Let’s go places in the 2018 RAV4 Hybrid XLE! My family cruised around L.A. and the OC and received a reliable, comfortable drive. I was excited to see what kind of gas mileage we would get out of the RAV4.
So let’s talk gas! We are definitely a crossover SUV kind of family. Sedans can be a little too small while full-sized SUVs can be a little too big although crossover SUV gas costs are manageable. I test drove the RAV4 and barely used half of a tank of gas during the week. I was at 3/4 for most of the journey. I didn’t gas up once which really put a smile on my face. Saving money is a priority for my family and I feel the RAV4 hybrid succeeded in helping us manage fuel costs.
Safety features were aplenty with the Toyota Safety Sense detecting pedestrians, blind spot mirrors (outside mirrors fold), lane departure alert, and anti-lock brakes to help reduce the chance of an accident. The RAV4 is equipped with airbags including driver side knee airbags as well as side airbags.
The RAV4 can also be switched to ECO and Sport modes. Sport mode is fun to switch to when driving on the highway.
However, even though we appreciated the saving on fuel and the protection of the RAV4’s safety features the car wasn’t overly exciting to drive. Aesthetically the silver color was a bit bland. So it didn’t stand out in the crowd of LA traffic. We accept that it’s a no-frills car with excellent gas mileage. My husband is tall and did feel a little cramped in the passenger seat due to the sloped design of the windshield. But our seats were comfortable, the entertainment system was rockin’ and my daughter enjoyed her time in the back row.Other features that enhanced our drive, heated rear and passenger seats, Smart Key system.
Other features that enhanced our drive, heated rear and passenger seats, Smart Key system. Also, the entertainment system is the Entune App Suite which helped us find destinations, gave us access to FB places, Pandora, iHeartRadio and more. Entune is subscription-free. We do turn to the radio and entertainment systems to pass the time on long road trips. So the multiple features of the infotainment system kept us occupied!
The 2018 RAV4 Hybrid XLE is a remarkable hybrid option for families on the go who want to save money (more road trips) than in a crossover SUV. The averages looks are a bit boring but the safety features and savings on gas costs make up for that. Toyota safety ratings are high and for a family that beats stylish looks.
