Fuel economy is commendable at 27 mpg overall. The hybrid version feels energetic, with the electric drive producing immediate and quiet motivation from a standstill. And that hybrid delivers an impressive 37 mpg overall. The RAV4 is responsive in corners, and it remains under control even when pushed. The ride, however, is rather stiff, and the noisy engine hurts the driving experience. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard. Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance are standard. However, blind spot warning is optional.

The current RAV4's more rugged styling compromises interior space compared to previous generation. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivers relatively quick acceleration.