In the U.S., when you ask drivers what their favorite SUV is, the Toyota RAV4 will almost certainly be among the top answers. In fact, in 2025 it topped the chart, selling 118,683 units, making it not only the best-selling SUV but one of the most popular vehicles of all time. The 8.2/10 U.S. News score and $29,800 starting price of this vehicle have made it the go-to vehicle for consumers looking for dependability, comfort, and value in a compact SUV.
Its dominance over its competitors is no fluke; the RAV4 was able to hold its title by topping the sales charts year after year. The RAV4 is a perfect storm of user-friendly, trustworthy qualities that meet the driver’s desire for practicality, style, and the technology of a brand-new car. The recent redesign and hybrid options have given Toyota the opportunity to make the RAV4 more of a crossover than a dedicated SUV, bringing it to a level of versatility that’s hard to beat.
Performance and Efficiency
We also can’t ignore the RAV4’s powertrain. While it has always been a great performer for an SUV of its size, the 2026 model was redesigned from the ground up, and this year the hybrid is standard on every trim level. Hybrid powertrains have been growing more and more popular as they make vehicles cleaner to drive and even less expensive for your wallet thanks to their incredible efficiency.
Even when the hybrid was not available as standard on the RAV4, the gas-only model proved to be plenty fun to drive thanks to its competent handling and an engine that had ample power for daily driving. With its standard hybrid powertrain and the more powerful RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid model (previously called the RAV4 Prime) offering an improved version of the RAV4, there is more performance and longer electric-only range for those who are looking to drive in as clean a way as possible. It’s hard not to find a RAV4 powertrain that fits your needs, whether you’re a daily commuter, a small family, or a weekend warrior.
The Tech
When you get in, however, is when the RAV4 really stands out. In addition to feeling spacious and supportive to drive for hours at a time, the Toyota SUV has ample room for passengers and cargo, as well as tech and driver-assist features that prioritize comfort, convenience, and ease of use. Its cabin materials and overall build quality also give it a bit of an upscale feel.
The tech and safety features are worth a second mention here, too, as Toyota’s standard driver-assist systems and the new infotainment screens and connectivity options are all well-integrated and easy to use. Ranging from Google-built infotainment software to lane-keep assist to adaptive cruise control, the RAV4 is convenient and accessible for drivers at every level. It’s also just a really smooth and quiet ride. For Toyota to make all of these upgrades and continue the SUV’s strong record of reliability is a true win in our book.
The best part of the RAV4, though? You can have all this and still keep your wallet relatively full. In the U.S., the 2023 Toyota RAV4 starts at $29,800, making it less expensive than many competitors while offering a package that is, in most ways, quite robust. This is why the RAV4 continues to sell like gangbusters in the U.S.
