We road-tripped a 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD across 680 miles of interstate and two-lane mountain roads to gauge comfort, efficiency, and driver-assistance on a real-world, all-day haul with two adults and a full cargo bay.
The RAV4 Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four with front and rear electric motors for a combined 219 hp, driving through an e-CVT to electronic on-demand AWD. Our XSE test car rode on 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, had Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 14.5-gallon tank. Cargo space is a generous 37.5 cu ft behind the second row, and ground clearance sits at 8.1 inches. Our route ran Denver to Moab and back, with cruising speeds between 70–78 mph, 5,500 feet of net elevation change, temps from 48–82°F, and intermittent crosswinds.
We set tire pressures to 35 psi cold, ran 87-octane, and split driving stints into 2–3 hour legs. The vehicle carried roughly 450 pounds of occupants and luggage, including a cooler and photography gear. Seat comfort is better than expected for the class. The XSE’s synthetic leather buckets offer broad shoulder support and moderate bolstering; lumbar adjustment is manual but well placed.
After consecutive four-hour legs, no hotspots or numbness cropped up, though taller drivers may wish for more thigh support. Ride quality skews controlled rather than plush: the suspension rounds off expansion joints and gravelly patches without float, yet you feel sharper transverse seams. Wind noise stays in check until about 75 mph, when mirror rush becomes a steady backdrop; tire roar rises on coarse-chip surfaces but conversation remains easy at a low voice. Power delivery is seamless in Normal mode, with the rear e-motor quietly adding traction on uphill on-ramps and wet sections.
The e-CVT keeps revs low on flat ground; sustained grades will pull 3,500–4,000 rpm under load, creating a steady hum rather than a drone. Over 680 miles, the trip computer showed 39.5 mpg; pump-to-pump calculation yielded 38.9 mpg. That projects 500–560 miles per tank with a conservative reserve. Eco mode softens throttle tip-in for smoother progress; B mode adds useful regen on descents, trimming brake use without feeling grabby.
Driver assistance proves road-trip friendly. Adaptive cruise tracks smoothly with predictable gaps, and Lane Tracing Assist holds center well on clear lane markings, though it disengages sooner on faded paint than Honda or Hyundai systems. The steering remains natural with minimal ping-ponging. The updated infotainment boots quickly, wireless CarPlay stayed connected all day, and the voice assistant reliably set destinations.
Cabin storage is excellent—two shelves for phones/wallets, deep door bins, and a wide cargo floor that swallowed two roller bags, a duffel, and a folded stroller. The dual-zone climate maintained set temps without cycling noise; cooled seats would be a welcome option absent here. As a long-distance tool, the RAV4 Hybrid blends outstanding range with low fatigue and all-weather capability. If you value an ultra-plush ride or hushed luxury, a Lexus NX or Subaru Outback Touring rides softer and quieter; if you need more passing punch, the CR-V Hybrid feels a touch stronger at highway speeds.
For most travelers, the RAV4 Hybrid’s real-world 39 mpg, stable manners, and generous cargo make it an easy recommendation—opt for the 18-inch wheels for the best ride, and plan fuel stops around 450–500 miles to keep stretches relaxed.
