If you want the simplest answer, here it is. For most people, I would buy a RAV4 Hybrid and stop thinking about it. It has standard AWD in 2025, up to 219 hp, and up to 39 mpg combined on the Hybrid LE AWD. In 2026, every regular RAV4 is electrified, so you are choosing … Read more
If you are stuck between RAV4 LE and XLE, I can save you a lot of time. For most buyers, I pick XLE. It adds the 5 upgrades you notice every day, and it usually costs about $1,500 more in recent pricing examples. I use 2025 as my clean example year in this guide because … Read more
If you are cross-shopping Corolla Cross vs RAV4, I look at 4 numbers first. Price. Length. Cargo. Power. Here is the clean way to think about it. Corolla Cross is the smaller, lower-cost Toyota SUV. RAV4 is the step-up for space and capability. On 2025 specs, Corolla Cross is about 5 inches shorter (176.1 in … Read more
If you want the closest match to a RAV4, I start with the Honda CR-V. It hits the same 2-row, 5-seat compact SUV brief, and it offers both gas and hybrid power. If you want a plug-in option like the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, I’d look first at the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Plug-in … Read more
If I’m shopping a 2013 RAV4, I’m hunting for 2 things before I fall in love with the price. First, I test for torque converter shudder. It tends to show up under light throttle around 25 to 50 mph. If you can reproduce it, it changes the whole deal. Second, I run the VIN for … Read more