2024 Fleet SUV of the Yr: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Automobile Analysis
Out there solely in AWD, the RAV4 hybrid achieves 39 mpg mixed.
One irony within the shift to EVs is the re-emergence of hybrids.
Within the flurry of latest all-electric fashions a couple of years in the past, hybrids appeared so 2013 — the height of hybrid mannequin availability and gross sales — that they appeared destined to be left behind in favor of pure battery-electric expertise.
Nonetheless, as electrification began evolving from idea to actuality, the challenges of excessive preliminary prices and the buildout of charging infrastructure grew to become obstacles to implementation. But fleets weren’t about to desert their paths to sustainability.
Hybrid-electric automobiles have reemerged as a viable different for this bridge to electrification. They don’t must be plugged in, have decrease carbon footprints than their inside combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, and return a powerful complete value of possession.
It’s no shock that the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have received Automotive Fleet’s Fleet Automobile of the Yr and Fleet SUV of the Yr for 2024. The Camry Hybrid additionally received in 2022, whereas Camry has received a number of instances.
Phase Pioneer: Toyota RAV4
Compact crossover SUVs fulfill fleet wants by providing room for provides and the next journey peak whereas nonetheless delivering excellent gas financial system.
First launched within the U.S. in 1996, the Toyota RAV4 pioneered the compact crossover SUV section.
Within the “why mess with success” vein, the RAV4 has not seen a serious redesign because the 2019 mannequin 12 months, but it was nonetheless the best-selling SUV in any section in 2023.
Nonetheless, subsequent mannequin years have seen updates, such because the introduction of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid mannequin (2021), a brand new SE Hybrid trim (2022), an upgraded infotainment system (2023), a panoramic view monitor, and extra superior parking assists (2024).
2025 Toyota RAV4 Specs
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is a carryover from the earlier mannequin 12 months. Not like the Camry, it’s nonetheless accessible with an ICE powerplant.
For the reason that hybrid model was first launched in 2016, RAV4 has been accessible with a 2.5-liter inline-four fuel engine with 203 horsepower, and a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain with 203 horsepower.
The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has an 18.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that enables for about 42 electric-only miles.
Hybrid Gas Financial savings
However the hybrid model gathered essentially the most votes. Out there solely in AWD, the RAV4 hybrid achieves 39 mpg mixed, in comparison with 30 mpg mixed for the front-wheel-drive fuel mannequin and 28 mpg for AWD.
By spec’ing the hybrid over the fuel engine, fleet managers would save at the very least $1,200 on gas prices over a three-year lease and 15,000 miles a 12 months.
“Toyota is honored to be named Automotive Fleet’s 2024 SUV of the Yr,” mentioned Kevin Curran, basic supervisor of fleet gross sales at Toyota Motor North America. “It’s rewarding to know that fleet managers view the RAV4’s mixture of effectivity, and reliability as a trusted answer for his or her enterprise wants.”
Fleet SUV of the Yr, Historic
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid took residence its first trophy within the six-year historical past of the Fleet SUV of the Yr.
- 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- 2023 Ford Escape
- 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
