We ran controlled city, highway, and mixed-route loops in a 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD to see how its EPA ratings translate to real-world fuel economy, with brim-to-brim measurements verifying the trip computer.
Test car: 2024 RAV4 Hybrid XLE AWD on 18-inch wheels, 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with two motor-generators up front and one on the rear axle (e-AWD), eCVT, total system output 219 hp. Curb weight is roughly 3,750 lb, and the fuel tank holds 14.5 gallons. EPA fuel economy is rated at 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, 40 mpg combined. Conditions and method: Odometer at 6,200 miles.
Ambient 68–74°F, light NW wind 5–9 mph, elevation 520–760 ft. Tires were Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus (225/60R18) set to the 35 psi placard cold. Regular E10 (87 AKI). Two adults plus ~50 lb of gear (≈360 lb payload).
We used the same pump both times, first-click plus a 3-second pause, brim-to-brim. Trip, average speed, and A/C were reset; distances verified by GPS. City loop: 37.2 miles with 22 lights and moderate traffic, average 24 mph. Highway loop: 50.1 miles out-and-back at a set 70 mph (68 mph GPS), climate at 72°F Auto.
Mixed route: 120.4 miles (60% highway, 40% urban). City results: The trip computer indicated 45.2 mpg; calculated at the pump we measured 44.0 mpg (0.85 gallons used), beating the 41 mpg EPA city figure. Frequent engine-off coasting and aggressive regenerative braking in Eco mode helped, and the transition between electric and gas propulsion was largely seamless. Light throttle and anticipating signals kept the engine cycling gently between 1,200–2,000 rpm when it did run.
Highway results: The trip computer read 37.8 mpg; calculated we saw 36.9 mpg (1.36 gallons over 50.1 miles), slightly below the 38 mpg EPA highway rating. A mild crosswind and the steady 70 mph cruise worked against the hybrid system’s efficiency sweet spot. Engine speed hovered around 1,800–2,200 rpm on level ground; gentle grades prompted brief surges to ~2,500 rpm, but cabin noise remained subdued. Mixed-route results: Over 120.4 miles, the trip computer showed 40.9 mpg; brim-to-brim came to 40.2 mpg, essentially matching the 40 mpg EPA combined rating.
The gauge and range estimator were conservative, with low-fuel illuminating with roughly 2.0–2.5 gallons remaining, implying a realistic 470–520-mile range depending on route mix. Across all loops, the trip computer ran about 2% optimistic versus pump data. Takeaways: At urban speeds the RAV4 Hybrid can exceed EPA figures; at a true 70 mph it trends a touch lower than the highway rating, and mixed driving lands on the number. To mirror EPA highway results, target 65 mph, keep tires at spec, use Eco mode in traffic, and avoid roof racks or heavy loads.
The RAV4 Hybrid’s consistency, usable EV assistance, and low operating costs make it an easy pick for efficiency-minded buyers who spend time in both city and freeway environments.
