The 3-year-old Japanese hybrid SUV worth buying used

The popularity of crossovers and SUVs has increased rapidly over the last decade, with this segment accounting for over 81% of total new car registrations in 2024. Part of the appeal is because of the higher ride height and additional space, but SUVs are notoriously expensive to buy and maintain, and gas-guzzlers. Thankfully, the Toyota RAV4 is a reliable hybrid SUV that is worth buying used.

Ironically, the RAV4 started the crossover trend in 1996. It was the first SUV to use a monocoque chassis, which brought everyday comfort to utility vehicles. A hybrid option was introduced in 2016, and the range was refreshed in 2022, making this year a sweet spot for buying a three-year-old vehicle that still looks like new. Plus, you’ll avoid the rapid depreciation of electric cars. However, Japanese SUVs, like the Honda Pilot, retain value well, which can mean higher used car prices.

Is the 2022 Toyota RAV4 hybrid a good buy?

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 hybrid is a great buy. With a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and being named an IIHS top safety pick, the RAV4 is perfect for families who need a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV that prioritizes occupant safety. While most will never leave the beaten track, the hybrid’s standard all-wheel-drive system is capable of traversing harsh terrain. On the road, it provides extra grip and confidence in all weather.

A technology-focused cabin

Overall, the interior is good quality, with plenty of soft materials throughout. However, cheap-looking plastics are easily found throughout the range, which are suited to utility vehicles prone to scratches and dirt. There’s ample space in the front and rear for kids and adults alike, and the seats are well-cushioned. The newly introduced SE hybrid for 2022 brought a sporty appearance on a budget. It cuts costs by using fabric seats instead of SofTex artificial leather found in higher trims.

What’s more, all RAV4’s get an impressive amount of technology as standard. Alongside the SE trim, 2022 saw comprehensive exterior and interior improvements, including sharper styling cues, slimmer headlights, and new wheel styles on certain grades. Every RAV4 gets SiriusXM platinum plan, Alexa integration, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on a 7- or 9-inch screen, depending on trim. JBL Premium Audio and dynamic navigation are also available options.

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2022 Toyota RAV4 hybrid powertrain

Toyota

Though the 2.5-liter engine of the Toyota RAV4 is dated, the assistance of two electric motors keeps it relevant. With a motor on the front and rear axles, all hybrid versions have all-wheel drive as standard to translate 219 hp into a 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph from a standstill. There are various drive modes available, with EV mode allowing the hybrid to travel up to 46 miles on electric power alone.

Perhaps the biggest benefits of the electrified powertrain are a velvety transmission and class-leading efficiency, making it a hybrid SUV with the best MPG. It’s not without its limitations, though. The RAV4 hybrid has a maximum towing capacity of 1,750 lbs, which is less than most SUVs, including the gas-only version able to haul up to 3,500 lbs in Adventure and TRD trims. That said, few SUV owners actually use them for tasks like this. If towing isn’t on your to-do list, the hybrid makes a lot of sense.

Toyota RAV4 hybrid performance specs

How much does a 2022 Toyota RAV4 hybrid cost?

Toyota

According to used models listed on Kelley Blue Book, a fair purchase price for a 2022 Toyota RAV4 LE hybrid is $26,395. This might seem expensive, since the cost when new was $29,575, and a brand-new one starts at $32,300, but this is due to the RAV4’s popularity and reliability holding its value. For comparison, the fair purchase price for a 2022 Kia Sportage is $18,337, and a Honda CR-V is $24,659.

Edmunds true cost to own over five years

* Based on a 5-year estimate with 15,000 miles driven per year

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2022 Toyota RAV4 reliability and safety

Every 2022 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with Safety Sense 2.0, which is a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Features such as full-speed range dynamic cruise control, collision prevention with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warnings help the RAV4 gain a five-star safety rating. On top of this, it scored a respectable 81/100 for quality and reliability on J.D. Power.

As always, buying any used car can be risky. You should be weary of everything, and conduct your own research and checks before making a purchase. Owner forums are a great way to find common faults and other things to look out for.

Common Problems

No mechanical vehicle is without its problems. For the RAV4 hybrid, some recurring issues that have cropped up in owner forums and consumer reports highlight potential faults with oil leaks and in-car electrics, e.g. Apple CarPlay. There are currently two recalls for the 2022 RAV4 hybrid. One is for incorrect deployment of airbags, and the other relates to stability control being deactivated on start-up. Both were issues in 2022, so hopefully most vehicles have been rectified already, but you should check this.

Warranty

There is some reassurance when buying a used Toyota RAV4. As long as the car has been serviced by an approved garage when scheduled, you might still benefit from manufacturer warranty cover for certain components. Crucially, the hybrid system is covered for up to eight years or 100,000 miles, which eases the worry of expensive engine replacement costs.

• 3 years/30,000 miles basic
• 5 years/60,000 miles drivetrain
• 8 years/100,000 miles hybrid/electrical components
• 5 years/unlimited mileage corrosion
• 2 years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance
• 2 years/25,000 maintenance