The RAV4’s redesign has been a runaway success for Toyota, partially because they’ve done such a good job at offering it in multiple flavors. From a very capable TRD Off-Road model to plug-in hybrids and everything in between, there’s likely a RAV4 that’ll specifically fit your small SUV needs. And this one here is the sportiest one you can buy without a plug; the XSE Hybrid. Tauter spring and shock absorber tuning combined with 18” wheels and tires underpin the sport tuned handling package that Toyota says makes this RAV4 hungry for the corners. And while that might be a bit of stretch there’s certainly more willingness here to take on a back road or that decreasing radius off-ramp. The look is unique too, with piano-black accents, projector-beam LED headlamps – though in typical Toyota fashion there’s no LED fogs- unique daytime running lights and a two-tone exterior paint scheme. Its interior comes mono-spec with black synthetic trim and blue accents throughout. These seats look great and feel just as good but you just know that at this price Toyota’s not giving up a height-adjustable passenger seat. A new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine is paired to a duo of electric motors working through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission returning impressive mileage of 41mpg city/38mpg highway.
