The 7-Year-Old Toyota Hybrid SUV That You Should Buy Used

New hybrid vehicles make for fantastic purchases if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient model that doesn’t skimp out on performance or comfort. Brands from all corners of the world have been progressively investing in electrification technology in a big to lower the ongoing threat of climate change. This has led to monumental improvements in electric drive units and battery technologies, which have filtered down into the new selection of hybrid vehicles available today. Brands like Toyota have been able to carry this technology over without heavily impacting the pricing, making them even more accessible in relation to the premium that was applied to

vehicles like the original Prius
.

With that being said, Toyota benefits from a long and

dedicated history of developing gasoline-electric hybrid systems
, with a heritage that dates back all the way to 1997. With this in mind, Toyota hybrids benefit from some of the best efficiency and dependability, making a well-used option a very viable decision for those who want to benefit from advanced gasoline-electric hybrid technologies but don’t want to pay the high upfront costs. There’s one versatile and dependable consideration, in particular, that stands out from the rest of the Japanese brand’s extensive catalog of impressive hybrid vehicles. It’s a seven-year-old crossover with a moniker that garners a lot of respect from many potential owners.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced Toyota’s websites and other authoritative sources, including Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, the NHTSA, and the EPA.

Why The 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Is A Great Used Buy

We recommend purchasing a

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
, because it is an affordable and reliable used buy option, especially when compared to its main rivals. Consumer Reports issues the model with a 71/100 reliability score and a 3/5 owner satisfaction rating. As per owner reports, it maintains a 69/100 driving experience, 53/100 comfort, and 63/100 value classifications. 64 percent of consumers say that they would purchase this vehicle again if given the chance. Consumer Reports also highlights that this vehicle benefits from some highly favorable attributes, such as an impressive reliability track record, abundant interior space, and class-leading fuel economy results. On the downside, you do have to put up with a lack of support from the LE and XLE’s front seats, higher pricing, and an awkward rear bench for child seats.

J.D. Power holds the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid to a much higher standard, with an 87/100 quality and reliability rating and 75/100 driving experience score. Bear in mind that Toyota has issued a recall for the 2017 RAV4 Hybrid’s 12-volt battery, which may be at risk of a fire. It confirms that it will repair the defective part at no cost to the consumer, so make sure that this has been conducted when inspecting an example. This recall affects multiple hybrid Toyotas from the same era, ranging from 2013 to 2018. Beyond this, there’s no reason for you to expect any serious mechanical issues with the RAV4 Hybrid. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine is renowned for its long-term dependability, and the lack of a conventional transmission in favor of a direct-drive eCVT unit means that you will benefit from better mechanical longevity and lower maintenance costs.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s Modest Gasoline-Electric Powertrain

Toyota only sold the RAV4 Hybrid with one drivetrain configuration that’s

somewhat similar to the current-generation model
. Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine connected to a pair of permanent-magnet motors that drive both the front and rear axles. This results in a combined 194 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque figure, affording the Japanese HEV SUV a claimed 7.8-second 0-60 MPH time and 112 MPH top speed. This also generates enough twisting force for the model to tow a limited 1,750-pounds worth of cargo.

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Performance Specifications

The 2017 Toyota RAV4’s EPA-estimated efficiency ratings are much more important. The agency’s testing reveals that you can expect to enjoy a 34/30/32 MPG consumption rating on its city/highway/combined cycle. The SUV’s 14.8-gallon tank and 1.6 kWh battery pack holds enough fuel and energy to cover the model for 474 miles before emptying out. The EPA suggests that you can expect to save $1,000 in fuel costs over five years and $1,400 on gasoline every year. It will cost you $2.34 to drive it every 25 miles and $44 to fill the tank to the brim.

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Standard Features

Toyota sold the

2017 RAV4 Hybrid
in LE Plus, XLE, SE, and Limited trims, each with their own respective and distinctive list of standard and optional features. The XLE derivative comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights with auto high-beam control, foglights, heated mirrors, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, a height-adjustable manual driver seat, and a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat. You also get a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Standard safety systems include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning and intervention.

2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Key Safety Features

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians using advanced sensors and alerts the driver. If necessary, it can automatically apply brakes to avoid or mitigate an impact.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist monitors lane markings and warns the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane. Steering Assist provides subtle corrective inputs to keep the car aligned.
• Automatic High Beams optimizes night driving by automatically toggling between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic. This ensures better visibility for the driver while preventing glare for other road users.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead by adjusting the car’s speed automatically. It reduces driver fatigue during highway driving and minimizes the risk of rear-end collisions.
• Integrated Toyota Safety Sense combines all these features to create a cohesive safety suite. It supports the driver’s awareness and decision-making in real-time, mitigating risks and enhancing confidence on the road.

The mid-range SE comes standard with LED exterior lighting, 18-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, simulated-leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver seat, heated front seats and a power tailgate,

The range-topping Limited includes front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver-seat memory settings, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation and smartphone app integration. Some of the SE and Limited’s features can be added to the XLE as options. A premium JBL sound system and a surround-view parking camera system are other notable options for the SE and Limited.

The base LE Plus is a bare-bones offering that only includes essential features for those who want to benefit from the best cost savings and are happy to sacrifice some aspirational comfort, convenience, and entertainment features.

How Much A 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Costs In 2024

When new, Toyota started the RAV4 Hybrid’s pricing off at $27,910 for the LE Plus. Following this was the XLE at $29,030, the SE at $32,185, and the Limited at $34,030. As of today, you can expect to pay anywhere between $14,900 and $18,600 for a seven-year-old example, depending on your specified trim, the unit’s condition, and how much distance it has covered, according to Consumer Reports. J.D. Power indicates a more understandable $15,513 to $23,514 value range.

According to the Edmunds’ True Cost To Own calculator, the 2017 RAV4 Hybrid XLE loses $10,626 of its value over five years, which is a fairly impressive result considering it is a hybrid crossover. Including depreciation, financing, and other running costs, it’s estimated that you will spend $46,114 during your ownership experience over the course of five years.