Toyota Rav4 only come with hybrid engines in 2026

[rphillips]

We're Thinking of getting a new Rav4, but just found in 2026 all Rav4's will be hybrid... Trying to search, gas vehicles are still at appx. 80% of vehicles sold in the U.S. makes me still very skeptical of the hybrids, ( totally out on the EV as their sales keep dropping). Opinions should I buy a 2025 ICE or take the gamble of a hybrid... A thought I have is with a hybrid, all repairs will got to be through a dealer, dealers repairs are always double, or more, of other repair shops. I know nobody that has, or has had. a hybrid, so nobody with experience with them I can ask. A few locals are wanting me to try a Hybrid, just so I can be their guiena pig. Not say'n I'll do what you think, just look'in for opinions. another new thing, hybrid vs plug-in hybrid??

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

A quick google " Toyota Hybrid reliability" yielded:
Toyota hybrid vehicles, particularly the Prius, are widely known for their exceptional reliability and long-term dependability. Consumer Reports and other sources consistently rank Toyota hybrids high in reliability ratings, with many models approaching half a million miles with minimal issues, according to an online forum discussion. This is due to Toyota's well-established hybrid technology, refined over multiple generations, and a focus on quality and durability.

I could be wrong but believe they've been doing it the longest. In the short time (about 2 years) that my son had a Prius (and he bought it with 100K miles on it), I grew to like almost like it, for its reliability and its fuel economy. His was not a plug-in. So, no opinion there.​

 

[Nessism]

Toyota hybrids are reliable, for the most part.

If you want a vehicle for 300,000 miles, and if you can afford the gasoline, I'd jump fast and buy the regular engine and standard AT transmission (no CVT). If gas price matters, hybrid is the play here. I think the 2026 Rav4 will be a new model, so there is risk there also. All and all, though, Toyota has the hybrid thing down at this point, so that would be the better hedge, particularly if resale matters to you.

 

[Steve]

In late March, we got a used RAV4 Hybrid for Mrs. Steve. So far, no problems. This is my first experience with a hybrid, so I was a bit apprehensive, at first. I am still convinced that I am NOT ready for a full-electric vehicle, probably not even ready for the hassle of a plug-in hybrid, but what we have is a good entry point.

I have had nothing but Toyotas since 2/11/1974, but I'm not a "fanboi". I just like the vehicles and the reliability I have experienced. Have had four that went over 300k miles, and a fifth that was well on the way (276+) with virtually no mechanical issues. Hoping for more of the same with our current vehicles, which, at our ages will likely be our last. Hers is a 2018 RAV4 Limited Hybrid, mine is a 2018 Sienna XLE AWD.

Let me know if you have any questions about the experience. Send a PM if you want to keep it off-line.

.

 

[argonsagas]

Toyota hybrids are reliable, for the most part.

If you want a vehicle for 300,000 miles, and if you can afford the gasoline, I'd jump fast and buy the regular engine and standard AT transmission (no CVT). If gas price matters, hybrid is the play here. I think the 2026 Rav4 will be a new model, so there is risk there also. All and all, though, Toyota has the hybrid thing down at this point, so that would be the better hedge, particularly if resale matters to you.

That pretty well covered all the major points and did it well..
No disagreement or even a qualification from me on anything.

 

[oldGSfan]

I have a friend who only drives S-boxes. I mean, clapped out, $500 S-boxes. He got a Camry hybrid for beer money with over 200K on it, and that thing just wouldn't die, and believe me, his family has tried. I'm impressed. Toyota. I'd buy a RAV4 used, but I usually go that way, just because I do my own maintenence yada yada.

I just sold my son's first car (well, truck) that I bought for him when he was just 16. Lucky little sprog. '04 Tacoma SR5 PreRunner had 118K, now 141K, 4.5 years later. I made a profit. Over the years it needed a radiator, a couple of door handles (cheap repro's fine), and a few other bits and bobs. Gas hog though, so he now has a '19 Corollla XSE 6-speed manual hatch. Sort of sporty but not really 'hot' hatch territory these days.

Anyway I think RAV4 hybrid is a solid choice, don't worry be happy.

 

[Steve]

Toyota hybrids are reliable, for the most part.

If you want a vehicle for 300,000 miles, and if you can afford the gasoline, I'd jump fast and buy the regular engine and standard AT transmission (no CVT).

Actually, Toyota's "CVT" is a bit different, as it does not use variable pulleys, belts or chains. It has used a planetary/sun/ring gear arrangement since the first Prius models 25 years ago. There are VERY few reports of problems or failures with them. I think Honda uses a similar system, all the others use belts or chains on variable pulleys.

I was a bit leery before test driving one, but have been reasonably impressed with my wife's car.

.

 

[Nessism]

Actually, Toyota's "CVT" is a bit different, as it does not use variable pulleys, belts or chains. It has used a planetary/sun/ring gear arrangement since the first Prius models 25 years ago. There are VERY few reports of problems or failures with them. I think Honda uses a similar system, all the others use belts or chains on variable pulleys.

I was a bit leery before test driving one, but have been reasonably impressed with my wife's car.

.

Hybrids don't use a CVT. Some use what's denoted an eCVT, but those are totally different.

My comment about the end of the era Rav4, and no CVT, relates to the 2.5L engine version vehicle, which uses a durable conventional AT.

 

[1948man]

I had a 2022 Ford Maverick hybrid pickup until I traded it in for a 2025 Maverick. Absolutely no problems on the first one which got me well over the rated mpg and the 2025 model seems even nicer although I am still on my 1st tank (700 mil range) so I can't comment accurately on the mileage. Brother has a hybrid Rav4, no problems there either.

 

[Steve]

Hybrids don't use a CVT. Some use what's denoted an eCVT, but those are totally different.

My comment about the end of the era Rav4, and no CVT, relates to the 2.5L engine version vehicle, which uses a durable conventional AT.

I have been under the impression that virtually all hybrids have one form or another of a "CVT". As I mentioned earlier, Toyota uses an "eCVT" that does not use belts, chains or pulleys, but uses a sun/ring/planetary gear arrangement to provide seemingly endless ratios. Seems to work rather well.

I only offered that to show that, at least in the Toyotas, having a "CVT" is not all bad, but I do agree that a standard ICE arrangement with a 'regular' auto transmissio will be hard to beat.

.

 

[rphillips]

Thanks for the input as I'm no doubt less skeptical of the hybrids, especially Toyota hybrids, now than I was a few days ago... Still bit the bullet on a 2025 ICE. Couple of reasons, 1st, being 71 yr. old, older folks just normally don't like change as much as younger folks. 2nd, I've always heard probably not a good idea to get first yr. or generation of an auto, give them a couple of yrs. to work the bugs out, the 2025 is last of the 5th generation Rav4 they've been making since 2018 so hoping most all bugs are all gone, 2026 will be the first yr. of the 6th gen.. 3rd, I keep thinking about where I read 20% of autos sold in 2024 were hybrid. I realize not 80%, but a big %, of the auto buying public aren't hardly comfortable "yet" with hybrids. and 4th, the hybrids are appx. $3K more than ICE, we couldn't see $3K worth of advantages for us...Hoping this new Rav4 can and does lasts as long as the "99" Dodge Ram I bought new and is still going strong today. If it does, this one and maybe one more will be all I'll need to deal with.

 

[Cipher]

Thanks for the input as I'm no doubt less skeptical of the hybrids, especially Toyota hybrids, now than I was a few days ago... Still bit the bullet on a 2025 ICE. Couple of reasons, 1st, being 71 yr. old, older folks just normally don't like change as much as younger folks. 2nd, I've always heard probably not a good idea to get first yr. or generation of an auto, give them a couple of yrs. to work the bugs out, the 2025 is last of the 5th generation Rav4 they've been making since 2018 so hoping most all bugs are all gone, 2026 will be the first yr. of the 6th gen.. 3rd, I keep thinking about where I read 20% of autos sold in 2024 were hybrid. I realize not 80%, but a big %, of the auto buying public aren't hardly comfortable "yet" with hybrids. and 4th, the hybrids are appx. $3K more than ICE, we couldn't see $3K worth of advantages for us...Hoping this new Rav4 can and does lasts as long as the "99" Dodge Ram I bought new and is still going strong today. If it does, this one and maybe one more will be all I'll need to deal with.

Check YT I do cars. Maybe he's done an autopsy.

 

[salty_monk]

There's a reason that there are so many Prius Taxi's these days.... 1/2 million mile capable without much maintenance. There are more repair shops & parts etc around now too (i.e. easy to get a 2nd hand/refurb battery replacement these days).

I've driven a couple and no argument apart from being fairly gutless.