2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited
Written by Marco Carvajal
The Rav4 recently joined the list of the top 3 most sold cars in the US, a big success for Toyota and the Rav4, taking the 3rd position in sales of the Dodge RAM Pickup Truck.
The 2018 Rav4 is the 6th year and last model of the 4th Generation RAV4, as the new 5th generation is going to be available soon with the 2019 model. Toyota is closing a chapter for the RAV4 with successful sales and a promising future for the upcoming RAV4.
| Model | Starting MSRP Price |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid | $34,280 |
Specs
2018 RAV4 Limited Hybrid
2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder. ECVT Hybrid
194 net system Horse Power
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
Fuel Consumption:
City / highway / combined
34 / 30 / 32
MPG
The Toyota RAV4 was the first compact SUV made by Toyota. The RAV4 made its debut more than 10 years ago, in Japan and Europe in 1994 and in North America in 1995. This small SUV was designed for consumers who wanted a vehicle that had most of the benefits of a regular SUV, such as increased cargo space, greater visibility and the option of permanent four-wheel drive, along with maneuverability and the fuel economy of a compact vehicle.
Although not all RAV4 are all-wheel drive, the RAV4 means “Recreational Activity Vehicle: 4-wheel drive”, since the equipment mentioned above is an option in the selected countries.
The RAV4 is manufactured in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, and it has about 50 percent of its parts coming from Japan.
The RAV4 hybrid model brings a mid-cycle update with a revised style and several updated features to increase performance, fuel efficiency, and create a better driving experience for those who enjoy Hybrid technology.
The 2018 RAV4 Limited model offers several features to make any driver fall in love and enjoy better performance and safety, like exterior chrome, LED headlights, 18-inch chrome wheels, heated exterior mirrors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic warning, front and rear parking sensors, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, power steering adapted cruise. HomeLink, a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display, SofTex eight-way power driver’s seat with bolsters and lumbar support and memory, a 7-inch touch screen with navigation, integration and smartphone application suite, heated power outside mirrors, heated front seats, plus a blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. The limited is a very luxury RAV4 but still offering a low price near 34K.
- Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS-P) 28
- Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® 34
- Available Entune™ Premium JBL®Audio with Integrated Navigation 26and App Suite 39
- 18-in. 5-spoke SuperChrome alloy wheels
The hybrid RAV4 comes with a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine, front and rear electric motors, a nickel-metal hydride battery and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for better performance and hybrid efficiency.
In total, this technology develops a combined power of 194 horsepower. The RAV4 hybrid can be front-wheel drive during normal operation, but the power train is automatically activated to the electrically driven rear wheels, when necessary to provide greater traction in slippery conditions.
The interior of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a stylized mixture of hard plastic and smooth surfaces that withstand the deterioration of time. The interior cabin is spacious, looks good and works well. The cargo area measures 35.6 cubic feet, which is wide, is smaller than non-hybrid models, due to its large battery. By lowering the seats in the middle row, the capacity rises to 70.6 cubic feet.
The hybrid RAV4 comes with anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, long-lasting airbags, a knee airbag for the driver and a rear view camera. A blind spot warning system and cross traffic alert and rear, are optional in the XLE model and standard in the Limited.
The Limited model features additional safety technologies, like forward collision warning system with pedestrian detection, collision mitigation with emergency automatic braking, an exit lane warning and intervention system and automatic control of the headlights.
In a day to day driving the RAV4 offers a good quality of running, with an excellent fuel economy.
The hybrid RAV4 continue upgrading and receiving all the benefits from the regular RAV4. Improving exterior design and a new set of safety high-tech technologies.
Toyota has been able to create a winner, the RAV4 has become the 3rd most sold car in the U.S. Low price and offering several features, for example the 2018 RAV4 Limited Hybrid includes 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, and heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators. The Limited Hybrid also has an integrated navigation system and app Suite, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, SofTex eight-way power driver’s seat with bolsters and lumbar support and memory, heated front seats, a remote power liftgate, and the blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.
Toyota has given birth to a great hybrid RAV4, a car that anybody can drive and love but within a great low price range.
As the 4th generation of the RAV4 series is ending this year with the 2018. We are excited to see what will be new on next generation, the 5th generation RAV4 coming soon with the 2019 model.
