2022 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid AWD Review: Quick Take

Earlier this year, we held our massive 2022 AutoGuide Compact SUV Comparison test presented by NRS Brakes. We’re now going to take a closer look at one of the entries, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Unlike some of the brand’s competitors, Toyota offers the RAV4 Hybrid in a variety of trims, starting with the low-level LE. Arriving for our evaluation is the mid-level SE trim that adds some features and style to the vehicle, including black badging and matching black wheels.

Toyota has been at the hybrid game a long time and the brand has really nailed down the formula. The price to upgrade from gas only to a hybrid-electric powertrain isn’t as steep as it once was. Although there is no equivalent SE gasoline version, most Hybrid versions of the RAV4 only command a $2,700 price premium.

The RAV4 Hybrid SE AWD starts at $34,255 ($40,040 CAD) after destination charges and rang in at just over $35,000 ($40,040 CAD) as tested. That made it the second least expensive entry in our 11 small SUV comparison and easily the most affordable hybrid.

It’s also the most efficient hybrid in the comparison as well. With a combined fuel economy rating of 40 mpg (6.0 L/100 km), no other vehicle could equal the RAV4’s efficiency – not even the plug-in hybrids. Giving the RAV4 lacklustre levels of power to ensure the best fuel sipping capability would have been an easy out for Toyota, but that’s not the path the manufacturer took.

Instead, Toyota positions the RAV4 Hybrid as an efficiency and performance upgrade. Whereas some manufacturers offer turbocharged options to increase straight line performance, Toyota offers this hybrid. With a combined 219 hp on tap, it’s quite responsive and shockingly quick at highway speeds. Simply mash the accelerator on the freeway and the Toyota just keeps pulling well beyond legal limits.

But there are some drawbacks to the RAV4 Hybrid, specifically the SE. To make it so affordable, money had to be saved elsewhere. In our comparison we found the Toyota to offer least amount of features, lacking items like leather seating surfaces, fog lights, and a power passenger seat. To Toyota’s credit though, even at this price point, there is a heated steering wheel, dual zone climate control, and heated front seats.

The rear cargo area is one of the larger ones in the segment and can swallow up a lot of gear. An impressive feat on its own, but even more impressive considering the RAV4 includes hybrid batteries. The rear seats also don’t compensate for the battery pack and have class competitive accommodations. Two adults fit in the back without issue.

The interior layout is clean, and in the grandest of Toyota traditions, very user friendly. The large buttons and knobs are straight forward and make navigating the infotainment system’s menus a breeze. We appreciate the various cubbies and trays, as it makes it easy to find a home for items likes phones, wallets, and keys while driving.

The downside to this straight-forward, user-friendliness is that the RAV4 is devoid of any real design flair. It’s simplistic layout consists of some low-quality materials that can’t match the premium finishes used by the competition. Part of this is due to the SE Hybrid’s price point as there are more premium interiors in higher grade RAV4s.

The standard infotainment screen in our test vehicle drew some ire as it looks like a bit of an afterthought. We also wish the front door panels had a bit more softer touch material on them, especially at the top. The front cloth seats didn’t receive much praise either during our evaluation as most felt it didn’t match their body type.