I feel like not enough people make full use of their compact SUVs. We often categorize them as small, suburban vehicles for people working on a budget, and we don’t think of them as anything exciting. But when you really dig into the specs and capability of most compact SUVs, they’re actually some of the most capable and versatile vehicles on the market. Now, I don’t mean to make it sound like a compact SUV will be able to perform the same way as a truck; there are different vehicle types for a reason. But compact SUVs provide one of the most dynamic value propositions, and I think there’s a reason it’s one of the most represented vehicle categories across different brands.
If you go to a Toyota dealer and look at a RAV4, for example, it may look like a normal compact SUV—sure, the 2025 model looks better than average from a cosmetic standpoint, but my point is that it looks like a rather ordinary vehicle overall. But, across its gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options, the RAV4 actually provides something quite extraordinary. The 2025 RAV4 family offers a great glimpse into the real capability of a compact SUV, but it also shows why the RAV4 stands out among the rest. So, let’s look at each RAV4 type—gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid—to see what this vehicle can really do.
The RAV4
With hybrid and hybrid plug-in options, it can be tempting to disregard the gas options as lesser-quality options, but this is certainly not the case. The RAV4’s standard direct-injection options provide high levels of performance, capability, and fuel efficiency, while also providing lower upfront costs. Whether gas or hybrid, the 2025 RAV4 is built upon the Toyota New Global Architecture-K (TNGA-K), which draws its inspiration from Toyota’s acclaimed trucks, offering strength and elevation to improve the driving experience.
The 2025 RAV4’s traditional engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force gas engine. This makes the vehicle capable of delivering up to 203 hp, which is quite good for a vehicle in the RAV4’s class. But, when you’re looking for a versatile compact SUV, the focus is usually less on horsepower and torque and more on tactful handling. Drivers with outdoor tendencies will be happy to know that the 2025 RAV4 gas options come with a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) and two all-wheel drive (AWD) options. Standard AWD will serve drivers well, providing the tact that AWD users have come to know and love. However, drivers with a special eye for efficiency will enjoy the unique Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Rear Driveline Disconnect.
This unique AWD solution is able to direct up to 50% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels to equalize drivetrain effort; it can also distribute to the right or left according to the driving situation. But, if you’re driving for a long stretch on the open road and AWD is not needed, it will disconnect the rear-axle driveshaft rotation, essentially putting the vehicle in FWD and optimizing efficiency.
The 2025 RAV4 gas powertrain is a perfect solution for those who love tactful handling for outdoor adventures combined with creative efficiency solutions, which perfectly match the automotive needs of drivers from a variety of backgrounds. But, if you’re looking to take a step towards electrification, the RAV4 has exciting hybrid options as well.
The RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 is a perfect vehicle with which to go hybrid, as its compact SUV body lends itself well to efficiency and aerodynamics, allowing drivers to experience the thrill that can come with hybrid driving. The 2025 RAV4 Hybrid takes the foundation of the gas model and improves upon it.
Using the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force engine and pairing it with two Motor Generators and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the RAV4 Hybrid is the elevated version of the already-great compact SUV. All hybrid models provide a standard Electronic On-Demand AWD system. Rather than a torque distribution system, the hybrid AWD system uses an electric motor at the rear wheels, which automatically kicks into gear anytime the car senses that rear torque would improve the drive. Of course, one of the main benefits of a hybrid powertrain is the fuel efficiency, and the RAV4 hybrid offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 41 MPG combined; not only is the driving more fun, but it’s more economical over time.
While many of the hybrid trim packages mirror those of the traditional gas models, the Hybrid Woodland Edition offers a unique combination of hybrid efficiency with off-roading capability. With special utility-oriented features like roof rails, Toyota Racing Department (TRD) flow-formed alloy wheels, and Woodland-specific Trail driving mode, this special edition RAV4 is designed specifically for the adventurer who likes to go deep into the outdoors for camping, hiking, and exploring. With a combination of small-town streets and plenty of nature, an off-road model is a compelling way to accomplish both kinds of driving.
The RAV4 Hybrid is an exciting option for those looking to elevate their RAV4 experience, whether it’s for fuel efficiency in their daily commute, light off-roading, or simply the thrill of a hybrid powertrain. But, if hybrid powertrains are your thing, then you may want to consider taking it to the next level with a plug-in hybrid RAV4.
The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
If you like the idea of inching towards owning an all-electric vehicle but aren’t quite ready for the whole leap yet, the 2025 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid offers the perfect solution, offering many of the benefits of an electric vehicle with the familiarity of direct-injection engineering still present. The 2025 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is the new name for what was previously known as the RAV4 Prime, and this excellent plug-in hybrid offers up to 42 miles of all-electric driving.
The plug-in hybrid model uses the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine as we’ve discussed on the gas and hybrid models. However, the biggest difference between the hybrid and the plug-in hybrid models is the plug-in hybrid’s inclusion of an 18.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which works in tandem with the two electric motors to provide the all-electric driving option.
Of course, this battery does require charging, which is what makes it a plug-in hybrid model. That said, it does not require quite the same level of maintenance as an all-electric vehicle, as the vehicle defaults to the 4-cylinder engine when battery power is running low. So, there’s not the same level of pressure to charge immediately as there is with an electric vehicle. If you think an electric vehicle is in your future and want to ease your way in, the RAV4 plug-in hybrid is a great place to start.
With the increased electrification provided by the plug-in hybrid comes an increase in performance capability and fuel efficiency. With up to 302 hp, the plug-in hybrid model offers almost 100 more horsepower than the gas models. Plus, when driving in hybrid mode, drivers are able to reach an estimated fuel efficiency of up to 38 MPG. When it comes to making the most of a compact SUV’s capability, you’ll have no better opportunity than in the plug-in hybrid RAV4.
A Compact SUV With a Lot to Offer
I don’t think anyone’s ever doubted the value of a compact SUV; that’s why they’re so ubiquitous and popular. That said, I do think that people underestimate the capability and versatility of compact SUVs. The 2025 RAV4 proves that these vehicles provide engineering and powertrains capable of a lot more than just suburban driving. Even if you are using it just for suburban driving, highly efficient powertrain options elevate that day-to-day experience into something unique and financially beneficial.
But, if you want to get adventurous and try an off-road hybrid option like the Woodland Edition or start working your way towards an all-electric vehicle with the plug-in hybrid option, the RAV4 offers a versatile lineup. If you’re leaning towards a compact SUV, I’d say the RAV4 offers a great value proposition with a lot of unique features to elevate your driving experience. If you want to make the most of your compact SUV, the RAV4 certainly gives you a lot to work with.
