past 50 years.

A RAV4 Hybrid is a great choice for a small family vehicle and it's great that it holds its value so incredibly well. But it does make choosing which one to buy a bit complicated since the price gap is so tight. Did this video help to convince you one way or the other? Let us know in the comments below!

We traded our 2022 Rav 4 prime se with 59,000 miles for a new 2026 Rav 4 phev (plug in) model SE (base model). We’re approaching 2000 miles. 550 on gas in 100% hybrid mode that is With a depleted battery. The rest of the miles with electricity. So far our average range is 60 to 75 miles on pure electric. On gas at the pump it’s been 48.4 miles per gallon that’s in hybrid mode just like it was a hybrid with no plug-in capability. Our 2022 prime achieved about 40 to 45 mpg and between 40 to 48 miles on electric. I must say I owned plug-in hybrid a 2022 and now the 2026 the 2026 is a game changer better fuel mileage better electric range and it just seems to handle better. It drives better. It’s a big improvement.

When I bought my ‘21 RAV4 Prime I qualified for the federal tax credit ($10k) and the Oregon state rebate [$2500]. It ended up cost less than the hybrid model. The federal credit has gone away and the Oregon rebate wouldn’t apply to a fully loaded model like I currently own. So I guess I’ll keep mine for awhile. The new one sounds like it has addressed the few minor issues I have with mine. Now if only Toyota could come through with a solid state battery BEV in a RAV4.

I opted for a 2025 RAV4 LE hybrid as the 2026 was impossible to find. I’m really happy with it. Don’t think you could go wrong with either.

This was such a good review, clean graphics, to the point and proper comparison I'm in Abu Dhabi UAE It's so difficult to get a rav4 hybrid review

The door handle cubby is very well thought out. I put my wallet in there when I drive my wife’s RAV4