We ran a 2024 RAV4 Hybrid XSE as a daily for six months to evaluate real-world performance and how its most-touched surfaces hold up. Here’s how it drives—and how the seat bolsters, steering wheel, piano-black trims, and switches have worn.
Our test car is a 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE with the 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder and dual-motor hybrid system (219 hp combined) driving through an eCVT to standard electronic all-wheel drive. At 3,755 lb (as tested) on 18-inch wheels, it posts EPA ratings of 41/38/40 mpg city/highway/combined. Key specs include 8.1 inches of ground clearance, 37.6 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 active safety tech. Over six months and 7,200 miles, we split driving roughly 60% urban, 30% highway, and 10% gravel/fire roads, with ambient temperatures from 32°F to 98°F.
The cabin saw frequent kid duty, a dog in the cargo area, and weekly grocery runs. We cleaned interior surfaces every two weeks using pH-neutral interior cleaner and microfiber to avoid biasing the wear results. Performance is predictable and efficient. The hybrid system delivers smooth launches and adequate passing power; 0–60 mph feels mid-7s, and the eAWD rear motor adds traction on wet on-ramps.
Ride quality stays controlled over broken pavement, with a mild thump from sharp-edged potholes. Brakes are easy to modulate—regen blends seamlessly—and we noted no fade on long mountain descents. Over the test, we averaged 41.2 mpg indicated, with 70-mph highway runs landing near 37–38 mpg. Wind and tire noise are moderate but acceptable for the class.
Seat wear after six months is minimal but measurable. The driver’s outer seat bolster (SofTex) shows light creasing and a subtle sheen where clothing contacts during ingress; no cracking, discoloration, or thread fray observed. Foam support remains firm with no flattening or wobble in the bolster, and stitching is tight. The passenger seat shows faint wrinkling only.
Rear seats look virtually new aside from a couple of superficial scuffs that wiped away; ISOFIX covers and seatback pockets remain intact. Touchpoint check: The leather-wrapped steering wheel has developed slight smoothing and a semi-gloss at the 10-and-2 positions; no peeling, dye transfer, or seam lift. The shifter boot shows mild wrinkling but no splits. Piano-black trims around the shifter and on the center stack exhibit the most visible wear—micro-swirls and hairline scratches are apparent under sunlight despite careful microfiber cleaning; dust highlights them.
Window switch surrounds show similar fine marks, while the switch tops themselves display a light polish but all legends are 100% intact. HVAC buttons and knobs retain their tactile click with no wobble; column stalks remain crisp with consistent detents; the start/stop button bezel is scratch-free. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid pairs efficient, fuss-free driving with interior durability that’s above average for the class—except for the gloss-black panels, which mark easily. If you’re sensitive to cosmetic swirls, consider trim protection film or accessory matte replacements and maintain a strict microfiber-only cleaning routine.
Otherwise, expect the seats, wheel, and switches to hold up well well past the six-month mark while returning standout fuel economy and everyday usability.
