Talking Cars 524: Is the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid Worth It?
Plus, how to find an inexpensive, reliable used car
Main theme: The redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV has a lot going for it. Depending on the trim level, it has an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated all-electric driving range of between 49 and 54 miles, and combined fuel economy of 36 to 40 mpg. With a Toyota-estimated driving range of 575 miles, a good balance between ride and handling, and quick, smooth acceleration, the RAV4 PHEV sounds like a great option. However, that goodness comes at a high starting price: $41,500 for the SE, going up to $48,500 for the GR Sport.
This week our podcast panel shares their first impressions of the RAV4 PHEV, based on the XSE trim that we bought for testing, and discuss whether the regular RAV4—which is now hybrid-only—may be a better choice.
Read our Toyota RAV4 PHEV review.
Audience question: Is a reliable used car with more miles a safer bet than a newer one with a lower Consumer Reports reliability score? (Read: Best High-Mileage Used Cars and How to Find Them.)
Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports
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Recent Podcast Episodes
• Driving the Kia Seltos, episode 523
• Driving the Toyota bZ Woodland, episode 522
• CR Expert Shares Lessons Learned After Buying 171 Cars, episode 521
• Driving the Ineos Grenadier, episode 520
• All Questions Episode (self-driving, spare tires), episode 519
Have a Question?
Send your questions to TalkingCars@consumer.org. Please include your first name and where you’re from. If we feature it in a future episode, we’ll send you an exclusive Auto Test Center T-shirt!
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