# Toyota RAV4 specs and mpg by year

- **Latest year:** 2026
- **MPG (combined):** 38-43
- **Drive:** AWD, FWD
- **Years covered:** 2015-2026

## Quick answer

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV rated at 38-43 mpg combined. Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid.

## Every 2026 Toyota RAV4 version

| Version | Engine | Drive | Transmission | City/Hwy | Combined | Fuel cost / year | CO2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RAV4 | 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | FWD | CVT | 47/40 | 43 mpg | $1,550 | 205 g/mi |
| RAV4 AWD SE & LE | 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | AWD | CVT | 46/39 | 42 mpg | $1,600 | 209 g/mi |
| RAV4 AWD Limited & XSE | 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | AWD | CVT | 43/37 | 41 mpg | $1,650 | 220 g/mi |
| RAV4 AWD XLE | 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | AWD | CVT | 45/38 | 41 mpg | $1,650 | 215 g/mi |
| RAV4 Hybrid AWD Woodland Edition | 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | AWD | CVT | 41/35 | 38 mpg | $1,750 | 231 g/mi |

Each row is a version the EPA tested. Fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year (55% city) at national average prices; CO2 is tailpipe emissions.

## Toyota RAV4 specs by year

| Year | Engines | Transmission | Drive | MPG (combined) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | AWD, FWD | 38-43 |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid; 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | Automatic, CVT | AWD, FWD | 28-39 |
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | AWD, FWD | 28-39 |
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | AWD, FWD | 28-40 |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | AWD, FWD | 28-40 |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | AWD, FWD | 28-40 |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | AWD, FWD | 27-40 |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | AWD, FWD | 28-40 |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | AWD, FWD | 24-32 |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | AWD, FWD | 24-32 |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic, CVT | AWD, FWD | 24-32 |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic | AWD, FWD | 24-26 |

EPA combined ratings. MPGe is the EPA efficiency measure for electric cars. Ranges cover every engine and drivetrain EPA tested for that year.

## How has the RAV4 changed over the years?

- **2026:** dropped 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid.
- **2025:** added 2.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid.
- **2024:** combined mpg went from 28-40 to 28-39.
- **2021:** combined mpg went from 27-40 to 28-40.
- **2020:** combined mpg went from 28-40 to 27-40.
- **2019:** combined mpg went from 24-32 to 28-40.
- **2016:** added 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid.

## What does it cost to run a RAV4?

The EPA puts the 2026 Toyota RAV4's fuel cost at **$1,550-$1,750 a year**, against about $2,282 for other current small SUVs: roughly 28% less. Over five years at 15,000 miles a year that is about $8,250 in fuel.

## RAV4 vs rivals

| Model | Powertrains | Fuel economy | Fuel cost / year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Kia Sportage](/vehicles/kia-sportage) | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | 24-42 mpg | $1,600-$2,800 |
| [Ford Escape](/vehicles/ford-escape) | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | 26-40 mpg | $1,700-$2,600 |
| [Honda CR-V](/vehicles/honda-cr-v) | Gas, Hybrid, Hydrogen | 29-40 mpg | $1,700-$2,300 |
| [Lexus NX](/vehicles/lexus-nx) | Gas, Hybrid | 24-40 mpg | $2,050-$3,400 |
| [Hyundai Tucson](/vehicles/hyundai-tucson) | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | 26-38 mpg | $1,750-$2,600 |
| [Mazda CX-50](/vehicles/mazda-cx-50) | Gas, Hybrid | 25-38 mpg | $1,750-$2,700 |
| [Kia Sorento](/vehicles/kia-sorento) | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid | 23-37 mpg | $1,800-$2,900 |
| [Lexus RX](/vehicles/lexus-rx) | Gas, Hybrid | 24-36 mpg | $2,300-$3,400 |

Other current small SUVs from other makes, most efficient first.

## Toyota RAV4 problems owners report most

| System (NHTSA category) | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Electrical System | 900 |
| Engine | 674 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 473 |
| Air Bags | 361 |
| Structure | 324 |
| Service Brakes | 318 |
| Power Train | 272 |
| Steering | 248 |

From 4,051 complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015-2026 models. Most-complained-about model year: **2019**.

## Guides for common Toyota RAV4 problems

- **Electrical** (900 complaints): [Why does my car battery keep dying](/symptoms/car-battery-keeps-dying) - [Why are my headlights flickering](/symptoms/headlights-flickering) - [Why won't my car start](/symptoms/car-wont-start) - [alternator replacement cost](/cost/alternator-replacement) - [car battery replacement cost](/cost/car-battery-replacement) - [starter replacement cost](/cost/starter-replacement)
- **Engine** (674 complaints): [Why is my car idling rough](/symptoms/rough-idle) - [Why is my engine knocking](/symptoms/engine-knocking-noise) - [Why is my car leaking oil](/symptoms/car-leaking-oil) - [engine replacement cost](/cost/engine-replacement) - [timing chain replacement cost](/cost/timing-chain-replacement) - [valve cover gasket replacement cost](/cost/valve-cover-gasket-replacement)
- **Fuel and propulsion** (473 complaints): [Why does my car stall while driving](/symptoms/car-stalls-while-driving) - [Why does my car lose power when accelerating](/symptoms/car-loses-power-when-accelerating) - [Why does my car hesitate when I accelerate](/symptoms/car-hesitates-when-accelerating)
- **Brake** (318 complaints): [Why are my brakes squeaking](/symptoms/squeaky-brakes) - [Why do my brakes make a grinding noise](/symptoms/brake-grinding-noise) - [Why does my brake pedal go to the floor](/symptoms/brake-pedal-goes-to-floor) - [brake pad replacement cost](/cost/brake-pad-replacement) - [brake rotor replacement cost](/cost/brake-rotor-replacement) - [brake caliper replacement cost](/cost/brake-caliper-replacement)

## Toyota RAV4 warning lights

- [RAV4: Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-rav4): 129 complaints
- [RAV4: Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-rav4): 123 complaints
- [RAV4: Coolant temperature warning light](/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-rav4): 92 complaints
- [RAV4: Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake/toyota-rav4): 63 complaints
- [RAV4: Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-rav4): 46 complaints
- [RAV4: Airbag (SRS) warning light](/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-rav4): 41 complaints
- [RAV4: ABS warning light](/warning-lights/abs/toyota-rav4): 19 complaints
- [RAV4: Tire pressure (TPMS) light](/warning-lights/tire-pressure/toyota-rav4): 17 complaints
- [RAV4: Battery (charging system) warning light](/warning-lights/battery/toyota-rav4): 13 complaints

## Toyota RAV4 recalls (30)

| Campaign | Model years | Component | Reported |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [26V571000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V571000) | 2026 | Equipment: Other | 2026-09-02 |
| [26V256000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V256000) | 2025 | Seats: Critical Fasteners | 2026-04-22 |
| [26V179000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V179000) | 2024-2025 | Equipment: Other | 2026-03-24 |
| [25V744000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V744000) | 2023-2025 | Back Over Prevention: Display Function | 2025-10-30 |
| [25V595000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V595000) | 2023-2025 | Electrical System:  Instrument Cluster/Panel | 2025-09-11 |
| [24V911000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V911000) | 2024 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components | 2024-12-05 |
| [23V865000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V865000) | 2020-2021 | Air Bags: Sensor | 2023-12-20 |
| [23V734000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V734000) | 2015-2018 | Electrical System: 12v/24v/48v Battery | 2023-11-01 |
| [23V478000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V478000) | 2021-2022 | Electrical System: Propulsion System | 2023-07-12 |
| [23V485000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V485000) | 2023 | Tires: Valve | 2023-07-11 |
| [23V041000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V041000) | 2021 | Electrical System: Propulsion System | 2023-02-02 |
| [22V519000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V519000) | 2022 | Air Bags: Sensor | 2022-07-21 |
| [22V239000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V239000) | 2021-2022 | Electronic Stability Control (esc): Control Module | 2022-04-13 |
| [20V734000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V734000) | 2020 | Air Bags: Frontal | 2020-11-25 |
| [20V698000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V698000) | 2021 | Exterior Lighting: Headlights | 2020-11-12 |
| [20V682000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V682000) | 2019-2020 | Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery | 2020-11-04 |
| [20V373000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V373000) | 2019-2020 | Steering: Electric Power Assist System | 2020-06-24 |
| [20V286000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V286000) | 2019-2020 | Suspension: Front | 2020-05-20 |
| [20V064000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V064000) | 2019-2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 2020-02-06 |
| [19V576000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V576000) | 2019 | Back Over Prevention:  Sensing System | 2019-08-06 |
| [19V544000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V544000) | 2019 | Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2019-07-24 |
| [19V503000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V503000) | 2017-2019 | Equipment: Other | 2019-06-28 |
| [19V244000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V244000) | 2019 | Equipment: Other | 2019-03-27 |
| [17V831000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V831000) | 2018 | Equipment: Other | 2017-12-20 |
| [17V295000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V295000) | 2017 | Tires: Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire | 2017-05-02 |

Showing the 25 most recent of 30. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). Data as of 2026-11-04.

## Frequently asked questions

### What mpg does the 2026 Toyota RAV4 get?

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is EPA-rated at 38-43 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain. Real-world mileage varies with speed, climate and load.

### What engine does the 2026 Toyota RAV4 have?

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 comes with: 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid. It uses cvt transmission and is offered with AWD and FWD.

### Is there a hybrid Toyota RAV4?

Yes. The Toyota RAV4 has been offered as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid in some model years; the table above shows which.

### Which Toyota RAV4 year gets the best gas mileage?

In the EPA data, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 has the highest combined rating, up to 43 mpg. Ratings for the same model can change between years when engines or test procedures change.

### How much does it cost to fuel a 2026 Toyota RAV4 for a year?

About $1,550-$1,750 a year, using the EPA's assumptions of 15,000 miles (55% city, 45% highway) at national average fuel prices. Your cost depends on your local prices, mileage and driving style.

### What is the city and highway mpg of the 2026 Toyota RAV4?

The most efficient 2026 version, the RAV4, is rated 47 mpg city and 40 mpg highway (43 combined). Other engines and drivetrains are rated lower; the versions table above lists each one.

### How much CO2 does the 2026 Toyota RAV4 emit?

EPA rates its tailpipe CO2 at 205-231 grams per mile depending on version. Lower is better; the cleanest gas cars sit under 250 g/mi and electric cars have none at the tailpipe.

### Does the 2026 Toyota RAV4 come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is offered with AWD and FWD. All- or four-wheel drive usually costs 1-3 mpg compared with the two-wheel-drive version of the same engine, as the versions table shows.

### Is the Toyota RAV4 cheap to run compared with other small SUVs?

Yes, cheaper than average: its EPA annual fuel cost of $1,550-$1,750 compares with about $2,282 for other current small SUV models. Fuel is only part of running costs; insurance, tires and repairs also differ.

### How many recalls does the Toyota RAV4 have?

NHTSA lists 30 recalls for 2015-2026 Toyota RAV4 models as of 2026-11-04, the latest reported 2026-09-02 (26V571000). Recall work is free; enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to your car.

### What is the most common problem with the Toyota RAV4?

In NHTSA owner complaints the most-reported category is electrical system, followed by engine. The 2019 model year has the most complaints (907), partly because complaint counts follow sales volume.

## Sources

- [fueleconomy.gov (US DOE and EPA)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/)
- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)

## All Toyota SUVs

- [Toyota C-HR](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-c-hr)
- [Toyota Corolla Cross](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-corolla-cross)
- [Toyota 4Runner](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-4runner)
- [Toyota Grand Highlander](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-grand-highlander)
- [Toyota Highlander](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-highlander)
- [Toyota Land Cruiser](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-land-cruiser)
- [Toyota Sequoia](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-sequoia)

## More Toyota models

- [Toyota Camry](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-camry)
- [Toyota Corolla](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-corolla)
- [Toyota Crown](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-crown)
- [Toyota GR 86](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-gr-86)
- [Toyota GR Supra](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-gr-supra)
- [Toyota Mirai](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-mirai)
- [Toyota Prius](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-prius)
- [Toyota Sienna](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-sienna)

## Other small SUVs

- [Toyota RAV4 Prime](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-rav4-prime)
- [Toyota Venza](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-venza)
- [Volkswagen Atlas](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/volkswagen-atlas)
- [Volkswagen ID.4](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/volkswagen-id-4)
- [Volkswagen Taos](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/volkswagen-taos)
- [Volkswagen Tiguan](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/volkswagen-tiguan)
- [Volvo C40](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/volvo-c40)
- [Volvo XC40](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/volvo-xc40)

## Compared with

- [Acura MDX](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/acura-mdx)
- [Acura RDX](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/acura-rdx)
- [Alfa Romeo Stelvio](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/alfa-romeo-stelvio)
- [Audi Q3](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/audi-q3)
- [Audi Q5](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/audi-q5)
- [Audi SQ5](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/audi-sq5)
- [BMW X1](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/bmw-x1)
- [BMW X3](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/bmw-x3)
- [Buick Encore](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/buick-encore)
- [Buick Envision](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/buick-envision)

## Car care

- [How long do tires last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/tires)
- [How often to change oil](https://diagxcar.com/how-often/change-oil)
- [Tire size calculator](https://diagxcar.com/tools/tire-size-calculator)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-rav4
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.